Top 13 coffee shops in River North
River North, a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago, is known for its thriving culinary scene, and this includes an impressive array of coffee shops. These coffee shops in River North offer a welcoming ambiance, specialty brews, and delectable pastries, making them the perfect spot for a caffeine fix or a casual meet-up. Swing by and experience the charm of River North's coffee shops today.
- 1. Caffe Umbria
- 2. Happy Monday Coffee - River North
- 3. Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea in River North
- 4. TARY Coffee House in River North
- 5. Philz Coffee
- 6. Mojo Coffee
- 7. Goddess and the Baker, 44 E Grand
- 8. Goddess and the Baker, Superior & Wells
- 9. Cafe Cremerie
- 10. Matcha Cita - River North
- 11. Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago
- 12. Gordon Ramsay Burger
- 13. Fabcakes
1. Caffe Umbria
Family-owned Italian coffee roastery

The first location is a cozy café known for its friendly service and specialization in dark roast coffee. Although the coffee is quite bitter, the café offers a variety of specialty espresso drinks, with the café al Pepe being a customer favorite. They also provide vegan banana nut muffin options, catering to different dietary preferences. Overall, it is a great local spot, despite the author's personal preference for lighter roasts.
On the other hand, the second café stands out for its exceptional coffee quality, possibly the best the author has ever tasted. Its location, a block from a hotel, proved to be a convenient stop for a traveler craving better coffee than the thermos option and a poor hotel breakfast. The cardamom honey latte, in particular, was a delightful blend of rich coffee, sweetness, and spice. The blueberry scone and other pastries were also delicious, and the staff's friendliness added to the positive experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
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2. Happy Monday Coffee - River North
Rotating single-origin coffees, House-made syrups

The coffee shop in question is known for its diverse and delightful drink offerings, as well as its quick service. In addition to traditional coffee choices, the shop features specialty brews that are sure to satisfy any coffee connoisseur. Customers can enjoy their drinks in a comfortable seating area while taking advantage of the shop's free wifi.
The staff at the coffee shop are known for their friendliness and welcoming attitudes. They provide excellent service, creating unique and delicious coffee beverages for their customers. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place to relax or catch up with friends. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or just looking for a quick pick-me-up, this coffee shop is the ideal destination.
TOPICS
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
- Vegan Options
3. Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea in River North
Curated selection of locally sourced coffee and tea, rotating roasters

The coffee offered by this establishment is highly regarded for its quality and wide range of options. Customers enjoy the great taste and variety, making it a popular choice.
However, the service provided by the staff is inconsistent and can be a hit or miss experience. There is a need for more consistency in the service, and attention to detail is crucial to improve customer satisfaction. Some customers have reported variable experiences with the staff, which can be a deterrent for repeat business.
TOPICS
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
4. TARY Coffee House in River North
Hand-brewed coffee, unique coffee blends, local art displays

This River North café, hailing from Kazakhstan, offers a refreshing change from typical chain coffee shops, boasting high ceilings, bright white interiors, and marble tables. The café incorporates tary, its namesake grain, into their drinks, adding a subtle layer of earthiness and nuttiness to their espresso and tea.
The ethno-style kitchen serves up food and drinks with unique twists. While the latte and sandwiches were satisfactory, the kasha wasn't a favorite, and the broccoli and cauliflower soup may cater primarily to vegetarians. However, the sweets offered stand out with their distinct flavors.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Breakfast
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5. Philz Coffee
Custom blends roasted in-house, commitment to sustainable sourcing

The hot coffee I consumed had an enjoyable taste, which I believe was enhanced by the addition of a mint leaf. The coffee did not require any cream or sugar to improve its flavor. However, I am surprised by the overwhelmingly positive reviews this location has received, as my experiences here have never met the high standards set by other Philz Coffee locations in the Bay Area that I have visited over the years.
Despite the delicious taste of my mint-infused coffee, I must admit that I am underwhelmed by this Philz Coffee location compared to previous experiences at other locations in the Bay Area. While the coffee I had was pleasant, it did not meet the high standards I have come to expect from the brand. It is perplexing to me that this particular location has received such high praise, as I have not found it to be as consistently excellent as other Philz Coffee locations I have visited.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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6. Mojo Coffee

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
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7. Goddess and the Baker, 44 E Grand
Rotating daily menu featuring unique and exotic ingredients

The cold breakfast and raw eggs made for an unpleasant dining experience, which was worsened by sickeningly sweet scones. The Goddess Breakfast, which included potatoes, undercooked bacon, and raw eggs, showed a lack of pride in the food. The sourdough bread was the only redeeming element of the meal, and the espresso was just okay.
On the other hand, I had a great experience at this breakfast place in Chicago, returning for a second visit and recommending it to my coworker. The establishment boasted an impressive selection of food, affordable pricing, and consistent quality. I personally enjoyed the Egg Turkey Bacon Croissant and the Fruit Oatmeal, and my coworker is now a fan of the establishment as well.
TOPICS
- Breakfast
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
8. Goddess and the Baker, Superior & Wells
Artisanal baked goods, locally sourced ingredients

I recently stopped by Goddess and the Baker on a Sunday morning and was impressed with the exceptional service. Jeremiah, who was working that day, was particularly friendly and went out of his way to keep the outdoor tables clean and clear. The outdoor patio is a highlight of the location, providing a perfect city oasis with grass, beautiful flowers, and Adirondack chairs.
The food and drinks at Goddess and the Baker were equally impressive, living up to the high standards of the atmosphere. The music added to the ambiance, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal or drink. Overall, I would highly recommend Goddess and the Baker to anyone looking for a great outdoor dining experience in the Chicago area.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- American Cuisine
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9. Cafe Cremerie
French-inspired cafe with homemade desserts

The coffee served at the establishment was of good quality, but the lack of size options may be disappointing for those who prefer a larger serving. The offered sugar packets, but the absence of cream might be inconvenient for some customers who prefer to customize their coffee. The selection of drinks and food was adequate, providing a decent variety for patrons.
This coffee shop is a charming and intimate spot to enjoy coffee, pastries, and ice cream. One of the drinks offered is an espresso macchiato, which received positive feedback for its delightful taste. Despite the minor drawbacks in the coffee customization options, the shop's appealing atmosphere and the quality of its offerings still make it a worthwhile destination for coffee lovers.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
10. Matcha Cita - River North
Modern matcha café with Japanese touches in Chicago's River North

Matcha Cita - River North is a charming café that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The barista, Diane, is especially friendly and knowledgeable, offering helpful recommendations for those unsure of what to order. The café is beautifully decorated, making it an ideal spot for photo enthusiasts. Additionally, the flower swings are a fun and unique touch.
If you're looking for a great place to sit down, chat, and enjoy some delicious drinks, Matcha Cita - River North is the perfect spot. With its cute decor and natural light, it's an ideal setting to relax and unwind. Whether you're a fan of matcha or looking to try something new, the café offers a wide range of drinks that are both delicious and visually appealing. The welcoming environment and attentive baristas make it a location worth revisiting, especially if you're in Chicago.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
11. Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago
Experience coffee roasting and brewing methods

The third floor of the building is known to have a relaxing atmosphere, so we were directed to go there and enjoy a cup of coffee. I am a fan of Starbucks and was excited to visit the "World's Largest Starbucks."
The staff was welcoming and recommended the third floor for a comfortable experience. As a supporter of Starbucks, I was eager to check out the largest Starbucks location in the world.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
12. Gordon Ramsay Burger
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's signature gourmet burger restaurant

Gordon Ramsay, known for his high-quality service and food, has recently opened a burger spot in Chicago. On a Saturday night, the restaurant was bustling with energy, but the management team appeared inexperienced, leading to long wait times for seating. The burgers, while bearing Ramsay's name, did not stand out as particularly special.
My girlfriend and I visited the restaurant without reservations and were met with subpar service from our server and lackluster, lukewarm food. The street corn dip was a highlight, but it could not make up for the overall disappointing experience. Although Ramsay's reputation precedes him, this particular establishment fell short of expectations in terms of service and food quality.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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13. Fabcakes
Offers vegan and gluten-free options

The staff at this establishment are truly exceptional. They are known for their generosity and approachable demeanor, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all. The food offerings are equally impressive, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. This includes a variety of lunch sandwiches and house-made pastries that are sure to delight.
One standout item on the menu is the pastries. They have received high praise for their quality and taste. Among the offerings, the cheesecake is a must-try. It is a house favorite that has wowed many customers. The focus on local ingredients extends to these delicious pastries, making them even more special.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Happy Hours
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