Good Coffeehouses in Chicago That Aren't Starbucks

Coffeehouses as a whole are a venue that people use for many things. Of course there is the obvious... drinking coffee, but also they're used for studying, socializing, business meetings, and the like. In Chicago, this is no different.

Where do you go for coffee if you're not a Starbucks fan? Yes, contrary to popular belief there are people in this world who do not like Starbucks. Even if you are a Starbucks fan, perhaps you just want some variety in your morning, or for an evening beverage.

Here in Chicago, Starbucks are plentiful. We even have one that's open 24 hours not too far from downtown... very convenient. Is the rest of the Chicago coffee-drinking market left with no alternative? I should say not! There are plenty of options throughout Chicago and even in some suburbs of places you can frequent that doesn't have the green logo across the coffee cup. I'll break them down for you by area of the city that they're in:

Downtown Chicago

Sip Coffee House -1223 W Grand Ave

Jupiter Café - 1139 W Fulton Market

Chicago - North Side

Metropolis Coffee Company - 1039 W Granville Ave

Uncommon Ground - 3800 N Clark Street, 1401 W Devon Ave

Dollop Coffee & Tea - 4181 N Clarendon Ave

Intelligensia Coffee & Tea - 3123 N Broadway Street

Noble Tree Coffee - 2444 N Clark Street

The Common Cup - 1501 W Morse Ave

The Coffee Studio - 5628 N Clark Street

Chicago - South Side

Bronzeville Coffee & Tea - 528 E 43^rd Street

Café Jumping Bean - 1439 W 18^th Street

Blue Moon Coffeehouse - 1742 W 99^th Street

Istria Café - 1520 E 57^th Street

Bonjour Café & Bakery - 1550 E 55^th Street

Bridgeport Coffee House - 3101 S Morgan Street

Chicago - West Side

Bon Appetit Café - 2825 W Chicago Ave

Chicago Suburbs

Jesus Alive Coffee House - 219 Pine Lane, Bensenville, IL

Buzz Café - 905 S Lombard Ave, Oak Park, IL

Kafein - 1621 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL

If you notice, the majority of the coffeehouses that are available appear to be on the North Side of Chicago. To an extent that makes sense given that the North Side has the most boutiques, shops, restaurants, and everything else you can find. If you want a retail coffeehouse and don't want to consider a local Chicago coffeehouse you can try Caribou Coffee or Dunkin Donuts. Caribou Coffee has great desserts, so that may be a selling point for those who get something in addition to coffee. If you're a Border's regular they support Seattle's Best Coffee from what I've seen in the couple of stores that I frequent (those being the Hyde Park location and the North Avenue location).

Hopefully I've given you a comprehensive enough list of places to try if you're looking for a different atmosphere for your caffeine needs, or just want other options from time to time for that next meeting, gathering, or place of relaxation. Enjoy your coffee!