Best Coffee Shops in River North

Wake N Bakery Chicago Downtown is celebrated for its exceptionally kind and welcoming staff, who create a friendly atmosphere with energetic greetings and helpful recommendations. Patrons consistently praise their delicious lattes and unique offerings like the berry white lemonade, making it a great spot for a pleasant coffee experience. Despite occasional quirks, the positive interactions with the team stand out.

Sawada Coffee is a vibrant and bustling destination in Fulton Market, known for its creative and expertly crafted coffee drinks, even if it means a bit of a wait. Signature lattes like the Military (matcha and espresso) and Black Camo are frequently praised, alongside their excellent espresso. The spacious, pretty interior offers a unique, low-lit, vibey atmosphere, complete with Ping-Pong, making it a lively spot for both coffee aficionados and casual visitors.

Caffe Umbria brings authentic Italian-style coffee to River North, delighting patrons with amazing lattes and unique specialty drinks like the spiced Caffè al Peppe. While the space is cozy with limited seating, making it ideal for a grab-and-go stop, the genuinely nice staff often recommend pastries and enhance the welcoming atmosphere. Don't miss their tempting Friday special where you can get a free drink with a coffee bean purchase.

ESPRESSO AND MILK is a sleek, modern, and bustling coffee stop in the Loop, renowned for its creative coffee options and exceptional matcha drinks. Patrons rave about unique lattes like the black sesame and pink guava mocha, as well as standout matcha lemonades. While it's primarily a grab-and-go spot with no indoor seating and can get busy, the friendly, expert baristas and engaged owner ensure a high-quality experience that's worth the wait.

Ground Up Coffee & Bites is a beloved Chicago gem, celebrated for its incredible vibes, quick, and genuinely friendly service. Customers consistently praise their delicious drinks, including the Milk and Honey Latte and Amber Hazelnut Latte, alongside tasty bites like their large, flaky hand pies. The owner, Alex, is particularly noted for his kindness and dedication to offering consistently perfect, fresh coffee beans, making it a go-to spot for many.