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Best of Chicago

Cookies and chai

A proper chai deserves a cookie that actually holds its own against the spice.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated April 2026
01
Prequel Cafe image 1
Prequel Cafe image 2
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Coffee shop

Coffee shop offers modern decor with minimalist warmth through concrete floors and soft lighting. Atmosphere stays calm and inviting, suited for work, reading, or quiet talks. Regulars enjoy house-made baked goods like bagels and unique breakfast sandwiches.

Chai lattes use real tea and come with perfectly spiced flavors. The chai stands out for its balanced spices and authentic taste.

Peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies stand out alongside double chocolate chunk options. Cookies pair well with drinks like vanilla latte and London fog.

People are saying

"The coffee here has a great, cozy vibe."

"I thought the chocolate chip cookie was the best I had."

"I enjoyed the best chai, it was perfectly spiced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but ordering ahead is recommended due to busy times.

2

The cafe does not accept cash; only credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

3

There is limited seating available, so be prepared for a wait during peak hours.

02
Boba Heaven image 1
Bubble tea store

Cute shop with cozy seating and soft lighting creates a welcoming, bright atmosphere. Frequent contests add a fun, engaging element. Known for amazing pancakes and carefully crafted drinks, it offers a relaxed spot perfect for casual visits.

Vanilla chai stands out with its smooth flavor and rich aroma. The milk tea version blends sweetness and spice well, making it a solid choice for chai lovers.

Warm cookies come out fresh and taste delicious. Reese's cookies stand out alongside other great options.

People are saying

"The pancakes here are amazing and filled with flavor."

"The warm cookie was delicious."

"I found the vanilla Chai bubble tea great."

Good to know

1

Boba Heaven offers a variety of drinks and small bites, including pancakes.

2

Boba is an extra $0.50 added to drinks.

3

The prices at Boba Heaven are very affordable.

03
Wake N Bakery Wicker Park image 1

Big open space with colorful decor and cool art creates a chill vibe. Tables feature board games like UNO and Jenga, encouraging relaxed socializing. Music plays softly, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.

Chai here comes with THC infusion, like the Mary Jane Chai and rishi chai with 10MG THC. Options include vegan chai drinks and unique flavors like gingerbread chai and passion verde tea.

Chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies stand out for their flavor. The vegan peanut butter cookie earns high praise for taste. Brownies and oatmeal cream cookies deliver strong, expected flavors.

People are saying

"I tried the infused lemonade and it tasted great."

"I thought the peanut butter cookie was exceptionally good."

"The Mary Jane Chai with THC definitely got me high."

Good to know

1

The Valentine's Day sip and paint event is popular, so arrive early.

2

Today features a buy 1 get 1 free offer on select items.

3

They do not accept tap-to-pay options like Apple Pay.

04
Sawada Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Large coffee shop with expansive indoor and outdoor space shares seating with a bar and restaurant, creating a unique, hip atmosphere. The vibe stays chill and peaceful, suited for relaxing or working with fast WiFi and plenty of outlets. Decor includes boxing ring elements and wood-metal interiors, adding to its distinct style.

Chai here features a nice blend of sweetness and spices that stands out. Options include dirty chai and iced chai, often enjoyed with oatmilk or macadamia nut milk for added flavor.

Cookies come thick and chewy with a perfect edge-to-center ratio. The crackle cookie stands out with a crisp outside and soft inside, balancing sweetness well. Peanut butter cookies are also flavorful and delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was amazing and super flavorful."

"I highly recommend the chai latte, especially with macadamia nut milk."

"You have to try their cookies; they're thick, chewy, and perfectly baked."

Good to know

1

Sawada Coffee offers macadamia nut milk as an alternative milk option.

2

The order ahead option allows customers to skip the long line.

3

Sawada Coffee shares a space with a BBQ joint.

05
Loaves & Witches image 1
Coffee shop

Space blends witchy cozy magic with eccentric styling and light macabre touches, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Comfortable seating includes outdoor options, with tarot decks and card activities available on tables. Energy feels positive and lively, attracting a community-oriented crowd.

Milk masala chai comes out perfectly creamy and spicy. The chai latte also tastes great.

Chocolate chip cookies have a strong flavor and the lemon cookie is soft with a simple taste.

People are saying

"The coffee here is delicious, well-balanced, and made with quality beans."

"The lemon cookie was divine and soft."

"The chai latte was great and creamy."

Good to know

1

They host community events regularly, including artsy and inclusive gatherings.

2

A knitting group and succulent planting event are examples of their unique activities.

3

Seating can be limited during busy times, especially on weekends.

06
Verzรชnay Chicago image 1

French patisserie cafe offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere with beautiful decor and artistic dessert designs. Light and airy space features lovely piano music and a small sitting area suited for casual meetups or relaxed business conversations. Seating is limited but the ambiance remains pleasant and inviting.

Freshly prepared chai blends use whole spices for a well-balanced flavor and superb texture. Options like the Pink Kashmiri Chai and Parisian Rain Tea Latte stand out, with iced chai offering a lighter spice profile but still good taste.

Shortbread cookies stand out with a pecan flavor and a homemade texture. Rugelach and chocolate chip cookies also feature, with the latter offering a perfect texture and a truly homemade taste.

People are saying

"The pastries here are so flaky and delicious."

"I loved their homemade chocolate chip cookies with perfect texture."

"The iced chai was really good."

Good to know

1

Private tea events can be arranged for small groups or pairs.

2

Expect long queues on weekends, especially during brunch hours.

3

All food options are 100% halal, catering to dietary preferences.

07
Loaf Lounge image 1

Bright space combines classic bakery charm with a cute, trendy decor. Atmosphere shifts from laid-back and welcoming during weekdays to buzzing and crowded around late mornings. Seating options include comfortable tables and counters, with a small pleasant patio.

Apple pie chai stands out with its distinct flavor and is consistently delicious. The Dirty Chai lacks richness and feels watered down compared to a proper chai.

Chocolate chip cookies come loaded with extra chocolate chips and are served warm. The oatmeal cream cookie pie offers a chewy, crispy, and soft texture with rich flavor, while the chocolate crinkle cookie blends brownie-like richness with varied textures.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast sandwiches were the best I ever had."

"The oatmeal cream cookie pie is unreal, the best I've ever had."

"I enjoyed the chai here; it was great."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of about 30 minutes during busy times.

2

There is a free parking lot adjacent to the location, with metered street parking available.

3

A 4% service charge is added to all bills without prior notice.

08
The Bakehouse Chicago image 1

Space blends modern aesthetics with cozy decor and natural light, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Rock and roll music adds a lively vibe while plants enhance the inviting feel. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options with plenty of outlets, making it suitable for work or relaxation.

Chai comes as a tea latte that balances flavor well and costs fairly. It stands out as a best option among drinks here, with a decent overall taste.

Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies stand out here with an incredible taste. Other cookie varieties tend to be mediocre to disappointing.

People are saying

"I found their coffee to be the best I had."

"This spot is my go-to for coffee and breakfast."

"I thought the chai latte was the best."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers vegan and gluten-free options for dietary preferences.

2

Expect prices around $8 for a bagel with cream cheese.

3

The cafe has ample seating with plenty of outlets for working.

09
Del Sur Bakery image 1

Small, beautifully curated bakery with cozy ambiance and thoughtful floral arrangements. Offers unique Filipino-inspired pastries alongside coffee, teas, and specialty items. Lines form early due to highly sought-after, photogenic treats and a warm, inviting vibe.

Housemade chai stands out with its in-house preparation rather than premade mixes. The chai latte pairs well with unique pastries like the Chai roll and Kalua Pork croissant.

Ube oatmeal cookies offer a unique flavor with a perfect texture and balanced saltiness. The Ube Oatmeal cream pie evokes nostalgic childhood snacks but with an elevated twist.

People are saying

"The pastries here are so creative and delicious."

"The Ube oatmeal cookie is delicious and has a perfect texture."

"The chai here is surprisingly delicious and creative."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially on weekends.

2

There is no seating available; all orders are to go.

3

Pastries are priced around $10 each, with some items costing over $8.

10
Hexe Coffee Co. image 1

Cafe offers an understated, alternative vibe with spooky decor and a cozy atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio with water bowls, attracting families and pet owners. Cocktails and coffee share equal appeal, complementing flavorful pastries and savory baked goods.

Dirty chai lattes blend bitter, spice, and a hint of sweetness without being overly sweet. Chai appears alongside other drinks like cold brew and matcha, showing a variety of tea options.

Vegan walnut chocolate chip and tahini cookies stand out with unique flavors. Jumbo cookies like the giant chocolate chip come dry and crumbly but still appeal to many.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be great."

"The coffee and baked goods here are fantastic."

"I got a great dirty chai with a perfect blend of spice and sweetness."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3-6pm with great beer choices.

2

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

3

Live music events occur regularly on the outdoor patio.

11
Sarima Cafe image 1

Modern cafรฉ with comfortable seating and natural light offers a cozy atmosphere despite occasional loud music and noise. Small benches outside provide extra seating options. Unique and diverse pastries add to the inviting vibe.

Chai latte stands out with rich, unmatched flavor. Variations like the cardamom caramel latte and dirty chai offer bold, distinct tastes.

Ube cookie stands out with a rich, flavorful profile and a crispy outside. Other notable treats include the cashew cookie with a delicious filling and the turon cookie, all balanced and not too sweet.

People are saying

"The pastries here are amazing with unique, rich flavors."

"The ube cookie is soft, delicious, and worth the hype."

"I enjoyed the flavorful chai latte."

Good to know

1

They donโ€™t accept cash; only card payments are accepted.

2

The line can be long on weekends, so arrive early.

3

They offer a variety of halal options on the menu.

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