Standing 100 stories above the Magnificent Mile, the John Hancock Center anchors one of Chicago’s most walkable and caffeinated corridors. Whether you are a tourist recovering from a shopping spree or a local professional heading to an office tower, the blocks surrounding 875 North Michigan Avenue offer a surprising depth of coffee culture.
The challenge is rarely finding a cup of coffee; it is finding the right environment. Some days call for a quiet corner to answer emails, while others demand a fast espresso pull before heading to the lakefront. The dense verticality of this neighborhood means that some of the best spots are hidden inside lobbies, lower levels, or just a block off the main drag.
This guide focuses on practical accessibility from the base of the former Hancock building. I have prioritized walking distance, consistency of the espresso, and the distinct atmosphere of each venue. You will find a mix of Chicago-born roasters, international luxury brands, and local independent gems.
Because this area straddles the line between the Gold Coast and Streeterville, the clientele shifts block by block. That diversity is reflected in the coffee. From robust dark roasts favored by longtime residents to the lighter, fruit-forward profiles preferred by the city’s modern specialty scene, there is a cup for every palate.
We have also considered the non-coffee drinker and the hungry traveler. Many of these locations offer substantial pastries, quick lunches, or a place to rest your feet after navigating the vertical malls. Wi-Fi availability and seating comfort vary wildly, so we have noted what to expect.
Below is a curated list of the twelve best cafes near 875 North Michigan Avenue, ranked for quality, proximity, and overall experience.
Cold Moon Cafe
| Address | 845 N Michigan Ave suite 1005, Chicago, IL 60611 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (872) 330-1902 |
Back for my second review! This place has really become my favorite/go to spot for freshly made smoothies because not only is everything prepared with so much care, the extent to which I’m allowed to converse and customize my smoothie with whoever is working is truly remarkable! The people who work here are a bright, welcoming light that shines through the dullest of days! Every time I’m here, even if it’s just for a moment, the staff has always been very nurturing, warmhearted, and positive which is a testament to both their service and the way their smoothies make me feel! I now also have a go to smoothie recipe and the fact that they remember it really makes me feel valued not just as a customer, but as a friend and we can all use more energy like that in the world so I greatly appreciate them for exuding that energy in the best ways possible!
Great selection of yummy and healthy smoothies and sandwiches! We had a little trouble finding it at first, but it's a nice little corner stand on the ground floor. My mango smoothie with oat milk was particularly smooth and delicious, would recommend!
So nice to find a place that has such quality ingredients! Loved the smoothie bowl and the protein smoothies made with delicious berries and yogurt. Truly refreshing. My new go to stop in the city of Chicago. 😊
Ordered a lox bagel and matcha with sweetener. I liked that you could choose your bagel flavor, wish there were more capers on it, I got about 3 or 4 on each half. You can tell this is a small family owned shop meant for grab and go - there are a couple seats only. I felt like the food and drinks were made with care, even though they got busy with smoothie orders after mine. For the price point I think there should have been more on the bagel, like tomato and more salmon.
Good spot and easy walk from our hotel. I got the snook which is a smoked salmon bagel and it was good! Simple easy breakfast. For the latte, I got their seasonal brown cinnamon latte and delish.
3 Greens Coffee & Bakery
| Address | 900 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 915-3916 |
3 Greens Coffee & Bakery at 900 N. Michigan Ave is the kind of spot that makes you want to slow down and savor your morning. I ordered the lavender latte and the ham & cheese croissant, and both were absolutely outstanding.
The latte was smooth, perfectly balanced, and beautifully poured with latte art that matched the cozy, elevated vibe of the space. The croissant was warm, flaky, and flavorful—filled with savory ham and melty cheese, and topped with sesame seeds for the perfect finish.
The presentation is top-tier, the location is stunning, and the staff were friendly and attentive. Whether you’re grabbing something quick or settling in with your laptop, this bakery is a hidden gem inside Aster Hall.
Highly recommend treating yourself to this spot—it’s the kind of breakfast that sets the tone for a great day.
📍 3 Greens Coffee & Bakery
🕗 Open Daily 8AM–5PM
☕️ Don’t miss the lavender latte!
I always go there for croissant and coffee. Their croissant is the best not just in Chicago but in the world. Always fresh crunchy from the top and not super sweet.. Their coffee is very strong. Big kudos for the chef.
Their coffee is really good (and generally I find most places have sub par coffee). Surprising to find great coffee at a kiosk in the middle of the mall, of all places. Idk what beans they use but theyre really good. I also think it often comes down to the barista so whoever was working morning of June 10 is really good at their job!
This place is good. Came here everyday multiple times a day during my stay. Thank you!! Great coffee and baked goods.
The lemon donut may have been the best donut I’ve ever had. Wife got the pumpkin chia latte hot. She loved it and I had a strong drip black. Good coffee!
Chapel Street Café and Restaurant
| Address | 198 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 620-6320 |
I am not exactly sure what is supposed to be Australian in this place. We had avocado toast and granola which were both great. Our server was nice but the main issue was that we got our coffee 40 min after ordering it and after finishing our meal. They took out 1 coffee out of the hill which was nice but not enough to make the experience better. You want to start your breakfast with coffeeC but end with it.
Edit: Had dinner here and their dinner menu is so underrated. I thought the dinner food was waaay better than the brunch food, and the atmosphere was calmer— looks like fine dining but casual. Please have dinner here too!
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A good brunch spot. The food was okay, for me just a typical American brunch fare— or maybe because that'swhat I ordered. The staff was welcoming and attentive though!
Food was good and most of the service was kind and friendly. But…the thin blond waiter with the bun is full of himself; slapped on 20% gratuity for 2 people and then the screen still asks if you want to add a tip. He said it’s restaurant policy to automatically put 20% gratuity “ to take care of staff” and save time or some such explanation. Basically, you’d have to spend time arguing about it if you felt he deserved less. However, at the bar area they didn’t do that even though while you order at the counter, “their people” still bring out your food.
This is an all around great place! So down to earth and chill atmosphere. Olivia was our server. She was very friendly, great attitude and checked on us at perfect timings. Not too much not too little. I would highly recommend!
This bar/restaurant is so convenient and has a great outdoor patio. The menu is well marked for dietary needs and Pumpkin hand wrote a celiac safe menu to help customers who are even more sensitive. The fettuccine with gluten free pasta was delicious and so was the key lime pie.
Cafecito
| Address | 215 E Chestnut St, Chicago, IL 60611 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 643-2242 |
Truly enjoyed this cool spot for breakfast. The pancakes are our favorite—light, fluffy and delicious. Husband prefers the tres leche sauce and I prefer old fashion maple syrup & butter, either way, they are a winner. Would highly recommend for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
We happen to be walking by and decided to go in. This is almost like a breakfast Cuban sandwich- Jamon -
Ham, Swiss, roasted pepper, citrus mayo. It was hot and fresh. I’m very filling that and my coffee I only was able to eat half and I brought the other half home. The customer service off the charts. If I was hungry and I’m standing in front of the place, I would go back again, but I would not make a special trip. It did what I needed to do. They have an extensive menu. I am quite sure they can handle dietary restrictions. We were walking so I didn’t pay attention to the parking situation and yes, you could bring Kids here.
The food was very good for Cuban food. The restaurant feels very authentic and plays nice music.
I got the Roos Vieja and a cafe mocha. The sandwich was very delicious and hit the spot.
The cafe mocha was watered down. It was not very good. I do not recommend this.
The place is inside an apartment building and can be confusing to people.
Overall nice place.
Service was wonderful. Black beans and rice were delicious. The chicken was dry IMO. Wish I would have got the chicken chimichurri on a sandwich instead of a plate.
I ordered the bistec con huevos sandwich. I asked for my eggs to be made over medium and added on avacado and chimichurri for an additional fee… Unfortunately, none of that arrived on the sandwich even though I paid for the changes (receipts attached).
I probably would have gotten over it if the sandwich was good but everything was dry, the meat was hard and the bread was raw. Disappointed.
Aster Hall
| Address | 900 N Michigan Ave Level 5, Chicago, IL 60611 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 720-2919 |
Love this place!
I come to study here all the time.
Staff is super friendly, and they have EVERYTHING.
Be sure to go to top floor, it’s better there in the bar area near the windows.
You can see the Chicago architecture.
I've come here and off and on since they opened. I've had pretty positive experiences with the food. Everything I've had is at least a 7/10 and the food hall prepares items fairly quickly.
I had a very uncomfortable experience at the bar today at 2pm. After getting food from the the food hall, I wanted to order a cocktail. At first I stood near the bar for just a couple of minutes and no one acknowledged me. I decided to sit down in a seat at the end of the bar closer to the bartender. He was working through table orders and I know they were busy. I was trying to be patient. I sat at the bar for almost 30 minutes (eating at this point) and not one staff member acknowledged me. With the exception of one staff member that removed the menu near me towards the end of my time there 🫠. I also noticed that every person that sat at the bar after me was greeted immediately. I never had the opportunity to order a cocktail. I hope the bar management will work on encouraging their staff to provide service equal service to everyone no matter who they are.
I visited Aster Hall and loved the clean, cozy, and modern atmosphere. Ordering was easy using the self-service kiosks. The restrooms were also clean and well-maintained. Overall, a comfortable place to dine, with a variety of menu options available.
The food was just ok, but definitely pretty good for a food court consist of many types of cuisine. I do like the concept of cashier-less check out. Having tap sparkling water was nice. Food was prepared quickly. Very stylish spot!
I stopped by Aster Hall at 900 North Michigan Shops and was so impressed! This isn't your typical food court; it feels upscale but comfortable. I ordered a coffee, which was rich and smooth coffee, just the perfect start to my day. The space is gorgeous, with many seating options and a relaxing vibe. The food choices here are also pretty diverse, so there's something for everyone. Prices are a bit higher, but it’s worth it for the quality and ambiance. Recommend it for a nice coffee break or a casual meal!
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
| Address | 196 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 470-0590 |
Big Portions! Great service, extremely friendly staff. Wait on a Saturday morning wasn't bad at all. Getting to the food. Hashbrowns not cooked the way I asked. Pancakes smidge dry, but good. Fire bacon ,wife's omelet also gooood! Cool place, would like to go back and try juices and other plates.
A fantastic spot for a classic American-style brunch! If you’re looking for generous portions, great flavors, and a laid-back atmosphere, this is the place to be.
The food quality is genuinely impressive for the price — everything tasted fresh and well-prepared. Service was quick and efficient, which is a big plus when you’re hungry and don’t want to wait forever. The staff were polite and attentive without being intrusive.
The place itself is casual and unpretentious — don’t expect a fancy interior, but it’s spotlessly clean and comfortable. Sometimes the best meals come from places that focus on what really matters: the food.
Perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch or a quick satisfying meal during the week. Excellent value for money. Highly recommended! 🍳☕
This is simply the perfect local spot when you want a slammin breakfast instead of a vibey brunch. Ya know? Sometimes you don't want the fancy benedict or shakshuka with bottomless mimosas - you just want the best omelet, hash browns and pancakes in the city. Life hack: this place gets super busy, especially on weekends, but you can get on the waitlist ahead of time through Yelp. 🙂
A shout out to the staff - everyone here works extraordinarily hard, from the hosts to servers to the bussers. Tip them well because they deserve it and make your experience better.
We ate here while visiting Chicago. The ambiance, food, and service were worth the trip. Although it was very busy, our experience was seamless. We'll definitely stop there again in our travels to Chicago and would recommend anyone to try the place out for yourself. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
This place was one block from our hotel and so worth the wait. Prices were good and on a busy Saturday morning they managed to squeeze our party of 13 in a reasonable time. We got some lattes from the coffee bar while we waited and had a minute to take our little one to the park across the street. Once we got sat, the service was perfect. Everyone was please with their food and for having a large party, everything came out fast and perfect.
TARY
| Address | 111 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 322-7315 |
Such a unique Central Asian café! They have lots of interesting food options, and everything feels fresh, light, and healthy. You order at the counter and find your own seat.
When I visited, a few tables hadn’t been cleared yet after previous customers, but overall the space was bright and welcoming. They also play Central Asian music, which adds a really nice touch to the atmosphere. A great spot to study or get some work done. Would definitely come back!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Some restaurants serve food. Others create an experience. TARY did both.
Every dish that arrived at our table looked like it belonged in a magazine and tasted even better than it looked. The bread was soft and fresh, the tea was comforting, the meat was perfectly cooked, and every bite reminded us of home while still feeling elegant and modern.
What truly made this visit exceptional was our waitress. SPECIAL THANKS FOR YOU. She greeted us with a genuine smile, paid attention to every detail, and made us feel like valued guests rather than just another table. Service like hers is hard to find and deserves recognition.
Beautiful atmosphere, amazing food, outstanding service, and unforgettable hospitality. TARY has definitely earned a loyal customer. I can’t wait to come back and bring more friends and family.
I had an excellent experience at Tary. I ordered an iced latte with espresso and a shot of vanilla, and it was prepared beautifully. The drink was smooth, flavorful, and well-balanced… you could really taste the richness of the espresso and the freshness of the coffee.
I also had the eggs Benedict with salmon, and it was delicious. The salmon was flavorful without being too salty, served with olive oil on fresh, lightly toasted wheat bread. The egg and sauce brought everything together perfectly. Overall, the meal felt fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and satisfying. I’d definitely recommend Tary for both coffee and brunch.
Absolute 5-star experience! We came all the way from North Carolina, and this place is worth every single penny. The food is legendary—absolutely delicious. We ordered the Balgyn quyrdaq and the Baursak, and topped it off with the Tary sweets for dessert; everything was exceptional. We also tried the Tary milk tea. It was my first time having milk tea, and I absolutely loved it! If you are visiting Chicago, this is an absolute must-visit.
On top of the incredible food, the service is top-notch. The waiters and staff are incredibly polite, attentive, and welcoming. A special thanks to Yersultan for taking such great care of us and making our visit so memorable. Highly, highly recommend!
There’s an understated charm to TARY like it’s in on a secret you’re just now being let in on. The playlists are mellow, the corners invite reflection, and there’s a certain care behind every cup they serve. I ordered their seasonal drink, and it was unexpectedly poetic like someone thought about flavor the way a writer thinks about words. A space to slow down, sip intentionally, and linger just a little longer than planned.
Waffle & Brew
| Address | Water Tower Place, 835 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 585-6055 |
Waffle and Brew's Frostachio is a delightful treat — a perfect blend of espresso, pistachio ice cream, and whipped cream. The espresso shot adds a rich, bold flavor that balances beautifully with the creamy pistachio sweetness. Served chilled, it’s both refreshing and indulgent. A must-try for coffee and dessert lovers alike!
Ordered two lattes. The hot one had a couple inches of foam on top, they charged $1 for vanilla flavor. The iced beverage was separated and didn’t taste like coffee. The waffle cones looked good though. 🤷
Ask them to change matcha latte because we don’t like it but they didn’t change it and say sorry we can’t do anything. It is Friday today 08/07/26 @1:30 pm dealing with Indian girl . So disappoint us we order total 3 drinks we just need to request her to make again only one but she denied it .
Skip it. I've been to 3 other coffee shops around town and this place is by far the worst. It's more expensove and the worst quality. Ordered a latte and 1/3rd of the cup was filled with airy foam. I mentioned it to the lady and she said "it's supposed to have foam". You probably shouldn't sell products you aren't educated on.
They burnt my waffle twice and they said it was going to take 5 mins it took 20mins
Cafe on Oak
| Address | 140 E Walton Pl, Chicago, IL 60611 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (312) 787-2200 |
We stayed at the Drake and came down for a late breakfast. I ordered the MM & JD Benedict Duet and the Avocado Toast. The service was good but a bit slow. The decor was beautiful — elegant and cozy. The food was basic overpriced hotel food. But it was convenient. Classic. I’m glad I went.
We had breakfast here after one night in the Drake Hotel. How cool was it to be dining in a spot that you know some of the most infamous names in Chicago's history held court. We loved the "private-ish" booths, the service was excellent, and overall we found the food to be good. It's all fairly basic breakfast items but they do them well here.
I had an egg white omelet with hashbrowns. Egg whites are easy to overcook and these were done perfectly.
My wife's poached egg also was done just as she liked it. The coffee was decent and a few levels above the disappointing "browned waters" of some places.
And the English muffin was toasted perfectly. (I can't tell you how many times I get toast or an English muffin which is just underdone. Good job Cafe on Oak.)
Nothing particularly creative, out of the box or "brunchy" here but if you want a basic breakfast, done exactly as it should be done, and an historic atmosphere. This could be the spot for you!
Stayed at The Drake hotel and had breakfast here on a Sunday morning. Service was top notch. My water and coffee were consistently topped off. Very attentive staff! Food was okay. I had the duet of eggs *will not say that traitor's name. Steak was a little tough. Dish could have used more seasoning. Overall a good experience.
I’m staying at the Drake, my daughter and I visited the Cafe on Oak for breakfast. I had the Midwestern breakfast, she had the pancakes. Respectable breakfast, and my daughter really liked the pancakes. Service was good and they recovered from a mid-order with grace and professionalism. Mistakes happen, but when you correct it with a high level of service, I’ve got no complaints. A little pricy, but hey, this is Chicago, not Mayberry.
Warm, welcoming cafe with a relaxed vibe that works equally well for coffee, brunch, or a casual lunch. The space feels thoughtfully designed with plenty of light and comfortable seating, which makes it easy to linger without feeling rushed.
Drinks are well made and flavorful, and the food hits the mark with solid classics that feel fresh and satisfying. Service is friendly and attentive, adding to the ov
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
| Address | 646 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 283-7100 |
Visited the Starbucks Reserve Roastery again while spending some time in the Windy City. No matter how many times you stop by, the atmosphere is still pretty cool. The huge space, different coffee bars, and overall energy make it feel more like a coffee experience than a regular Starbucks.
I kept it simple with an Americano on my first visit, and it was very good—smooth, well made, and exactly what I expected from the Reserve. That said, Chicago has so many excellent specialty coffee shops that a good Americano alone isn’t necessarily enough to make this place stand out.
I came back the next day and tried the Tiramisu Latte. This one was just okay for me. The flavor was interesting, but mine was served barely warm, which took away from the experience. At around $12, I expected something a little more memorable and definitely served at a better temperature. Hard to justify that price for me personally.
The bakery, however, was awesome. I tried a few different croissants and baked pastries during my visits, and they were easily one of the highlights—fresh, flaky, buttery, and great with coffee. Honestly, I enjoyed the bakery items more than the Tiramisu Latte.
Overall, I still enjoy stopping here whenever I’m in Chicago. The atmosphere alone makes it worth visiting, and there’s always something interesting to try. Next time, I’ll probably stay with the drip and specialty coffees that really showcase what the Reserve Roastery is about, grab a croissant, and skip the pricey flavored latte.
A visit to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago is more than just grabbing a cup of coffee but an experience. Spread across multiple floors, the space is thoughtfully designed with a vibrant, upscale ambience that feels both lively and immersive.
The menu is impressive, offering a wide variety of specialty coffees, indulgent desserts, and even innovative alcoholic coffee cocktails at the Arriviamo bar, making it stand apart from a regular Starbucks.
That said, popularity comes at a cost as the place was quite crowded, and the queue was reasonably long. However, once you’re inside, the energy and sheer range of offerings make the wait worthwhile.
Overall, it’s a must-visit for coffee lovers looking to explore beyond the usual, blending craftsmanship, creativity, and a touch of luxury in every sip.
Had a wonderful experience at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery! The atmosphere is unique and makes it much more than a regular coffee shop—it’s an experience on its own.
We tried the tiramisu, ube latte, caramel affogato, and the classic affogato, and everything was delicious. Each beverage had its own unique flavor, and it was fun exploring the different specialty drinks and desserts available.
The quality of the drinks and the overall presentation were excellent. We really enjoyed spending time here and trying all the different offerings. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Chicago and looking for a special coffee experience!
The food and pastries here are absolutely beautiful and delicious—definitely a 5-star experience for the taste alone. However, the service left a lot to be Diesel. For a premium location where you're easily spending $100+, you expect a welcoming environment, but the baristas were incredibly rude and dismissive. The atmosphere is nice, but it's hard to fully enjoy it when the staff makes you feel unwelcome. Great treats, but they really need to work on their customer service.
We visited the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and overall had a good experience. We first tried to visit on Sunday, but the line was way too long just to get inside, so we decided not to wait. When we came back on Monday, the line had completely disappeared, which made the visit much easier. Because of that, I would not recommend visiting on weekends unless you are ready to wait.
The place has a really nice vibe and feels different from a regular Starbucks. The atmosphere is busy, stylish, and fun to walk around in. The coffee was also great, and it is definitely a cool spot for people who enjoy Starbucks.
One thing to know before visiting is that this location does not serve the regular Starbucks menu. You will not find the usual regular coffee, frappes, and other common drinks from normal stores. Instead, this location has its own special menu and unique sections, with drinks and items you may not find at other Starbucks locations.
Overall, if you love Starbucks or enjoy trying different coffee experiences, this place is worth checking out.
The Cafe
| Address | 160 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 266-1000 |
Rogario and crew are the nicest, most welcoming staff any hotel could ask for. The pastries are house made by the Ritz kitchen and doughnuts from Do-Rite. They serve Starbucks coffee and light bites. This is, by far, the best spot on the Mag Mile to grab coffee and relax in their lovely lobby environment. In the summer there’s a terrace to enjoy your morning coffee outside among the beautiful flowers and greenery.
Great quiet spot especially for working remote! It's open to the public on the 12th floor of the Ritz Carlton!
Nice coffee/snack shop in the Ritz-Carlton lobby. Prices are especially reasonable for the location and everything tried was of high quality. The outdoor deck is nicely decorated and a good place to relax when the weather permits — the view is good but is more of the inside of the Chicago skyline than of the water.
This is my favorite place! Everything about Coffee Parlor is amazing!
Really beautiful space for meetings out of the office grabbing a coffee. A bit of a limited menu, which is understandable, but makes up for it with a beautiful environment.
Dollop Coffee
| Address | 150 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (312) 526-3018 |
Overall, Dollop Coffee Co. delivers a satisfying coffee experience with good mini breakfast sandwiches and quality Brazilian coffee. Their attention to brewing details and solid food items make this spot worth visiting for a morning pick-me-up. One quick note on the location; there is no seating here. I highly recommend taking a stroll through Millennium Park with your coffee and breakfast.
The Brazilian Supremo blend is particularly noteworthy; very good with a well-balanced flavor profile that showcases why this coffee shop has earned its reputation. The quality of their brew demonstrates a commitment to sourcing excellent beans and proper preparation techniques.
Their mini breakfast sandwiches deserve special mention. These delicious, perfectly-sized offerings pack impressive flavor into a convenient format, making them an ideal companion to your coffee. The sandwiches provide a satisfying breakfast option without being overly heavy.
On the service side of things, there was a gentlemen there didn’t want to be in photographs and I thought I got one without him but I guess not. I appreciate that and am not posting my pictures to respect his wishes, however, at the same time, I found this request hilarious because he works at a place with two cameras pointed right at him. I digress.
Should you visit Dollop Coffee Co., I hope you enjoy the excellent Brazilian Supremo and mini breakfast sandwiches as much as I did!
Two Barista's this morning at the 150 n Michigan location were super friendly and genuinely made my morning. Great convos and great music on while I ordered my matcha. Got the everything's romantic latte but as a matcha and it was so good. Barista's were super accommodating when I asked to make the latte into a matcha. Honestly two cool baristas I spoke to this morning serveddd I loved their vibes they brought. I'll be back for sure!
The service here is excellent, but my vanilla latte was just okay. There are better coffee shops in the area, not sure I’ll return.
I love the natural light and vibe of this place- the ceiling is high, the windows are floor to ceiling on 2 sides of the coffee shop, and the honey cinnamon latte I got was delicious.
There was plenty of seating for the many people working here (mostly table options, a few sofa/armchair options), and I appreciated the power strip under the long table.
Very yummy stuff, and friendly folks! Recommend avocado toast #1
Tips for Choosing the Right Cafe Near the Hancock
The neighborhood surrounding 875 North Michigan Avenue is a high-traffic commercial zone, which means seating can be scarce and prices can be inflated. To make the most of your coffee break, you need to match your needs to the right style of establishment. Here is how to navigate the local scene like a regular rather than a tourist.
Check the Elevator vs. Street Level. Many of the best cafes in this specific area are not on street level. Some are located inside the 900 North Michigan Shops, the Water Tower Place, or hotel lobbies. If you are using a map app, look for the specific floor number to avoid wandering the sidewalk.
Plan for Limited Outlets. Because this is a luxury shopping district, many cafes intentionally limit power outlets to encourage table turnover. If you need to charge a laptop, look for cafes attached to hotels or larger food halls, which tend to be more accommodating for longer stays.
Avoid the Lunch Rush. The workforce density around the Hancock center is extreme. Between 11:45 AM and 1:30 PM, lines at grab-and-go espresso counters can stretch out the door. The best time for a calm experience is between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, when the lunch crowd has dispersed and the dinner rush has not started.
Utilize the Pedway. When the weather turns cold or rainy, the Chicago Pedway system can connect you to several coffee spots without stepping outside. You can often move from the 875 building southward through connected retail spaces, which is a lifesaver during the winter months.
Look for Local Roasters over Chains. While there are plenty of national chains on Michigan Avenue, you are in a city with a legendary roasting history. Look for cafes that feature local Chicago roasters. The quality will be fresher, and you will get a true taste of the city’s coffee culture.
The area around the Hancock Center moves fast, but the best cafes offer a moment of pause. Whether you grab a quick cortado from a standing bar or settle into a leather chair with a pour-over, the right coffee can anchor your day.
As the neighborhood continues to evolve, the emphasis on quality has only increased. You no longer have to settle for burnt gas station coffee on your walk to the beach; the blocks surrounding 875 North Michigan Avenue now represent one of the most convenient coffee hubs in the city.
