Discover the Best Cafes in Chicago: From Coffee Houses to Restaurants

Chicago is a city that is known for its incredible food, and the cafes are no exception. From hipster coffee houses to classic Italian restaurants, there is something for everyone in the Windy City. Here are some of the best cafes to eat in Chicago: 

1. Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea – This award-winning coffee and tea house is a must-visit for coffee and tea aficionados. Their wide selection of coffee and tea drinks and pastries are sure to please. 

Locations:

Broadway Coffee Bar – 3123 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60657

Opens Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Monadnock Coffeebar – 53 West Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604

Opens Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Millennium Park Coffeebar – 53 East Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601

Opens Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Logan Square Coffeebar – 2642 North Milwaukee Avenue Chicago, IL 60647

Opens Monday to Friday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

2. La Colombe – This chic cafe is the perfect spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Their menu features an array of French-inspired dishes and drinks. 

Locations:

GOLD COAST – 4 E Elm Street Chicago, IL 60611

Monday - Friday: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday - Sunday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

ARMITAGE – 858 Armitage Ave Chicago IL 60614

Monday - Friday: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday - Sunday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

WICKER PARK – 1552 N. Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60622

Daily: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

N CLARK – 5158 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60640

Daily: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

RANDOLPH – 955 West Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60607

Monday - Friday: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday - Sunday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

3. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – If you’re looking for some classic Chicago-style pizza, look no further than Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. With several locations throughout the city, you’re sure to find a great spot for a casual meal. 

Locations:

LOU MALNATI’S ADDISON – 114 West Lake Street Addison, IL 60101
Phone: (630) 413-1400

Mon-Thu 4pm-10pm
Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
Sun 11am-9pm

LOU MALNATI’S AURORA – 1720 N Orchard Road #110 Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: (630) 581-8550

Mon-Thu 4pm-10pm
Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
Sun 11am-9pm

4. The Wormhole Coffee – This trendy cafe is a great spot for coffee and conversation. The Wormhole Coffee is known for its unique atmosphere and its delicious coffee and pastries. 

Location:

462 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Monday - Friday: 7:00AM - 7:00PM

Saturday - Sunday: 8:00AM - 7:00PM

5. Xoco – This is an Mexican-inspired cafe that serves up some of the best tacos, burritos, and quesadillas in the city. Enjoy a casual meal with a side of chips and salsa, or grab a quick bite on the go.  

Location:

449 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesdays to Saturdays

6. Bongo Room – This cozy cafe is the perfect spot for a quick bite and cup of coffee. With a variety of breakfast and lunch options, Bongo Room is sure to satisfy your cravings. 

Locations:

1470 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60622

Breakfast & Brunch – Saturday – Sunday: 9:00am – 2:00pm

Breakfast & Lunch –Monday & Friday: 9:00am – 2:00pm

5022 N. Clark, Chicago, IL 60640

Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 – 2:00pm (Breakfast & Brunch)

Monday & Friday 9:00am – 2:00pm (Breakfast & Lunch)

7. Big Star – This hipster taco joint is the place to go for some delicious tacos. Enjoy a selection of tacos, sides, and drinks in a laid-back atmosphere. 

Locations:

Wicker Park – 1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Wrigleyville – 3640 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (BRUNCH: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (BRUNCH: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

Mariscos – 551 N. Ogden Avenue Chicago, IL 60642

Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM 

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

8. Goddess and Grocer – This cafe offers a wide selection of sweet and savory treats, as well as some delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups. Stop in for a quick bite or linger for a few hours in the cozy atmosphere. 

Locations:

Gold Coast – 1127 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610

Open All Week – 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

River North – 901 N Larrabee St, Chicago, IL 60610

Open Mon-Sat 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Bucktown – 1649 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Open All Week – 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Fulton Market – 911 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Open All Week – 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

No matter what type of cafe you’re looking for, Chicago has something for you. Whether you’re looking for a casual spot for a quick bite or a chic restaurant for a special night out, the Windy City has plenty of options for you to choose from.

COMING SOON:

Best Cafe in Chicago – Cafe Jumping Bean