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Illinois' Coolest Coffee Shops: A Brew-tiful Experience

il coffee shops

Local and cozy coffee shops offer a perfect space to unwind and warm up with a hot cup of Joe. You can find plenty of prime coffee shops in Illinois, but only a few stand out from the rest. The following coffee shops feature the best brews and atmospheres, making them the coolest shops in Illinois.

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The Wormhole Coffee, Chicago, IL

For all the 80s fans out there, you will find The Wormhole Coffee an extremely cool place to grab your morning pick-me-up. This rustic coffee shop serves locally-roasted coffee, flavorful lattes, and amazing summer tea creations. Sip on these delightful beverages while surrounded by 80s nostalgia and even a DeLorean.

Ipsento Coffee, Chicago, IL

Once you visit Ipsento Coffee, be prepared to become a customer for life. This top-notch urban coffee house in Chicago specializes in seasonal, world-class coffees from the best sources. They also serve tasty pastries and sandwiches in a hip, cozy environment. Ipsento Coffee makes visitors feel at home with their outstanding service, as well.

HERO Coffee Bar, Chicago, IL

Located in downtown Chicago, this little coffee shop serves locally-roasted coffee in a quiet indie setting. Customers rave about their delicious pastries and sandwiches, which are prepared in moments. The prices are also reasonable for a coffee shop. HERO Coffee Bar is perfect for coffee connoisseurs.

Kusanya Café, Chicago, IL

This unique, non-profit café and coffee house in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood roasts their coffee on-site and in small batches. Aside from serving delicious coffee, Kusanya Café offers tasty breakfast sandwiches, handmade pizzas, and fresh salads. Kusanya is also a community gathering place where creative ideas are born. 

Backlot Coffee, Chicago, IL

If you appreciate coffee and artwork, Backlot Coffee is your place. This neighborhood coffee house in Evanston features locally-roasted coffee, authentic gelato, and small eats. The art-line walls make this already exceptional coffee house extra cool.

Soap Co. Coffee House, Jacksonville, IL

The Soap Co. Coffee House is a locally-owned establishment featuring premium coffee beverages, teas, gourmet muffins, pastries, and more. This cute coffee shop also sells handmade soaps and other items from local vendors. If you want a cozy spot to relax, this is the place to visit.

Star Lounge Coffee Bar, Chicago, IL

Want coffee on tap? Come to the Star Lounge Coffee Bar in Chicago. Customers rave about their delicious coffee beverages and pastries, which are served by extremely friendly staff. Sit at the bar without feeling guilty about drinking or sip your latte on the patio.

Common Grounds, Carbondale, IL

For delicious coffee in an inviting environment, Common Grounds is a great option. Located in Carbondale, this cool coffee shop brews fresh java from organic coffee beans. It also features loose leaf teas, over 30 beverage flavors, and whole fruit smoothies. You can’t go wrong at Common Grounds.

Gaslight Coffee Roasters, Chicago, IL

Located in Logan Square, this hipster coffee shop brews their beverages from the finest beans around the world. Gaslight Coffee Roasters also serves hearty, delicious pastries such as croissants and other incredible breakfast selections. This coffee shop gem is worth the visit if you’re in the neighborhood.

Key Insights at a Glance

  • The Wormhole Coffee: a 1980s-themed coffee shop with nostalgic decor, including a DeLorean; serves locally-roasted coffees, creative lattes, and summer teas.
  • Ipsento Coffee: Urban coffee spot known for seasonal, high-quality coffee sourced globally, tasty pastries, sandwiches, and welcoming vibes.
  • HERO Coffee Bar: This cozy downtown spot offers locally roasted coffee, fresh pastries, quick-prep sandwiches, and budget-friendly prices in a charming indie atmosphere.
  • Kusanya Café: This non-profit café in Englewood roasts coffee in-house. It is known for its breakfast sandwiches, handmade pizzas, and salads and fosters community creativity.
  • Backlot Coffee: Combines combines coffee and art, offering locally roasted coffee, authentic gelato, snacks, and artwork-filled walls, perfect for a relaxed vibe.
  • Soap Co. Coffee House: Cozy, locally-owned coffee shop featuring premium beverages, pastries, and muffins, along with handmade soaps and local artisan goods.
  • Star Lounge Coffee Bar: Known for coffee on tap, friendly bar-style seating, delicious pastries, and comfortable patio space.
  • Common Grounds: Offers organic coffee, loose-leaf teas in over 30 flavors, and fruit smoothies in a laid-back, welcoming setting.
  • Gaslight Coffee Roasters: This trendy Logan Square café brews globally sourced coffees and serves hearty breakfast items like fresh pastries and croissants.
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