Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Chicago

Interesting espresso spots

A quick espresso in a space that defies expectations makes for a memorable break.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Dayglow image 1
Dayglow image 2
Dayglow image 3
View all
Coffee shop

Minimalist coffee shop offers spacious seating and creative coffee cocktails with a dog-friendly environment. Quiet and welcoming atmosphere suits working or relaxing, complemented by an attached small art gallery. Good music plays consistently, enhancing the calm vibe.

Espresso here stands out for its high quality shots and excellent pour-over options. Presentation is neat, and the coffee avoids the common issue of being burnt, though some shots can taste watery.

Unique cold craft drinks and Ghibli-inspired lattes stand out here. The menu shows creative coffee experiences with options like coconut crushed coffee and an interesting space vibe.

People are saying

"The coffee here is excellent, clean, and well made."

"The drinks here are really interesting and unique."

"I had some of the best espresso and pour-over here."

Good to know

1

Dayglow offers a rotating selection of hard-to-find international roasters for pour overs.

2

There are no sugar or stirrers available, so bring your own if needed.

3

The barista closed the coffee shop 20 minutes early, so check hours before visiting.

02
City Skyline Chicago - Coffee Lounge image 1

Coffee lounge features aviation-themed decor with real plane seats, cockpit dashboards, and airplane parts used as furniture. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, suitable for reading, working, or chatting quietly. Space welcomes dogs and offers varied seating with some plugs for charging devices.

Espresso delivers fantastic flavor with a tasty, rich profile that evokes a European coffee experience.

Interior design mimics the inside of an airplane, creating a fun and interesting atmosphere. Coffee options are well-crafted and varied, adding to the overall relaxed vibe.

People are saying

"This cafe's aviation theme and decor are super unique and cute."

"The airline-style decor makes this place really interesting."

"The airplane-themed decor here is super different and spectacular."

Good to know

1

The lounge is open until 6 PM daily.

2

Parking is limited in the area.

3

The coffee shop is dog-friendly.

03
TARY image 1
Cafe

Cozy, minimal cafรฉ with authentic Kazakh decor and subtle cultural elements creates a calm, pleasant atmosphere. Plenty of seating and strong WiFi support work or socializing, while unique Central Asian pastries and dishes offer a distinct culinary experience.

Espresso comes out proper and strong with a bright, layered flavor. Milk-based drinks like lattes and mochas hold up well alongside straight shots, all tasting fantastic.

Unique cuisine and organic snacks stand out here. The coffee with wheat grains and interesting decor add to the overall experience.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was super good."

"You'll find interesting, tasty snacks and organic drinks here."

"I found the espresso to be proper and strong."

Good to know

1

Parking is reserved for commercial vehicles only, leading to potential tickets.

2

TARY serves unique Central Asian pastries and drinks not found elsewhere.

3

The cafe gets packed, making tables hard to get at times.

04
Side Practice Coffee image 1

Small coffee shop offers a cozy atmosphere with thoughtful interior design resembling a living room. It features local art displays and hosts creative pop-ups, creating a community-focused vibe. Seating is comfortable but limited, encouraging slow, relaxed visits.

Espresso here is consistently well prepared and smooth. It stands out as excellently dialed in compared to many others nearby.

Specialty drinks include Filipino options like ube matcha and lemon croissant lattes. Pastries feature unique twists such as ube or passion fruit fillings. The menu offers seasonal selections with interesting flavors.

People are saying

"The coffee here is delicious, especially the ube and pandan vanilla lattes."

"The espresso here is fantastic and always dialed in excellently."

"Their specialty drinks are really interesting, especially the ube matcha."

Good to know

1

The cafe closes at 5 pm, limiting visits for those with late schedules.

2

Seating can be limited, especially during pop-up events.

3

The coffee prices are considered high compared to other cafes.

05
The Wormhole Coffee image 1

Coffee shop with nostalgic 80s theme and Star Wars memorabilia creates a unique, nerdy vibe. Spacious seating supports teleworking and socializing, while retro games and a DeLorean car add distinctive charm. Atmosphere feels lively and cool, attracting steady crowds throughout the day.

Espresso here is rich and smooth with great single origin options. The double espresso comes close to perfect and the house beans offer a solid choice.

Staff serve an interesting menu with specialty drinks like the Koopa Troopa latte featuring a peanut butter-chocolate flavor. The place also offers interesting art and music, plus seasonal snack and drink options.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was the best I'd ever had."

"It's interesting inside with all the 80s memorabilia and a DeLorean."

"I had the best espresso Iโ€™ve had in Chicago."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash as a form of payment.

2

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends and busy hours.

3

Finding parking nearby can be very difficult.

06
Loba Pastry + Coffee image 1

Scandinavian-inspired space offers cozy, minimalist vibes with handmade ceramics and a large window into the pastry kitchen. Atmosphere stays friendly and social, often busy and packed, without laptop use or wifi. Pastries are inventive and high-quality, drawing attention for unique flavors and fresh preparation.

Espresso here features a European-style approach with a small, high-quality menu. The cortado stands out, though some espressos taste a bit overdone.

Pastries showcase interesting flavors and use ingredients not typical in baked goods. Drinks and treats offer culturally diverse twists on classic patisserie.

People are saying

"I thought the pastries here were the best on the planet."

"You have to try the black mole croissant; it's pastry perfection."

"The staff made great espresso drinks."

Good to know

1

The cafe opens at 8am, but be prepared for limited seating.

2

They only accept card payments; no cash is accepted.

3

Expect a line during busy times, especially on weekends.

07
Oro Chocolate & Coffee image 1

Chocolate made in-house and rocking chairs create a unique coffee shop experience. The space features beautiful decor and ample seating with a quiet, cozy atmosphere. A self-serve sparkling water tap adds a practical touch to the inviting vibe.

Espresso here has a bright, citrusy profile that highlights its single origin. Shots come out smooth and flavorful, standing out from typical offerings.

Golden milk drinking chocolate tastes super rich with an interesting flavor. Decor includes colorful rocking chairs and warm lighting that stands out.

People are saying

"The chocolate here is creamy with a prominent flavor."

"I thought the matcha was incredible, one of the best I'd ever tried."

"The espresso here is on another level, really smooth."

Good to know

1

Prices are not listed on the menu, which can be confusing for customers.

2

Iced coffee costs almost $8, which some may find expensive.

3

The place is clean and well maintained, providing a pleasant atmosphere.

08
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.

Espresso here features a darker roast perfection with a quality-focused selection of beans. Drinks balance well with additions like vanilla syrup, enhancing the espresso's rich taste.

Unique coffee blends mix tea infusions like houjicha and matcha with coffee beans. The Black Camo Latte stands out as a distinctive combo. The interior features a very unique vibe and decor.

People are saying

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

"The coffee and tea combos here are really interesting."

"The espresso here always tastes great."

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.

09
Nutella Cafe Chicago image 1

Nutella-themed decor creates a bright and inviting space with personalized Nutella jars as a unique feature. The cafe feels cramped and crowded, with small tables placed very close together, often leading to a noisy atmosphere. Outdoor patio seating offers an alternative to the tight indoor space.

Glossy crema tops the espresso, showing precise control of pressure and temperature by the barista. The gourmet espresso tastes rich and well-crafted, standing out among typical offerings.

Customized Nutella jars with your name stand out as a unique feature. The menu offers interesting desserts featuring Nutella that you don't see elsewhere.

People are saying

"You have to try the Nutella Crepe with bananas; it's very tasty."

"The espresso had a glossy crema and notes of dark chocolate."

"It's interesting how they customize your Nutella jar with your name."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak hours.

2

The cafe opens at 8 am daily.

3

You can personalize your Nutella with your name for a unique souvenir.

Discover more

Chicago, Illinois

Area guide
Loading Map...