I don’t know about you, but something tells me I’m going to need more caffeine than usual to get through this week. Either that or an IV of wine. But it’s Monday morning so we’ll start with the non-alcoholic beverages and adjust accordingly. 😆 With that in mind, I rounded up a few of the best local coffee shops in Chicago to help you kickstart your day or indulge in an afternoon pick-me-up.

As someone who loves the experience of sharing a meal or drink out with the people I love, I want to support my local spots as much as possible right now knowing their operations are taking a serious hit from Covid and the restrictions that have been implemented for the service industry. That means not spending my money at places like Starbucks or Dunkin.

The below list is nowhere near cumulative, so i’d love it if you share your recs down in the comments!

The Best Local Coffee Shops in Chicago

Ground Up Coffee

The “Not a Pumpkin Spice Latte” from Ground Up Coffee was my first #PSL ever and wow, so freaking good. It’s made without all the fake stuff like the oThErS~* do. I like mine with oat milk, but they’ve got all the usual milk options. I’ve got my eye on their apple fritter for the next time I pop by!

Edie’s Café

Edie’s Café is a newish spot in River North and they make a really great latte. Perfect for sipping under the heaters on their patio on a crisp morning! I’ve also been for dinner a few times this fall and have nothing but great things to say about their menu options.

Beatrix

The Honey and Cinnamon Latte from Beatrix is such a delight. I always love perusing their case of baked goods while i wait. I’ve been saying I’m going to try their Honey Butter Cinnamon Roll forever now. And I’m never not thinking of an excuse to pick up their Oh my! Caramel Pie. It is to. die. for. They’re also part of Lettuce Entertain You! If you haven’t signed up, it’s a free rewards program and home to some of the best restaurants in Chicago. You can get $10 just for joining and use it to pick up something sweet for yourself!

La Colombe

On days i’m not in need of something to warm me up, I always crave an Oat Milk Black and Tan from La Colombe. It’s a mix of their Oat Milk Draft Latte and their signature Pure Black on draft. I like to order mine more black! Their ham and cheese croissant is a perfect pairing, just saying.

Foxtrot

Foxtrot’s Pumpkin Spiced Latte is next level with the pumpkin pie sauce, cookie butter whipped cream, and a sprinkling of crushed graham cracker. I’m not usually one that loves super sugary drinks, but holy yum. There’s no rule that says we can’t drink our dessert. They also have one the best cold brews i’ve ever tasted and several of their draft lattes are bottled and available for delivery now! Right this way for $10 off your first order.

If you’re not in Chicago or are whipping something up at home, I love adding Oatly (barista edition is my favorite) and cinnamon to both to my hot coffee for a little something extra – sort of like an adult hot chocolate!

If you end up trying one of these spots, i’d love for you to share and tag us on Instagram so I can repost and/or send this post to a friend! Nothing makes me happier than when you find something you love through my recommendations. 🙂

Where’s your favorite local coffee shop in the city and what’s your order?! Devoting the coming weeks to trying a few new-to-me places. ☕️