Our favorite coffee, food, + sights in Chicago, IL

Josiah and I lived in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago for about three years and this city still has a special place in our hearts. We’ve gone back quite a bit over the last 7 years since we moved, but because the city is ever changing I collaborated with my friend Alex who only recently moved from Chicago (after living there for 10 years), to create a list of all the top coffee, food, + sights we would recommend if you find yourself in the windy city. I hope you enjoy!

Coffee

Metric -  If you’re looking for really good, locally roasted coffee, this is the place. No indoor seating so not necessarily a destination in colder weather, but if the weather is in your favor, sitting in the patio with a coffee is one of my favorite ways to start a Saturday.

Dayglow - Located between the Logan Square and Humboldt Park neighborhoods, this shop is another great option for pour overs. They source from roasters all over the world and have 6-8 options available at a time.

Gaslight Coffee - A great shop to grab a drip coffee or latte and post up to get some work done.

Colectivo - There are a few locations around the city, but when I lived in Chicago,  their Logan Square locations was a place I frequented often! They have great coffee drinks, pastries, + sandwiches. Their branding is very playful and bold which I really appreciate. Their patio is large and perfect for people watching, working, or just getting together with a few friends.  It does get pretty busy on the weekend, but I find that if I’ve rarely struggled to find a spot to sit on weekdays.

Prequel Coffee - Adorably decorated and perfect for setting up and getting work done or leisurely reading. If you find yourself around the Ukranian Village area this is a good option (walkable from Metric if you want to hop from one to the next).

Printer’s Row Coffee Co. - Great coffee option on the north side of the city.

Backlot - My (Alex’s) all around favorite coffee shop. The friendliest baristas, rotating local art on display, bright, happy atmosphere, delicious seasonal drinks, great donuts.

Beans & Bagels - High quality coffee, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and pastries in a quirky, cozy spot. They are a highly sustainable coffee shop - BYO mug if you have one!

Heritage Outpost - The Uptown location, on Lawrence Ave, is possibly the most beautiful indoor spot to drink coffee in the city. The coffee shop is located inside an upscale apartment building that has been restored to its art deco glory where coffee shop patrons can enjoy the gorgeous lobby. 

Magnifico - A small, Columbian-owned, family-run coffee shop and roastery with great Columbian pastries. I recommend the guava and cheese bun with your coffee.

Side Practice - A Filipino-owned coffee shop with interesting flavors like Ube and Banana lattes. The space is eclectic and fun, but it is in the garden level, so it’s more of a “cool, moody basement” vibe than “bright and airy”.

Food

Casual

En Hakkore - This was my introduction to Korean BBQ, but it’s still one of my favorites. 

Noon O’ Kabob - One of my favorite super casual Mediterranean restaurants in Albany park. The food is always fresh and affordable. 

Fruit Paradise - Our first Chicago apartment was right around the corner from their first location and they were open late so we made many late night runs for smoothie bowls + empanadas at a great price. 

Gotham Bagel - This hidden gem is tucked in the back of another restaurant in the Gold Coast neighborhood. if you’re in need of a filling breakfast sandwich pop in and snag any of their bagel sandwiches. The wait can be long on a weekend so try to get there early. 

Antique Taco - A trendy hipster taco spot that has some really delicious taco options. 

Seoul Taco - An Asian fusion taco restaurant that provides some fun options. 

Furious Spoon A hip-hop Ramen bar that has amazing food and a fun atmosphere. 

Portillos - They claim to serve up unrivaled Chicago street food and I am not one to argue with them. I love the jumbo hot dog with everything on it, cheese fries, and the chopped salad. If you’re feeling extra indulgent their chocolate cake shake is to-die-for!

Bagel Miller - Cute, fun, bright spot with incredible bagels and you absolutely need to try the pastrami.

Small Cheval - A super paired down version of the famous Au Cheval, minus the hours-long wait. All three of their menu items are great (burgers, fries, milkshakes). 

Andy’s Sunflower Cafe inside Go Grocer by Montrose Beach - Spend the morning at Montrose beach and then pop by this cafe for some breakfast sandwiches and thank me later.

Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club - Always busy but usually not a super long wait. Fun, family friendly vibes with American meets Korean meets Mexican brunch food. They have great sweet options and savory options - my favorite is the Pajun Pancake. 

Parsons - Just really solid fried chicken and fish in a trendy and fun atmosphere that appeals to both adults and kids. I highly recommend trying one of their rotating frozen cocktails. 

Lonesome Rose - Hearty, modern tex-mex food with great margs. I love the Crunchy Beefy Quesorita and the frozen mezcal margarita. The environment is fun and lively. 

Cafe Tola - If you’ve never tried an empanada, you definitely need to go to Cafe Tola and try the Green Spicy Pork one. Cafe Tola is counter-service and easy for a quick bite or food with kids.

Fancy

Lula Cafe - I struggle to put this under “fancy” because the atmosphere is relatively casual, but the prices feel a bit higher so it’s not an everyday destination. Inventive, mostly organic food in a casual, funky space, best known for their weekend brunch.

Ema - We went here for our second anniversary and it was the perfect elevated meal. A Mediterranean tapas place that has a wide selection. 

Beatrix - One of our favorite restaurants in Chicago! A new American spot that is the perfect place for every meal of the day. They have a wide variety of offerings on their menu, but the Shakshuka is one that I think about often. Their drinks are incredible as well. They have a great happy hour (or at least they used to!)

Daisie’s - Coffee shop/work space by day, upscale restaurant by night. The pastries, coffee and meals are great in a cozy setting.

The Warbler - In the unassuming neighborhood of Lincoln Square, The Warbler is cute and cozy yet very approachable. Their Supper Club (available 4:30-6:00pm Monday-Friday) is a really fun way to try a lot of dishes. I recommend trying one of their cocktails, the nachos, a vegetable dish and some of their homemade pasta.

Pizzeria Portofino - This place is a really fun way to take advantage of the Chicago Riverfront. Good wine and good pizza in a setting that feels elevated and unique.  

Sochi Saigonese Kitchen - Small-ish modern, yet warm, space. The chili salt chicken is lifechanging, and everything else we’ve tried is great.

Duck Duck Goat - A higher price point but well worth it, perfect for a birthday or other celebration. Truly everything we’ve tried has been amazing. 

Blue Door Kitchen - The dinner menu is a bit spendy, but I’ve had their drinks and dessert and both are incredible. 

Sweets 

Doughnut Vault - You’ve gotta get the old fashioned donuts - any flavor!

Stan’s Donuts - The Biscoff Pocket Donut is the main reason to pop by one of their many Chicago locations. 

Floriole - Traditional French pastries and sandwiches in a beautiful cafe. It’s fairly pricey but worth it. I recommend trying literally any of their pastries, or the Parisian sandwich. 

Lost Larson - A Swedish bakery and cafe. The cardamom bun is incredible, or try a slice of the Princess Cake.

Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits - Just straight up amazing pies. Everything is amazing but if you’re a key lime fan, definitely give that one a try. 

DoRite Donuts - Highly controversial but I (Alex) think these are the best donuts in Chicago. My favorite is the old fashioned with chocolate frosting.

Sights

This is in no way shape or form comprehensive, but a few of the Chicago-y things that we (both Alex + Jenna) enjoyed during our time living there.

Take a Water Taxi to Chinatown - This is such a fun way to see the city via the river.

Architecture tour - I only just went on one of these, but it was absolutely worth it. It was a great way to see the city and the stories the tour guide offered were really engaging. 

Millennium Park / Grant Park - An obvious suggestion, but it’s still a great stop if you’re exploring Chicago. 

Montrose Beach & Bird Sanctuary - This was one of our (Jenna) favorite ways to spend a weekend morning. I mean, who doesn’t love the beach??

Olive Park - Located right by Navy Pier this little park offers some of the most stunning views of the city. 

Rent kayaks - One of my (Alex) very favorite ways to see the city! I recommend going on your own/with just your party, but guided tours are also available.

Wander Around Andersonville - Great shopping and food, be sure to hit up The Understudy, a super cool, super trendy independent bookstore with a great coffee shop inside. Andersonville Galleria is a 3 story indoor market with tons of cool arts and other made things. (Other spots from the above list that are located in Andersonville include Lost Larson for pastries, Lonesome Rose for Tex Mex and Parsons Chicken & Fish for trendy fried food). 

Wander Wicker Park - More great food, coffee and shopping in a quirky neighborhood. If you like secondhand stores, check out Crossroads Trading Co and Buffalo Exchange. (Other spots from the above list that are located in Wicker Park include Stan’s Donuts, Lost Larson for pastries, Lonesome Rose for Tex Mex and Antique Taco).

Lincoln Park Zoo & Conservatory - A free zoo! A free indoor botanical garden! Right next to each other! Plan to either circle around forever looking for parking, pay $28 for it, or take public transit.