5 Best Cafes in Chicago (2026)

Sawada Coffee is a coffee shop in the Fulton Market District known for its Military Latte and other signature espresso drinks like hojicha and matcha lattes. The rustic, industrial space is large enough to hang out in rather than just grab a cup and go, with distinctive string lights and a sticker-covered interior. It draws a steady mix of locals and visitors exploring the neighborhood.

Intelligentsia's Millennium Park Coffeebar sits between Michigan and Wabash Avenues, one of several Chicago locations for the roaster. It's built for a quick stop near the park, with wifi and patio seating for anyone who wants to stay longer. The menu covers coffee, tea and a small food selection alongside a Sweetgreen pickup outpost inside.

TARY is a Kazakh cafe in River North built around the tradition of a shai dastarkhan, or tea gathering, alongside coffee and brunch dishes like eggs Benedict. Its own site describes the concept as centered on tary, a Kazakhstani grain the cafe works into several dishes, paired with organic milk and specialty coffee. It's a distinctive stop for anyone looking for something beyond a standard coffee shop.

Caffe Umbria is an Italian coffee roaster with a River North location, built on a family blending tradition the Bizzarri family has run for three generations according to its own site. It focuses on Italian-style espresso and specialty lattes, including honey and lavender flavor variations, alongside a wholesale coffee program. The shop draws a steady, often busy crowd throughout the day.

Hero Coffee and Bagel Bar operates out of an alley off Jackson Boulevard, with all seating outdoors and a small ordering window rather than a typical storefront. Its own site frames the shop around a community mission, donating a portion of bean sales to charity partners. The bagel sandwiches and in-house roasted coffee are the draw, alongside the novelty of the alley setting.