Best Coffee Shops in Chicago for Cold Winter Mornings
Winter in Chicago is no joke. The icy winds, snow-covered sidewalks, and chilly temperatures make you crave something warm and calming to start your day. Luckily, Chicago is home to incredible coffee shops that understand just what you need to get through those cold mornings. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to sit with a hot drink or just something delicious to grab on your way to work, these coffee shops won’t disappoint.
Here is a list of some of the best coffee shops in Chicago to help warm you up on cold winter mornings.
1. Intelligentsia Coffee
Locations: Multiple; Millennium Park, Lakeview, Logan Square
Intelligentsia Coffee is a Chicago classic. Known for its commitment to high-quality beans and perfectly brewed coffee, it’s a go-to spot for locals. Their warm ambiance at each location makes it a perfect spot to escape the cold. The Millennium Park location is especially cozy, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let you sip your drink while watching the snowy cityscape. Whether you’re in the mood for a cappuccino, latte, or their famous pour-over coffee, Intelligentsia is guaranteed to warm you up.
2. Sawada Coffee
Location: West Loop
Sawada Coffee is the brainchild of Hiroshi Sawada, a world-renowned barista from Japan. This coffee shop combines serious coffee expertise with a fun and unique atmosphere. Located in the West Loop, Sawada Coffee serves creative drinks like Military Lattes (matcha and espresso with cocoa powder) and Black Camouflage Lattes (chocolate and coffee topped with sprinkles). The rustic interior, with wooden tables and soft lighting, creates a cozy space where you can escape the cold. Plus, you can pair your drink with delicious pastries or donuts from the adjacent shop, The Doughnut Vault.
3. Caffe Streets
Location: Wicker Park
If you’re wandering through Wicker Park on a freezing day, Caffe Streets is a must-visit. This modern coffee shop is small but welcoming, with minimalist décor and a warm vibe. They brew coffee using high-end equipment, ensuring every cup is just right. Their selection of coffee beans rotates regularly, offering a fresh experience every time you visit. Whether you want a classic latte or something adventurous, Caffe Streets is the perfect spot to embrace the Chicago winter with a hot drink in hand.
4. Sip Coffee House
Location: Multiple; West Town, Northwest Side
Sip Coffee House is a hidden gem that many locals treasure. The warm, cozy atmosphere inside feels more like a home than a coffee shop—which is exactly what you want on a cold winter morning. With comfy couches, exposed brick walls, and friendly service, it’s hard not to relax here. Sip is known for its large mugs filled to the brim with rich and creamy coffee drinks like mochas and hazelnut lattes. They also offer tasty breakfast sandwiches and pastries, making it a great spot to grab both coffee and a bite to eat.
5. Heritage Coffee
Locations: Multiple; Uptown, Lakeview, West Loop
Heritage Coffee is part of Heritage Bicycles, a bike shop and café hybrid known for its inviting atmosphere and excellent coffee. Their espresso drinks are incredibly smooth, and they also serve unique seasonal beverages to keep you feeling warm and festive during the cold months. The vibe here is friendly and laid-back, with customers often chatting while sipping coffee surrounded by bicycles and vintage decor. If you enjoy supporting local businesses and sipping drinks made with care, Heritage Coffee should be on your list.
6. Dark Matter Coffee
Locations: Multiple; West Town, Ukrainian Village, Roscoe Village
Dark Matter Coffee is not just a coffee shop—it’s an experience. Known for its bold and unconventional approach to coffee-making, this spot is perfect for adventurous coffee drinkers. When winter rolls in, their rich and dare-we-say magical blends will leave you feeling cozy and energized. The artwork-filled walls and funky vibe make Dark Matter stand out from typical coffee chains. Their signature drinks, like Mayan Mocha (with spicy cinnamon and chocolate), are a great way to heat yourself up during freezing mornings.
7. Dollop Coffee Co.
Locations: Multiple; Downtown, Uptown, South Loop, and more
Dollop Coffee Co. is perfect for anyone who loves consistent, flavorful coffee with plenty of options. The warm, welcoming environment makes it a great place to hang out with friends or catch up on emails on a frosty winter morning. Dollop serves excellent coffee brewed with locally roasted beans, and they pair their drinks with a selection of breakfast foods, sandwiches, and pastries. You’ll find plenty of Dollop locations scattered around Chicago, making it easy to enjoy their coffee wherever you are.
8. Asado Coffee Roasters
Locations: Multiple; West Loop, River North
Asado Coffee Roasters offers coffee made with intense attention to detail. Every cup showcases their passion for roasting premium beans to perfection. On cold, snowy days, their comforting mugs of espresso or almond milk lattes will help take the chill off your morning. The staff is friendly and happy to recommend drinks based on your preferences, giving you yet another reason to stop in more often.
Chicago winters might be cold, but that doesn’t mean your mornings have to be miserable. These coffee shops are here to make sure you’re warmed up, caffeinated, and ready to tackle the day. With friendly vibes and delicious drinks, you’ll forget about the freezing temperatures outside—at least until you step back into the snow.
So put on your warmest coat, grab your hat and gloves, and head out to one of these coffee shops. Whether it’s a fancy latte, creamy mocha, or a perfectly brewed black coffee, you’re sure to find the warmth you’re looking for!
