Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
River North's best

Coffee with Outdoor Seating

A coffee shop with outdoor seating that feels like a deliberate space to sit rather than a few chairs shoved on the pavement.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Peet's Coffee image 1
Peet's Coffee image 2
Peet's Coffee image 3
View all
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop offers indoor and outdoor seating with fast internet and plenty of space to work. Atmosphere stays cozy and quiet despite steady flow of people, making it suitable for breaks or remote work. Location near the river adds a pleasant outdoor vibe with shaded patio seating.

Coffee here is delicious and smooth, with options like Americano that keep their character. Staff provide friendly and fast service, and prices for drinks like cold brew are often lower than other shops.

The patio offers pretty outdoor seating with a nice vibe. Finding a chair can be tricky, but sitting outside is often wonderful.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good."

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

"I found the Matcha Latte to be really strong, in a good way."

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.

02
Blue Bottle Coffee image 1

Coffee shop offers calm, classy atmosphere with amazing city and river views. Seating includes indoor and outdoor options, featuring a beautiful terrace ideal for relaxing or people-watching. Space suits those seeking a high-quality coffee experience in a cozy, focused setting.

Coffee here stands out for its well-crafted quality and wonderful aroma. The cafe latte and other drinks like green tea and hot chocolate are consistently excellent and well prepared.

Outdoor seating offers a river view patio with access to the Riverwalk. The pleasant patio provides a great setting for sitting outside and enjoying the city views.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really good."

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

"The outdoor seating by the river offers a great view."

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.

03
Caffe Umbria image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop with cozy indoor and outdoor seating offers a truly Italian atmosphere and friendly service. Space includes free wifi and outlets, supporting work or casual meetings. Music and water station add to a relaxed, inviting vibe.

Coffee here features freshly roasted beans and authentic Italian style espresso served in ceramic cups. Drinks like the lavender latte offer strong, smooth flavors without bitterness or excessive acidity.

Tables outside offer a spot to sit and enjoy the day. The seating feels cozy with options both inside and out, making it easy to relax and read.

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."

"It's a small cafe with some nice outdoor seating."

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.

04
Happy Monday Coffee - River North image 1

Coffee shop occupies a spacious lobby with an adjacent garden-themed room and a closed-off garage patio. Atmosphere ranges from quiet and cozy to occasionally loud due to music or phone use, with a generally chill vibe suited for studying or working. Decor includes elegant touches but some worn furniture, and dogs are welcome.

Coffee here offers creative options like ube and lavender lattes that taste authentic. The oat milk latte with honey and cappuccinos come creamy and perfectly brewed, served in a spacious, quiet spot with a cozy vibe.

A closed-off garage patio opens into an alley, creating a unique outdoor space. The back patio offers an extra quiet area with couches, though some are stained and dirty.

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 outdoor seating here is surprisingly quiet, perfect for calls."

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.

05
Levain Bakery image 1

Bright, cozy bakery with a warm, inviting vibe and irresistible chocolate and brown sugar aroma. Small indoor space with limited seating and a few outdoor seats on a patio. Known for exceptional cookies that set a high standard for deliciousness.

Coffee here is smooth and balanced, pairing perfectly with baked goods. The cappuccino stands out as especially good, rivaling those found in France.

A small patio offers a few outdoor seats where people can enjoy their treats. Cookies can be eaten there or packed for takeout.

People are saying

"I thought these cookies were the best I had ever tried."

"I thought the coffee here was very good."

"The outdoor seating here is really small, with only a few chairs."

Good to know

1

Levain Bakery opened in the River North area in September 2023, between Kinzie and Hubbard Streets.

2

The cookie costs over $5 each, so plan your budget accordingly.

3

Levain Bakery only offers one vegan flavor for those with dietary restrictions.

06
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago image 1

Upscale hotel with a sophisticated design aesthetic and elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. Rooftop terrace and bar offer stunning views and a lively spot for cocktails and small bites. Central location attracts a bustling crowd, creating a vibrant energy throughout the day.

Fast service keeps coffee flowing with staff always ready to serve more. An AM coffee station sits by the bar, and a Keurig machine can be quickly provided. Complimentary LaVazza coffee is available in the mornings.

Outdoor spaces include a rooftop terrace with fire heaters for cooler weather and a bar terrace that offers a relaxing spot to unwind. Drinks and food served on the outdoor terrace are quite good.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were so kind and helpful."

"The coffee here is great, right near Michigan Avenue."

"The outdoor seating is a beautiful, relaxing spot with fire pits."

Good to know

1

Expect a Daily Destination Fee upon arrival, which may not be disclosed during booking.

2

Room service is unavailable after 10:30 PM, despite advertised hours until 11 PM.

3

The hotel is attached to the Shops at North Bridge for convenient shopping.

07
The Westin Chicago River North image 1

Rooms offer breathtaking river views and a sleek, modern vibe with warm colors and soothing scents. Lobby and bar areas feel air-conditioned cold with loud music, creating a lively atmosphere. Outdoor bar provides a great spot to see city lights at night.

Rooms include coffee makers and fridges, meeting standard amenities. The Executive Club offers coffee and tea stations alongside snacks, making it easy to relax.

Seating outside includes a patio overlooking the river and a bar area with views of the city lights at night. The outdoor spaces offer great views and good service.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were all very nice and helpful."

"The outdoor seating has amazing river views and city lights at night."

"The coffee view from the bar is worth a visit."

Good to know

1

Expect a $30 junk fee added to your bill automatically.

2

Breakfast buffet costs $40 after tax and tip.

3

Valet parking is available for convenience.

08
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop image 1

Two-story chocolate shop offers stunning river views and a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere. The space fills with lively energy and can get noisy and busy, especially with families around. Seating is limited and first-come, first-served, with an outdoor patio providing a more relaxed vibe.

Enjoy great espresso and caramel latte alongside views of Lake Michigan. Hot chocolate with salted caramel and quick coffee options make it a solid spot for coffee lovers.

A lovely outdoor patio offers a spot to enjoy sunny days and watch people. Seating mostly stays inside, but a few tables sit outside by the river walk for dessert or drinks.

People are saying

"Jameson's service made the chocolate experience feel personal and joyful."

"I enjoyed their coffee; it was very good."

"I loved sitting on the patio by the river walk."

Good to know

1

There's a special offer on 7/25 for a mini hot fudge sundae at $7.25.

2

Seating is first come, first serve and can be sparse during peak hours.

3

Finding a seat can be nearly impossible during busy times.

09
Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown image 1

Large building with a beautiful lobby and spacious, modern rooms featuring minibars and microwaves. Outdoor areas include a heated pool and a patio that offer relaxing spaces. Breakfast serves standard fare with popular waffles and gluten-free options in a large dining room.

Coffee is available all day and even 24/7 here. It comes alongside a free breakfast buffet with many options including waffles, eggs, and juices.

A beautiful outdoor patio sits next to the indoor pool with couches, tables, chairs, and umbrellas. The terrace offers a relaxing spot to unwind.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast was good and free."

"The coffee here is really good and central."

"The outdoor patio is beautiful and a great way to unwind."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $59 per day, and valet service is available.

2

Expect noise from the nearby fire station, especially at night.

3

The hotel does not have on-site parking; valet is the only option.

Discover more

River North, Chicago

Area guide
Loading Map...