Most mornings, I wake up and briefly fantasize about the idea of coffee delivery: a piping-hot cup of Intelligentsia or La Colombe at my doorstep. This delusion is usually interrupted by the reality that I’m not a lazy P.O.S. nor did I win the Powerball. If I must venture out for my caffeine fix, I look for cozy hole-in-the-wall joints where I can curl up all day. Fresh pastries, sprawling communal tables and fireplaces are all major bonus points in my book. Here are the tried-and-true gems I’ve found around Chicago.
Sawada Coffee (112 N. Green St. 312-754-0431): Tucked inside Green Street Smoked Meats, Sawada is the highly caffeinated brainchild of Chicago restaurateur Brendan Sodikoff (Au Cheval, Maude’s Liquor Bar and more) and Japanese latte artist Hiroshi Sawada. You’ll want to plan several trips to sample a variety of lattes, Doughnut Vault goodies and boozy steamers. And because Sawada is perched on bustling Green Street, it’s an ideal place to people-watch the day away.
Lovely: A Bake Shop (1130 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-572-4766): Pastries are the main attraction at Lovely, but a robust coffee menu (macchiato, latte, mocha and more) will hold your attention. Saddle up at the gorgeous, vintage-inspired bar and hang out all day. Bonus points: There’s a huge lunch menu that will help you transition from breakfast to lunch faster than you can say B.L.T.
C.C. Ferns (2806 W. Augusta Blvd. 773-384-2547): Rustic cabin meets bohemian hideout at this Humboldt Park coffee shop. The abbreviated menu boasts macchiatos, lattes, iced coffee, boozy steamers and Doughnut Vault treats—everything you need for winter hibernation. A collection of mismatched tables and chairs (complete with random reading material) gives the room that loungy, worn-in feel that you crave on the weekend.
Heritage Outpost (1325 W. Wilson Ave. 872-806-0639): Though some would argue that Heritage’s bigger Lakeview location (2959 N. Lincoln Ave.) is the cutest coffee shop there ever was, I’m going to make a case for their Uptown counterpart. The minimalist design, friendly service and intimate, sun-drenched lounge make it destination-worthy. Pro tip: Head to neighboring bakery Baker & Nosh (1303 W. Wilson Ave.) for brunch after you get your caffeine fix.
Cafe Integral (19 E. Ohio St. 312-940-3699): Step inside the Freehand Chicago, turn to your left and behold the coffee bar from your Pinterest dreams. If you prefer to drink your calories, there are tons of sippable options, from flat white to hot chocolate and cold brew to lavender lemonade. Hungry visitors will be pleased with the curated breakfast menu, which includes porridge with cognac-soaked raisins, a market frittata and smoked whitefish on toast with lemon preserves. Grab a seat on a comfy couch or get to work at the communal table.
Eva’s Cafe (1447 N. Sedgwick St. 312-280-8900): Deep armchairs, a warm fireplace, brick floors and a menu that can take you from breakfast to lunch are just a few of the built-in perks at this Old Town coffee shop that’s located just steps from the Sedgwick Brown Line stop. If you must work over the weekend, Eva’s is the place to do it. Get there early if you want a shot at nabbing a table.
@morgancolsen | mcolsen@redeyechicago.com
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