Looking for amazing coffee shops in Chicago to get your caffeine fix? You’re in the right place! Chicago’s coffee scene is buzzing with endless cafes that serve everything from classic espresso to creative specialty drinks. Metropolitan Shuttle is here to help you make sense of it all.
The city’s coffee landscape keeps getting better. You’ll find 15-year old Intelligentsia with spots all over Chicago, right alongside newcomers like Soloway – a Ukrainian-owned roaster making waves in Lincoln Park. Sawada Coffee’s signature “military latte” packs quite a punch, while Oromo Cafe serves up exotic treats like their Coconut Cubano. The coffee scene has something for everyone. The Understudy Coffee and Books combines great coffee with literature, and Sip & Savor runs five locations known for their welcoming vibe and bold brews. Oromo Cafe takes things further by supporting green initiatives with their sales revenue. That’s another great reason to grab your daily cup from the best coffee spots in downtown Chicago.
Coffee Lab & Roasters
Coffee Lab & Roasters is a hidden gem for coffee lovers in Lakeview. This cozy spot makes coffee special with their on-site roasting approach and warm atmosphere.
Coffee Lab & Roasters seasonal specialties
The shop lives up to its name by turning coffee into both science and art. Fresh coffee and espresso beans roast right there in the shop, so you get the freshest cup possible. You’ll taste the quality in their smooth black coffee that barely has any bitterness.
The seasonal menu goes beyond regular coffee with some amazing options that change through the year:
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte – A comforting blend with house-made syrup
- Spicy Mocha – A kick of cayenne and cinnamon mixed with chocolate
- Honey Butter Latte – A sweet treat combining honey, butter, and cinnamon
- Pistachio Cake Latte – Featuring pistachio and madeleine syrup
- Blackberry Pie Latte – A fruity option with blackberry and brown sugar cinnamon
The “summer blossom” latte brings an unexpected mix of pear and yuzu syrup that’s perfect for hot Chicago days. Coffee experts will love their Kyoto-style cold brew, which comes in three different origins and uses the Ace Brewer by Brew Bomb’s slow-drip extraction process. This method gives you clean, pronounced flavors without the usual cold brew bitterness.
Each season brings new creative drinks that show off the shop’s state-of-the-art ideas. Many visitors talk about the matcha coconut blackberry latte that pairs well with their buttery pastries. The shop also has a unique Chagachino that blends mushroom, coffee, and cacao for adventurous drinkers.
Coffee Lab & Roasters ambiance and seating
Walking into Coffee Lab & Roasters feels like coming home. Light natural wood and modern touches create a perfect balance. Sunlight streams through big windows that make the space bright and welcoming for quick stops or longer visits.
The small shop makes good use of its space. Window seats let you watch the world go by, and back tables work great for laptop users. Remote workers will find plenty of outlets and good Wi-Fi. The space fills up quickly though, so coming during quiet hours works best if you plan to stay.
The staff makes this place special. They greet everyone who walks in with genuine warmth. Sometimes they’ll even bring your drinks and pastries right to your table.
Dogs can come too! The shop’s dog-friendly policy has created a loyal following. This community feel turns a simple coffee stop into a neighborhood hangout where people keep coming back.
Coffee Lab & Roasters pricing and value
The prices at Coffee Lab & Roasters match the quality without breaking the bank. Their clear, simple menu makes ordering easy.
| Item | Price |
| Drip Coffee | $3.25 |
| Espresso | $4.00 |
| Specialty Lattes | $6.00 |
| Kyoto Cold Brew | $6.00 |
| Croissant | $4.75 |
| Quiche | $7.00 |
| Cold Brew Growler (refill) | $18.00 |
| Bag of Beans (12oz) | $20.00 |
The prices line up with other Chicago coffee shops like Starbucks, but the quality here stands out. Regular coffee gives you great value, especially since they use top-quality beans.
Bean lovers get a special deal – buy a bag of fresh-roasted beans and get a free drink. You can choose from El Salvador, Indonesia, and seasonal varieties.
The food menu has both sweet and savory options. People love the spinach and feta pastry’s buttery layers. The quiches are big enough to share – about 2-2.5 inches tall and 5 inches wide. Vegan options are few, but you can try their dairy-free Earl Gray loaf.
The real magic comes from how they care for their coffee at every step. From picking quality beans to careful roasting and brewing, you get craftsmanship instead of mass production. This attention to detail puts them among Chicago’s best coffee spots for true coffee lovers.
Busy days? They do takeout, but the relaxed vibe makes staying to enjoy your coffee worth it whenever you can.
Oromo Cafe
Oromo Cafe brings a piece of coffee’s birthplace to Chicago, taking its name from the ethnic group in Ethiopia’s Oromia region. This Lincoln Square gem quickly became known for its healthy coffee approach, house-made nut milks, and eco-friendly practices.
Oromo Cafe’s cultural coffee traditions
“Oromo” honors the Ethiopian ethnic group that created groundbreaking coffee culture. “The Oromo people of Ethiopia were one of the first to ritualize coffee in their culture,” explains the cafe owner. These early coffee innovators found that there was energizing properties in the plant centuries ago. Hunters kept taking coffee to stay energized and curb hunger during extended hunting trips.
Ethiopian culture still revolves around coffee today, shown by their saying “Buna dabo naw” – meaning “coffee is our bread”. The cafe embodies this heritage through their slogan “Culture Conscious Coffee.” Coffee serves as a bridge between different cultures worldwide.
Their signature Ethiopian Oromia roast sources beans directly from their namesake region. Profits from this particular roast benefit small farmers and cherry pickers in Oromia, unlike many businesses that might exploit Ethiopian resources. This connection to coffee’s origins pervades their entire business approach.
Turkish coffee preparation showcases another global coffee tradition. Each cup takes about 10 minutes to prepare by hand and comes with a complementary Turkish Delight. New customers learn helpful tips: authentic experience means leaving the grounds at the bottom.
Oromo Cafe’s vegan and gluten-free options
Oromo Cafe stands out among Chicago’s coffee shops with its wide range of dietary-inclusive options. The cafe crafts several varieties of house-made nut milks – including pistachio, pecan, almond, and toasted hazelnut. These milks create exceptional dairy alternatives for their craft lattes.
Their menu serves health-conscious customers with these options:
- Golden Latte – House-made almond milk with turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, honey, vanilla, ashwagandha, and black pepper
- Rose Latte – House-made pistachio milk with rose syrup and rose petals
- Hazelnut Horchata Latte – A blend of house-made rice milk, toasted hazelnut milk, coconut milk, cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla
- Pecan Maca Latte – House-made pecan milk, maca powder, organic maple syrup, and espresso
Food quality matters just as much as beverages at Oromo. “The pastries we make and offer need to be recipes we can manage here. They must be delicious and inclusive,” says the owner. Their selection shows this dedication through organic, gluten-free confections with superfoods.
Customers with dietary restrictions will appreciate their clearly labeled menu. “They label everything with ingredients and whether it is vegan, gluten-free, and refined-sugar-free,” shares one customer. Gluten-free options include cookies, brownies, and a matcha bar. A customer raved about the teff almond butter cookie – “Vegan, GF, no refined sugar, AND delicious”.
Heartier options include gluten-free bread sandwiches at $8.00 alongside modern small plates, salads, and sandwiches. Menu highlights feature the Pistachio + Mint Pesto Panini with goat cheese and the Beet Hummus Sandwich on toasted multigrain naan.
Oromo Cafe pricing and sustainability efforts
Quality meets value at Oromo Cafe with reasonable prices for their organic ingredients and house-made items. Specialty craft lattes cost around $6.95, basic espresso runs $3.50, and organic drip coffee costs $2.95. Superfood-packed smoothies with house-made nut milks go for $8.95.
| Item | Price |
| House specialty lattes | $6.95 |
| Basic espresso | $3.50 |
| Organic drip coffee | $2.95 |
| Turkish coffee | $6.00 |
| Smoothies | $8.95 |
| Gluten-free sandwiches | $8.00 |
| Paninis | $13.00-$14.00 |
Environmental responsibility serves as the life-blood of Oromo’s business model. Their website states, “We strongly support an environmentally friendly business model”. This philosophy shows in their “ethically harvested organic ingredients” and “eco-friendly agriculture”.
Giving back shapes their business practices. Beyond helping Ethiopian farmers, they sell Chapin Coffee to benefit hungry children. Chapin Coffee’s proceeds “serve meals to malnourished children living in Guatemala’s coffee-growing communities”.
Health-conscious offerings reflect their “food as medicine” philosophy. Superfood-infused drinks pack beneficial ingredients. Their turmeric latte includes black pepper to “boost the bio-availability of turmeric, specifically turmeric’s powerful active ingredient, curcumin”.
Customers value this quality-focused approach. “Reasonably priced food considering the high quality,” notes one review. Another calls it “the healthiest coffee shop I have found in Chicago that allows you to feel good about what you eat and drink” – high praise for those seeking both flavor and conscience in their coffee experience.
Sawada Coffee
World champion Hiroshi Sawada’s West Loop gem brings Japanese latte artistry to Chicago’s coffee scene. This 1st U.S. location by the prominent barista has earned its place among Chicago’s best coffee shops with distinctive drinks and relaxed atmosphere.
Sawada Coffee’s signature military latte
The Military Latte shines as Sawada’s crown jewel—a visual masterpiece that tastes as impressive as it looks. This signature drink combines:
- Japanese matcha green tea
- Vanilla syrup
- Espresso
- Cocoa powder
- Choice of milk
$6.45 gets you this high-octane beverage that delivers a rich, creamy experience unlike standard coffee offerings. The Military Latte blends herbal notes of matcha with deep espresso richness. Each cup showcases intricate latte art that reflects the barista’s expertise.
Sawada’s own matcha blend makes this drink special—a powerful, ground green tea imported straight from Japan. The ingredients create a slightly sweetened but balanced flavor profile. Customers rave about the faint bitter vegetal note of green tea that floats above the roasty espresso.
Black Camo Latte and Iced Military Latte offer alternatives to the signature drink. Japanese-inspired options like Hojicha Latte and Matcha Cortado bring different flavor profiles.
Sawada Coffee’s unique location and vibe
Sawada Coffee isn’t your ordinary coffee shop. The space inside Green Street Smoked Meats at 112 N Green St in Chicago’s West Loop creates an unexpected backdrop for premium coffee.
A hipster energy fills the industrial space that sets it apart from other Chicago coffee shops. The walls feature skateboard decks, a Supreme punching bag, and wooden elements throughout. The space includes:
- A ping pong table in the center
- A vintage pinball machine
- String lights draped across the ceiling
- Picnic-style bench seating
This space buzzes with energy. Upbeat music creates a lively atmosphere even during early morning hours. Dim lighting adds to the coffee shop’s cool, relaxed vibe.
Wooden picnic benches shared with Green Street Smoked Meats and bar seating face large windows overlooking Green Street. Young professionals from the area gather here for afternoon meetings, making it perfect for casual meetups or remote work.
Sawada Coffee pricing and crowd tips
Quality and craftsmanship come at reasonable prices here. The menu includes:
| Item | Price |
| Military Latte | $6.45 |
| Strong Drip Coffee | $2.65-$3.65 |
| Pour Over | $4.75 |
| Cold Brew | $4.95 |
| Tokyo Style Add-on | $1.00 |
| Espresso Shot | $1.50 |
| Pastries/Doughnuts | $4.00-$4.95 |
Morning snacks include buttered croissants ($4.95), chocolate croissants ($4.95), and various cookies ($4.95). Chicago’s famous Doughnut Vault delivers fresh doughnuts daily—including a special camouflage doughnut you’ll only find at Sawada.
Sawada Coffee welcomes customers from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. Here’s what you should know before visiting:
Expect some wait time during peak hours as coffee enthusiasts flock here from all over Chicago.
Morning hours offer more seating before the lunch crowd arrives.
Weekday visits work better for finding work space since tables fill up quickly on weekends.
Take your time once you’re here. Customers often spend hours with their laptops, making Sawada more than just a coffee stop.
The building’s side offers outdoor seating shared with neighboring businesses. This spot works perfectly on nice Chicago days while sipping your military latte.
Sawada brings together world-class coffee artistry, vibrant energy, and fair prices. Its Japanese influence and Instagram-worthy latte art make it a must-visit spot on any Chicago coffee lover’s list.
Afro Joe’s Coffee
Afro Joe’s Coffee stands as South Chicago’s cherished Black-owned coffee destination. This Auburn Gresham neighborhood treasure builds community connections and serves exceptional coffee in a space where everyone feels at home.
Afro Joe’s Coffee community events and music
Community defines Afro Joe’s identity. More than just a coffee spot, it serves as a cultural center where neighbors meet and relationships bloom. Local talent shines through regular open mic nights, thought-provoking poetry readings, and live music performances by area musicians.
The weekend calendar stays busy at Afro Joe’s:
- First Friday Jazz sessions with rotating local artists
- Saturday morning children’s story time (perfect for families)
- Monthly book club discussions
- Regular community forums addressing neighborhood issues
The space naturally attracts community groups for informal gatherings. Owners Kendall and Trez Griffin, a husband-and-wife team, created this welcoming environment by design. “We wanted to build more than just a coffee shop—a true gathering space for the community,” they say.
Their vision comes alive in every detail. Rich wood tones, cozy seating areas, and South Side artists’ work on the walls create a welcoming atmosphere. Jazz, soul, or hip-hop music plays softly, adding to conversations rather than drowning them out.
Afro Joe’s Coffee seasonal drink highlights
The drink menu evolves with each season, giving customers new flavors to explore. Each beverage combines classic coffee craftsmanship with innovative twists and surprising ingredients.
Fall’s Sweet Potato Pie Latte captures the essence of the dessert in every sip. Winter brings the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte, finished with cereal milk that reminds you of childhood Saturday mornings. Spring welcomes the Lavender Honey Latte with its subtle floral sweetness.
Summer refreshments include the Watermelon Mint Cold Brew and Mango Sunrise Refresher—perfect choices for Chicago’s humid summers. The Brown Sugar Latte and Caramel Mocha remain crowd favorites throughout the year.
Black-owned roasters supply their beans whenever possible, supporting a broader network of Black-owned businesses. Their signature house blend comes from minority-owned Chicago roasters, creating an authentic local coffee experience.
Afro Joe’s Coffee pricing and food menu
Quality and community focus don’t mean high prices at Afro Joe’s. Their menu delivers premium offerings at reasonable rates.
| Item | Price |
| Drip Coffee | $2.75-$3.50 |
| Espresso | $3.00 |
| Specialty Lattes | $5.25-$6.00 |
| Cold Brew | $4.50 |
| Breakfast Sandwich | $7.50 |
| Avocado Toast | $8.25 |
| Lunch Sandwiches | $9.50-$11.00 |
| Pastries | $3.50-$4.75 |
Their food selection exceeds typical café offerings. Breakfast features Southern-inspired dishes like salmon croquettes with grits. Lunch options include flavorful jerk chicken sandwiches and sweet potato black bean wraps for vegetarian guests.
Weekend brunch draws crowds with specialties like chicken and waffles topped with house-made bourbon maple syrup. The “Soul Bowl” comes loaded with seasoned greens, mac and cheese, and your choice of protein.
Fresh pastries arrive daily from local Black-owned bakeries alongside house-made treats. Their sweet potato pie deserves special mention with its balanced spices and perfect sweetness.
Dietary needs receive special attention here. Vegan options appear throughout the menu with clear labels and thoughtful preparation. Even non-vegans rave about the vegan banana bread.
The “suspended coffee” program shows Afro Joe’s community spirit. Customers can pre-pay for drinks that help neighbors in need—another unique touch that sets this shop apart in Chicago’s coffee scene.
Gaslight Coffee Roasters
Gaslight Coffee Roasters sits on a unique wedge-shaped corner where North Milwaukee meets West Fullerton Avenue. This distinctive spot adds character to Logan Square’s buzzing coffee scene.
Gaslight Coffee Roasters house-roasted beans
Coffee lovers come here for their outstanding house-roasted beans. The shop roasts beans three times a week in a dedicated back room. Their current selection features premium single-origin beans from all over the world:
- Colombia — Diego Horta ($26.75)
- Tanzania — AMCOS Hezya ($23.65)
- Brazil — MTGB 15/16 ($22.40)
- Papua New Guinea — Kinmuga AX ($22.75)
- Tranquility Decaf ($21.00)
The freshness makes their coffee special – you’ll often drink beans that were roasted just days ago. Their Cold Brew Beans ($23.00) get amazing reviews for their smooth, full-bodied flavor without harsh acidity.
New customers should check out the Gaslight Tasting Set ($36.00). You’ll get three 6oz bags of seasonal, single-origin selections. Coffee subscriptions make it easy to enjoy their beans regularly at $23.00 per delivery with free shipping. Each package comes with roaster’s notes about flavor profiles and origin stories.
The packaging shows real care – brown paper bags come sealed with wax badges and office-grade paper binders. This simple touch turns buying coffee into a small ritual.
Gaslight Coffee Roasters historic setting
The space perfectly blends rustic charm with industrial style. You’ll see exposed brick walls next to reclaimed wood throughout. Vintage lanterns create a warm glow, while large windows fill the café with natural light.
Yes, it is surprising to see hunting lodge touches – especially the carefully placed taxidermy on the walls. A customer once mentioned the “baroque fractal wallpaper” that adds another interesting visual element.
You’ll find different spots to sit based on your mood. The bar seats near the espresso machine let you chat with baristas, and window spots give you great views of Milwaukee Avenue. The layout works well for both solo laptop users and small groups having conversations.
The space feels both productive and relaxed. One visitor described it as having a “contemporary/hipster style” with “apparent red bricks and a very ‘clean’ look”. Pet owners love that dogs can come inside too.
Gaslight Coffee Roasters pricing and food options
Their coffee prices stay competitive with other specialty shops in Chicago:
| Item | Price |
| Average cup of coffee | $2.50 |
| Pour-over coffee | Variable by bean |
| Cortado | Menu staple |
| Cold Brew | Fan favorite |
| Bag of beans (12oz) | $15.00-$26.75[251] |
The food here sets them apart from typical coffee shops. They serve a rotating menu of seasonal dishes until 3:00 PM daily.
The menu features duck eggs Benedict, charcuterie platters with Smoking Goose meats, house-pickled vegetables, and Marion Street cheeses. You won’t need to leave when you get hungry – the food quality matches their excellent coffee.
Aya Pastry provides fresh daily pastries that go perfectly with their drinks. People rave about the cinnamon morning bun – it’s “excellent” with “chewy dough” and a “crisp, cinnamon coating that was neither sticky nor too sweet”.
Here’s a great tip for your first visit: buy a bag of freshly roasted beans and get a free cup of coffee. They’re open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, perfect for early birds and afternoon coffee runs.
Comparison Table
| Coffee Shop | Location | Signature Drinks | Simple Coffee Price | Notable Food Options | Special Features | Hours |
| Coffee Lab & Roasters | Lakeview | Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte, Spicy Mocha, Honey Butter Latte | $3.25 drip coffee | Spinach & feta pastry, quiche | On-site roasting, dog-friendly, laptop-friendly | Not mentioned |
| Oromo Cafe | Lincoln Square | Golden Latte, Rose Latte, Hazelnut Horchata Latte | $2.95 organic drip | Gluten-free sandwiches, vegan pastries | House-made nut milks, Ethiopian coffee heritage | Not mentioned |
| Sawada Coffee | West Loop | Military Latte ($6.45), Black Camo Latte | $2.65-$3.65 drip | Doughnuts from Doughnut Vault, croissants | Ping pong table, industrial space, shared with Green Street Meats | 8AM-4PM daily |
| Afro Joe’s Coffee | Auburn Gresham | Sweet Potato Pie Latte, Brown Sugar Latte | $2.75-$3.50 drip | Soul Bowl, chicken & waffles, sweet potato pie | Live music events, community gatherings | Not mentioned |
| Gaslight Coffee Roasters | Logan Square | House-roasted single-origin coffees | $2.50 average | Duck eggs Benedict, charcuterie platters | Historic wedge-shaped building, in-house roasting | 8AM-5PM daily |
Chicago Coffee Crawl Made Easy with Metropolitan Shuttle
Join Metropolitan Shuttle and explore Chicago’s vibrant coffee scene without the hassle of driving or parking. Whether you’re a fan of bold espresso, pour-over perfection, or cozy latte art cafés, our Chicago charter service takes you on a caffeinated journey through the city’s best spots. From indie favorites in Wicker Park to iconic brews in the Loop, you’ll get to sip your way through Chicago’s most beloved coffee houses—all while traveling comfortably with your group. Perfect for team outings, foodie tours, or just a day of coffee-fueled exploration.
Conclusion
Chicago’s coffee scene sets itself apart from other major cities. This piece showcases five exceptional cafes that highlight the quality and variety you won’t find in standard chains. Each place brings something special to the table – Coffee Lab’s scientific approach to roasting, Oromo’s cultural heritage and health-conscious options, Sawada’s Japanese artistry, Afro Joe’s community focus, and Gaslight’s historic charm.
These spots offer much more than just great coffee. They excel at thoughtful food pairings and comfortable spaces while following ethical business practices. Their styles and specialties differ, but they share the same dedication to creating experiences worth your time.
The coffee destinations capture Chicago’s neighborhood spirit perfectly. You’ll find Sawada matching West Loop’s industrial feel and Afro Joe’s deep South Side community roots. Each shop embodies its location’s character. The prices stay reasonable given their premium ingredients and careful preparation.
The next time you need a caffeine fix in the Windy City, skip the usual chains. Head over to Afro Joe’s for a Sweet Potato Pie Latte or try Gaslight’s house-roasted single-origin beans. You might want to sample Sawada’s signature Military Latte or check out Coffee Lab’s seasonal creations.
All the same, this is just a part of Chicago’s rich coffee world. Other standouts include Intelligentsia with its multiple locations, Ukrainian-owned Soloway growing in Lincoln Park, community-focused Sip & Savor, and The Understudy Coffee and Books. Chicago takes its coffee game seriously!
Locals seeking a new morning spot or visitors wanting authentic Chicago experiences will find these coffee havens full of memorable cups and welcoming spaces. Great coffee in Chicago waits just behind the door.
FAQs
Q1. What are some of the best coffee shops in Chicago?
Some top-rated coffee shops in Chicago include Metric Coffee, Four Letter Word, Sawada Coffee, Gaslight Coffee Roasters, and Oromo Cafe. These shops are known for their high-quality beans, innovative drinks, and unique atmospheres.
Q2. Which coffee shop in Chicago is known for its signature latte?
Sawada Coffee in the West Loop is famous for its signature Military Latte, which combines matcha green tea, vanilla syrup, espresso, cocoa powder, and milk. This visually striking and flavorful drink has become a must-try for many coffee enthusiasts visiting Chicago.
Q3. Are there any coffee shops in Chicago that focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing?
Yes, Oromo Cafe in Lincoln Square is particularly noted for its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. They directly source beans from small farmers in Ethiopia’s Oromia region and support various sustainable agriculture initiatives.
Q4. Which Chicago coffee shop offers the best atmosphere for working or studying?
While preferences may vary, many people recommend Gaslight Coffee Roasters in Logan Square for its cozy atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. The shop’s historic setting and ample seating make it a popular spot for remote work and studying.
Q5. Are there any coffee shops in Chicago that offer unique cultural experiences?
Afro Joe’s Coffee in Auburn Gresham offers a unique cultural experience. This Black-owned coffee shop hosts regular community events, including open mic nights, poetry readings, and live music performances, making it more than just a place to grab coffee.
