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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of River North

Cafes

A quiet corner to sit with a drink.

Based on 505 Opinions
+502
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Updated April 2026
01
TARY image 1
TARY image 2
TARY image 3
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Cafe

Cozy cafรฉ with authentic Kazakh decor offers organic halal food and unique coffee. Strong WiFi and plenty of seating make it great for work or socializing. Enjoy Central Asian pastries in a calm, pleasant atmosphere.

Offers organic halal food alongside coffee. Serves as the first Kazakhstani coffee shop in the U.S. Known for its unique coffee and inviting atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was super good."

"You have to try the unique Kazakh food here; it's so authentic."

"The cafe's coffee and food are fresh and delicious."

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.

02
Mojo Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop inside a Mies van der Rohe building offers expertly crafted coffee with mid-century modern furnishings. High ceilings and large windows create a quiet atmosphere with city views. Perfect for both coffee lovers and casual visitors.

Coffee comes with mid-century modern furnishings in a lobby designed by Mies van der Rohe. The shop serves good coffee with a fitting architectural backdrop.

People are saying

"The coffee here is delicious and tasted excellent."

"I found the latte here to be bold and visually appealing."

"I found the coffee at this cafe to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The pricing at Mojo Coffee is excellent, with $10 for a latte and pastry.

2

Mojo Coffee has no restroom available for customers.

3

There was limited seating within the lobby itself.

03
Sinya Mediterranean image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant shines with airy interior and soft lighting for a calm vibe. Late closing time suits evening cafe visits. Enjoy fresh halal food and desserts in a cute setting that blends casual and upscale.

Offers a late closing time for a cafe, making it convenient for evening visits. Combines a coffee shop vibe with fresh, authentic halal food and desserts in a beautiful, cute setting.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is fresh, flavorful, and authentically delicious."

"The hummus here is perfectly smooth and memorable."

"The cafe's lattes and pastries were so good."

Good to know

1

Knafeh is only available at the River North location from 4 PM to 10 PM.

2

The place is legit zabiha halal.

3

They give free hummus and salad with each order.

04
Caffe Umbria image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop offers cozy seating and friendly service with a truly Italian vibe. Enjoy standout espresso like Americano and Flat White while using free wifi and outlets for work or meetings. Relax with music and a water station in a welcoming space.

Coffee here matches European cafe quality with standout brewed coffee and espresso. The Americano and Flat White rank among the best, paired with cozy seating and insightful staff.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be really great and tasty."

"It's a cozy spot with friendly service and great coffee."

"I found the coffee here to be great and high-quality."

Good to know

1

The shop is small, and seating is very limited.

2

Expect a line during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

They have a Friday special that offers a free drink with bean purchase.

05
Philz Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop blends a laid-back atmosphere with personalized menu guidance for a unique cafe experience. Spacious, with an adorable mural and outdoor seating, it invites calm and focus. Free water adds to its welcoming vibe.

Offers a relaxing and no-pressure atmosphere with minimal coffee odor, making it easy to focus. Staff provide personalized menu guidance and the variety goes beyond typical coffee shops.

People are saying

"I loved the coffee here; it was always fresh and customized."

"Their drinks are so unique and creamy, I forgot what I ordered."

"The cafe's mocha is perfect, light on the sugar."

Good to know

1

Philz Coffee only offers pour over coffee and does not serve espresso-based drinks.

2

Expect to pay around $7 for a medium drink.

3

The store has a confusing how-to-order chart that differs from their actual ordering process.

06
Around The World Coffee image 1

Bright, modern cafe offers gorgeous seating and a true coffee adventure with global blends. Cozy spots invite both work and relaxation, blending warmth with chic design. Smoothie bar adds a unique flavor to the lively yet intimate atmosphere.

Bright, gorgeous seating creates a welcoming vibe. Coffee options go beyond the usual, offering a true coffee adventure for enthusiasts.

People are saying

"The coffee here is amazing, rich, and smooth."

"Their dairy-free options, like the vegan chicken, are amazing."

"This cafe offers an amazing coffee experience, truly the best I've had."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.

2

Expect potential delays as the shop may not open on time.

3

The coffee shop features a cozy atmosphere suitable for meetings.

07
L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates image 1

Chocolate shop blends French cafe-style decor with a cozy atmosphere perfect for relaxing. Enjoy handcrafted chocolates alongside a solid americano in a charming setting with a beautiful garden patio.

Cozy and intimate, the cafe offers a charming atmosphere with great dessert selections and drinks. The americano stands out as a solid choice despite it not being a dedicated coffee shop.

People are saying

"This hot chocolate is thick, rich, and perfectly sweet."

"It's a cozy, charming place to linger with friends."

"Their cafe's hot chocolate is thick, creamy, and amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait for hot chocolate during peak hours.

2

They only serve drinks in to-go cups due to a broken dishwasher.

3

The tea and coffee are priced at $5 each.

08
Blue Bottle Coffee image 1

Enjoy amazing city views and a calm atmosphere at this coffee shop. Sip on exceptional cafe lattes while relaxing on the beautiful terrace overlooking the Chicago River. Perfect for those who value quality coffee and a cozy, modern setting.

Modern and minimalist design creates a visually pleasing cafe with amazing views of the Chicago River. The coffee is high-quality and aromatic, with a cafe latte noted as exceptional and avocado toast available for $10.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good."

"You get a gorgeous city view from the windows."

"I found the coffee here to be truly high-quality and aromatic."

Good to know

1

Brunch is offered on weekends, but check availability.

2

Expect to pay over $8 for a latte.

3

Parking is very difficult, so plan ahead.

09
Peet's Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop serves fresh Peetโ€™s coffee and offers hibiscus ice tea at great prices. Cozy indoor and shaded patio seating by the river create a quiet, pleasant vibe. Fast internet and ample space make it ideal for remote work or breaks.

Offers fresh Peetโ€™s coffee and hibiscus ice tea at about half the price of other spots. The cafe has a cozy atmosphere with nice outdoor seating by the river.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good."

"The outdoor seating here is very pretty and nice."

"The coffee at this cafe is really good."

Good to know

1

The takeout process is easy and quick.

2

Expect a long queue for the single restroom in the cafe.

3

The cafe is busy, especially on Saturday afternoons.

10
Ralph's Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Museum-like interior and vintage-style decor create an elegant atmosphere. Cozy spot offers affordable drinks in a stylish setting. Space feels posh but crowded, making it a unique coffee shop experience.

Cozy spot with affordable drinks inside a stylish store. The cafe offers a pleasant atmosphere worth waiting for.

People are saying

"The coffee here is smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced."

"It's a super cozy and stylish place."

"I found the cafe to be beautiful and very cute."

Good to know

1

They only accept card payments; cash is not accepted.

2

Reservations are highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

Expect a 10โ€“20 minute wait to enter during busy hours.

11
Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea image 1

Cozy cafe offers ample seating with outlets for work and a local coffee vibe. Food matches drink quality, perfect for relaxing or working. Outdoor spots add charm despite sometimes loud music.

Small but charming spot with a local coffee shop vibe and a solid selection of coffees. Ample seating suits computer work, and the food matches the quality of the drinks.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great coffee and its strong flavor."

"It's a great spot for getting work done."

"This cafe has so much room, it's great for working."

Good to know

1

A latte costs around $7, which is on the expensive side.

2

The coffee shop has limited outlets for charging devices.

3

The outdoor seating area may not be well maintained.

12
Nordstrom Ebar Artisan Coffee image 1

Lots of seating creates a spacious setting for casual dining. Rich Cafe Au Lait pairs well with hearty options like the Smoked Bacon Biscuit. Service can be hit or miss, but menu items also cater to kids.

Service varies from friendly and attentive to terrible on different visits. The Cafe Au Lait stands out as rich and flavorful, especially in the Medium Blend with 2% milk and added sugars.

People are saying

"The Cafe's service feels like family, with attentive and professional staff."

"William's spirit is bright and he gives phenomenal service."

Good to know

1

Chive Cream Cheese is included with the Jalapeno Bagel at no extra cost.

13
Happy Monday Coffee - River North image 1

Spacious lobby and garden-themed room offer a chill vibe for studying or working. Service is slow with long wait times and poor staff interactions. Dogs are welcome, adding to the cozy atmosphere despite some worn furniture.

Service at this cafe shows long wait times and drinks often are not ready for pickup as expected. Staff interactions reflect poor customer service.

People are saying

"The ube latte tasted like real ube and was surprisingly flavorful."

"This spot is quiet and spacious, making it great for work."

"The Cafe's coffee was amazing."

Good to know

1

Dogs are allowed at the coffee shop.

2

The coffee shop is located in the lobby of an apartment building.

3

There are plenty of seats inside the coffee shop.

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River North, Chicago

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