Fall is a season beloved by many Chicagoans. From a hot summer to a freezing winter, it’s truly the best time to visit. Temperatures are mild and crisp, perfect for exploring. It’s the last chance to get outside and experience all of what the Windy City has to offer.
Wherever you are in town, it’s likely you can find a great coffee shop nearby. Chicago has a wonderful array of coffee shops in almost every neighbourhood. And as the weather changes, so should your drink preferences. Exchange that iced coffee for a warm cappuccino or maybe even a hot apple cider.
If you’re ready to cosy up in a Chicago coffee shop this fall, here are 10 must-visit spots recommended by local coffee enthusiast Jaclyn.
1. Heritage Bicycles General Store, Lakeview
At the top of the list is a coffee shop I absolutely adore, especially in the fall. Grab a cup of joe or hot cider and peruse their bike area, or sit down at one of their rustic wooden tables and enjoy a chat with a friend.
On some days they have a fire pit going in the lot next door. Not something you’d expect to find in the middle of a city! Grab a seat nearby and enjoy.
Photo credit: Heritage Bicycles General Store
2. Plein Air Café, Hyde Park
Hyde Park is beautiful all the time, especially during the fall. If you’re spending some time exploring the area, Plein Air Café isn’t a stop to miss.
This airy coffee shop is tucked right next to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Robie House. It’s the perfect stop to warm up with a cup of coffee after your tour. Hungry? Their biscuits are the best in the city. Be sure to try them!
Photo credit: Plein Air Cafe
3. Gaslight Coffee Roasters, Logan Square
Cosy up at Gaslight this fall. While they keep things simple, it’s a great spot to relax and refuel as you walk though trendy Logan Square. Their décor is welcoming, making it the perfect place to spend a brisk, autumn afternoon.
Photo credit: FoodE Y.
4. Damn Fine Coffee Bar, Logan Square
A newer coffee shop in the area, Damn Fine Coffee Bar is a great place to get your coffee and pastries on. With a selection of Do-Rite Donuts available, you can warm up and enjoy some delicious treats at this unique stop. They also carry a rotating selection of coffee, so you can try something new with every visit.
Photo credit: Damn Fine Coffee Bar
5. Perkolator Coffee, Portage Park
Step into this retro-looking coffee shop and you mightn’t immediately think of fall, but their seasonal specials speak for themselves. For your caffeine fix, try their unique Pumpkin Chiffon Latte. If coffee isn’t your thing, Apple Cider Tea might be just what you need.
While you’re waiting for your drink, don’t forget to check out the connected Sputnik Books & Records!
Photo credit: Perkolator
6. Portage Grounds, Portage Park
One word: fireplace. That’s right. Not much else says fall than cosying up with your favourite beverage and book near a fire. Portage Grounds is located directly across from Portage Park, so when you’re done admiring the changing leaves, stop in to warm up!
Photo credit: Portage Grounds
7. Ipsento 606, Bucktown
For travellers on foot, the 606 is a great resource for checking out neighbouring neighbourhoods on the Near Northwest Side. Ipsento 606 offers a selection of great drinks and pastries; the mini donuts are house-made and not to be missed! In the evening, you can add a little extra warmth with some of their boozy offerings.
Photo credit: Ipsento
8. Sol Café, Rogers Park
At the very north end of Chicago sits Sol Café, a funky and fun coffee shop. With seasonal drinks on a regular rotation, you’re sure to discover your favourite fall beverage here. I love their seasonal tea beverages – just what’s needed to warm up!
Photo credit: Sol Cafe
9. Bridgeport Coffee Co., Bridgeport
After enjoying an afternoon at Palmisano Park, stop by Bridgeport Coffee Co. They roast their own beans and offer a variety of drinks that even the pickiest coffee drinker can enjoy. While they have 3 other locations, this one is surely my favourite as the atmosphere is warm and inviting, with friendly staff to match!
Photo credit: Jiwon S.
10. Hero Coffee Bar, The Loop
If you’re visiting Chicago for the first time, it’s likely you’ll be spending a lot of time downtown. While there are plenty of local coffee joints around, there’s one you absolutely must visit. Tucked in an alley off Jackson Blvd., Hero Coffee Bar is Chicago’s smallest coffee shop. It’s the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee and Instagram!
Photo credit: Hero Coffee Bar
Jaclyn Crawford is a freelance writer and blogger based in Chicago, Illinois. She loves playing badminton, hosting Airbnb guests, spending time with her dog, Sundae, and going thrift shopping with her husband.