Hidden Gems: Uncovering Chicago's Coziest Cafés for Spring Mornings
via Swadesi
Whether you’ve been living in Chicago for the last 15 years or are just here for a long weekend, the city has so much to offer. From tourist favorites like the shops on Michigan Ave and the Cubbies stadium in Wrigleyville to the ever-so-famous bean, you could live in the city your entire life and still never get to everything. Aside from the most well-known locations, the Windy City is also filled with a ton of hidden gems that only the truest Chicagoans know about. Follow along for our favorite secret spots to spend a spring morning & grab a coffee & pastry….
Swadesi {328 South Jefferson Street, Chicago; 708.553.6350}
In a city with every type of food known to man, it’s exceptionally hard to find a place that is doing something new. So when we saw Sujan Sarkar, the chef behind the Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, Indienne was opening a new cafe in the Loop, we were beyond intrigued. Swadesi offers distinctive sips like Indian chai and even more unique bites such as the Samosa Chaat Croissant. This new spot is a can’t miss!
The Goddess and Grocer {1649 North Damen Avenue, Chicago}
Every Chicagoan knows the importance of the patio as summertime shows its beautiful face. After months spent cooped up inside, patios and rooftops are the perfect places to spread their wings and get some much-needed vitamin D. The Goddess and Grocer in Bucktown not only offers its regularly scheduled menu filled with delicious bites (carrot cake, we’re talking to you) but it also has a patio and covered outdoor rooftop which make for the ultimate warm weather hangout.
via Good Ambler
Good Ambler {216 North Peoria Street, Chicago; 312.872.7165}
Searching for a laid-back spot that serves everything from hand-crafted candy bars to savory treats like Quiche Lorraine and a wide array of coffees? Look no further than Good Ambler. The Fulton Market café, bakery, and chocolatier makes for the perfect place to WFH on a cool spring morning.
Canal Street Market {314 South Canal Street, Chicago; 312.967.6060}
As Chicagoans, we have our fair share of delicious food to choose from, but nothing gets our morning started on the right note like freshly baked breads and pastries to accompany a strong cup of coffee. At Canal Street everything is baked in-house daily– from the bread that the sandwiches are made with, to the pastries, to the pizza, to the delicious chocolate chip cookies.
Doma {946 North Orleans Street, Chicago; 312.643.0527}
Cafes and coffee shops can definitely be a little overdone in Chicago, but there’s nothing better than an intimate place not many people know about. Combine Doma’s mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches and delicious coffee with their airy interior and you have the perfect River North hidden gem.
via Drip Collective
Drip Collective {172 North Racine Avenue, Chicago}
A cafe that doubles as an art gallery?! Count us in! Drip Collective, which opened in the West Loop in February, aims to showcase local artists to make their presence amongst other Chicagoans known. Enjoy an array of pastries and coffees while you view artwork from the best of Chicago creatives.
Tribeca Sandwich Shop {2949 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago; 773.878.2717}
Sure, you can spend every day eating steak and caviar, but some days there’s nothing better than a really good sandwich. The Avondale favorite, which started as a pop-up, has the perfect combination of a classic sandwich like the Spicy Tuna Melt with modern (and might we add, vegetarian) takes like TriBeca’s Tofu Cubano.
By Madison Freeman | Online Correspondent