The best cafes in Chicago

7 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Cafes · 7 places · showing the latest additions first

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.

Cafes

Family-friendly, warm hangout serving traditional Yemeni coffee drinks, teas, desserts and pastries.

9970 S Ridgeland Ave (Chicago Ridge)

“Family-friendly, warm hangout serving traditional Yemeni coffee drinks, teas, desserts and pastries.”

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A Cup Of Joe

Cafes

Cozy coffeehouse with a diverse menu that includes cupcakes, plus happy hour specials.

6806 W Archer Ave

“Cozy coffeehouse with a diverse menu that includes cupcakes, plus happy hour specials.”

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Cafe 53

Cafes

Small, laid-back coffeehouse pairing its java with sandwiches, ice cream & free WiFi in cozy digs.

1369 E 53rd St

“Small, laid-back coffeehouse pairing its java with sandwiches, ice cream & free WiFi in cozy digs.”

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The Qahwa

Cafes

Relaxed, Palestinian-themed venue featuring an array of specialty lattes, plus cakes, cookies and pastries.

7544 W 103rd St (Bridgeview)

“Relaxed, Palestinian-themed venue featuring an array of specialty lattes, plus cakes, cookies and pastries.”

Website ↗

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Berry Pike Cafe

Cafes

Berry Pike Cafe is the Evanston spot for fluffy Liège waffles made with imported pearl sugar, melty steamed bagel sandwiches built meaty or…

1100 Davis St (Evanston)

“Berry Pike Cafe is the Evanston spot for fluffy Liège waffles made with imported pearl sugar, melty steamed bagel sandwiches built meaty or vegan, and fresh fruit smoothies that can go dairy-free, all alongside coffee brewed from curated high-altitude beans...”

From the North Shore newsletter, August 6, 2026

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The Catcade - Cat Cafe & Rescue

Cafes

Settle into the cat café lounge at The Catcade - Cat Cafe & Rescue and hang with adoptable snugglers while supporting a rescue that pulls…

624 W Belmont Ave

“Settle into the cat café lounge at The Catcade - Cat Cafe & Rescue and hang with adoptable snugglers while supporting a rescue that pulls cats from tough situations. Low-key, cozy, and frankly therapeutic, it’s the midweek reset your brain deserves. Go get some whisker-fueled calm.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 5, 2026

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Leonidas Chocolate & French Cafe

Cafes

Fresh Belgian waffles, crepes & chocolate served in a quaint storefront alongside coffee & cocoa.

1907 Central St (Evanston)

“Fresh Belgian waffles, crepes & chocolate served in a quaint storefront alongside coffee & cocoa.”

Website ↗

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