Best of 17 coffee shops in Little Italy
Little Italy, known for its rich cultural history and authentic cuisine, is also home to a variety of cozy and charming coffee shops. These coffee shops in Little Italy offer a delightful blend of traditional Italian espresso, homemade pastries, and a welcoming atmosphere, making them a must-visit destination for coffee lovers and tourists alike. Whether you're looking for a quick pick-me-up or a place to relax and soak in the Italian culture, these coffee shops in Little Italy are sure to impress.
- 1. Two Shades Cafe
- 2. Demitasse Cafe
- 3. Scafuri Bakery
- 4. Starbucks
- 5. OverLay in Little Italy
- 6. Sweet Maple Cafe
- 7. Stax Cafe
- 8. KURIMU in Little Italy
- 9. Hashbrowns in Little Italy
- 10. Gathers Tea Bar
- 11. UIC ARC Starbucks
- 12. Au Bon Pain
- 13. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
- 14. Chicago French Press at Rebecca Port Center Café
- 15. Daley Grind
- 16. Starbucks
- 17. Starbucks
1. Two Shades Cafe
Features a unique and relaxing atmosphere with a focus on sustainability and community.

The coffee shop provides a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, making it an ideal place for friends to study, relax, and hang out. The staff is a standout feature of the shop, known for their friendly and accommodating demeanor. They go above and beyond to assist customers, demonstrating patience and a welcoming approach.
In summary, the coffee shop offers a cozy and pleasant environment, with amazing staff who are super helpful and patient. The combination of the welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service makes it an ideal place to study, relax, and socialize with friends.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
2. Demitasse Cafe
Features a rotating selection of single-origin beans and signature drinks

I recently visited a café where the staff has known my 2.5-year-old son since he was born. They treat him like family and always have his favorite chocolate chip muffin ready. I also enjoyed a cup of what I believe to be the best coffee in Chicago. The café is staffed by wonderful people who provide excellent service.
During my visit, I was immediately served and impressed by the café's offerings. The owner, Jim, and our server were both charismatic, making the experience even more enjoyable. The food and coffee served were fantastic, with the Bacon Frittata being a particular standout. Overall, I would highly recommend this café for its delicious food, excellent coffee, and exceptional service.
TOPICS
- Breakfast
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
3. Scafuri Bakery
Family-owned bakery since 1904, using original recipes

Sweet Maple Cafe is known for its delicious and highly-rated pancakes, with many customers raving about their exceptional taste and quality. Some even claim that these pancakes are the best they have ever had. The cafe has become a popular destination for those seeking a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Two Shades Cafe, on the other hand, offers a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for friends to gather for studying or relaxation. The cafe's drinks are a standout feature, loved for their well-balanced flavors and satisfying sweetness. Whether looking for a place to catch up with friends or seeking a great cup of coffee or tea, Two Shades Cafe is an excellent choice.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Lunch
4. Starbucks
Open late, offers seasonal menu items, community-friendly atmosphere

The service at this establishment is generally described as quick and efficient, with a friendly and attentive staff contributing to a positive customer experience. However, there are some exceptions, where a few customers have reported poor interactions with staff, including issues with customer service and attentiveness.
Many customers have raved about the fresh bread, good drink selection, and pleasant atmosphere, all of which add to the establishment's appeal. Unfortunately, there are also a few reports of negative experiences with staff, which have detracted from the overall enjoyment of the venue for some patrons.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
5. OverLay in Little Italy

TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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6. Sweet Maple Cafe
Offers all-day breakfast and vegetarian-friendly options.

Sweet Maple Cafe is a popular destination for coffee lovers, known for serving only Seattle's Best Coffee®. The café's reputation for serving high-quality coffee has resulted in lines out the door, with eager customers waiting to get their caffeine fix. The coffee offered at Sweet Maple Cafe is widely regarded as the best in the metro area, making it a must-visit spot for coffee enthusiasts.
Seattle's Best Coffee® is the star of the show at Sweet Maple Cafe. The café's commitment to serving only the best coffee has earned it a loyal following among locals and visitors alike. The quality of the coffee speaks for itself, with flavorful and aromatic blends that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning coffee drinkers. Whether you're a fan of classic brews or more adventurous flavor profiles, Sweet Maple Cafe has something to offer for everyone.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
7. Stax Cafe
Offers vegan and gluten-free options, cozy atmosphere

Chicago's best breakfast and lunch venue is located in the medical district, offering a wide selection of American breakfast and lunch staples. This popular spot is frequented by professionals heading to work and those hosting business meetings, ensuring excellent service and a good attitude from the friendly staff. Although there can be waiting times, they are generally not long.
My personal experience included ordering an Orange/Carrot blend juice and coffee one morning, which were both delicious and made fresh while I waited. The following day, my brother and I shared banana french toast and falafel sliders. The french toast was made with eggy-texas toast, possibly challah, and topped with sliced bananas and dulce de leche sauce. The falafel sliders were fried to a perfect golden crisp and remained soft on the inside. Both dishes were flavorful and satisfying.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
8. KURIMU in Little Italy
Specializes in Japanese-style sweets and drinks

KURIMU is a charming dessert destination offering a variety of unique and classic ice cream flavors. Customers can enjoy excellent service from the friendly employees, and there is also a self-service ordering kiosk available. The shop features aesthetically pleasing colored waffle cones and take-home pints of specialty flavors. It's an excellent spot for families, with a kid-friendly atmosphere and delicious must-try flavors such as almond cookie and matcha ice cream.
If you're looking for a quick dessert stop, KURIMU is an excellent choice. The ice cream flavors are delicious and unique, and the service is friendly and efficient. Although the shop is small and seating is limited, it's perfect for grabbing a treat to go. However, keep in mind that restrooms are also limited in this quaint dessert spot.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
9. Hashbrowns in Little Italy
Open late, student-friendly prices

Hashbrowns is a charming coffee shop known for its friendly service and decent coffee. The breakfast burritos are a popular menu item and are not to be missed. The cozy atmosphere of the shop makes it an ideal place to relax and enjoy a quick breakfast or a caffeine fix.
Hashbrowns is a small but welcoming coffee shop with a comfortable vibe. The coffee served is of good quality, and the breakfast options are a reliable choice. It's a great location to stop by for a quick meal and a cup of coffee, providing a pleasant experience for customers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Breakfast
10. Gathers Tea Bar
Small batch tea and coffee, focus on sustainability

Gathers Tea Bar is a must-visit for Thai Tea and boba lovers. The Thai Tea with pearls is one of the best I've ever had, and the boba is delicious and satisfying. The employees are friendly and create a welcoming atmosphere, making the experience even better. The location is in a pleasant neighborhood, which adds to the overall positive ambiance.
I had heard many great things about Gathers Tea Bar from my friends, so I was excited to try it out while I was in the area. After trying the tea and boba, I understood why my friends raved about it. It had been a while since I had enjoyed such high-quality boba, and Gathers Tea Bar did not disappoint. Whether you're a long-time fan of boba or new to the trend, Gathers Tea Bar is definitely worth checking out.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
11. UIC ARC Starbucks
Convenient location in UIC ARC, offers seating with a view

Starbucks, a popular coffee chain, faces issues with long wait times and low employee morale. The company has management tools and systems in place, but they don't seem to be effective in ensuring efficiency and improving working conditions for the crew. As a result, orders take a long time to be fulfilled, and employees have to work very hard. The size of some Starbucks stores can also be a problem, with some locations being so crowded that customers can barely move around.
This inefficiency can make it difficult for employees to do their jobs and meet the needs of customers, who may become frustrated with the long wait times. The cramped spaces in some stores only exacerbate the issue, making it difficult for customers to pick up their orders and for employees to move around. Starbucks needs to find a way to improve the effectiveness of its management systems and provide a better working environment for its employees. This could include enforcing existing policies, providing additional training, or making changes to the layout of its stores.
TOPICS
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
12. Au Bon Pain

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
13. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Eco-friendly to-go containers and straws

If you're a smoothie lover, you'll appreciate this establishment for its wide variety of offerings. However, coffee enthusiasts may find themselves disappointed as the coffee options are limited compared to other coffee shops in the area. Although it's an excellent spot for healthy drinks and snacks, those seeking a traditional coffee shop atmosphere may need to look elsewhere.
In summary, this place is a great destination for smoothies, with a range of options that will satisfy any fan of the blended beverage. However, if you're in the mood for coffee, you may be better off going somewhere else, as the selection is not as extensive. While it's a health-conscious establishment with many nutritious options, it may not provide the cozy coffee shop vibe some customers seek.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
14. Chicago French Press at Rebecca Port Center Café

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Breakfast
15. Daley Grind

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
16. Starbucks
Seattle-based coffeehouse chain, Free Wi-Fi

The Starbucks I recently visited is surprisingly slow. I ordered a black coffee and a bagel, and there were only five other patrons in the store. Despite this, I had to wait for more than ten minutes to receive my order. Several other customers who entered the store after me received their orders before I did.
If you're in a rush, I would recommend avoiding this particular Starbucks location. The staff members are doing their best, so the slow service is not a result of their efforts. Instead, it seems to be a systemic issue within the establishment that is causing the delays in order fulfillment.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Breakfast
17. Starbucks

TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner