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When visiting a new place, what are the things that you always love to check out? Some people beeline to the new attractions. Others like to eat their way through the popular restaurants. And some like to casually take a stroll and soak in all the culture.
Me? I like to check out the cafes and coffee shops. A good menu goes without saying, but it has to have the right atmosphere too! On a recent trip, I went on a mission to find the chicest cafes in Chicago! Did I find them? Did I not? Oh, the suspense. Keep reading for some major coffee inspo!
5 of the Chicest Cafes in Chicago
1. Le Pain Quotidien 20 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60602
Le Pain Quotidien is French for the “daily bread”, though the restaurant was founded in Brussels. There are multiple locations in Chicago, so it makes it easier to find one near you! It’s small, yet cozy with soft lighting and weathered wood tables and floors.
There is a communal table which is pretty interesting, but I do prefer a cozy table to myself. A large cappuccino is basically like drinking from a bowl and you can’t leave without getting the Belgium waffle. With classy music playing in the background, you can sit back, take a sip from your frothy cappuccino, and think about what pastries you’re going to pick up on the way out.
2. The Allis in Soho House 113-125 North Green, Chicago, IL 60661
Any place with marble tables and chandeliers has my heart. The main level has many spots for you to either catch up with a friend or study on antique tables or plush couches. If you head up the stairs you’ll see a classy bar with marble tables and a view overlooking a row of gorgeous chandeliers.
The presentation is great and they pay attention to all the details, like getting your silverware in an antique vase for one. For breakfast, I get some yummy avocado toast on really great multigrain bread. I’d love to go back for some afternoon tea next time!
3. Eataly 43 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
This place isn’t necessarily a cafe, but it has to be mentioned because it’s simply a dream! Eataly isn’t local to Chicago, but if you haven’t heard of it before it’s a big Italian themed indoor marketplace with restaurants, shops, different food stands, and even a grocery store.
You can start your morning off with an espresso and croissant, shop for some cheese and bread for lunch, get pasta or pizza with a glass of wine for dinner, and then get macaroons or tiramisu with an Italian hot chocolate for dessert, all without leaving the building. It’s not small and cozy like a cafe, but there are quaint marble table and rustic chair sets that give off chic cafe vibes.
4. La Fournette 1547 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
This place may not have the marble tables or sweeping chandeliers, but it’s an authentic French bakery and in a cute part of Chicago. I love the warm feeling of this place from the tables to the cute trays, and all the way down to the friendly French people working there. The bread and pastries look divine, so expect to leave with a couple goodies for later.
5. 3 Arts Club Cafe 1300 N Dearborn Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60610
I saved this place for last because it’s absolutely divine! A bit pricey, but this place truly feels like an experience and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. In the morning you can savor your coffee in a garden courtyard surrounded by natural light.
But at night it feels magical. The lights are low, the candles are lit, and everything is enveloped in a soft glow. The atmosphere feels complete with the gentle hum of excited chatter around you and the sound of the trickling water from the statement waterfall.
This place is inside Restoration Hardware, so when you’re finished with dinner, you can take your glass of wine and browse their many floors of styled rooms.
I always get the board of warm bread paired with cheese, strawberry glaze, and candied pecans. Makes the perfect appetizer for the perfect night!
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