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New Yorkers 1st Choice
West Town's best

Espresso spots

A quick shot of espresso is the only thing that can jumpstart a sluggish morning.

Based on 555 Opinions
+552
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Updated May 2026
01
Candor image 1
Candor image 2
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Coffee shop

Minimalist space with large bay window and back patio creates a bright, Scandinavian vibe. Espresso is rich and balanced with cherry and smoke notes. Friendly, intimate atmosphere welcomes regulars and dogs, though loud music can disrupt calm moments.

Espresso here is exceptional with a perfect grind that avoids bitterness. It carries hints of cherry and smoke for a balanced, rich flavor.

People are saying

"The coffee and pastries at this cafe are a perfect 10 out of 10."

"The coffee staff here are so friendly and engaging."

"I thought the espresso was exceptional and not bitter."

Good to know

1

Dogs are welcome at the coffee shop.

2

Expect wait times of over 20 minutes for anything other than drip coffee.

3

The shop has a small seating area with about 6 tables and 12 seats.

02
Dark Matter Coffee - Star Lounge Coffee Bar image 1

Eclectic cafรฉ blends futuristic flair with bold art and loud music. Espresso is strong and floral, including a barrel-aged option. Lounge and patio with murals offer spots for chatting, but noise limits quiet work despite free WiFi and a wireless printer.

Espresso here is well dialed in and very strong with a barrel-aged option available. Drinks often feature subtle floral notes and a sharp, clean taste.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the rich, flavorful coffee and unique specialty drinks."

"The art and eclectic decor here create a really moody, creative vibe."

"The baristas here are absolute gems."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop is open until 9pm, which is rare in Chicago.

2

Expect limited food options as pastries often sell out early.

3

Seating can be challenging due to laptop users occupying tables.

03
Letizia's Natural Bakery image 1

Rustic bakery offers a calm, quiet atmosphere with wood-heavy interior and garden patios. Espresso is perfectly brewed with a strong, clean flavor and pairs well with baked goods. Cozy Italian vibe makes it ideal for breakfast or reading.

Espresso comes out perfectly brewed with a strong, clean flavor. The option for a triple espresso packs a solid punch, pairing well with baked goods like the lemon poppy muffin.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the excellent coffee here."

"It's a cozy bakery with a charming, rustic vibe."

"The espresso here is perfect."

Good to know

1

The patio is open from spring through early fall.

2

Street parking is convenient when available.

3

There is ample seating available for customers.

04
Engine Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Exposed brick and wooden accents create a quietly modern vibe. Skilled baristas serve well-balanced espresso with rich crema. Soft lighting and cozy nooks make it perfect for work or relaxing to easy-listening funk.

Espresso features a well-balanced, sweet flavor with a beautiful crema that holds well. Quality beans, skilled baristas, and good machines create consistently good espresso drinks.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be great and consistent."

"It's a cozy, chill spot perfect for getting work done."

"The espresso here has an amazing flavor profile."

Good to know

1

Arrive early for food options, especially if visiting after 1 PM.

2

The coffee shop opens early on weekends for early risers.

3

Wi-Fi is available but can be unstable during busy hours.

05
Prequel Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop blends modern decor with a calm vibe, perfect for work or quiet talks. Espresso delivers a balanced punch with soft crema, pairing well with house-made bagels and unique breakfast sandwiches. Soft lighting adds to the inviting atmosphere.

Espresso offers a perfect balance in punch with a softly layered crema. Drinks consistently meet expectations and pair well with pastries.

People are saying

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

"The staff here makes breakfast feel so welcoming."

"I loved the espresso; it had a perfect balance and layered crema."

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.

06
Dark Matter Coffee - The Mothership image 1

Cafe offers high quality espresso with strong, balanced flavor. Space-themed decor and psychedelic vibes create a unique, laid-back energy. Indoor and outdoor seating provide cozy nooks and lively patios for varied atmospheres.

Espresso here stands out for its high quality and well-balanced flavor. Drinks are consistently strong and carefully crafted.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and flavorful."

"Their coffee has unique flavors like whiskey barrel-aged mocha."

"I considered their espresso to be some of the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Dark Matter Coffee closes at 6 PM, so arrive before 5:30 PM for a brew.

2

Expect limited food options; arrive early to avoid missing out on pastries.

3

There is no seating available inside, making it primarily a takeout spot.

07
The Wormhole Coffee image 1

Coffee shop blends nostalgic 80s theme with rich espresso and single origin beans. Spacious seating suits teleworking and socializing. Unique touches like Star Wars memorabilia and a DeLorean car create a lively, cool vibe.

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.

People are saying

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

"The retro vibe here is so cool, with a DeLorean and 80s movie posters."

"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.

08
Segnatore image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian spot boasts cozy decor with ethereal lighting and mismatched chairs. Hip hop tunes keep the vibe lively and friendly. Espresso lovers enjoy a strong affogato or quick coffee from a self-serve machine.

Espresso comes from a coffee machine guests can use freely, with options like a strong affogato for dessert. It's common to stop by for a quick espresso after meals nearby.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is cooked to perfection."

"I found the brunch here to be super good and delicious."

"The espresso here is insanely delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during lunch and dinner rush hours.

2

Happy hour runs until 7:00 PM with various drink options.

3

Brunch specials are available on weekends, offering great deals.

09
Big Shoulders Coffee image 1

Coffee shop offers large windows for a bright, airy feel and a cozy atmosphere with great music. Espresso comes in single shots and strong iced drinks, perfect with brunch like the burrito. Location suits quick stops or work near public transit and bike lanes.

Shots come in single servings and iced drinks hold four shots in a 20 oz size. Espresso pairs well with brunch items like the burrito.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing."

"The latte here is served with super lovely, friendly staff."

"I enjoyed the espresso and brunch burrito."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop is conveniently located next to the Blue Line station.

2

Iced drinks are only available in 20 oz. sizes with four shots of espresso.

3

Oat milk incurs an extra charge for vegan customers.

10
Beanokio Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Small space with natural light and bar seating offers a cozy vibe. Espresso shines with flavorful extraction and skilled latte art. Dog-friendly policy and chill music make it welcoming for all.

Espresso here stands out for its flavorful extraction and top-notch latte art. Baristas serve it with care, sometimes pouring espresso before milk even in iced lattes.

People are saying

"The coffee here is delicious in this cute, cozy spot."

"It's so cozy and inviting in here."

"The espresso here is some of the best and most flavorful I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Beanokio Cafe is open from 7 AM to 7 PM, but closes from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM for shopping, cooking, and baking.

2

Staff informed me that they will soon carry zabiha halal options.

3

Many alternative menu options were inclusive of dietary needs.

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