Whether you’re just craving a hot cup of joe or you need a spot to answer some emails and get a bit of work done, here are some of the best spots for coffee on one of Chicago’s busiest streets.
From a brand-new Starbuck experience to Chicago favorites, the Windy City has you covered when it comes to coffee (Photo: Starbucks)
While Chicago isn’t necessarily known as a coffee culture hub, it is known as a serious foodie destination, which means that it’s still pretty easy to find a good cup of joe around the city. Whether you’re visiting Chicago for the first time or coming back for your hundredth visit, if you find yourself in need of a cozy spot to enjoy a top-tier cup of java, try one of these favorited spots along Magnificent Mile.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery provides not just a cup of coffee, but an entire sensory experience (Photo: Starbucks)
Newly opened, the Starbuck Chicago Roastery has been called “the Willy Wonka factory of coffee.” And it’s true. The 5-star coffee experience is spread out across multiple floors of roasting, tastings, shopping and, of course, cafe areas where you can sit back with a cup and watch the street crowds float by beneath your feet. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, Starbucks fanatic or just a lover of your favorite caffeine fix, if you’ve never visited a Starbucks roastery before (which wouldn’t be surprising — they’re only in limited locations around the world), this stop is an absolute must-visit on your next trip to the city.
646 North Michigan Avenue
Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea
There are several Fairgrounds locations around Chicago, but all offer amazing (coffee) drinking and dining experiences. Whether you pull up a seat at the coffee bar (you’ll find that some locations use whimsical swings instead of seats) and watch the barista pour out your desired brew straight from a tap, or you take a seat by the window, you’ll love the huge array of high-quality options available to any discerning palate.
12 South Michigan Avenue
Stan’s Donuts & Coffee
If you like your coffee with a side of donuts (and who doesn’t?), then you’ll want to make straightaway for Stan’s Donuts & Coffee. Offering what they say are the best donuts in the Windy City, you’ll have plenty to choose from — from the standard glazed to specialty donuts that you won’t find anywhere else, like the newer pretzel donut. Of course, the coffee is just as good as the donuts. Choose from a variety of roasts, iced or hot.
535 North Michigan Avenue
Cafe Integral
A cozy, inviting environment encourages you to sit awhile, at Cafe Integral (Photo: Lou Stejskal via Flickr/CC BY 2.0)
Steps from the hubbub of North Michigan Avenue, the Freehand Hotel is a popular spot for those seeking affordable accommodations in a hip atmosphere. But even if you’re not staying at the Freehand, you can still enjoy the hotel’s coffee shop, Cafe Integral. The comfortable and cozy spot is filled with an array of seating and you can enjoy some warming, comfort-food eats alongside your coffee. And who knows? You might just meet another fellow traveler while you’re there!
19 East Ohio Street
Nutella Cafe Chicago
Coffee alongside the world-favorite flavor of Nutella (Photo: Nutella)
While the Nutella Cafe Chicago is definitely one geared more toward travelers than locals, that doesn’t make it any less worth a visit. Much like the Starbuck Roastery mentioned above, this Nutella cafe is one of only a handful in the world. You’ll find Nutella-based drinks, treats and more, all in a convenient spot. Grab one of the seats by the window to watch the pedestrians coming and going, before you head back out into the elements for a little shopping, or a visit to one of the many nearby museums.
189 Michigan Avenue
Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken
Do-Rite Donuts competes with Stan’s Donuts as best donut vendor in Chicago, but it’s arguable that Do-Rite is the most well-known of the two. Stop in and grab a cup of coffee and try the fried chicken along with both your cuppa and your donut. It’s a combination that fans swear by and one you won’t regret — even if all you get out of it is a little heartburn and some great Instagram photos.
835 North Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place
Two Zero Three Coffee & Wine Bar
Why switch from a coffee bar to a regular bar, when you can get both beverages in one spot? Tucked inside the very stylish Virgin Hotel, Two Zero Three Coffee & Wine Bar starts out serving specialty drinks during the morning, and then switches to wine and other boozy beverages in the evening. You can find light bites any time of day, though, for something to go along with whatever you happen to be drinking at the moment.
203 North Wabash Avenue
By Holly Riddle