5 Best Coffee Shops in Chicago to Read a Book
5 Best Coffee Shops in Chicago to Read a Book
Happy National Coffee Day! I don't usually do posts on Fridays, but today is a day worth celebrating with a bonus post this week. It seems fitting that National Coffee Day would occur during National Literacy Month - I <3 to read at coffee shops (who doesn't?!) There is just something about losing yourself in a book sipping on a cappuccino with the hum and hiss of an espresso machine in the background. I put together a list of my favorite coffee shops in Chicago for reading:
1. Maison Marcel Chicago
3114 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657
Reading Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust at Maison Marcel Chicago
Every corner of this French-American cafe is Instagrammable. They offer a variety of seating including wicker chairs, sofas, and swinging chair hammocks - so no matter how you like to read (sitting up straight analyzing themes and motifs or curling up on a sofa getting lost in a love story) there is a place you'll be comfortable.
Coffee to order: Cafe au Lait - it'll remind your of your last trip to Europe
2. Intelligentsia Monadnock
53 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
Reading Blame by Jeff Abbott at Intelligentsia in Chicago, IL
Intelligentsia has several locations to choose from, and each location offers a different aesthetic. If you're reading a classic novel, you'll enjoy the historic setting of the Monadnock building; if you're reading a contemporary novel I'd suggest sitting at the bar at the Logan Square location.
Coffee to order: The classic cappuccino - they are the masters of the classics
3. Goddess and the Baker
225 N. Lasalle, Chicago, IL 60601
Reading Beyond the Label by Maureen Chiquet at Goddess and the Baker
There are three locations, but once you've tried the Wacker and LaSalle location the others just don't quite live up. They are always busy but I never fail to find a seat. If you're lucky, you'll nab the living-room style chairs next to the mid-century modern credenza.
Coffee to order: The house coffee for here - it's just coffee but the presentation makes it seem so luxurious
4. Dollop Coffee Co.
860 N Dewitt Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
Reading The Blinds by Adam Sternbergh at Dollop Coffee in Chicago, IL
New Dollop Coffee Co. locations seem to be popping up every day. My first experience with Dollop was at the one on Dewitt, and it continues to be my favorite. On a Saturday morning I like to walk here, grab a cup of coffee and read for awhile on their Millennial Pink sofa. When I reach a good stopping point I'm close to the lakefront for a nice leisurely walk.
Coffee to order: Mexican Mocha - I love the little bit of spice on a cool fall morning
5. Oromo Cafe
4703 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Reading Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin at Ormo Cafe
Oromo is the newest coffee shop on my list - they just opened in Lincoln Square about a year ago. They offer "culture conscious coffee" with superfood additives such as turmeric and maca. If coffee isn't your thing, try the Pistachio and Matcha blended drink - it was so refreshing on a hot day!
Coffee to order: Hazelnut Horchata Latte - they are known for their unique concoctions
