In the sprawling metropolis that is Chicago, a cup of coffee is never farther than your corner Starbucks. No really. The city is home to over 150 Starbucks. If there isn’t one on your street corner, there’s one on the next. A truly great cup of coffee, however, can be found at a number of local independent coffee shops and cafes. Though not found on every corner, they are closer than you may think.
Picture from Ramblin’ Around
1259 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL
Hours: 7a- 7p
Located on West Devon Ave., Ellipsis is a Rogers Park coffeehouse haven, perfect for a quick cup before class or an extended study stay. The carefully crafted fair- trade coffee creations are impressive enough, but what elevates Ellipsis beyond traditional coffeehouses is its ambiance and devotion to locally sourced pastries and baked goods.
Picture from tripadvisor.com
1615 W Howard St., Chicago IL
Hours: 7a- 7p
Slightly north, but still tucked in the Rogers Park neighborhood is Sol Café. With specialty flavor combinations like pumpkin and coconut, Sol gives a healthful spin on a traditional cup of coffee, with an open and inviting aesthetic. Fill up a cup and grab a Hippie Granola Scole, or one of their other vegan delicacies to fuel up for a serious study session.
Picture from Domain Reality Online
4736 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL
Hours: 10a- 10p
Traveling outside the confines of the Rogers Park neighborhood and stepping into Lincoln Square, we find a coffeehouse and bookstore with a unique twist. The Book Cellar offers excellent coffee and snacks, places to read and study and converse, and hundreds of popular titles to peruse at budget- friendly prices. Bonus for the 21 and up crowd: The Book Cellar offers wine by the glass while you read, browse, or study.
So before you saunter down for your next street- corner Starbucks fix, check out some of these unique local spots. The atmosphere and attention to healthful, ethical coffee and treats is surely reason enough for the trip.
If you have any suggestions for where to go next or thoughts on this post, comment below!
Cozy Corners of Chicago 