Best of 10 coffee roasters in River North
Coffee roasters in River North are a vibrant part of the local culinary scene. These artisans transform green coffee beans through a roasting process, developing unique flavors and aromas that are specific to each bean variety and roast level. By visiting coffee roasters in River North, coffee enthusiasts can enjoy freshly roasted brews, learn about different coffee origins, and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into every cup. Experience the rich coffee culture right in the heart of the city.
1. Caffe Umbria
Small-batch, direct trade coffee; popular for wholesale supply

Caffe Umbria is a coffee shop serving a range of espresso-based drinks and pastries. The establishment is known for its friendly staff, who are described as warm and patient. Despite the limited seating available inside the building's hallway, Caffe Umbria offers a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Caffe Umbria's menu features high-quality coffee and a selection of pastries. While the seating area is relatively small, the coffee shop's unique atmosphere makes it a popular destination. The shop's friendly and patient staff, combined with its excellent coffee, have earned it a reputation as a hidden gem in the area.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
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2. TARY Coffee House
They prioritize sustainable and fair-trade practices, ensuring a guilt-free and enjoyable coffee experience.

The coffee shop offered a welcoming and luminous environment, contributing to an enjoyable experience. The staff provided excellent service, making the visit even more satisfying. One notable aspect of the coffee shop is the unique addition of tary, the namesake grain, to their espresso and tea drinks.
This special ingredient, tary, contributes a distinct earthy and nutty flavor to the coffee and tea beverages. The subtle taste enhancement sets the coffee shop apart from others, providing customers with a memorable and pleasant experience. The combination of high-quality coffee, attentive service, and the unique tary flavor makes this coffee shop a recommended spot for coffee lovers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Breakfast
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3. Happy Monday Coffee - River North in River North
Cozy environment with a spacious outdoor patio

Happy Monday Coffee is renowned in the city for offering some of the finest roasts. The staff, consisting of knowledgeable and passionate baristas, further enhances the coffee experience. A key feature of Happy Monday Coffee is their dedication to roasting their own coffee, which results in a rich and smooth flavor. The establishment's ambiance is ideal for customers seeking a relaxed and enjoyable coffee break.
The passion of the baristas at Happy Monday Coffee is evident in the excellent quality of the coffee. The in-house roasting process ensures that the flavors are robust and satisfying. The coffee shop's commitment to providing an exceptional coffee experience is clear, as every detail is carefully considered to create a perfect environment for coffee lovers. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, Happy Monday Coffee is the ideal destination.
TOPICS
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
- Vegan Options
4. Ground Up Coffee & Bites
Small-batch roasted coffee, cozy atmosphere, and community focus

Ground Up Coffee & Bites is known for its exceptional coffee, thanks to their top-notch coffee roasters. The beans they use are always fresh and full of flavor, making for a truly enjoyable cup of coffee.
At Ground Up Coffee & Bites, the quality of their coffee is a top priority. The beans are carefully sourced and expertly roasted, resulting in a rich and robust flavor in every cup. You can taste the dedication to quality in every sip, making it easy to see why this coffee shop is a local favorite.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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5. Blue Bottle Coffee
Sustainable and ethical sourcing of beans, focus on light roasts, and commitment to manual brewing methods

Blue Bottle, a popular coffee chain from the Bay Area, has two locations in Chicago, one of which is at Wolf Point Plaza. This outlet offers pour-over coffee with a smooth, low-acid brew, as well as coffee drinks like the chicory-laden NOLA and a selection of pastries. The prime attraction here is a spacious patio overlooking the river. Inside, there are multiple rooms with ample seating, wifi, and a soothing jazzy soundtrack, making it a suitable spot for completing tasks such as drafting mid-year SMART goals.
With an impressive rating of 4.54 from 101 consumers, Blue Bottle Coffee has received mostly positive feedback. A review of 66 comments reveals that most customers are satisfied with their experience. More information about the menu can be found on the company's website, bluebottlecoffee.com. For those interested in visiting, Blue Bottle Coffee is located at Chicago, IL 60654, 313 W Wolf Point Plaza.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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6. Philz Coffee
Serving custom-blended coffee, cozy atmosphere, friendly baristas

Philz Coffee is committed to sustainability, demonstrated by their choice of beans and cups. The company's coffee roasters are highly skilled, ensuring a delicious cup of coffee with every order. The atmosphere at Philz Coffee is pleasant, creating a welcoming environment for customers. The service is attentive and the baristas take care in preparing each cup of coffee. Additionally, the shops are clean and offer free cups of water to customers.
Philz Coffee distinguishes itself from other coffee shops with its subtle ambiance. There is no overwhelming sensory input, such as loud noises or strong smells. Instead, customers can enjoy their coffee in a comfortable and relaxed setting. The company's focus on sustainability is not only admirable but also extends to every aspect of their business, creating a cohesive and responsible brand message.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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7. Mojo Coffee

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
8. Matcha Cita - River North
Small-batch coffee roasters with a Japanese touch

Matcha Cita - River North is a charming café that stands out with its decorative elements and delightful drinks. The baristas are known for their welcoming personalities and expertise in suggesting beverage options, creating a memorable experience for customers. One unique feature of the café is the presence of flower swings, which add a fun and playful element to the atmosphere. The café's abundance of natural light makes it an excellent location for taking photos, while the comfortable seating encourages visitors to stay and engage in conversation over delicious drinks.
Matcha Cita - River North boasts an extensive menu, featuring coffee from Lavazza, an array of specialty matcha drinks, over twenty smoothie options, and various juices. This diverse selection allows customers to choose from a wide range of flavors and ingredients, ensuring there is something for everyone. The café's commitment to offering high-quality beverages and welcoming environment has earned it a reputation as an ideal spot for gathering with friends, working, or simply enjoying a well-deserved break.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
9. Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea
Cozy atmosphere, Rotating selection of single-origin coffees, Collaboration with local roasters

Fairgrounds features a rotating selection of coffee roasters, including both local favorites and nationally recognized tastemakers. These roasters are carefully chosen not only for their exceptional coffee but also for their unique stories and connections to the community. By showcasing a variety of roasters, Fairgrounds aims to provide a diverse and dynamic coffee experience for its customers.
Fairgrounds believes that every roaster has a purpose and story to tell, which is why they are committed to highlighting the social and environmental efforts of each roaster. Whether it's a focus on sustainability, fair trade practices, or giving back to the community, these roasters are dedicated to making a positive impact beyond just producing great coffee. By sharing these stories, Fairgrounds hopes to inspire and educate its customers about the importance of supporting responsible and ethical business practices.
TOPICS
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
10. Ralph's Coffee in River North
Situated in the historic Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Ralph's, a café inside the Ralph Lauren store, is a delightful spot for a coffee or sweet break. The café, decorated in the iconic Ralph Lauren style, offers a variety of coffees, teas, and sweets, all of good quality. They have recently added soft serve ice cream, available in vanilla or coffee flavors, with the coffee flavor being especially tasty.
Located on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Ralph's Coffee provides great quality coffee and delicious lemonade. The stylish decor and efficient service, even when busy, make for an enjoyable atmosphere. A variety of pastries are available to accompany your beverage, and the knowledgeable staff adds to the positive café experience. A visit to Ralph's Coffee is recommended for anyone looking for a refreshing drink or a quick bite.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner