Coffee can be many things for many people. A ritual. A means of productivity. A necessary evil. Whatever it is for you, we want to help you find the best coffee for any occasion. Here are a few of our favorite coffee shops in Chicago’s South Loop!
When you want a coffee date: Eleven City Diner – 1112 S Wabash Ave
While you can most likely grab a quick cup to-go, you’ll want to stay and soak up this upscale, reimagined diner/delicatessen in all its glory. From matzoh ball soup and the famed Rubin’s Reuben to melts, plate dinners and of course, breakfast all day – you’ll surely find something that pairs well with your coffee.
Related: Looking for an evening date spot in the South Loop? Check out our favorite bars in the neighborhood.
When you want a sweet treat: Petite Vanille – 800 S Michigan Ave
Petite Vanille is the younger, smaller sibling of the Chicagoland Vanille Patisserie collection and is situated inside Grant Park Bistro, within the classy newcomer Hotel Essex (redone inside the building that used to house the Essex Inn). It’s also an excellent spot to grab a cup of something warm (or cold, we won’t judge) when you’re in the area. Just try not to drool on the many display cases of macarons, cakes and scones during your visit!
When you want to feel creative: Café Press Chicago – 800 S Clark St
Café Press Chicago is a quirky, cool coffee shop that pays homage to Printer’s Row – the area of the city that was primarily home to printing and publishing businesses in the late 1800s (especially thanks to the construction of the Dearborn Station). If you leave this spot hungry, it’s your own fault. In addition to delicious coffee courtesy of local Chicagoland Sparrow Coffee Roastery, they also have an extensive food menu.
When you want to impress your coworkers: Stan’s Donuts – 26 E Roosevelt Rd
Fun fact: the original Stan’s is actually in LA – but when Rich Labriola (of the Chicago Labriola Baking Company) saw Stan on a travel show, he knew he had to coax him to the Midwest.
While their focus happens to be donuts (woo your coworkers with a baker’s dozen and don’t miss out on the vegan and gluten-free options for added options), the coffee is something to be held sacred too – it is the fruit of a partnership between Stan’s and local Chicago roastery Passion House Coffee Roasters.
When you want some Chicago culture: Bridgeport Coffee – 3101 S Morgan St
Bridgeport Coffee has four locations in total and is decidedly Chicagoan. President and founder Mike Pilkington began Bridgeport Coffee in 2004 after a long time spent in the restaurant industry. Bridgeport believes in knowing where your coffee is coming from and has a direct relationship with their growers.
Their original location, at 31st and Morgan, resides in a former pharmacy and has all the historical charm you could expect. Bridgeport also offers office coffee service and distributes at Whole Foods and other Chicago establishments!
Related: Is your office in the Loop? We’ve got you covered with more great coffee spots!
Fun fact: coffee may even help you get the most out of your next workout – an article on Time.com states that drinking coffee before a workout can allow you to power through it more easily and with less pain. The article also states that caffeine may help muscles burn more fat during a workout!
Check out the article for yourself and consider it all the more reason to hit up one of these great locations (and then pay a visit to one of our FFC locations throughout Chicago!).
Post written by FFC contributor Megan Zink.
