Chicago's coffee scene offers two main options for coffee lovers: specialty lattes and regular coffee. Specialty lattes are all about bold flavors, creative ingredients like lavender or horchata, and indulgent textures. Regular coffee, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity, highlighting the pure taste of high-quality beans through traditional brewing methods.
Key takeaways:
- Specialty lattes: $4–$6, creamy, customizable with unique flavors (e.g., baklava or turmeric).
- Regular coffee: $2.50–$3.50, straightforward, quick, and no-frills.
- Best spots for lattes: Drip Collective, Sawada Coffee, Coffee Lab & Roasters.
- Top places for regular coffee: Metric Coffee, Passion House Coffee, Gaslight Coffee Roasters.
No matter your preference, Chicago's coffee culture has something for everyone, blending creativity with tradition. Whether you're after a quick caffeine fix or a more indulgent experience, you'll find it here.
Chicago’s Specialty Coffee Scene
Specialty Lattes: What They Are and Where to Find Them
Chicago’s coffee culture takes the classic latte to a whole new level. Specialty lattes in the city go beyond just espresso and steamed milk, blending in locally inspired ingredients and flavors that reflect Chicago’s vibrant culinary diversity.
What Makes a Specialty Latte
At its core, a latte starts with espresso and steamed milk. But specialty lattes take this foundation and build something truly unique. As coffee expert Leonard Haid puts it:
"A regular coffee is just a cup of brewed coffee... A specialty coffee requires more work to prepare, and/or has more flavourings." [3]
What sets these drinks apart? It’s all in the details - house-made syrups, alternative milks, seasonal spices, and bold flavor pairings. Unlike regular coffee, which is often served black or with simple cream and sugar, specialty lattes demand careful preparation and high-quality ingredients. Even compared to standard lattes, these drinks stand out with their creative twists and flavor innovations.
Texture also plays a role. Specialty lattes maintain a creamy, milk-forward base, unlike cappuccinos with their foam-heavy tops or flat whites with their stronger espresso-to-milk ratio. The result? A drink that’s smooth and indulgent, yet layered with complex flavors ranging from floral and herbal to dessert-inspired.
This creativity has paved the way for an exciting array of specialty latte styles across Chicago.
Popular Specialty Latte Types in Chicago
Chicago’s coffee scene thrives on bold, inventive flavors that draw from both global influences and local traditions. Cafés across the city offer everything from dessert-inspired lattes like banana bread and baklava to Latino-inspired creations featuring horchata and dulce de leche flavors. These drinks not only satisfy a sweet tooth but also honor cultural roots.
Floral and botanical flavors like lavender and rose add an elegant touch, while spiced lattes with turmeric, chai, or gingerbread cater to seasonal cravings. Alternative milks - such as almond, hazelnut, pecan, and pistachio - are also central to these creations, enhancing both taste and texture.
The trend toward experimentation is clear. Ty Banks, Co-owner and Creative Director of Drip Collective, explains:
"A lot of my references are more savory flavors and spice-and-herb-driven. I applied that to coffee." [5]
This approach has led to unique offerings like Drip Collective’s turon latte, which combines banana milk, espresso, matcha, burnt honey, and Chinese five-spice powder [5]. These inventive combinations push the boundaries of what a latte can be.
Best Chicago Cafés for Specialty Lattes
If you’re looking to explore Chicago’s specialty latte scene, several standout cafés are worth a visit.
- Bad Owl Coffee Roasters (Bridgeport): Known for its creative drinks like the Lavender Latte, Second Breakfast Latte, and Oatchata Latte, this spot blends whimsy with bold flavors.
- Drip Collective: A hub for innovation, offering unique options such as matcha, ube, and the turon latte. Their banana milk latte, featuring matcha and espresso, is a must-try for adventurous coffee lovers.
- The Stockyard Coffeehouse: Celebrating Latino-inspired coffee traditions, they serve Mexican Mochas, Horchata Lattes, and Dulce de Leche Lattes. Seasonal coffee flights let customers sample multiple creations in one visit.
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Levant Coffee Bar: Famous for its iced baklava latte, which food blogger Lily from This Darling World describes as a personal favorite:
"They have a lot of unique flavor combinations on their menu, but my favorite has been their popular iced baklava latte." [4]
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Coffee Lab & Roasters: Known for its seasonal specialties, including blackberry mochas. As Lily notes:
"Coffee Lab isn't afraid to experiment and has unique seasonal drinks like blackberry mochas, and they're surprisingly perfectly balanced despite what the name suggests." [4]
Other notable mentions include The Crepe Shop, with options like Cardamom Rose, Citrus Flower, and Lavender Lattes, and Sawada Coffee, home to the iconic Military Latte - a blend of matcha and espresso that has become a Chicago favorite.
As Savannah Peplowski, Manager at Dollop Coffee, shares:
"Most people that come in are looking for some sort of flavor in their drink. I love how curious people are about some of the weirder flavors, which gives us baristas more inspiration to create new ones." [5]
This curiosity and willingness to experiment keep Chicago’s specialty latte scene exciting and ever-evolving, proving there’s no limit to what a latte can be.
Regular Coffee: Simple Brews and Top Spots
Regular coffee serves as the backbone of Chicago's lively coffee culture. This no-frills approach puts the spotlight on the beans themselves, celebrating their quality and the art of traditional brewing.
What Defines Regular Coffee
At its core, regular coffee is about simplicity: quality beans, precise brewing, and minimal extras. Unlike lattes, which mix espresso with steamed milk and foam, regular coffee is brewed with just water and ground coffee beans. It’s usually served black or with a touch of cream and sugar [7].
Brewing methods like drip, pour-over, French press, and batch brew are commonly used to highlight the unique flavors of the beans. These techniques allow the natural taste profiles - whether bold, sharp, or slightly bitter - to shine through, unaltered by milk or syrups [7].
In terms of caffeine and calories, an 8-ounce cup of regular coffee packs 170–220 mg of caffeine and just 1 calorie. Compare that to a latte, which has only 68 mg of caffeine but comes with 110–200 calories [7].
The texture is another key distinction. Lattes are creamy and smooth thanks to steamed milk, while regular coffee has a thinner consistency that emphasizes the coffee's natural oils and compounds. This straightforward approach appeals to those who want to experience the unfiltered essence of the bean [6].
Why Regular Coffee Remains a Chicago Favorite
Its uncomplicated preparation and dependability make regular coffee a go-to choice for many Chicagoans. While specialty coffee trends have gained traction, filter coffee remains the most popular choice nationwide, with 75% of American adults reporting they drank coffee in the past week [8]. Chicago reflects this trend, with locals embracing regular coffee for its focus on high-quality beans and traditional brewing methods.
The appeal lies in its balance of consistency and simplicity. Regular coffee offers a dependable experience that fits seamlessly into daily routines. Whether it’s a quick cup before work or a leisurely break during the day, it provides that much-needed caffeine kick and familiar flavor.
Affordability is another factor. Across Chicago, a cup of drip coffee typically costs between $2.50 and $3.50, making it an accessible indulgence. For instance, Gaslight Coffee Roasters charges around $2.50, while Coffee Lab & Roasters prices theirs at about $3.25 [9].
As the coffee industry shifts toward a more inclusive and less intimidating vibe, regular coffee’s straightforward nature resonates with those who appreciate quality without needing to dive into the complexities of flavor notes or brewing techniques [8].
Top Spots in Chicago for Regular Coffee
Chicago’s dedication to traditional brewing is evident in some of its most trusted cafés:
- The Understudy Coffee and Books stands out with its Ground Control coffee brewer, a rare piece of equipment that delivers batch coffee with the nuanced flavor of a pour-over. It’s one of only two in Chicago, the other being at Gaslight in Logan Square [2].
- Metric Coffee offers a direct connection between roasting and brewing at its West Town roastery café. Opened in 2016, it serves coffee brewed from freshly roasted beans, ensuring peak flavor and freshness in every cup [2].
- Passion House Coffee is another favorite for its no-nonsense approach to brewing. This local chain delivers consistent, well-made cups of coffee alongside expertly crafted espresso specials [2].
Other noteworthy mentions include Oromo Cafe, where organic drip coffee is priced at $2.95, and Afro Joe's Coffee, with drip coffee ranging from $2.75 to $3.50 [9].
From neighborhood roasteries to beloved local chains, Chicago’s regular coffee scene thrives on variety and quality. It’s a testament to the city’s diverse coffee culture, where both traditional brews and creative lattes find their place. Regular coffee, with its simplicity and authenticity, continues to hold its own as a staple in the daily lives of Chicagoans.
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Side-by-Side Comparison
Taking a closer look at specialty lattes versus regular coffee reveals key differences in flavor, preparation, and customization. These distinctions can help you decide which drink suits your taste and lifestyle. Building on their unique qualities, here's a detailed comparison of what sets these beverages apart.
Main Differences Overview
The gap between specialty lattes and regular coffee goes far beyond simply adding milk. Each drink offers a unique experience tailored to different preferences and occasions.
| Aspect | Specialty Lattes | Regular Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Smooth and creamy with layered notes like fruity, sweet, floral, nutty, or spicy [10] | Bold, straightforward coffee flavor with fewer complexities [10] |
| Preparation Time | Longer, involving espresso extraction and milk frothing | Faster, especially with automated brewing methods |
| Equipment Required | Espresso machine, steaming pitcher, and specialized grinder [13] | Basic tools like a pot or drip coffee maker [12] |
| Skill Level | Requires expertise in espresso and milk texturing [13] | Minimal skill needed for most brewing methods [12] |
| Average Price Range | Around $4–$6 at Chicago cafés | Typically $2.50–$4.75 at Chicago cafés |
Specialty lattes stand out for their intricate flavor profiles and preparation techniques. Coffee used in lattes often features up to 136 distinct flavors, categorized on the specialty coffee flavor wheel [10]. However, the milk-heavy composition can soften or mask some of these detailed notes [11].
"Specialty coffee offers complex flavors, often featuring fruity, sweet, floral, nutty, roasted, sour, or spicy notes." [10]
Regular coffee, while simpler, delivers a more direct and unfiltered coffee experience. Unlike specialty coffee, many commercial brews aren't professionally scored, resulting in consistent, familiar flavors that appeal to a broad audience [10].
How Each Fits Different Daily Routines
In Chicago's vibrant coffee scene, your choice of drink can easily align with your schedule and energy needs.
For fast-paced mornings, regular coffee is a go-to option, offering quick preparation and a reliable caffeine boost. Specialty lattes, on the other hand, are perfect for a slower, more indulgent coffee break, with their time-intensive preparation adding to the experience.
In the afternoon, regular coffee provides a straightforward pick-me-up, while specialty lattes offer a more filling and satisfying option. Social settings often favor specialty lattes due to their customization options, making them a popular choice for casual meetups. From milk choices to seasonal syrups, lattes offer something for everyone.
Ingredients and Customization Options
Regular coffee focuses on bean quality and brewing precision, while specialty lattes shine with their versatility in ingredients and customizations. Specialty lattes start with a carefully crafted espresso base, often featuring single-origin beans or signature blends. From there, customers can choose from a variety of milk options - whole, 2%, skim, oat, almond, soy, or coconut - each adding its own flavor and texture. Seasonal syrups like pumpkin spice, peppermint, or lavender honey further expand the flavor possibilities.
Regular coffee, by contrast, emphasizes the natural flavors of the beans, with seasonal variations often centered on different origins or roast profiles. It’s naturally free from many common allergens, making it an easy, no-fuss option for most people.
Specialty lattes also cater well to dietary needs, thanks to the availability of milk alternatives, though these options may come at a higher cost. Regular coffee, with its simplicity, remains a budget-friendly and allergen-friendly choice.
As Darleen Scherer of Black Sheep coffee consultancy notes:
"The key factor isn't necessarily the absolute price but the perceived value… Customers ask themselves: 'Is this experience, this flavour, this moment, worth the premium I'm paying?'... When the answer is yes, they'll continue to pay higher prices." [14]
This perceived value explains why specialty lattes often come with a higher price tag, while regular coffee remains a dependable and affordable favorite. Together, they reflect the dynamic coffee culture thriving in Chicago.
Chicago's Best Coffee Locations
Chicago’s neighborhoods are a treasure trove for coffee lovers, offering something for everyone - from those who savor specialty lattes to fans of a classic black coffee. Each area brings its own flair, making the city a true coffee destination.
Top Coffee Neighborhoods
Logan Square is often hailed as the heart of Chicago’s coffee culture. This neighborhood is home to standout spots like Colectivo Coffee, Cafe Mustache, Damn Fine Coffee Bar, Passion House Coffee Roasters, and Gaslight Coffee Roasters [2]. Buzz Coffee Roaster & Baker adds even more depth to the area, making it a go-to for coffee enthusiasts [16].
West Loop combines a mix of well-known names and creative newcomers. Stumptown, Groundswell Coffee Roasters, Sawada, and Passion House at Politan Row create a vibrant coffee scene here [2].
Wicker Park blends creativity with reliability. Favorites like The Wormhole, Caffe Streets, La Colombe, and Intelligentsia shine in this neighborhood [2]. The Wormhole, in particular, draws attention with its quirky DeLorean centerpiece and consistently great vanilla lattes [1][4].
Lincoln Park made waves when Soloway Coffee, a Ukrainian brand, opened its first U.S. location in January 2024, quickly becoming a local favorite [2]. Other gems include Printer's Row Coffee and Colectivo Coffee [2].
Andersonville caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. From vegan-friendly TrueNorth to cozy spots like The Coffee Studio, Lost Larson, Kopi Travelers Cafe, First Slice Pie Cafe, Dollop Diner, and Kitchen Sink, this neighborhood offers a little bit of everything [2].
Café Recommendations by Coffee Type
Whether you’re after a meticulously crafted latte or a simple yet robust coffee, Chicago’s coffee shops deliver on quality and community.
For specialty lattes, revisit standout cafés like Coffee Lab & Roasters, The Stockyard Coffeehouse, Magnifico Coffee Roasters, and Sawada Coffee. Intelligentsia, known for its consistency, offers a signature Avena Latte infused with ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, and orange peel [4].
If you’re more of a regular coffee drinker, you’ll find plenty of excellent choices throughout the city. Passion House Coffee Roasters is known for its reliable brews and espresso specials [2]. Metric Coffee keeps it straightforward with a focused menu and fresh doughnuts from Brite [4]. Osmium Coffee Bar, part of the Dark Matter Coffee family, serves bold coffee in a funky space filled with neon lights and graffiti art [2].
For a mix of coffee and food, try The Crepe Shop, where you’ll find perfectly balanced flavored lattes alongside their delicious crepes [4]. Ludlow Charlingtons Coffee Shop not only serves great coffee and seasonal lattes but also supports Chicago’s shelter dogs by donating half of its branded merchandise profits to Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control [4].
Current Chicago Coffee Trends
Chicago’s coffee scene is constantly evolving, driven by trends that reflect the city’s diversity and creativity.
The rise of Vietnamese coffee shops is a testament to Chicago’s multicultural influences [2]. Many cafés are also transforming into community hubs, offering live music, events, and more to create spaces that go beyond just coffee [2].
Seasonal drinks are another big draw. Afro Joes Coffee & Tea’s Sweet Potato Latte is a fall favorite, while Necessary & Sufficient Coffee gets creative with options like chai-pumpkin cider or Belgian cookie con panna [2].
The shift to remote work has also shaped the city’s coffee culture. Places like Layla & Ringo’s in River North cater to this trend with versatile setups, featuring fast Wi-Fi, stylish workspaces, and even private rooms for video calls [2].
Cultural fusion is another exciting development. Oromo Cafe blends coffee beans from Africa, South America, and Central America with global flavors from India, Turkey, Cuba, and Japan. They even incorporate superfoods into some of their drinks [2]. With 35 coffee shops per 100,000 residents and Chicagoans spending an average of $36 a month on coffee [15], it’s clear that coffee here is more than just a drink - it’s a way of life.
As Ashok Selvam, a James Beard Award-winning editor for Eater’s Midwest region, puts it:
"Chicago has one of America's dominant coffee cultures, a city where it's easy to find a delicious cup of locally roasted coffee from numerous chains and locally owned operations." [2]
Chicago’s coffee scene thrives on a balance of tradition and innovation, offering something special for every taste and budget. From bold regular brews to artful lattes, the city’s coffee culture continues to grow and inspire.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Coffee
Summary of Key Differences and Café Picks
Choosing between specialty lattes and regular coffee often comes down to what suits your taste and lifestyle. Specialty lattes stand out with their intricate flavor profiles, offering notes that range from fruity and sweet to floral, nutty, roasted, and even spicy or sour tones [10]. Regular coffee, on the other hand, focuses on consistency and affordability [17]. Pricing also reflects this difference - specialty coffee bags typically range from $15.56 to $29.57 for 12 oz, with options like Colipse house blends at $19.95 and single-origin selections starting at $24.50 [10]. These differences create a vibrant variety of café experiences across Chicago.
For specialty latte lovers, Chicago offers an exciting array of options. Coffee Lab & Roasters crafts seasonal drinks like blackberry mochas with house-made syrups [4]. The Stockyard Coffeehouse brings Latino-inspired flavors with offerings such as Mexican mochas and horchata lattes [4]. Meanwhile, Sawada Coffee is known for its Military Latte, a creative blend of matcha and espresso [4]. If you lean toward regular coffee, Metric Coffee keeps it simple and satisfying with a straightforward menu and freshly baked doughnuts, while Big Shoulders Coffee delivers artisan brews at multiple locations across the city [4].
Chicago's Coffee Scene Overview
Chicago's coffee culture reflects broader trends in consumer preferences. In 2024, Gen Z led the market with a 31.9% revenue share, drawn to accessible options like cold brew and ready-to-drink coffees [18]. Millennials are also driving growth, with a projected CAGR of 10.3% from 2025 to 2030, as they embrace specialty coffee for both productivity boosts and moments of indulgence [18]. The city's coffee scene is also evolving to meet rising demand for organic, low-acid, and clean-label choices, along with ready-to-drink options offering added health benefits [18].
"We know consumers are on-the-go and looking for a variety of premium, high quality options to meet their lifestyle needs", said a Starbucks spokesperson [18].
Chicago’s dynamic coffee market caters to everyone - from those seeking the complexity of a specialty latte to fans of a dependable, well-brewed regular coffee. Whether you’re drawn to the artistry of a unique latte or the comforting simplicity of a classic cup, the city’s diverse coffee offerings ensure there’s something for every taste, budget, and lifestyle. From bustling cafés to quiet neighborhood spots, Chicago’s coffee culture continues to thrive as an integral part of the community.
FAQs
What sets specialty lattes apart from regular coffee in flavor and preparation?
Specialty lattes are crafted using espresso and steamed milk, often paired with flavored syrups or toppings to create a creamy and indulgent drink. This combination results in a smooth, velvety texture that appeals to those who enjoy a milder coffee experience with a hint of sweetness.
In contrast, regular coffee is brewed black, highlighting the bold, unfiltered flavor of the coffee beans. It’s a straightforward, no-frills option, perfect for coffee lovers who prefer their cup strong and unembellished.
How much more expensive are specialty lattes compared to regular coffee in Chicago?
Specialty lattes in Chicago range in price from $6.95 to $13, while a standard cup of coffee usually falls between $3.50 and $4.00. The higher price tag for specialty lattes often reflects the use of premium ingredients, inventive flavor combinations, and the extra effort that goes into their preparation.
For those who enjoy exploring bold or artisanal flavors, a specialty latte can be a delightful treat. On the other hand, if you’re after a no-frills, wallet-friendly option, the city's regular coffee offerings are always a dependable choice.
What are some unique specialty latte flavors to try in Chicago?
Chicago's coffee scene offers an exciting array of specialty lattes that highlight the city's flair for creativity and its diverse palate. Among the standout options are the Military Latte, which combines the earthy richness of matcha with the bold kick of espresso, and the Agave Latte, a delightful mix of agave nectar, chocolate, and cinnamon. For something more vibrant, there's the Coconut Ube Latte, bursting with unique flavors, while the Brownie Iced Latte is perfect for those craving a sweet, indulgent treat. These inventive drinks are a testament to the ingenuity of Chicago's local cafés and a must-try for anyone exploring the city's coffee culture.
