Best Coffee Shops in Downtown Chicago | Top 5
Discover the top coffee shops located throughout downtown Chicago. Whether you're looking for coffee to go or a place to work, I've got the spot for you!
Like any major city, Chicago has a long list of coffee shops and cafes. Sadly, many spots offer subpar coffee and a "meh" atmosphere.
After many visits to the windy city, I've come to favor a few select cafes.
Each of these coffee shops is located in downtown Chicago; perfect for business visitors and tourists.
Several of these cafes are great for working remotely with a comfortable atmosphere and a large footprint, while others are best for to-go only.
So no matter what you're looking for in a coffee shop, one of these is sure to win the ticket.
This map shows the best coffee shops in downtown Chicago. Click the icon on the top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Select the top right button to enlarge the map. Click the star to save to your own Google Maps account. To access this map once saved (after clicking the star), open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), click the menu button, go to "your places", select "maps", and you will see this map listed.
- Blue - TOP 5 coffee shops in downtown Chicago
- Purple - honorable mentions
1. Good Ambler
One of the best coffee shops in downtown Chicago to work, study, or meet with others
Good Ambler is my top pick for overall atmosphere.
Not only is it one of the largest coffee shops in downtown Chicago, but it also offers a cozy vibe, delicious bites, and (of course) great coffee.
You'll find plenty of tables if you need to spread out and work/study. Sets of couches and chairs are perfect for meeting with others. It almost feels like multiple living rooms combined in one space.
Good Ambler is located in the trendy Fulton Market District, one of my favorite areas in Chicago. This area is pedestrian-friendly, is home to several top restaurants, and there's plenty of shopping.
You'll find the usual coffee shop pastries like croissants, muffins, cookies, kouign ammans, and scones. My go to is the ham and cheese croissant.
Good Ambler rotates a selection of "true pastries" like Paris-Brest, chocolate torte, and other fancy creations...though I usually find these to be overpriced.
Those looking for savory options have a small selection of quiche, salads, and bowls to choose from. I love the quiche Lorraine and the grain bowl.
2. Espresso and milk
One of the best downtown Chicago coffee shops for coffee snobs where espresso quality trumps all
Espresso and Milk is one of my most recent finds...and let me tell you...it's some of the best espresso in Chicago.
I first wanted to try this spot because I saw they serve espresso freddo. A creation I discovered in Greece where they froth the espresso until it's foamy and 10 times the size. Served cold, this makes for a light, refreshing pick-me-up.
Even though there's always a line out the door, the espresso quality is always exceptional. The people who work here are not only friendly, but obviously trained well and know their coffee.
Because this is some of the highest quality coffee in downtown Chicago, I usually stick with a simple americano or espresso fredoo, or macchiato.
Those who like a jazzed-up drink will love their unique, seasonal options like the brown sugar maple latte, flamed orange mocha, iced strawberry matcha latte, or salty nuts latte.
3. Mojo - Downtown
One of the best coffee shops in downtown Chicago for bites
Those looking for something more substantial than croissants and pastries to pair with their coffee will want to check out Mojo. The full kitchen means a delicious lineup of toasts (7+ options), salads, bowls, smoothies, shakshuka, waffles, quiche, and more.
Standard cafe fare like pastries, yogurt bowls, and simple sandwiches are available too.
Mojo started in New Zealand and offers the unique steampunk brewing method. It's like a reverse french press using a vacuum suction, creating a delicious brew. T
Don't let the location inside an office building fool you...it still has the look and feel of a very urban and sleek coffee shop.
There's plenty of seating both inside and on the side patio.
4. Caffe Umbria
One of the best coffee shops in Downtown Chicago for Italian-style espresso
Caffe Umbria is a longstanding favorite when it comes to coffee shops in downtown Chicago.
The downtown location is always buzzing with activity and seems to be a top pick with locals living or working in the area.
The downtown space isn’t large but does offer a few small tables, counter seating at the window, and a small patio at the entrance. Tables and chairs are also set up in the hallway between Caffe Umbria and the neighboring building (covered and inside).
The coffee is excellent (they roast their own beans), the service is friendly, and WiFi is available.
Caffe Umbria is a sure winner for those who prefer Italian-style espresso or are craving a classic cappuccino,
5. La Colombe
One of the best coffee shops in Chicago for Nitro cold brew and nitro lattes
I was hooked the moment I tasted La Colombe's draft latte. A concept where the milk is nitrogenated to create a frothy cold latte. If you prefer your latte heavy on the coffee and light on the milk, you can custom order asking for a tan, which is half nitro latte and half cold brew.
Dairy-free people will appreciate the oat milk version of the nitro lattes.
The Nitro lattes and cold brew are the best coffee items on the menu. Seasonal drinks are very popular. If you like jazzed up drinks that are on the sweet side, you'll love the seasonal specials like the strawberry matcha, oat nog, and cereal milk draft latte.
The other coffee drinks are good, but I think the espresso from the options above is better.
La Colombe has several locations in Chicago, one of which is downtown, in the Fulton Market District (not far from Good Ambler).
Honorable Mentions
Intellegistia
Born in Chicago and now served in coffee shops throughout the US, Intellegistia is a Chicago staple. There are several locations in the city.
I love the coffee here. The flat white is probably one of my favorites in the city. The main negative is that the space always seems cold and without character.
If you need a quick coffee break and don't plan to linger, Intellegistia is a wonderful option.
Blue Bottle
Blue Bottle receives an honorable mention for the location alone. It's right on the river with gorgeous views through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows.
You'll find this brand in cities throughout the US, so many of you will already know its good coffee quality.
The negatives are the high prices and spotty WiFi.
In Summary
These are the coffee shops I visit on rotation when I'm in downtown Chicago.
Espresso and Milk is my top pick for quality, though it's too bad it's to-go only. Good Ambler is my favorite for working remotely with a homey atmosphere. Caffe Umbria has wonderful coffee and is a great option for a quick stop. Mojo has a wonderful food menu and is perfect for when you need more than a pastry to go with your coffee. Lastly, La Colombe will entice those who love nitro cold brew and nitro lattes.
I hope this post helped you to find a new favorite spot while visiting the windy city!
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Best Coffee Shops in Downtown Chicago | Top 5
