In this article, I will be exploring the best coffee shops in Chicago for solo work or study.
I understand that finding the perfect spot to work or study can be a challenge, especially if you are looking for a quiet and comfortable environment with reliable Wi-Fi and good coffee.
Therefore, I have curated a list of coffee shops that meet the criteria for a productive work or study session.
What is the criteria for selecting the best coffee shops for solo work or study?
My selection includes coffee shops with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, good coffee, and a quiet atmosphere.
Whether you’re a student or a professional looking for a place to work, I have confident that this list will help you find your perfect coffee spot in Chicago.
Where are the best Coffee Shops for Solo Work or Study Located?
The best Chicago coffee shops for solo work or study are located in a variety of neighborhoods and areas throughout the city.
Here are some details about the accessibility of each location:
1. West Loop: This area is home to a number of great coffee shops, including Sawada Coffee, La Colombe Coffee, and The Allis.
The West Loop is easily accessible by public transportation, with multiple bus routes and a nearby train station. There is also plenty of street parking available in the area.
Related: How to Navigate Chicago Public Transportation System as a solo traveler
2. River North: If you’re looking for a coffee shop in the heart of downtown, River North has several options, such as Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea, Dollop Coffee Co., and Intelligentsia Coffee.
River North is easily accessible by public transportation, with multiple bus routes and train stations nearby. However, parking can be limited and expensive in this area.
3. Lakeview: If you prefer a more residential neighborhood, Lakeview has several coffee shops that are great for solo work or study, including Caffe Umbria, Heritage Bicycles, and La Colombe Coffee.
Lakeview is accessible by public transportation, with multiple bus routes and train stations nearby. There is also street parking available, but it can be limited during peak hours.
4. Lincoln Park: This neighborhood is home to several coffee shops that are great for solo work or study, such as The Bourgeois Pig Cafe, Cafe Brauer, and The Wormhole Coffee.
Lincoln Park is easily accessible by public transportation, with multiple bus routes and train stations nearby.
Parking can be a challenge in this area, so it may be best to take public transportation or ride a bike.
Overall, each of these locations is accessible by public transportation and has parking options available.
Depending on your preferences, you may want to choose a coffee shop that is located in a specific neighborhood or area of the city.
The Best Coffee Shops in Chicago
Now, let’s look at some of the best Chicago coffee Shops including unique features that makes them a great choice for solo work or study.
1. Sawada Coffee (West Loop)
Sawada Coffee has a minimalist and industrial decor, with exposed brick walls and concrete floors.The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, making it a great spot for solo work or study.
Sawada Coffee also has private workspaces available for rent, which can be a great option if you need a quiet and distraction-free environment.
Additionally, they have an outdoor seating area that is perfect for working on a sunny day.
What Coffee and Food is available here?
Sawada Coffee offers a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, pour-over coffee, and cold brew.
They also have a selection of Japanese-inspired specialty drinks, such as the Military Latte, which is made with matcha powder and espresso.
In addition to coffee, Sawada Coffee offers pastries and baked goods from local bakeries.
Additional Amenities and Services:
In addition to free Wi-Fi, Sawada Coffee offers private workspaces for rent, which can be a great option if you need a quiet and distraction-free environment.
They also offer printing and scanning services for a fee.
Pricing:
The pricing at Sawada Coffee is on the higher end, with coffee drinks ranging from $4 to $7.
Specialty drinks like the Military Latte cost $7.50. Pastries and baked goods range from $3 to $5.
Private workspaces can be rented for $25/hour, and printing and scanning services are available for a fee.
2. Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea (River North)
Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea has a modern and spacious interior, with plenty of natural light and comfortable seating.
The atmosphere is bustling but not too noisy, making it a great spot for solo work or study.
What makes Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea unique is their “pour-your-own” beverage system, where you can choose from a variety of coffee and tea options and pour your own drink at a self-serve station.
They also have ample power outlets available for customers to use.
What Coffee and Food is served here (menu)?
Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea offers a wide range of coffee and tea options, including pour-over coffee, cold brew, and matcha lattes.
They also have a food menu that includes sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
One of their signature items is the “Fancy Toast” – a variety of creative and delicious toast options, such as avocado toast and almond butter toast.
Additional Amenities and Services:
Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea has ample power outlets available for customers to use, as well as free Wi-Fi.
They do not have any additional amenities or services, but they do offer a loyalty program where customers can earn rewards for purchases.
Pricing:
The pricing at Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea is mid-range, with coffee drinks ranging from $3.50 to $6.
Fancy Toast options range from $6 to $9. Sandwiches and salads range from $9 to $14.
The loyalty program allows customers to earn rewards for purchases, which can help offset costs.
3. Caffe Umbria (Lakeview)
Caffe Umbria has a warm and cozy atmosphere, with a rustic Italian decor and soft lighting.
The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, making it a great spot for solo work or study.
Caffe Umbria also has a large outdoor seating area that is perfect for working on a sunny day.
Additionally, they offer free Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets for customers to use.
Menu:
Caffe Umbria specializes in Italian-style coffee, with a variety of espresso drinks and drip coffee options.
They also have a selection of tea, pastries, and gelato.
One of their signature drinks is the Caffe Umbria Granita, which is made with espresso, milk, and sweetened condensed milk, and served over ice.
Amenities and additional Services:
Caffe Umbria offers free Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets for customers to use.
They do not have any additional amenities or services, but they do offer a loyalty program where customers can earn rewards for purchases.
Pricing:
The pricing at Caffe Umbria is mid-range, with espresso drinks ranging from $3.50 to $5.
Drip coffee is $3.50. Pastries and gelato range from $3 to $5.
The loyalty program allows customers to earn rewards for purchases.
4. The Bourgeois Pig Cafe
The Bourgeois Pig Cafe has a quirky and eclectic decor, with vintage furniture and unique artwork on the walls.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a great spot for solo work or study.
What makes The Bourgeois Pig Cafe unique is their private nooks and crannies, which are small private spaces that are perfect for working on a project or studying in peace.
They also have plenty of power outlets available for customers to use.
Menu:
The Bourgeois Pig Cafe offers a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew.
They also have a food menu that includes sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.
One of their specialties is the fondue, which comes in several flavors and is served with bread and vegetables for dipping.
Amenities:
The Bourgeois Pig Cafe has plenty of power outlets available for customers to use, as well as free Wi-Fi.
They do not have any additional amenities or services, but they do offer a loyalty program where customers can earn rewards for purchases.
Pricing options:
The pricing at The Bourgeois Pig Cafe is mid-range, with coffee drinks ranging from $3.50 to $5.
Fondue ranges from $12 to $15. Sandwiches and salads range from $8 to $11. Printing and scanning services are not available.
The loyalty program allows customers to earn rewards for purchases.
5.La Colombe Coffee
La Colombe Coffee is a popular coffee shop chain with several locations in Chicago, known for their high-quality coffee and sleek, minimalist decor.
They offer a variety of espresso drinks, drip coffee, and specialty drinks, with prices ranging from $3.50 to $6.
They also have a selection of pastries and baked goods, with prices ranging from $3 to $5.
The atmosphere at La Colombe is modern and trendy, with plenty of natural light and minimalist decor.
The noise level can vary depending on the location, but most locations are generally quiet and suitable for studying or working.
They have ample seating, including some private workspaces, and free Wi-Fi for customers.
6. The Allis
The Allis is a coffee shop and restaurant located in the trendy West Loop neighborhood of Chicago.
It is part of the Soho House Chicago, a private members-only club, but the coffee shop is open to the public.
They offer a variety of coffee drinks, tea, and specialty drinks, with prices ranging from $4 to $7.
Here, you have a food menu with a selection of breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, and desserts, with prices ranging from $6 to $20.
How is the atmosphere like? The atmosphere at The Allis is stylish and sophisticated, with plush sofas and chairs, beautiful chandeliers, and plenty of natural light.
The noise level can vary depending on the time of day, but it is generally quiet and suitable for studying or working.
They have ample seating, including some private workspaces, and free Wi-Fi for customers.
7.Dollop Coffee Co.
Dollop Coffee Co. is a small Chicago-based coffee shop chain with several locations around the city.
They are known for their high-quality coffee and baked goods, with a variety of espresso drinks, drip coffee, and specialty drinks, with prices ranging from $3.50 to $6.
They also have a selection of baked goods and sandwiches, with prices ranging from $4 to $8.
The atmosphere at Dollop Coffee Co. is cozy and relaxed, with warm lighting and comfortable seating.
The noise level can vary depending on the location and time of day, but most locations are generally quiet and suitable for studying or working.
They have ample seating, including some private workspaces, and free Wi-Fi for customers.
8. Intelligentsia Coffee.
Intelligentsia Coffee is a well-known coffee chain with several locations in Chicago, as well as other cities across the US.
They are known for their high-quality coffee beans and artisanal brewing methods, with a variety of espresso drinks, pour-over coffee, and specialty drinks, with prices ranging from $3 to $7.
They also offer a selection of baked goods and snacks, with prices ranging from $2 to $5.
9. Heritage Bicycles
Heritage Bicycles is a unique coffee shop in Chicago, combining a coffee bar with a bicycle shop.
What are they known for? The Heritage Bicycle is known for their high-quality coffee and homemade pastries, with a variety of espresso drinks, pour-over coffee, and specialty drinks.
They also offer a selection of homemade pastries and snacks. pricing at Heritage Bicycle ranging from $2 to $7 depending on your choice.
The atmosphere at Heritage Bicycles is eclectic and inviting, with a mix of vintage and modern design elements.
The noise level can vary depending on the location and time of day, but most locations are generally quiet and suitable for studying or working.
10. Cafe Brauer
Cafe Brauer is a historic coffee shop located in the heart of Lincoln Park, adjacent to the Lincoln Park Zoo.
This place is popular for their coffee and tea offerings, with a variety of hot and iced drinks, with prices ranging from $3 to $6.
You can also get a selection of sandwiches, salads, and pastries, with prices ranging from as low as $4 to $9.
How is the atmosphere like? The atmosphere at Cafe Brauer is charming and elegant, with a rustic interior and plenty of natural light.
The noise level can vary depending on the time of day and season, as the cafe is popular with tourists and locals alike.
They have plenty seating, including some outdoor seating with a view of the zoo, and free Wi-Fi for customers.
11. The Wormhole Coffee
The Wormhole Coffee is a trendy coffee shop located in Wicker Park that specializes in creating a nostalgic and retro atmosphere.
This shop is known for their high-quality coffee and creative specialty drinks, with prices ranging from $3 to $7.
You can also find a selection of homemade pastries and snacks, with prices ranging from $2 to $5.
The atmosphere at The Wormhole Coffee is eclectic and unique, with 80s and 90s memorabilia decorating the walls and a vintage DeLorean parked inside the shop.
Conclusion
In this article, we have highlighted Eleven of the best coffee shops in Chicago for solo work or study: Sawada Coffee, Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea, Caffe Umbria, and The Bourgeois Pig Cafe.
Each coffee shop has its own unique atmosphere, amenities, and pricing, making them great options for different types of customers.
No matter which coffee shop you choose, you can expect to find comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, good coffee, and a quiet atmosphere, making them all great options for solo work or study.
We encourage you to try out these coffee shops and share your experiences.
Whether you’re a student, freelancer, or remote worker, these coffee shops provide a great alternative to working from home or in a traditional office setting.
So grab your laptop and head to one of these coffee shops to get some work done and enjoy some great coffee!
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