The Ultimate Coffee Tour: A Day of Café Hopping Through Chicago:
Chicago is a city full of flavor, diversity, and energy — and nowhere is that more evident than in its rich and thriving coffee culture. From hip roasteries and minimalist cafes to cozy neighborhood gems, Chicago offers a caffeinated adventure at every turn.
Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city through its brews, or a visitor ready to explore beyond the tourist trail, this full-day café-hopping itinerary will take you through some of the best independent coffee shops in Chicago — all in one day.
Lace up your shoes, charge your phone, and grab your favorite reusable mug — let’s dive into Chicago’s ultimate coffee tour.
9:00 AM — Start Downtown: Starbucks Reserve Roastery:
While not an independent café, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Michigan Avenue is an experience worth starting your day with. Spanning five floors, this immersive coffee palace features specialty brews, rare beans, in-house roasting, and even coffee-inspired cocktails (for another visit).
Try This: Start light with a Reserve pour-over or a nitro cold brew. Pair it with a fresh Princi pastry.
Pro Tip: Head to the rooftop for beautiful views of Michigan Avenue. Great photo op, and the vibe sets the tone for a day of exploration.
10:30 AM — La Colombe (West Loop):
A 20-minute walk or quick train ride away, La Colombe’s West Loop café offers a minimalist, industrial vibe that pairs perfectly with its expertly brewed coffee. The West Loop is also a hub for Chicago’s food and beverage scene, making it a great place to stroll.
Try This: Draft latte or their signature black & tan (cold brew and draft latte blend). If you’re hungry, grab a croissant or muffin.
Tip: The calm morning vibe here is perfect for planning the rest of your café route.
11:30 AM — Sawada Coffee (Green Street):
Tucked inside Green Street Smoked Meats, Sawada Coffee is a Japanese-American café by award-winning barista Hiroshi Sawada. The aesthetic is gritty and cool — think skateboards, tattooed baristas, and industrial lighting.
Try This: The Military Latte (a matcha latte with espresso and cocoa) is their star. Rich, layered, and unforgettable.
Why Here? It’s different. If you want your coffee with a creative twist and visual flair, this is the place.
1:00 PM — Lunchtime in Logan Square + New Wave Coffee:
Head northwest to Logan Square, a creative, artsy neighborhood with tons of food options and — you guessed it — excellent coffee.
Lunch First: Grab a bite at one of Logan’s popular lunch spots like Lula Café, Dunlay’s, or a quick vegan bowl at Chicago Diner.
1:45 PM — New Wave Coffee:
After lunch, head to New Wave Coffee, a laid-back café with cozy booths, rotating local art, and a chill crowd of students, freelancers, and neighborhood regulars.
Try This: A cortado or chai latte. They also offer great pastries from local bakers.
Stay a While: This is the kind of place where you can sit with a book or people-watch for a bit.
3:00 PM — Sip of Hope (Logan Square):
Just a short walk from New Wave is Sip of Hope — a mental health–focused coffee shop where 100% of proceeds go toward mental health education and suicide prevention.
Try This: Their bold drip coffee or signature lattes. The team is friendly, and the space is uplifting.
Why Stop Here? Good coffee meets good cause. It’s a chance to pause and support a mission bigger than caffeine.
4:30 PM — Dark Matter Coffee: The Mothership (Ukrainian Village):
Now it’s time to dive into one of Chicago’s most legendary indie coffee brands — Dark Matter Coffee. Their original location, known as The Mothership, is located in Ukrainian Village and feels like walking into an art exhibit that happens to serve killer coffee.
Try This: Unicorn Blood Espresso or their Barrel-Aged Cold Brew. They’re known for bold, intense flavor.
Fun Fact: Dark Matter also roasts their own beans — their blends are sold at shops all over the city.
6:00 PM — Metric Coffee (West Town):
As the sun starts to set, head to Metric Coffee, a clean, modern space with excellent beans and a commitment to ethical sourcing. It’s a great “golden hour” café — natural light, calm energy, and thoughtful brews.
Try This: A single-origin pour-over or a seasonal iced drink if the weather’s warm. They often have limited-time roasts available.
Chill Factor: Sit by the window with your cup and watch the city shift into evening mode.
7:30 PM — Evening Dessert & Final Brew: Oromo Café (Bucktown):
End your day in style with dessert and a final cup at Oromo Café in Bucktown. Oromo offers globally inspired drinks and a wide range of vegan, paleo, and gluten-free dessert options.
Try This: A Turkish coffee or spiced latte paired with a house-made pistachio rose bar or vegan chocolate cake.
Perfect Ending: Oromo is cozy, refined, and feels like a reward after a day of exploring the city one cup at a time.
Alternate Café Hops by Theme:
If you want to tweak your tour, here are a few ideas:
Halal-Friendly Coffee Tour: Visit Gold Coast Café, iCafe, and Yemeni spots like Qahwah House.
Hidden Gems Tour: Explore Humboldt House, Heritage Outpost, and Cà Phê Dá.
South Side Specialty: Visit Kusanya Café (Englewood), Bridgeport Coffee, and Back of the Yards Coffeehouse.
Tips for a Successful Café Hopping Day:
Pace Yourself: Opt for small-sized drinks, especially espresso-based ones. Hydrate between stops!
Use Public Transit: The ‘L’ makes it easy to get between neighborhoods, and saves you the parking struggle.
Bring a Book or Journal: Take time to relax, not just rush. Reflect between stops — each café tells a different story.
Be Respectful: If you’re just ordering a drink, avoid camping at tables during peak hours.
Stay Curious: Ask baristas about their beans, roast styles, and café history — you’ll learn a lot.
Final Thoughts: A City Brewed to Be Explored:
Café hopping in Chicago is more than a caffeine fix — it’s a cultural experience. It’s where neighborhoods, artistry, identity, and taste all intersect. With each stop, you sip not just a drink, but a story.
So the next time you’re planning a weekend adventure or want to fall back in love with the city, follow this route — or create your own — and let the aroma of fresh coffee guide your way.
Happy sipping!
