Staying up late to see election results roll in? You might need coffee.
Lakeview resident Hannah Kopach has visited nearly 200 Chicago coffee shops in the last five years, a journey she’s documented on her Cuppa Chicago Instagram. She shared her favorite spots around town — and the City Cast Chicago team threw in a few of our favs, too.
Best Coffee
- Elevate Coffee in Northalsted has seasonal menus voted on during family-friendly tastings. Plus, it’s a taste of nostalgia for Kopach: The shop opened around the same time she started her account.
Best Places for Working, Reading, or Studying
- La Malinche in Pilsen has plenty of space and the friendliest staff. Don't miss their cafe de olla, artisan fruit teas, and chilaquiles!
- The Understudy is a theater-themed cafe and bookstore in Andersonville. Cozy up with a book, or find a new one off their shelf.
- FROTH is a spacious coffee house with the perfect atmosphere to read or work in West Loop. City Cast Chicago pick ☕
- Jackalope Coffee & Tea House, a funky coffee house in Bridgeport, has a variety of drinks and bites. City Cast Chicago pick ☕
Best Events
- Kusanya Cafe in Englewood holds weekly yoga, a monthly open mic, and dozens of community events every year. City Cast Chicago pick ☕
- Muse Coffee Studio in Tri-Taylor has programming from pop-up shops to money management workshops to an outdoor fest. City Cast Chicago pick ☕
- Overflow in South Loop hosts Overflow After Dark events for open mics, acoustic sessions, showcases, networking socials, and more!
- Side Practice Coffee in Ravenswood features artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and other creatives in their shop every weekend!
Most Unique Decor
- The Brewed, Avondale's horror-themed coffee shop, is decked out in horror movie posters and memorabilia. Plus, DVDs are for sale!
Lost Larson has great beverages and treats at both its Andersonville and Wicker Park locations. (Courtesy of Hannah Kopach / Cuppa Chicago)
Best Variety of Non-Coffee Drinks
- Coffee Tea Exchange in Lakeview East has been around since 1975, selling beans, teas, and spices from around the world. Known for creative specialty drinks, the line is out the door on the weekends.
- Afro Joe’s in Beverly is known for their great coffee but the matcha lemonade, Arnold Palmer, and their caramel apple cider are all equally impressive! City Cast Chicago pick ☕
Best Music
- Indie, 80's, alt-rock, you name it, Wormhole in Wicker Park has got it. Kopach says the playlists are always fantastic, especially when paired with a Koopa-Troopa.
Best Bites
- Take your taste buds to Brazil with pao de queijo, or cheese bread, at PiniPico in Old Town.
- Tasa Coffee Roasters in Humboldt Park has empanadas that are *chef’s kiss.*
- In the mood for a breakfast sandwich? Try Mano Modern in West Town or Doma in River North.
- Bocadillo Market in Lincoln Park has an almond pie that you’re not going to want to miss.
- Sweet Bean in South Loop has some of the best pastries in the city! City Cast Chicago pick ☕
City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro contributed to this list.
Correction: Cuppa Chicago is the name of Kopach's account documenting her coffee shop journey across the city. Hey Chicago got the name wrong — guess we need more caffeine, huh?
