Personally, I think a coffee only tastes as good as the surroundings look. I am all about aesthetics, and the wrong vibe with my morning cup can ruin my joe. So, I have made my rounds throughout Chicago and have narrowed it down to my favorite places to grab a cup and get some work done.
354 W Hubbard
3 Greens is down the block from us, so naturally a staple. The list of reasons why I love 3 Greens is endless. The decor is perfection, the food is delish, and the coffee is great (but pricey). They even have a mini golf area, which makes Blake and BB both very happy. Bonus, they have an outdoor patio with twinkle lights.
1816 N Clark Street
The BRG Group just knows how to create a good vibe. Momotaro, Duck Duck Goat, and Swift & Sons are just a few of the restaurants this powerhouse group has turned out. And Elaine’s Coffee Call is their one and only coffee joint and I give it 5 stars. They serve La Colombe coffee, which is one of my favs. The vibe is vintage meets swanky. This is one of the smaller coffee shops on my list, so the seating options are not endless, but they do have a great couch area and I have never had a hard time finding a place to sit. Bonus, it is across the street from Lincoln Park and the Green City Market on Saturdays, so it is usually our first stop on a family outing with BB.
125 N Green
Hands down the coolest of my 10 choices, the Allis cannot be beaten in terms of decor. The Allis is in the lobby of Soho House Chicago and the vibe is awesome. It is one of my favorite places to come on Tuesday to get a little work done. They also have a huge patio area.
1000 W Armitage
While there are a bunch of LPQs throughout the city, this one is my favorite! It is in my favorite nook of Lincoln Park and the dining area is so cute. It is always quiet and peaceful and the perfect place to get some work done. If you’re looking for a splurge, their chocolate croissant is ALMOST as good as in Europe.
112 N Green
Directly across the street from the Allis is Sawada. Sawada is casual and cool and feels ultra hipster. It is located along the windows in Green Street Smoked Meats. If you are looking for a relaxed, no frills coffee in a cool space, this is your jam. The seating is limited, so if you’re looking for a spot to sit and do work, you might be in a pinch. Sorry, I don’t have a pic of this one!
33 S Wabash
Located next to my beloved Soul Cycle, this is one of my favs. Baker is the sister restaurant to Goddess & the Grocer, which is amazing BTW. While I have not tried their sweets, their breakfast, coffee, and salads are great. The almond milk cappuccino is awesome and the decor is fun and cute. If you get in before the lunch rush, you can snag a table and get some work done.
1300 N Dearborn
While technically not a coffee shop, this is one of my favorite places to come for a coffee and to get some work done. If you have not heard of the Restoration Hardware on N Dearborn, stop what you are doing and go NOW. It is five floors of amazingness. Restoration Hardware converted an old building into a flagship store, with a massive courtyard restaurant in the center and a small coffee/beverage stand in the back. You can order a drink and enjoy it ANYWHERE in the massive five-floor store. I love to grab a coffee, find a comfy couch, open my computer and get some work done. If you can stay for brunch or lunch, I would highly recommend it.
19 E Ohio
This is the cutest little coffee shop in the Freehand Hotel in Streeterville. The vibe is very low key, the coffee is great, and it isn’t crazy crowded. You do need to ask for the wifi password. I’ve never eaten here, but they do have a menu and the food always looks great.
1813 N Milwaukee
This adorable coffee shop is located in Bucktown just off the 606. The coffee is great, the staff is super friendly, and the mini donuts are parfait!
Thanks so much. get to Chicago a few times a year from Milwaukee – loved your list. Have only been to Restoration Hardware. really appreciate the pointers. Love Trying new Spots, shops restaurants etc.