Chicago offers an incredible array of experiences, from museums and landmarks to our favorite–great coffee shops. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of our favorite cafes in the Windy City so you know where to get your caffeine fix the next time you visit. From cozy neighborhood cafes to cutting-edge roasteries, each spot has its unique charm, history, and flavor. Join us as we explore the must-visit coffee destinations that will satisfy your caffeine cravings and provide a perfect ambiance for relaxation or productivity.
Our Favorite Chicago Coffee Shops
Chicago has no shortage of incredible coffee shops, so picking our favorites was challenging. We settled on five stand-out cafes for this list, each offering unique flavors, atmospheres, and experiences for visitors.
5 Best Coffee Shops in Chicago & What to Order
1. Metric Coffee
Photo: Metric Coffee // Used with permission.
First on our list is Metric Coffee located in the bustling Kinzie Corridor of West Town Chicago. The cafe itself is sleek and trendy, with dozens of plants flourishing in the natural light that comes in. The cafe features large windows where visitors can watch coffee being roasted while they wait for the baristas to handcraft their order with care. With its convenient location to other Kinzie Corridor attractions, Metric is a great stop as you wander around West Town.
We love that Metric Coffee is a certified B corporation, which means they have been recognized for their commitment to social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Metric is passionate about ethical and mutually beneficial coffee sourcing practices and is incredibly transparent about how they source their coffee beans. This passion translates into extremely delicious coffee that you can feel good about enjoying.
What to order: Try the Modicum Pour Over for a truly unique and exceptional cup of coffee that’s difficult to find anywhere else.
2. Four Letter Word Coffee
Four Letter Word is a project that grew from childhood friendship and a shared passion for coffee and community. It began with a trip from Chicago to Istanbul, where friends collaborated on their mutual interest in coffee, leading to the opening of a coffee roastery and café on Burgaz Island in 2013. In 2015, they established a sister location in Chicago's Back of the Yards at The Plant, and their first US retail location opened in Chicago's Logan Square in September 2018.
Since then, Four Letter Word Coffee has been a staple in the Fulton Market neighborhood. Their main cafe is a gorgeous homage to mid century modern design with mirror balls that add a touch of trendy flair. The Diversey location is colorful and cozy, perfect for a quick coffee treat on the go.
What to order: Don’t let their small menu fool you–everything is crafted with care and exceptional skill. We recommend ordering the Turkish coffee as a way to sample their Istanbul roots.
3. Dayglow Coffee
Photo: Dayglow Coffee // Used with permission.
Modern. Sleek. Aesthetic. These are some of the best descriptors for this hip coffee shop along the 606 trail in Chicago. Operating from the belief that good coffee from around the world should be easily accessible for everyone, Dayglow has established several cafes in major cities around the country to make this passion a reality. They source coffee from all around the world to create memorable blends and single-origin coffees.
The Chicago cafe features a bright and minimal atmosphere with ample space to work on your laptop. No matter what you order, you’ll be blown away by the exceptional quality of their coffee beverages. Don’t miss visiting Dayglow!
What to order: We recommend ordering a pour over if you visit Dayglow. They usually have incredible selections to choose from and the result is an exceptional cup of coffee.
4. Dark Matter Coffee
Dark Matter Coffee takes an unapologetically authentic approach to coffee. Sustainability and fair practices are core values of theirs, motivating them to create lasting partnerships with the farmers that provide their exceptional beans. These strong partnerships allow Dark Matter to source, roast, and brew incredible coffee from plant to bean.
Dark Matter Coffee has several locations throughout Chicago, but we recommend visiting the Mothership location on Western Avenue for the incredible vibes. This cafe is the opposite of minimalistic; instead, the interior is bright and decorated with eclectic art. There is so much to see and experience at Dark Matter, including delicious coffee beverages.
What to order: You’ve got to try something from their Coffee Cold line, like the Chocolate City. These canned and chilled coffees pack a huge caffeine punch with incredible flavor that’s absolutely unforgettable.
5. Intelligentsia Coffeebars
Photo: Intelligentsia Coffee Chicago // Used with permission.
You might already be familiar with this Chicago staple. Intelligentsia originated in Chicago in 1995 and has expanded into Los Angeles and New York City. They are known for their high-quality coffee beans sourced through direct trade relationships with farmers around the world. Intelligentsia emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and a commitment to paying fair prices to coffee growers.
Intelligentsia is known for their meticulous brewing methods and innovative approach to coffee roasting and preparation, so you’re guaranteed an amazing experience no matter which coffeebar you visit. There are plenty of locations in Chicago to choose from where you’ll find gorgeous cafes and delicious coffee.
What to order: The Limelight is a unique Intelligentsia classic that’s sure to be a journey for your tastebuds. This beverage consists of cold coffee shaken with lime juice, tonic, and a touch of simple syrup for a bright, slightly sweet, refreshing treat you can enjoy any time.
There’s so much to do in Chicago so you might as well be caffeinated for it! These Windy City coffee shops provide exceptional flavors, ambiance, and community for everyone to enjoy. So next time you're in the city, make sure to visit these spots and experience the rich, diverse coffee culture that Chicago has to offer.
If you ever find yourself in beautiful Greenville, SC, be sure to stop by one of our coffee shops. With our commitment to sourcing the best coffee beans and using the best roasting methods, we serve only the best in our cafes. Whether you like your coffee black or lightly sweetened in latte form, we’ve got something just for you.
No travel plans in your immediate future? You can also enjoy Methodical with our fast and convenient coffee subscription!
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