Best Coffee Shops in Chicago for Matcha Lovers
Chicago is a city filled with amazing food, drinks, and vibrant neighborhoods. In recent years, matcha has become a popular choice for people looking for a smooth, earthy, and caffeinated drink. For matcha lovers in Chicago, there are plenty of coffee shops that serve high-quality matcha drinks and unique creations. Whether you’re from the city or visiting for the weekend, you’ll want to check out these spots that serve matcha tea, lattes, and more.
Here’s a guide to the best coffee shops in Chicago that will delight any matcha enthusiast!
1. Sawada Coffee
Sawada Coffee, located in the busy West Loop area, is a must-visit for matcha lovers. A coffee shop created by famed Japanese barista Hiroshi Sawada, this cafe is known for its signature Military Latte. This unique drink combines matcha, espresso, vanilla syrup, and cocoa powder to create a layered and flavorful beverage that bridges matcha and coffee perfectly.
The shop has a cool vibe with vintage pinball machines and dim lighting. It’s a great place to sit back and enjoy a creative matcha drink with friends or to kickstart your day with something new. Sawada Coffee definitely stands out for its bold matcha offerings and trendy atmosphere.
2. Matchacita
If you’re looking for a beautiful, Instagram-worthy spot that specializes in matcha, Matchacita is the place to be. This adorable cafe in Lakeview has everything a matcha fan could want: matcha lattes, matcha smoothies, and even matcha pastries like donuts and muffins.
One of their standout drinks is the Matcha Chai Latte, a delightful mix of earthy matcha and spicy chai. You can also customize your latte with plant-based milk options such as almond or oat milk. The cafe’s bright and colorful decor, paired with trendy neon signs, makes it a fun location to sip on your favorite matcha treat while snapping the perfect photo.
Matchacita proves that matcha can be both creative and beautiful.
3. Hero Coffee Bar
Hero Coffee Bar may be small, but it’s big on matcha flavor. They serve incredibly creamy matcha lattes with high-quality powdered matcha sourced straight from Japan. With multiple locations in Chicago, Hero Coffee is an easy stop for matcha lovers searching for a cozy space or a quick grab-and-go drink.
The vibe here is laid-back, making it an ideal spot to relax with your favorite matcha drink. For a little twist, try their iced matcha latte during the summer—it’s refreshing and energizing. Their matcha is simple yet delicious, highlighting the vibrant flavors of the powder itself.
4. Uptons Breakroom
Located in the Ukrainian Village, Uptons Breakroom specializes in plant-based food and beverages. Their matcha menu includes classic matcha lattes as well as blended drinks with a healthy twist. Since this cafe is known for using vegan and natural ingredients, matcha lovers can enjoy their drinks guilt-free.
Pair your matcha latte with one of their plant-based snacks or meals for a wholesome treat. Uptons Breakroom is a chill place where you can enjoy matcha while supporting a cafe dedicated to sustainability. If you’re vegan or looking for healthier drink options, this is the matcha spot for you.
5. Solidarity Cafe
This hidden gem in Pilsen offers some of the best matcha drinks in the city. Solidarity Cafe prides itself on creating drinks that are not only delicious but also affordable for the community. Their matcha powder is rich and vibrant, offering matcha lattes that pack a flavorful punch.
The cafe has a rustic and artsy vibe, making it a great location to sit and enjoy your drink surrounded by lots of cozy decor. If you’re in the Pilsen area, Solidarity Cafe is worth a stop for anyone craving matcha made with love and care.
6. BomboBar
Known for its indulgent desserts and coffee drinks, BomboBar has also crafted some fun matcha creations. Located in the West Loop, BomboBar makes matcha exciting with inventive drinks like their matcha ice cream and matcha-infused desserts.
Their Frozen Matcha Latte is a standout drink during warmer months, combining creamy and icy textures in one energizing treat. Pair your matcha latte with a sweet treat, such as their famous bombolini stuffed donuts. BomboBar merges matcha and indulgence in a big way, making every visit feel like a celebration.
7. Arigato Market
Another fantastic shop in Chicago is Arigato Market, a Japanese-inspired cafe located in Logan Square. The menu focuses on high-quality and authentic Japanese drinks, including matcha lattes and matcha sodas!
Arigato Market is known for its attention to detail, making sure every cup of matcha is perfectly whisked and balanced. You can also pick up Japanese snacks and goodies from the market while you’re here. It’s a one-of-a-kind spot that blends Japanese flavors with Chicago’s cafe culture.
Final Thoughts
Chicago is the perfect city for matcha lovers, offering diverse coffee shops that satisfy every craving. From trendy cafes like Matchacita to Japanese-inspired spots like Sawada Coffee, there’s no shortage of options for matcha enthusiasts to explore. Whether you prefer classic matcha lattes or adventurous creations like matcha sodas or frozen lattes, Chicago’s coffee scene will surprise and delight you.
So, grab your matcha latte and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Windy City!
