Looking for the ideal coffee shop that fits your vibe? Whether you’re searching for a cozy remote workspace, a quiet spot to study, or a stylish hangout to catch up with friends, finding the perfect atmosphere matters just as much as your coffee order.
With gourmet lattes, matcha, and $7 pastries, the space you enjoy them in should be just as satisfying. If you’re visiting Chicago for a weekend getaway or need a new study spot, keep reading to explore the best coffee shop aesthetics in the city that match your style and sip.
- Three Arts Cafe (Glam)
Coffee Date: 5/5 Study Spot: 3/5 Remote Work: Wouldn’t recommend
Located in Gold Coast, this café is inside of Restoration Hardware (yes, the boujee furniture store that maybe you can afford but i’ll go find the outlet somewhere…). This venue is housed magnificently in a restored schoolhouse building, with every crack and crevice leaving your jaw on the floor. Upon arrival, you will find you have a few options:
Option 1. You can be seated in the gorgeous cafe for coffee and or brunch. Let me warn you, if you plan to go on the weekend GET THERE EARLY. I have never successfully eaten at RH on the weekend without a reservation (RESERVE HERE!) If you plan to go on a weekday you’ll get seated with ease.
Option 2: Keep walking past the friendly hostesses and order a coffee & or pastry from the back bar! OKAY HERE IS THE NEED TO KNOW: Where do I sit though? THERE’S SEATING ON EVERY FLOOR (elevator just around the corner from the coffee bar)! Did you know you can get your coffee for here or to go (if you’re nervous about spilling on the expensive furniture..get it in a to go cup just in case… I usually risk it for the cute cup). Take your coffee up to any floor you prefer and sit at any table or lounge seating!
My personal preference: If it’s spring-fall, sit OUTSIDE on the ROOFTOP patio OR on the top floor in the airy indoor seating which is just as gorgeous. All this to say, if you can snag a seat in the main dining area go for it at least once, but if you become a regular, and just want to study or sip a quick-ish coffee with a friend, head upstairs!
This is my favorite place in all of Chicago to get coffee as their coffee is just as good as their aesthetic. The lattes are silky smooth and made to perfection every time!
2. Heritage Coffee & Bicycles (Vintage)
Coffee Date: 4/5 Study Spot: 5/5 Remote Work: 5/5
The customer clientele tends to be more solo sippers grabbing a cup to go or sitting to work remotely or study. Making this space the perfect solo-coffee date spot! If you have ever lived in the city, pay attention, certain locations no longer exist!
Heritage gives an elevated vintage-esque look, providing the best open, airy, and bright space to sit and sip. When I was going to school downtown, they had a location in River North that became THE spot that I was the most productive in. I would attest to how the environment cultivated is eloquently designed and not over cluttered–giving that clean space clean mind mentality.
You can expect the same vibe with the Uptown and spot on the river! The music was also study friendly, we’ve all been there when we are trying to work or study, we forget our AirPods, and of course the playlist is hyper distracting or too loud…Thankfully, heritage baristas get the vibe and you won’t run into that issue here!
3. Dark Matter (Grunge)
Coffee Date: 5/5 Study Spot: 3/5-5/5 Remote Working: 4/5-5/5
My ratings look inconclusive right? Well, it’s because there are SEVEN locations spread throughout Chicago, with each location giving a slightly different twist. I linked their page HERE so you can get more of a feel on all the locations. I have been to 3 of the 7 locations and loved my coffee, seating, and study space every time! Every location has different hours of operation so again, be sure to check which one is nearest you!
When you walk through the doors of any Dark Matter location, prepare yourself when the thoughts run through your head, “should I get a traditional styled tattoo and start shopping at Hot Topic?” Seriously, it might happen. This is like a grunge-emo-teens paradise. As spooky as the venues are, the baristas truly are the KINDEST people. Dark Matter baristas (at least the ones I’ve met..) have been the most hospitable and personable people–which can tend to be missing in most coffee houses in the city!
Be sure to request the agave latte (pictured above w/oat milk), iced or hot, this is one of the best drinks unique to Dark Matter!
4. Café Umbria (Amalfi Coast Vibes)
Coffee Date: 4/5 Study Spot: 4/5 Remote Work: 4/5
For those who don’t live downtown, this is a hidden gem. To those who work or live along the Chicago River, this coffee shop is most likely a part of their daily route! Café Umbria is an Italian inspired coffee shop that will whisk you away to the Amalfi Coast. I have noticed that this seems to be more of a takeaway coffee shop since the seating is limited. The roaster location provides ample seating and more space for uninterrupted coffee dates and study time!
For the coffee enthusiast looking to stay awhile, it must be noted that there are actually two areas of seating that you may not notice. The most obvious is bar stools lining the front window and sparingly sized tables near the bar. If you are looking to stay awhile in a quieter space, peek through the opposite door from the street entrance and you’ll find a gorgeous hallway that you can post up uninterrupted for hours!
5. Goddess & the Baker (Maximalist)
Coffee Date: 5/5 Study Spot & Remote Work: Depends on location 2/5-5/5
Looking for a coffee shop that will also satisfy the NON-coffee drinkers in your life? I have to give it to this place, when my dad and step mom visited me in Chicago for the first time, they fell in love with this spot–and every visit after my dad specifically requested to go HERE (peep my dad & step mom below, aren’t they cute!)! Why is that such a big deal? THEY DON’T EVEN LIKE OR DRINK COFFEE! That’s how good the selection is here even beyond the espresso!
The coffees, desserts, and interior design itself is the most fun, maximalist, yet modern coffee shop in Chicago! Goddess & the Baker has such an extensive and keenly developed menu that truly this is a location for the entire family! The dessert and lunch menu is so beautiful you’d think you were on the set of a Netflix bake off series.
Given the nature of how incredible this place is to a wide variety of clientele–expect a little bit longer line, but it is beyond worth it. In addition, they have a wide selection of locations sprinkled across downtown, check them out HERE!
Must try: Sparkle latte, chai, or the rainbow cake!
6. Gaslight Coffee Roasters (city vibes)
Coffee Date: 5/5 Study Spot: 3/5 Remote Work: 3/5
Gaslight Coffee Roasters likely offers a laid-back, industrial-chic aesthetic. Expect exposed brick walls, minimalistic decor, and rustic wooden tables, perfect for remote work or leisurely conversations. The ambiance probably blends vintage elements with a modern coffee culture vibe. Think cozy nooks with large windows for natural light, local art, and a community-focused atmosphere, making it ideal for both coffee connoisseurs and casual sippers.
7. Nomad (Your favorite shade of pink)
Coffee Date: 5/5 Study Spot: 5/5 Remote Work: 5/5
Barbie stole her aesthetic from this place–kidding–not kidding. There was no way better to put it, this boutique coffee shop truly is everyone’s favorite shade of pink. Even if you don’t like pink, I’m telling you–this will be your new favorite shade!Scerenly tucked away in the out edge of River North, Nomad is a 2 minute walk from the brown line (Franklin st.).
The exterior should get you excited for what awaits you on the inside. Entering the facility you will be met by the nooks and cranny store that you didn’t know you needed. Dozens of handcrafted items from all over the world, browse for fun or pick up that birthday gift you’ve been procrastinating to select. Making your way to the bar, you will be able to select from their delicious menu and take a seat in some of the most beautiful lounge chairs or get to work in the back room.
This coffee shop truly is one of the best study spaces (my junior year of college, this became THE spot to study in!). If you are feeling fancy or are running on your company’s dime for collaboration meetings, consider renting out the co-working room. It is a pretty penny, but how inspiring to work in a set aside nook space that has views and aesthetics built in. Maybe you can write it off later?
8. Broken Shaker @ Freehand Chicago (Retro)
Coffee Date: 5/5 Study Spot & Remote Work: Possible but wouldn’t recommend
Needing a coffee date spot that leaves your date to feel mysterious and moody? This is your location. The Broken Shaker is tucked away in a boutique hotel and bar downtown. The eccentric and retro design will make you want to rethink your home decor. This location is perfect for a day trip into downtown or if you’re visiting for a weekend and want to find a cool coffee shop downtown that doesn’t seem overrun by tourists.
This is the place where you will have a wide variety of seating options and don’t need to worry about long lines or annoying music. This place is a vibe in itself and retro doesn’t even effectively describe it. This is a place that is meant to be experienced, though you can study or work remotely here, I wouldn’t recommend it. This is the type of place you should experience and bask in the beautiful design choices that are all around you. Pro tip: look for seating that’s in the far back right corner, there are some gorgeous booths that look like they needed to be sat in by you!
P.S. If you are visiting Chicago and want to stay in a not so traditional hotel, you can get a room HERE! Then you don’t have to only experience the eclectic retro vibes, you can sleep in them too!
9. Cupitol Coffee & Eatery (Modern living room)
Coffee Date: 5/5 Study Spot: 3/5 Remote Work: Wouldn’t recommend
Ah, I saved this cutie for last. With one location only a few minutes from Navy Pier, West Loop, and Evanston, this cafe will leave you beyond satisfied. Designed to look like your rich relatives living room, this place truly gives modern-esque. With plenty of seating and mild lines, this cafe will become your Sunday brunch ritual. They serve a wide variety of European inspired drinks and pastries, while providing an elegant twist on your favorite comfort foods.
Must try: Freddo Cappuccino (Native drink to Greece – this is the only coffee shop in all of Chicago that serves these and they execute them perfectly)
Happy Sipping,
Cosette
Lovely read! Can’t wait for part 2
obsessed, I’ll be back for more
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