Chicago’s coffee scene is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself. Known for its rich cultural tapestry, Chicago offers a unique blend of traditional and innovative coffee experiences that cater to every palate. From artisan roasters to quirky themed cafes, each coffee shop in the Windy City tells its own story through the beans they brew and the spaces they create.
When selecting the top 7 coffee shops in Chicago, several key criteria were considered to ensure a comprehensive and varied representation of the city’s best. These criteria include:
- Ambiance: The overall atmosphere and design of the café. Whether it’s a cozy, intimate setting or a lively, vibrant space, the ambiance plays a crucial role in the overall coffee experience.
- Coffee Quality: The most critical aspect is the quality of the coffee served. This includes the sourcing of beans, the roasting process, and the skill in brewing, all of which contribute to the perfect cup.
- Uniqueness: Each coffee shop on this list offers something unique, whether it’s a signature drink, a special theme, or an innovative approach to coffee making. This element of uniqueness sets these establishments apart in a city teeming with options.
The following coffee shops have been handpicked not only for their exemplary coffee but also for the unique experiences they offer, making them must-visit destinations for residents and visitors alike in Chicago.
The Top 7 Coffee Shops in Chicago
1. Big Shoulders Coffee
Address: 858 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
Website: https://www.bigshoulderscoffee.com/
A Taste of Artisan Coffee Across Chicago
Description of their “no-nonsense artisan coffee”
Big Shoulders Coffee, founded by Chef Tim Coonan, has established itself as a beacon of artisan coffee in Chicago. Renowned for its straightforward yet high-quality approach, Big Shoulders Coffee brings an earnest and no-nonsense philosophy to its coffee brewing. This ethos is deeply embedded in their brewing process, which focuses on bringing out the robust and genuine flavors of the coffee beans.
Locations and Atmosphere (Industrial Vibe)
Big Shoulders Coffee has extended its reach across Chicago with multiple locations. Each of these cafes embraces an understated industrial aesthetic, characterized by exposed ductwork and bulbs that accentuate their spacious interiors. This design choice reflects the brand’s commitment to simplicity and substance over style, creating a welcoming space for coffee enthusiasts. Key locations include West Town, Gold Coast, The Loop, Wacker, the Chicago Board of Trade, and even a spot at Midway Airport Terminal A.
Highlight Special Offerings like Specialty Lattes with House-Made Syrups
One of the distinct features of Big Shoulders Coffee is its array of specialty lattes, flavored with house-made syrups. This includes unique and delightful options like caramel, cardamom, and marshmallow lattes, offering a creative twist to the traditional coffee menu. The use of homemade syrups not only ensures quality but also adds a personal touch to each beverage, aligning with their artisanal approach. In addition to their specialty coffees, Big Shoulders also offers a variety of loose-leaf teas, breakfast bites, and pastries, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
2. Sawada Coffee Shop
Address: 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Website: https://sawadacoffee.com/chicago/
Where Latte Art Meets Creativity
Profile of Latte Artist Hiroshi Sawada
Sawada Coffee Shop is not just a coffee shop; it’s a showcase of the extraordinary talent of Hiroshi Sawada, a world-famous latte artist. Hiroshi Sawada stands out in the world of coffee for his exceptional skill in latte art, a craft that combines precision, creativity, and a deep understanding of coffee. His expertise has not only elevated the status of Sawada Coffee Shop but has also set a new standard in the art of coffee presentation.
Overview of the Interior Decor and Unique Features (Pinball Machine, Punching Bag)
The interior of Sawada Coffee Shop reflects its creative spirit. Located at 112 N Green St, the café resides inside the restaurant Green Street Smoked Meats, offering a unique combination of experiences. The decor includes a rustic industrial aesthetic with a custom-painted coffee machine, a wall of windows, and an array of unusual features such as a pinball machine, punching bag, and a sleek all-wood ping pong table. These elements create a playful and inviting atmosphere, making it a standout destination in Chicago’s coffee scene.
Signature Drinks like the Military Latte
One of the signature offerings of Sawada Coffee Shop is the Military Latte. This unique beverage is a blend of espresso, demure green tea, vanilla syrup, and cocoa powder, creating a fusion of flavors that is both bold and nuanced. Paired with a camouflage doughnut from Doughnut Vault, the Military Latte exemplifies the innovative and artistic approach of Sawada Coffee. Along with their collaboration with Metropolis Coffee Company and the creation of their own blend called PROJECT X, Sawada Coffee Shop offers an experience that is as much about the art of coffee as it is about the taste.
3. The Wormhole Coffee
Address: 1462 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Website: https://www.thewormhole.us/
A Nostalgic Journey to the 80s
The 1980s Theme and Notable Decor (Star Wars, DeLorean Replica)
The Wormhole Coffee offers a unique trip back in time with its vibrant 1980s theme. This Wicker Park coffee shop, located at 1462 N Milwaukee Ave, is a haven for nostalgia enthusiasts. The interior is decorated with various memorabilia from the 80s, including Star Wars figurines and a life-size replica of the iconic DeLorean car from “Back to the Future.” This nostalgic ambiance not only makes The Wormhole a visual treat but also a memorable spot for those looking to relive a bit of their childhood.
Coffee Offerings, Highlighting Beans from Halfwit Coffee Roasters
Despite its playful decor, The Wormhole Coffee is serious about its coffee quality. They use beans from Halfwit Coffee Roasters, a well-regarded name in the specialty coffee industry. This partnership ensures that each cup of coffee at The Wormhole is a product of high-quality beans, expertly roasted to bring out the best flavors. Whether you’re a coffee purist or someone who enjoys a well-crafted latte, The Wormhole has something to offer.
Unique Menu Items like Mocha Puffs Cereal
Adding to its unique charm, The Wormhole Coffee also features some creative and unusual menu items. One such offering is the mocha puffs cereal, a playful twist on a traditional breakfast. Imagine a bowl of cocoa puffs, but instead of regular milk, they’re served with milk mixed with espresso. This innovative concoction is not only a delightful treat but also a testament to The Wormhole’s commitment to creativity and fun in their coffee and food offerings.
4. Sputnik Coffee
Address: 2057 W 51st St, Chicago, IL 60609
Website: https://www.sputnikcoffeecompany.com/
Simplicity and Affordability in a Cup
Focus on Affordable, Quality Coffee
Sputnik Coffee, since its inception in 2017, has been committed to making delicious coffee accessible and affordable. This Chicago-based coffee shop prides itself on its straightforward approach, aiming to provide a no-frills yet high-quality coffee experience to its customers. Their dedication is evident in the meticulous process they follow, focusing on the essentials of great coffee without the typical markup.
Cafe Atmosphere and Design Elements
The cafe’s interior reflects Sputnik Coffee’s ethos of simplicity and accessibility. Located at 2057 W 51st St in the historic Back of the Yards neighborhood, the cafe’s design incorporates visible roasting equipment, exposed brick, dark hardwood floors, and canvas bags of coffee beans casually placed on pallets. This setting creates a casual and welcoming atmosphere, inviting patrons to enjoy their coffee in an unpretentious and comfortable environment.
Description of Their Single Coffee Blend and Menu Simplicity
Sputnik Coffee stands out for its unique approach to its coffee menu – offering just one blend. This blend, a combination of Brazilian, Colombian, and Indonesian Arabica beans, is a testament to their commitment to quality over quantity. The menu simplicity extends to their beverage offerings, which include drip coffee, latte, tea, and cold brew. This focused approach not only ensures consistency in quality but also makes the coffee experience straightforward and enjoyable for customers looking for great coffee without the complexity.
5. Bad Owl Coffee Roasters
Address: 3315 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60608
Website: https://www.badowlcoffee.com/
Magical Flavors in Bridgeport
The Transition from a Harry Potter-Themed Cafe to a Unique Brand
Bad Owl Coffee Roasters originally gained attention with its Harry Potter-themed cafe, capturing the hearts of fans with its whimsical concept. Since then, the cafe has evolved, shedding its initial theme to develop a distinct and unique brand identity. This transition illustrates Bad Owl’s commitment to growth and adaptation, ensuring that they continue to enchant their customers with more than just a theme.
Location and Interior Design
Located at 3315 S Morgan St, nestled in a treelined street in Bridgeport, Bad Owl Coffee Roasters offers an inviting atmosphere for its patrons. The cafe’s interior design maintains simplicity with a few elegant touches like hanging plants and marble tabletops. This minimalistic design approach creates a relaxed and welcoming environment, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee.
Signature Drinks and Playful Menu Options
Despite moving away from its original theme, Bad Owl Coffee Roasters has retained a playful spirit in its menu. The cafe offers a variety of signature drinks that showcase creativity and flavor. Some notable options include the orange chiffon latte, second breakfast latte, and banana cold brew latte. For those who want to sample a range of their offerings, the ‘first year’s flight’ provides a delightful tasting experience. This imaginative approach to their menu ensures that each visit to Bad Owl is both fun and flavorful.
6. Four Letter Word Coffee
Address: 3022 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Website: https://www.4lwcoffee.com/
Single-Origin Coffees with a Story
Emphasis on Single-Origin Coffees
Four Letter Word Coffee places a significant focus on single-origin coffees, distinguishing themselves in the Chicago coffee scene. Their commitment to single-origin beans highlights a dedication to quality and a desire to bring unique coffee experiences to their customers. This approach allows coffee enthusiasts to explore distinct flavors and profiles from different coffee-producing regions, providing a deeper appreciation for the coffee’s journey from bean to cup.
Description of the Compact, Artistically Designed Space
The Chicago location of Four Letter Word Coffee, situated in Logan Square at 3022 W Diversey, is a testament to thoughtful and artistic design. Despite its compact size of 500 square feet, the space is a thing of beauty, designed by co-owner Kevin Heisner. It features dark accent pieces complementing a herringbone wood floor, decorative objects, and a unique tiered table designed by Heisner himself. The meticulous attention to detail in the design reflects the brand’s dedication to creating an immersive and aesthetic coffee experience.
Information about Their Chicago and Istanbul Locations
In addition to its Chicago presence, Four Letter Word Coffee has roots in Istanbul, Turkey, offering a bridge between American and Turkish coffee cultures. This dual presence enriches their coffee offerings and understanding, allowing them to bring a diverse range of coffee experiences to their customers. The Chicago shop is not only a place for enjoying coffee but also serves as a gateway to exploring different coffee cultures and practices. Visitors to Istanbul can also experience Four Letter Word Coffee, extending the brand’s reach and influence in the world of coffee.
7. Mojo Coffee
Address: 330 N. Wabash Lobby, Chicago, IL 60611
Website: https://us.mojo.coffee/
New Zealand’s Craft Coffee in Chicago
Background of Mojo Coffee as a New Zealand Roaster
Mojo Coffee, hailing from New Zealand, brings a rich history and coffee culture to Chicago. Established in 2003 in New Zealand, Mojo Coffee has grown to be a renowned chain of craft coffee shops with over 32 locations in its home country. This international expansion into Chicago in 2017 marked a significant milestone, introducing the city to the unique flavors and approaches of New Zealand’s coffee scene.
Details on the Aesthetic and Atmosphere of Their Chicago Locations
In Chicago, Mojo Coffee maintains its commitment to creating spaces that are not just about coffee but also about the experience. Each of their three locations in the city – 33 N Lasalle, 200 South Wacker, and 330 N Wabash Ave, River North – features a clean, spacious aesthetic complemented by beautiful stained wood furniture. This design ethos creates an inviting and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee, working, or socializing.
Highlighting Their Coffee Offerings and All-Day Breakfast Menu
Mojo Coffee’s menu in Chicago showcases their commitment to quality brews and delicious food options. They offer an array of coffee choices, including their signature modbar coffees, prepared with a state-of-the-art Steampunk coffee machine. This commitment to using advanced brewing techniques ensures each cup is a reflection of their dedication to the craft of coffee making. Additionally, Mojo Coffee provides an enticing all-day breakfast menu, further enhancing the cafe experience for patrons looking for quality food to accompany their coffee.
Conclusion
Chicago’s coffee scene is a vibrant tapestry, rich with diverse flavors, unique atmospheres, and innovative brewing techniques. From the artisanal mastery of Big Shoulders Coffee to the playful nostalgia of The Wormhole Coffee, each shop brings its own story and character to the city’s bustling coffee culture. The creativity and passion found in places like Sawada Coffee Shop and the international flair of Mojo Coffee offer just a glimpse into the depth and variety of coffee experiences available in Chicago.
The seven coffee shops highlighted here represent the best of what Chicago has to offer in terms of quality, ambiance, and uniqueness. Exploring these top coffee destinations is more than just a caffeine fix; it’s an opportunity to immerse oneself in the city’s dynamic coffee culture. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a coffee aficionado or just someone looking for a cozy spot to relax, these cafes are must-visit locations. Each one not only serves excellent coffee but also offers a unique taste of what makes Chicago’s coffee scene so special.
As you venture through the streets of Chicago, let these coffee shops be your guide to discovering the rich tapestry of flavors and experiences that the Windy City has to offer. Embrace the opportunity to explore, taste, and enjoy the diverse and ever-evolving world of coffee in one of America’s most iconic cities.
