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Chicago has a fast growing and thriving indie coffee scene. The places I've visited so far, with my recommendations at each. Stay caffeinated!
All coffee photos pictured are mine. :)
1462 N Milwaukee Ave (at N Honore St), Chicago, IL
Coffee Shop · Wicker Park · 248 tips and reviews
Aaron Cruz: Hit up this coffeeshop in the WIcker Park neighborhood. Get the peanut butter flavored coffee. Lot's of sci-fi stuff throughout including a DeLorean in front. Yeay to Back to the Future!
1432 W Irving Park Rd (btwn N Southport Ave & N Greenview Ave), Chicago, IL
Coffee Shop · Lakeview · 32 tips and reviews
Aaron Cruz: A Lakeview neighborhood gem. A very small menu, the freshest of beans, roasted in-house, and they use liquid sweetener. Friendly baristas and owner and delicious coffee!
4363 N Lincoln Ave (at W Montrose Ave), Chicago, IL
Coffee Shop · North Center · 59 tips and reviews
Aaron Cruz: A Viennese coffee shop in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. The Melange is the caffeinated beverage of choice yum. Checkout the pastries and cuisine too.
Aaron Cruz: A true neighborhood coffee shop in Bucktown. Personable, friendly service. Lots of conversation happening. A cool, old-school decor. The Nutella and Ipsento Lattes OMG. Try their Nitro Brew too.
2642 N Milwaukee Ave (btwn N Sawyer Ave & N Kedzie Ave), Chicago, IL
Coffee Shop · Logan Square · 61 tips and reviews
Aaron Cruz: Recent addition to Logan Square. A great place for conversation and a delicious pour over. Check and see if they have the Summer Solstice Blend!
Aaron Cruz: Spent some time in this Intelligentsia in The Loop which gives off the feel of an Italian Espresso Bar. Great coffee and knowledgeable baristas of course. Known as the Monadnock location.
53 E Randolph St (btwn Wabash Ave & Garland Ct), Chicago, IL
Coffee Shop · The Loop · 316 tips and reviews
Aaron Cruz: Favorite Intelligentsia spot. Many locations, but love the atmosphere here around Millenium Park. Pour over, pour over, pour over no matter the bean is the choice!
Aaron Cruz: New addition to the West Loop in a coffee/bar venue within Green Street Smoked Meats budiling. Get the Military Latte, fast becoming one of the most photographed and delicious coffee drinks in town.
Aaron Cruz: Pour over goodness at the West Loop craft coffee roaster. No wi-fi as your focus should be on savoring the handcrafted cup of coffee and great conversation at this neighborhood spot.
Aaron Cruz: In the middle of The Loop, yet a hidden gem sitting within an alley off East Jackson. Grab a Cortado and sit outside and enjoy, being tucked away from the hustle-and-bustle of Downtown.
1750 W Division St (btwn Wood St. & Hermitage Ave.), Chicago, IL
Coffee Shop · Wicker Park · 69 tips and reviews
Aaron Cruz: Grab a window seat in West Town and enjoy the neighborhood to a latte or Nitro Brew made from Metric Coffee beans. Great service and vibe inside the shop. Plenty of outdoor seating options available.
Aaron Cruz: Second location, recently opened in The 606 offers an expansive, wide open shop and atmosphere with the usual delicious lattes. Great service as they kept making my latte until it was just right.
Aaron Cruz: Latte, latte, latte at this River North neighborhood shop. Sitting right alongside the path of L, love the vibe and looked forward to coming to this spot for years.
1117 W Belmont Ave (btwn N Clifton Ave & N Seminary Ave), Chicago, IL
Coffee Shop · Lakeview · 43 tips and reviews
Aaron Cruz: Dark Matter Coffee spot in the Lakeview nieghborhood. Get the iced coffee brew on draught. Grab a bag of coffee beans to go. Relaxed atmosphere inside, grab a seat at a picnic tables out back.
Coffee Shop · Lake View East · 112 tips and reviews
Aaron Cruz: Very busy and popular North side Intelligentsia location off Broadway. Pour over the way to go. Baristas were extremely knowledge and helpful in the coffee experience.
Aaron Cruz: Grab a hand crafted regular latte made with the local Metropolis coffee beans or a Mexican hot chocolate. Family owned, relaxing spot in the Avondale neighborhood. Recommended hidden gem.