Best Coffee Shops in Chicago Near Public Transit
Chicago is famous for many things—deep-dish pizza, stunning architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and, of course, coffee! Whether you’re a local rushing to work or a visitor exploring the city, grabbing a cup of coffee is always a good idea. Luckily, Chicago has plenty of amazing coffee shops that are easy to get to if you’re using public transit. In this blog, we’ll share some of the best coffee spots in Chicago that are close to buses or train stations. Let’s dive in!
1. Intelligentsia Coffee (Downtown – Millennium Park)
Location: 53 E Randolph St
Nearby Transit: Washington/Wabash CTA ‘L’ Station
Intelligentsia Coffee is a Chicago classic. If you’re in the Downtown area near Millennium Park, this is the perfect place to grab a great cup of coffee. Known for their high-quality beans and carefully brewed drinks, Intelligentsia has a sleek, modern vibe. It’s located just steps away from the Washington/Wabash CTA ‘L’ station, so it couldn’t be easier to reach. If you’re heading to see “The Bean,” this shop is a must-visit!
2. Heritage Outpost (Lakeview)
Location: 1325 W Wilson Ave
Nearby Transit: Wilson Red Line Station
Heritage Outpost in the Lakeview neighborhood combines coffee and bikes. Yes, you read that right—they sell vintage-style bicycles along with fantastic coffee! This charming shop is right near the Wilson Red Line station, making it convenient for commuters or people exploring the North Side. The shop has a cozy vibe, and their oat milk lattes are especially popular.
3. Gaslight Coffee Roasters (Logan Square)
Location: 2385 N Milwaukee Ave
Nearby Transit: Logan Square Blue Line Station
Gaslight Coffee Roasters is a favorite in Logan Square, a trendy neighborhood with cool shops and artsy vibes. Just a short walk from the Logan Square Blue Line station, this coffee shop roasts its own beans and makes incredible, fresh-tasting drinks. Whether you order a pour-over or an iced latte, you’ll be impressed. The shop is small but stylish, with plenty of seating to relax and enjoy your coffee.
4. Sip & Savor (Bronzeville)
Location: 528 E 43rd St
Nearby Transit: 43rd Street Green Line Station
Bronzeville is a neighborhood rich in history, culture, and great coffee. Sip & Savor is one of the area’s best coffee spots, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere and delicious drinks. Their menu includes everything from espresso to fruit smoothies, and their pastries pair perfectly with your coffee. It’s just around the corner from the 43rd Street Green Line station, which makes it super convenient for both locals and visitors.
5. Dark Matter Coffee – The Mothership (Ukrainian Village)
Location: 738 N Western Ave
Nearby Transit: Chicago Avenue Bus (#66)
Dark Matter Coffee is known for its bold flavors and creative approach to coffee roasting. The Mothership is their flagship shop, located in Ukrainian Village. Because it’s so close to the Chicago Avenue Bus (#66), it’s easy to get to even if you’re coming from downtown or elsewhere. The shop has a funky, alternative vibe, and their unique blends (like “Unicorn Blood”) are worth trying if you’re looking for something new.
6. La Colombe Coffee (West Loop)
Location: 955 W Randolph St
Nearby Transit: Morgan CTA ‘L’ Station
West Loop is one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods for food and drinks, and La Colombe Coffee fits right in. This coffee shop is sleek and sophisticated, offering expertly brewed drinks and a comfortable space for relaxing or working. It’s just a short walk from the Morgan CTA ‘L’ station, making it very easy to reach. Their signature Draft Latte is particularly popular—don’t leave without trying it!
7. Bridgeport Coffee Company (Bridgeport)
Location: 3101 S Morgan St
Nearby Transit: Halsted Bus (#8)
Bridgeport Coffee Company is a gem on the South Side of Chicago in the Bridgeport neighborhood. Known for roasting their own beans, this shop serves wonderfully fresh and flavorful coffee with a no-frills, relaxed vibe. It’s conveniently located near the Halsted Bus (#8), so you can enjoy a great cup of coffee without venturing too far from your transit route.
8. The Wormhole Coffee (Wicker Park)
Location: 1462 N Milwaukee Ave
Nearby Transit: Damen Blue Line Station
The Wormhole Coffee in Wicker Park is a fun, retro-themed shop that’s perfect for any coffee lover or pop-culture fan. With a DeLorean car from Back to the Future inside the shop and 80s decor, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Their coffee is fantastic, with options like cold brews and specialty lattes. The shop is just a quick walk from the Damen Blue Line station, making it a convenient stop for locals and visitors alike.
9. Metropolis Coffee Company (Edgewater)
Location: 1039 W Granville Ave
Nearby Transit: Granville Red Line Station
Metropolis Coffee Company, located near Loyola University in Edgewater, is a favorite among students and coffee lovers. Known for their thoughtfully sourced beans and friendly environment, this shop offers great coffee and tasty snacks. It’s steps away from the Granville Red Line station, making it ideal if you’re exploring the northern part of the city.
Final Thoughts
Chicago has no shortage of coffee shops to choose from, and many of them are conveniently located near public transit. Whether you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix or a cozy spot to relax, there’s a coffee shop for every taste and mood. Next time you’re out and about in Chicago, give one of these places a try—you might just discover your new favorite!
