The Best Chicago Coffee Shops – 5 You Must Try Travel Above Photo By: Filter Cafe As someone who works remotely, sometimes you just have to get out of the house. Whether it’s the dog next door that keeps howling, or the incessant beep of the smoke alarm you’re too lazy to replace the batteries of – some fresh air and coffee can do wonders for your productivity and mind. For coffee lovers, freelancers, and those who work remotely, here’s my list for the Best Chicago Coffee Shops – 5 You Must Try: #1 Filter Café Photo By: Filter Cafe Filter Café 1373 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 Filter Café is like a giant living room where you can purchase food and great coffee – this place ticked all the boxes for me. Great coffee, a variety of other beverages, and a wide selection of food, fresh from the kitchen ensuring you can stay fed from breakfast to dinner. A range of seating options for whatever your back desires – couches for leisurely reading, big desks with supportive chairs for computer work, and plenty of room for group meetings. MUST TRY: They have a great a selection of drinks, but I would try the sweet potato fries with a side of hot sauce/salsa − made in house! EATS: The place offers an extensive menu, and the food is good. But if you want a stroll, try Oiistar for great Japanese or Antique Taco for gourmet tacos. WIFI: Yes POWER OUTLETS: Plenty to go around BONUS: They have copying, printing and scanning services available in-house. It’s like they never want to you leave. #2 The Coffee Studio Photo By: The Coffee Studio The Coffee Studio 5628 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640 A little north of downtown Chicago – this was a perfect spot to start the day. I got here a little before 9am, and the place was already littered with people on their laptops. The bright and light spot is perfect for singles or duos working away, but may be a struggle for larger groups. Their coffee is made using the hugely popular, locally roasted Intelligentsia coffee beans, and it is delicious. They offer a broad range of drinks including teas, wine and craft beer. MUST TRY: Dolce iced coffee or dolce latte, any of the tea inspired cocktails, or if you want a sweet treat their Nutella hot chocolate. For food, the smoked salmon flatbread is a must! EATS: They have a great selection of pastries, bagels, and quiches. Mcdonald’s is right next door too if you fancy that. WIFI: Yes, free for 60 minutes with a purchase. POWER OUTLETS: Plenty to go around #3 Argo Tea Café Photo By: Google Street View Argo Tea Café, North Broadway 3135 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657 Don’t be fooled by the name, although Argo’s has a great selection of tea; their coffee menu is up to scratch. Most of their drinks can be made iced or hot, and is a refreshing change in the hot Chicago summer. With big desks and ample space, there is a spot for everyone. I recommend getting a place near the window for people watching, or near the back if you prefer a more quiet environment. MUST TRY: Carolina honey, green tea with a ginger twist, hibiscus apple cider EATS: The café is stocked with the usual pastries and sandwiches, and the street is packed with great eats. Try Stella’s diner for American classics, Glaze Teriyaki for your Japanese fix, or right across the street Wilde for a great range of beers, and for my vegetarians, vegans, and health nuts try Kitchen 17 for a vegan Middle-Eastern and American fare. WIFI: Yes, but slight patchy POWER OUTLETS: Plenty to go around #4 La Colombe Photo By: Nik Johnson La Colombe, Andersonville 5158 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640 Grab a window seat, and prepared to be carried away with your work. If you come in later in the morning, finding a seat may be more difficult at this popular location, but the coffee here is worth it. Possibly my favorite in Chicago, their cold drip is amazing. I liked their coffee so much; I visited two of their locations, Andersonville and West Loop. Although their coffee is fantastic at both, definitely stick to Andersonville if you want to work or study. MUST TRY: Their cold drips are amazing. I added a touch of sweetener to mine, and my gosh it was like heaven. EATS: Stocked with the staple pastries. I recommend nearby Polygon Café for great Asian cuisine, and also Taste of Lebanon, no frills, but the fantastic food is a must try. WIFI: Yes POWER OUTLETS: Limited #5 Intelligentsia Photo By: Intelligentsia Intelligentsia, North Broadway 3123 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657 This place seems to be a Chicago coffee lover’s number 1 recommendation – but it was slightly disappointing. The baristas have a fantastic knowledge of the coffee, and the coffee itself is excellent, but what takes away from the place is the crowd. Although there is plenty of decent space to work, the noise level may stop you from doing any of it. Worth the visit for the coffee, but try hitting this place during quieter hours or just to relax. MUST TRY: Known for their coffee, try the humble espresso. EATS: They stock the basic pastries, but for a better feed try Stella’s diner, Glaze Teriyaki, Wilde for a great range of beers, or Kitchen 17 for a healthy, vegan Middle-Eastern and American Fare. WIFI: Yes POWER OUTLETS: Limited My time in the Windy City did not disappoint. Chicago delivered on both fronts, premium coffee and proper environments to be productive. If you enjoyed my list of the Best Chicago Coffee Shops stay tuned as I share my favorite coffee shops in Ann Arbor, the best canned cold brews, and my favorite coffee themed Instagram accounts.
