Dec 17, 2025 - Things to Do

From River North to Bridgeport: Chicago coffee shops that impressed in 2025

Justin Kaufmann

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Illustration of a magnifying glass going over a paper coffee cup to reveal the coffee underneath — Illustration: Rebecca Zisser/Axios

This year, I've visited almost 50 coffee shops on my trek to try every single place in Chicago.

Now, that might take a few years since there are hundreds of spots, but I'm here for it if you are.

State of play: Out of the first 47 that I visited in 2025, here are my favorites:

Oud Coffee and Cafe (714 N. Wells St.)

Exterior of OUD coffee & cafe with white pillars and a hanging sign combining a coffee cup and a musical oud instrument in black and white. — Oud Coffee & Cafe in River North. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios

This is one of the coffee shops I've returned to regularly throughout the year to sample their delicious Oud latte, which mixes espresso with cardamom, pistachio and fresh mint.

The Palestinian-owned cafe has a great vibe and great food and sticks out along the busy Wells Street corridor south of Chicago Avenue.

Magnifico Coffee (3063 N. Milwaukee Ave.)

Paper cup of latte with foam art depicting a rabbit with ears and a clock, placed on a dark countertop with various objects blurred in the background. — A latte from Magnifico in Avondale. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios

I've tried to differentiate specialty drinks into two categories: coffee-forward or syrup-forward. Magnifico is definitely coffee-forward, showcasing lattes and cappuccinos that are more about the balance and their own beans.

It's also a great spot to see the Avondale crowd congregate around a live DJ.

Discourse Coffee Workshop (1542 N. Damen Ave.)

People standing in line outside Discourse Coffee Workshop, a corner café with green signage and city bikes parked nearby on a sunny day. — Discourse in Wicker Park. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios

This pop-up at the side window of Urban Belly in Wicker Park was so delightful that it has been extended to next year.

This is as exotic a coffee as you will get in town, featuring awesome flavor combinations like oaked orange vanilla, coconut curry matcha and even ramen.

Dialtone Coffee and Wine Bar (1136 N. Wells St.)

Three coffee drinks including iced and hot in cups labeled "dial tone" on a wooden table, accompanied by a pink-frosted donut with sprinkles, a crumb-topped muffin, and a croissant on paper bags. — The goodies at Dialtone in Old Town/River North. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios

This new coffee and wine bar opened in one of the shiny new condo buildings on Wells Street in Old Town, and judging by the lines, it's a hit.

This spot took pride in its coffee, offering up one of the best lavender lattes I've had all year.

Bad Owl Coffee Roasters (3315 S. Morgan St.)

Bad Owl in Bridgeport. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios

Bad Owl is a neighborhood gem. The Bridgeport coffee shop features awesome specialty drinks and boasts a tasty breakfast menu, too.

It's nestled on Morgan Street in the South Side neighborhood, giving it a cozy residential vibe.

Overflow Coffee (1449 S. Michigan Ave.)

Interior of Overflow Coffee shop with brick wall featuring large black letters spelling "OVERFLOW COFFEE." Several people are seated and chatting at wooden tables under ceiling lights. — Overflow Coffee in the South Loop. Photo: Justin Kaufmann/Axios

This coffee house on the first floor of the old Vee-Jay Records on Record Row plays to its roots.

The coffee was great, but the draw was the live DJ and the socializing. This place adds life to your morning coffee.

Go deeper: Read my reviews of all the coffee shops I visited in 2025 here.