Fab Happenings: Top 5 Coffee Shops in Chicago

Working from home can get repetitive so I’m always looking for cool coffee shops I can hang out at all day. Every coffee shop has its own atmosphere and level of comfort. I like to choose based on food options, which vary from pastries to small bites to a full food menu.

In a city as big as Chicago, it seems like there’s a coffee shop on every corner. However, I have narrowed down my favorites. Here are my “Top 5 Coffee Shops” in the city…

5. Café Integral

Café Integral is located inside of the Freehand Hotel and specializes in Nicaraguan coffee. This is a trendy spot to grab a bite to eat or hang out at. The space is quite large with plenty of tables and couches.

Their food menu highlights dishes made with seasonal ingredients. They offer grab-and-go items if you’re looking for something quick or breakfast and lunch dishes if you’re in the mood for a full meal.

FAB TIP: The bar, Broken Shaker, is located in the back of Café Integral.

{Location}
Café Integral
River North || 19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 940-3699

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Ratings: 3.5 Fabs}

4. Sawada Coffee

Sawada Coffee is a popular coffee shop well known for their military latte, which is made with matcha and espresso. This coffee shop tends to be crowded, but the space extends into Green Street Smoked Meats so there is plenty of seating.

They offer a rotating selection of Doughnut Vault doughnuts, so be sure to grab one with your morning coffee. Boozy steamers are also available.

FAB TIP: Try the Iced Matcha Latte. You’ll be addicted.

{Location}
Sawada Coffee
West Loop || 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 754-0431

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}

3. HERO Coffee Bar

HERO Coffee Bar serves locally-roasted coffee from Headstash Roasting Company along with chef-inspired, artisanal sandwiches. Their food menu features a variety of salads and farm-to-table sandwiches.

I, personally, think their bagel sandwiches are the best. My favorite is the Farmer’s Baglette, which is an omelette with potatoes on a bagel. It’s deliciously cheesy and just thinking about it makes me crave one right now.

FAB TIP: Nitro and cold-brew coffee available on tap.

{Location}
HERO Coffee Bar
Bucktown || 1912 N Western, Chicago, IL || P: (872) 802-4446
Roscoe Village || 2111 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 904-7224
The Loop || 439 S Dearborn, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 631-3269

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

2. Robey Lounge

Robey Lounge is on the second floor of The Robey hotel. The space is large and more quiet than the café on the first floor. This is a cool spot to go to when you need to get work done as there are large communal tables and comfy couches.

They serve coffee, house-pressed juice, and Rare Tea Cellar teas. The food selections is limited, but there are still tasty small plates to choose from. They also have beer, wine, and cocktails making it a social spot to hang out with friends.

FAB TIP: Café Robey is located on the first floor and features a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu.

{Location}
The Robey
Wicker Park || 2018 W North Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (872) 315-3084

{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)

{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}

1. Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea is a new coffee shop in Wicker Park located at the six corners intersection. What makes Fairgrounds stand out from other coffee shops? They serve not only locally brewed coffee, but also feature craft coffee roasters from around the country. You can choose from Stumptown, Verve, Colectivo, Irving Farm, Frothy Monkey, Dark Matter, and Metropolis. They also offer nitro cold brews and sparkling teas on tap.

Fairgrounds is also great because there aren’t many places in the city that offer such an extensive selection of matcha drinks. My favorite is the tropical tasting Rainforest Remedy. It is made with matcha, frozen pineapple, coconut water, and coconut milk. It’s the perfect refreshing drink if you aren’t a huge coffee fan.

Not only do they have an extensive beverage selection, but they also offer more food options than your average coffee shop. They serve pastries that are made from scratch, breakfast tacos, açaí bowls, rice bowls, lox platters, and more. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there is sure to be something to suit your taste.

FAB TIP: Get a flight of any three 4 oz pours of coffee on tap for $6.49.

{Location}
Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea
Wicker Park || 1620 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 770-4444

{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)

{Fab Rating: 4.5 Fabs}

What are some of your favorite coffee shops in the city? Share below.

Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette

Note: These items were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.