Hey there, remember me? I know it’s been a while (8 months to be exact), but I’m back and excited to share what I have been up to with all of you!
Today’s post is all about exploring the lovely city of Chicago with a cup of coffee in hand! After living in Chicago for almost four years now, there’s nothing I love more than checking out new neighborhoods outside of where I live. If you remember my neighborhood beauty posts like this and this, I decided to do something similar with coffee shops around the city. While my journey to find the best hidden gems around Chicago continues, here’s a round-up of some of my current favorites from this past year.
Humboldt Park
C.C. Ferns: A very popular Humboldt Park spot right on Augusta and California, C.C. Ferns is the perfect spot to catch up on work or to catch up with friends! This cozy spot has one of the best macadamia & vanilla lattes I’ve ever had. When you’re finished getting your caffeine fix, just around the corner is the cutest home decor shop, Humboldt House. Major apartment inspiration and decor goals!
Lakeview
Heritage Bicycle Shop: One of my favorite coffee spots in the city got a Cubs makeover after the big World Series victory this summer. How perfect is this? The entire coffee shop (both inside and outside) is an Instagram opportunity if you ask me!
Left Coast Food + Juice: As I was working on this post, I came across an Eater post announcing that Left Coast is opening up a new location in Chicago’s River North area, and I couldn’t be more excited! Known for their avocado toast and Instagram-worthy location, Left Coast has really great coffee options. A personal favorite on the menu is their Mornin’ Buzz, the perfect combination of espresso, peanut butter, cacao and more!
Logan Square
Gaslight Coffee Roasters: A few weeks ago I was able to sneak away before the hustle and bustle on a Saturday to check out Gaslight Coffee Roasters, based on a recommendation from a friend. I loved this spot and the fun wall art surrounding the coffee shop! A cup of their chai was the perfect way to warm up on an extremely cold day!
Old Town
True story, @thenakedcanvas dropped her coffee literally right after this picture was taken!
Elaine’s Coffee Call: This adorable coffee shop is one of the MANY reasons why I love living in Old Town. One of my favorite Saturday routines this past summer was grabbing something to go from Elaine’s and walking through the Green City farmer’s market afterwards. Should you find yourself in the Old Town/Lincoln Park area in the fall, make sure you try their Pumpkin Butter Latte – you will officially say goodbye to your PSL obsession for good. Fun fact: Elaine’s was home to the Luke’s Diner pop-up shop to celebrate the Gilmore Girls series comeback this past year.
The Loop
Hero Coffee Bar: You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy coffee and that’s pretty close. You have to check this place out! Their iced drinks are so good that I still enjoyed this iced coffee in the freezing Chicago winter. With great tasting coffee, I tend to not factor in the outside temperatures!
Asado Coffee: Alley and coffee goals, anyone? Tucked away in the loop, this is truly a hidden gem!
Goddess & The Baker: The Lasalle and Wacker Goddess & The Baker is my absolute favorite and go-to coffee spot. They have the best cold brew, unique lattes and have some damn good avocado toast to go with it. Shout-out to the 8:00 a.m. crew Monday through Friday that get me through the work week always!
Uptown
Heritage Outpost: I LOVED this coffee shop! My friend Stephanie and I spent an entire day last weekend exploring Andersonville and shortly after getting our shopping fix, we were in need of some caffeine! We accidentally went to the other Heritage Outpost (on Wilson) before finding the one we originally planned on going to on Lawrence near the Aragon. The Heritage Outpost on Lawrence is in the same building as the cutest apartment complex in Uptown called The Lawrence House. What I loved most about this duo was that we could order our coffee and sit and enjoy it in the lobby of the building. Take a peek inside here! So perfect right? I plan on taking my laptop back there as soon as possible!
What are your favorite go-to coffee shops around the city? I’d love to check more neighborhoods off my list!