12 OF THE BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN CHICAGO FOR VEGETARIANS & VEGANS

Heading to Chicago and need to get the scoop on coffee shops, well read on because this short guide is an introduction into the coffee culture in the Windy City. Here you’ll find recommendations for popular Chicago-based chains throughout local neighbourhoods as well as independent hangouts. We’ve included places that cater for vegetarians and vegans, coffee roasters, work spaces and price ranges to aid you in grabbing that perfect cup of coffee and some nibbles. Here are some of our most lived coffee shops in Chicago for vegetarians.

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Does Chicago Have A Coffee Culture?

Being coffee lovers, one of the things we noticed right from our first visit and most definitely first day in Chicago, is the amount of coffees shops and cafes. Chicago has quite a few, Chicago based, small chains that tend to have locations dotted around the neighbourhood in the city such as Cupitol and La Colombe that has branches in other select USA cities too. There are also wonderfully small independent cafes that specialise in delicious coffee and baked goods or even brunch items for vegetarians and vegans. They are often part of book stores, have great people watching locations, use fair trade and ethically sourced coffee options and support local farming communities by sourcing their offerings direct from them. If you’re looking for more meat free options, head to delicious vegetarian-friendly food in Chicago.

We’ve also looked into places that provide wifi and may therefore be a good option to work in for a couple of hours.

Location of Coffee shops in Chicago 

In this article, we’ve  included coffee shops in downtown as well as coffee shops in the Loop area, Streeterville, and Fulton Market, the west of the area. They are located close to many of the main places to stay in Chicago. Many also stock vegan bakery products as the plant based scene in the city is really quite big.

Map of Chicago

How to use Map: This Google map has all the coffee shops included in this article as well as the series of articles about Chicago, including vegetarian friendly restaurants, best photo spots and a city guide as well as quirky boutique hotels. To access click on the menu on the left hand side to reveal the legend,

Coffee Shops & Cafes in Chicago

Cafe Cira

Located right in the lobby of the Hoxton Hotel, Cafe Cira is an all day coffee shop offering a range of coffees including espressos, drip coffee, tea and other hot beverages, as well as the same in cold options. Accompany your freshly made to order drink with fresh pastries. A fantastic addition for a grab and go option that helps fuel your day the right way!

The Details

• Location: 200 North Green Street, Chicago, IL 60607 I Tel. +1 312 761 1777 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Coffee Roasters: No.
• Milk Options: Alternative options available at $1.00.
• Work-friendly: Some seating available in the lobby of the Hoxton with free WIFI.
• Reviews: What fellow coffee-drinkers think.
• Price Range: $$.

Be-lavie Recommendations: The orange tea cakes are moist and beautifully melt in the mouth. Do not miss the cinnamon swirl buns. The drip coffee is exceptional as are the cappuccinos to start the day!

Good Ambler 

This cafe, bakery and chocolatier located in Fulton Market, just around the corner from the Hoxton is located in a beautiful high ceiling warehouse style building with a gorgeous decor that any loft apartment would be proud of. The lighting fixtures alone are swoon worthy! 

At Good Ambler you’ll find a variety of sweet and savoury pastries, handcrafted chocolates, candy bars, cookies, cakes as well as some delicious hot and cold coffee, teas and juice options.

The Details

• Location: 216 North Peoria Street, Chicago, IL 60607 I Tel. +1 312 872 7165 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Coffee Roasters: No.
• Milk Options: Alternative milks available for a small surcharge.
• Work-friendly: Yes however, Monday – Thursday 11am – 1pm seating may be limited as a portion of the café is closed to the public during that time. Free WIFI.
• Reviews: What fellow coffee drinkers thing.
• Price Range: $$.

Be-lavie Recommendations: The Bakewell cake slice and the banana bread are perfect for a breakfast or anytime treat. Their cappuccinos and filter coffees are great and served in large wide ceramic cups.

Sawada Coffee 

Open the cartoon portrait black door of Sawada to reveal a stairwell smothered in graffiti leading to the main Sawada Coffee Shop. The space used to be where Green Street Smoked Meats, stored their barbecue joints, once  upon a time. We love the open space which is a fun all day spot. Seating comes in the form of window counter style options or head down the stairs and sit on the communal tables adjacent to the bar.

The Details

• Location: 112 North Green Street, Chicago, IL 60607 I Tel. +1 312 344 1750 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location:
• Coffee Roasters: Yes.
• Milk Options: Alternative available at $0.75.
• Work-friendly: Yes and free WIFI with many outlets.
• Reviews: What fellow coffee drinkers think.
• Price Range: $$.

Be-lavie Recommendations: If you like your coffee pretty strong tasting Sawada is for you! Great lattes and drip cafes served in paper cups to drink in. Their giant plain and chocolate croissants are a perfect quick breakfast treat.

La Colombe Coffee Roasters

This cozy yet trendy cafe located in West Loop always seemed to have a line outside it in the early mornings. We had to try it to see what the lines were all about. They roast their own house brand coffee here and serve the most delicious pastries and snacks. It’s a laid back vibe and we loved how their house blend was served on tap!

 The Details

• Location: 955 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607, I Tel. +1 312 7330 707 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location:
• Coffee Roasters: Yes.
• Milk Options: Almond or oat alternatives
• Reviews: What fellow coffee drinkers thing.
• Price Range: $$.

Be-lavie Recommendations: They do a great filter coffee and cappuccino. Pastry wise the almond croissants and the breakfast muffins are delicious for a light breakfast offering.

Cupitol 

Located in Streeterville, a very short walk from Navy Pier, this coffee shop, bakery, diner, brunch spot and all day hangout has a real community feel about it. A pretty large space including comfy seating, high communal tables as well as general floor seating that make for a wonderful atmosphere. We visited on a Saturday morning when there were plenty of dog walkers there and locals enjoying a leisurely breakfast or brunch with friends. With four locations in Chicago, Cupitol is a popular spot for its great variety of menu options of vegetarian and vegan food as well as the largest variety of milk alternatives that we’ve seen in Chicago. From breakfast classics to healthy options like salads,  soups, sandwiches, bakery items, specialty teas, coffees, juices and way more, Cupitol is a great all round choice. Cupitol is also actually one of the best breakfast coffee shops in Chicago for vegetarians in our opinion

**Be-lavie Tip: Take headphones if you plan to work as it can get pretty loud and busy in here!**

The Details

• Location: 455 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611 I Tel. +1 312 929 2065 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location:
• Coffee Roasters: Yes.
• Milk Options: Alternative options available. 
• Work-friendly: Yes, FREE WIFI available.
•  Reviews: What fellow coffee drinkers think.
• Price Range: $$. 

Be-lavie Recommendations: For early breakfast, the drip coffee and whole milk cappuccino are great accompanied by a blueberry muffin or coffee cake muffin. They also do some delicious cookies of which some are sugar free.

Dollop Coffee Co.

Starting out as a small cafe in 2005, in Uptown Chicago, there are now 16 locations around the city. This roastery sells incredibly great coffee including seasonal versions as well as delicious breads and bakery items. It’s laid back with communal tables and quirky decor as well as a great playlist. Their coffee is really very good with the friendliest of staff who can recommend and talk you through the menu.

We loved that Dollop Co. is in the process of moving all their packaging over to compostable and plant based materials by partnering with WasteNot to compost at all their cafes. They also have a coffee bag return program, amongst other initiatives to be kinder to the environment. 

The Details

• Location: 345 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611 I Tel. +1 312 929 4007 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location:
• Coffee Roasters: No.
• Milk Options: Alternative options available for $0.95 (coconout, almond, oat, pea protein & soy).
• Work-friendly: Yes, FREE WIFI available.
•  Reviews: What fellow coffee drinkers think.
• Price Range: $$. 

Be-lavie Recommendations: Perfect black drip coffee or a cappuccino are a great way to start the day. We also loved their buttery croissants and the grain breakfast muffin.

Oud Coffee & Cafe

Located in River North, this Palestinian-inspired cafe and coffee house serves breakfast and lunch in the form of bagels, sandwiches (think fresh Tuscan Ciabatta), wraps, paninis (the caprese, looks particularly good), breakfast and anytime sandwiches as well as a big selection of pastries with Middle Eastern classics like baklava, kunefe, waffles, crepes, salads, Manakeesh and so much more. Drinks come in  a variety, ranging from speciality lattes, drip coffees, Turkish coffee, Sahlab (warm milk infused with rose water topped with cinnamon), smoothies, and the usual yet elevated espresso bar offerings, 

We particularly loved the aesthetics and decor at Oud which were fresh and clean with Middle-Eastern influences like the artwork, and plants, the chequered black and white floor as well as the hanging lights and minimalist styling.

We’re hoping to have lunch here on our next visit as we ran out of time! Thoroughly recommend making room to visit this spot. 

Currently they only have this one branch in Chicago however, there will soon be one opening in the hip Wicker Park neighbourhood, however The River North location is well placed for tourists as well as the foodie spots in the area. 

Be-lavie Recommendations: We opted for a quick snack of Cappuccino and filter coffee accompanied by a slice of moist and flavoursome banana and walnut bread. We also loved the scone which is much larger and flatter than the British traditional scones, contains currants and is topped with a light dusting of sugar.

The Details

• Location: 714 North Wells Street. Chicago IL, 60654 I  Tel. +1 312 763-6168 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location:
• Coffee Roasters: They roast their own beans.
• Milk Options: Alternative options available for $1.00 (coconut, almond, oat, soy, half and half) Skimmed and 2% milk not charged.
• Work-friendly: Yes, FREE WIFI available.
• Price Range: $$ 

Blue Bottle Coffee

Located overlooking the river at Wolf Point Plaza, on the edge of River North, Blue Bottle has a few locations in the city and is most certainly a speciality coffee shop. The majority of coffees at Blue Bottle are certified as organic and if not the brand partner with suppliers that are ethically minded and source their beans in this way.

Getting a coffee is a whole intricate experience at Blue Bottle, from the moment you walk in, the customer service and the sheer attention to detail in getting guests their perfect coffee preference. 

The highest grade (Q Grade) of coffee certification has been attained here and it’s mesmerising to watch how the baristas make that perfect cup of drip coffee. 

We also loved the almost scandi like decor and tables, in a partitioned area with river and skyscraper views as well as the outdoor seating. The placement of the coffee counter in the middle of the cafe gives an airy and spacious feel.

Coffee connoisseurs, this one is definitely for you. There is also a small counter which has some baked sweet goods as well as savouries, which pair perfectly with coffee.

Be-lavie Recommendations: If you are really into your coffee, we’d suggest having a chat with the baristas and they’ll talk you through your preferences such as roasts and types and origins. We opted for a dark roast drip coffee and cappuccino as well as two very flaky, buttery pain au chocolat.

The Details

• Location: 313 W Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654 I Tel. +1 510 066 13510 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location:
• Coffee Roasters: They roast their own beans (not at site).
• Milk Options: Oat milk is used as a default option but skimmed, whole and half and half available. Generally baristas will ask when ordering. 
• Work-friendly: Yes although the WI-FI at this location is rather unstable.
•  Reviews: What fellow coffee drinkers think.
• Price Range: $$

Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea

Another River North coffee shop, but with a few locations around Chicago. The aim of Fairgrounds is to bring people together by sourcing coffee beans and tea leaves from all over the world, hence the name which is a play on words. They have a strong commitment to fair and ethical business practice and all round are a fun place to hang that’s laid back, serving great food, coffee and tea.

As well as having a huge selection of savoury and sweet sandwiches, salads, pastries, muffins, cakes, teas, coffees and multiple other beverages, the decor here is super cute with the big F in copper and light bulbs, the cluster of hanging mirrors, the comfy squishy leather brown sofas and various arrangements of wood-topped tables. A great place for a solo meeting or group we think!

Be-lavie Recommendations: On a sunny day the iced lattes with a shot of vanilla are refreshing or opt for a morning  cappuccino or drip coffee. Muffin fans, we thoroughly steer you in the direction of the limoncello muffin- it’s delicious, or any of the muffins to be honest. They all looked very good.

The Details

• Location: 306 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654 I Tel. +1 312  877 5367 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Coffee Roasters: No.
• Milk Options: Oat, almond, coconut, soy, skimmed, whole at no extra cost.
• Work Friendly: Free WI-FI available.
• Reviews: what other coffee drinkers are saying.
• Price Range: $$

Ground Up Coffee

We heard people come from afar to get their coffee from Ground Up and luckily our hotel, Moxy (one of Chicago’s cool and unique hotels)  was just a few minutes walk away from here. Coffee’s and teas are made by expert baristas using only the highest quality roasted beans that originate from small batch. 

The service is personal and efficient, with staff taking the highest care over producing a great cup of coffee. You can even smell the coffee beans as you enter.

Currently there are two Ground Up cafes in Chicago, One on Erie Street and the other at Van Buren, near Millenium Park.

The Erie Street branch has  a counter facing the window and lofts and perfect for a quick coffee and anytime treat but we noticed most people taking-out. 

Be-lavie Recommendations: For coffee connoisseurs, the drip coffee is a great option with their own roasted beans. For tea drinkers, we’d suggest opting for the jasmine green tea. They have a delicious variety of sweet and savoury pastries, including a cheese one. The almond croissants are to die for and they even serve them warm by default, 

The Details

• Location: 363 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654I Tel. +1 312 600 9128I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Coffee Roasters: Yes, they sell their beans online and in-store.
• Milk Options: oat, cashew milk.
• Work Friendly: Free WI-FI available.
• Reviews: what other coffee drinkers are saying.
• Price Range: $$

Doma Cafe

Located on the edge of Old Town and River North,  Doma means Home in Croatian and is named after the owners  two sons Dominic and Marco. 

The cafe has been practicing sustainable methods since 2000 and places great emphasis on culture, coffee and meaning. Coffee is sourced from Gren growers as well as a brand they are making steps against the climate crisis. You can also but Merchandise from the store.

The decor is reminiscent of pretty scandinavian style that is basic and comfortable. The chair are mismatched and reminded us of a spot of shabby chic. The cafe itself does take out service on one side and has the cafe on the other side. 

The cafe is one of the quietest ones we’ve visited and therefore perfect if you need to get on with some work they do offer free WIFI.

Staff are very friendly and great at helping with menu choices. Doma is open for lunch and breakfast, and if the weather is good, opt to sit in the small side terrace. We love that Doma is a little more unique from other coffee spots and allows guests to try out Croatian cafe favourites.

Be-lavie Recommendations: The Burek (Croatian filo pastry circular parcels, filled with potato) are delicious with a drip coffee or a chai latte. Make sure you ask for the Burek to be slightly warmed up. 

The Details

• Location: 946 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60610 I Tel. +1 312 643 0527 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Coffee Roasters: Yes.
• Milk Options: oat, soy, almond and coconut (seasonal) for $1.
• Work Friendly: Free WI-FI available.
• Reviews: what other coffee drinkers are saying.
• Price Range: $$

Sugary

Not really a conventional coffee shop or cafe and very different from the other’s we’ve included in this guide. Sugary is located in the Loop area of Chicago and sits opposite Millenium Park on Michigan Avenue. It specialises in brunch, speciality coffees as well as desserts and is perfect for those who love a fancy, cute or maybe even pretty twist to their drinks.

Interiors wise think, lots of florals, namely peony’s in a spectrum of co-ordinating pink hues, a vintage styled ice cream stand, pretty gold toned cages pastel coloured velour cushions and statement walls covered in butterfly wallpaper. Although we came here for a quick brunch, it’s perfect for a coffee, tea or one of their speciality drinks and they have a wonderful range of vegetarian food and beverages too with milk alternatives of oat, soya and almond.

Think tea offerings such as London Fog (Earl Grey tea, vanilla and milk) or even Victoria Fog (English Breakfast tea, lavender and milk), berries or lavender lemonade, general cold and hot coffee selections with or without syrup shots. They also have a few baked goods like buttery croissants and cinnamon rolls to mention a few.

This is the perfect ‘instagram’ photo spot for those who love all things pretty, so was a little lost on us but we did enjoy our drinks and brunch, omelettes, mentioned in our Chicago dining guide for vegetarian-friendly food.

Be-lavie Recommendations: An iced latte with vanilla syrup on a cold day is a perfect beverage as is the fresh berry lemonade. The Victoria Fog is the perfect breakfast tea.

The Details

• Location: 108 South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 I Tel. +1 312 643 0527 I Menu.
• Find it Here: Map Location.
• Coffee Roasters: No.
• Milk Options: oat, soy, almond and almond milk fro $1.
• Work Friendly: Free WI-FI available.
• Price Range: $/$$

How to Make Your Coffee Shop Visit More Green

We noticed that coffee shops featured the use of paper cups even when drinking at the cafe. If you’d like to be more green then we’d recommend taking along a reusable cup or a straw in your bag. Often paper straws can get soggy so a metal one can be a great option. Shop some of our favourite below:

• 380ml insulated travel mug – includes a double wall vacuum. Perfect for hot and cold drinks. Great value for money too.
• 560ml Vacuum Insulated Tumbler with Lid & Straw – BPA free and the perfect straw and mug combo for hot and cold drinks.
• 4 x Metal Stainless Steel Reusable Drinking Straws – this multipack also comes with a small cleaning brush with a choice of two straight straw options as well as two bent ones.

Coffee Shops in Chicago for Vegetarians & Vegans FAQ

Coffee Shops in Chicago for Vegetarians Round-Up

We’ve tried to include the best coffee shops in Chicago for vegetarians and vegans in this post as many of them offer plant based food options as well as great milk alternatives that are free from dairy as well as dietary requirements including gluten free offerings. 

We’d advise sticking to small local independents and Chicago based chains to support the city’s businesses that often stock more authentic drinks and food produced by using ingredients from the area. 

Main takeaways when looking for coffee shops in Chicago  include location, ethically sourced great tasting coffee as well as food, be that all day options, breakfast or brunch or bakery items. The best way to stumble upon coffee shops in Chicago, illinois is just wondering through the neighbourhoods and grabbing yourself a cup as well as chatting to the locals who will be able to tell you their favourite spots too.

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• A Sustainable Guide to Chicago: How To Be More Mindful

À bientôt

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