Planning a visit to the iconic Shedd Aquarium often means mapping out more than just the aquatic exhibits. Whether you are bracing for a day of navigating Museum Campus or looking to warm up after staring at the beluga whales, your energy levels will eventually dip. The area surrounding the aquarium is a bustling hub of tourism, but it is also home to a surprisingly robust local coffee scene.
Finding a quality cup of coffee near such a major attraction can be a challenge, as tourist traps often overshadow hidden gems. You do not want to settle for a stale pastry or a burnt espresso when Chicago has so much more to offer. The key is knowing where to walk, how far to go, and what makes each location unique.
This guide focuses on walkability and quality, ensuring you get the best value for your time and money. We have evaluated the consistency of the roasters, the atmosphere of the spaces, and the speed of service for those on a tight itinerary. Whether you need a quick grab-and-go or a place to sit and rest your feet, there is an option for you.
From artisan roasters in the South Loop to cozy hideaways in Printer’s Row, the neighborhoods surrounding the aquarium are rich with caffeine culture. You can find everything from a meticulously crafted pour-over to a simple, comforting drip coffee. Many of these locations also offer substantial food menus, making them perfect for a pre-aquarium breakfast or a post-visit lunch.
We have curated a list that balances proximity with prestige. Some of these spots are a five-minute stroll from the front steps of the Shedd, while others require a short, pleasant walk through Grant Park or the historic streets of the Loop. All of them, however, guarantee a better experience than the standard concession stands inside the tourist hubs.
Below is our curated selection of the best coffee shops and cafes near the Shedd Aquarium, ranked for their quality, convenience, and atmosphere.
Honey Berry Pancakes and Cafe
| Address | 901 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 583-0333 |
We came here and took my significant other here for Fatthers Day. It was our 1st time here and it was busy. There was a bit of a wait but that was expected given that it was the weekend and Father's Day which was fine not a big deal. My boyfriend and I had the same thing the carnivore skillet with toast which was excellent! Good portion size and filling. I actually couldn't finish my food and took it home. My daughter had the omelet with a pecan pancakes and my son had the chicken and waffles with eggs on the side. The server was good. Only thing is she gave us our bill but never came back to the table. Again it was our 1st time here and it was busy. We waited for her to come back to take payment. We wasn't sure if we get up and take the bill to the registrar or was she coming back. She walked pass the table to take another order but never actually came to our table. Eventually I got up and went to the table to pay.The place was really nice and it's decorated really well. The atmosphere all around was nice. There was a sign on the window that said something like... asked to be seated outside. So we asked about sitting outside but they didn't have that. I'm not sure if it was just that day or just because they didn't have the outside seating area set up but there was a sign on the window that suggested that you could sit outside. It would've been nice given it was fantastic out. Nonetheless overall we all loved the place and would definitely recommend you go if you haven't ever been.
Place was nice. Cute table plates and cups. Everything was clean including the bathrooms. Menu has good selection with some surprise choices (the good kind). Our food was served hot and everything was delicious. We were there for a late breakfast, so not a lot of customers, maybe 4 or 5 other couples. The service however, was lacking. No warm welcome walking in and the waitress didn't seem interested in talking to us. No offer to refill water but did walk past and ask if food was ok while delivering to another table. Not rude, just lacked luster.
I was really looking forward to dining here based on all the positive reviews, but unfortunately my experience didn't live up to the expectations. The service was slow and inattentive, and it felt like we were forgotten at times. The food quality was also disappointing. The dishes lacked flavor, and they didn't seem as fresh or well-prepared as I expected.
I understand that every restaurant can have an off day, but based on the consistently great reviews, I expected a much better overall experience.
I was out of town visiting Chicago on a weekend trip & loved it here! There’s an extensive menu with so many brunch items to choose from, I couldn’t decide what to eat so I ordered 2 meals 😅 Jvys, Dorian and Pacheco were awesome ! Although it was pretty busy they made sure to be accommodating and continuously check on us, the food was great for the price and portions . I would definitely recommend this place and come back here as a first stop when I’m in town again . ❤️
This is good location with plenty of space. But the service sucks. Me and my family ordered 3 items and being vegetarian I asked if they cld substitute tofu for sausage and eggs on quinoa bowl. The server first informed me that they don't have tofu. When I showed her another menu item mentioned tofu. She went to chck or ask and came back saying it would be a $6 surcharge. We were confused as I not asking for additional protein I am asking to substitute. She mentioned no cannot be done. Also be mindful it was $20 quinoa bowl. The worst I ever tasted and for reference I am pasting picture of size of the bowl and amount. I am annoyed at the service and quality and will not return to this place. This was my first and last time at your location.
Con Azucar Café Chicago - South Loop
| Address | Located Inside The Elle Apartments, 801 S Financial Pl, Chicago, IL 60605 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (815) 209-1128 |
I’m so happy to have this new coffee shop right inside my building! The staff has been incredibly friendly every time I’ve stopped in, and the manager is absolutely delightful. It already feels like such a welcoming neighborhood spot.
The coffee is excellent, with beans sourced from Mexico. So far I’ve tried the cold brew and the iced dulce de leche, and both were amazing. I also tried the spicy sausage bagel sandwich, which was really good and definitely something I’d order again.
And if you have a dog, you have to get a pup cup. They actually print a picture of your dog right on the cup, which might be one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen at a coffee shop.
Great coffee, great food, wonderful people, and literally steps from home. I’m thrilled to have them in the neighborhood and will definitely be a regular!
Got an Horchata Matcha, and both the horchata and the matcha were too light in flavor.
Walked in out of curiosity and was surprised at how cool the cafe was! It’s nice to have a Mexican spot in the neighborhood, full of cool and delicious Mexican flavors to pick from for your drinks (mazapán, ganzito, horchata, etc). Prices are incredibly affordable for the area and the staff was so nice and helpful. Will defs be coming back!!
oved this spot! ☕🥐 The coffee was delicious, and our pumpkig concha was so good! I especially loved the nostalgic vibe from the Spanish rock music playing—all my favorite Mexican bands! ❤️ The place is super friendly and cozy, and the mural with all the cute dog pictures is such a fun touch. A little gem in the South Loop! 🇲🇽✨ Definitely recommend!
Nice little latino joint off financial pl and my cashier Kenny was great
Sweet Bean
| Address | 1152 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 |
|---|---|
| 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) 248-1881 |
I walked to Sweet Bean from my hotel because I wanted to experience an authentic Taiwanese bakery while visiting Chicago. The selection of pastries immediately caught my attention. There were so many unique treats on display, and even if you don’t know what everything is, it’s fun to browse because everything looks fresh, colorful, and beautifully made. This definitely isn’t your average coffee shop.
One thing I appreciated was the accessible entrance with a ramp, making it easy for everyone to get inside.
Unfortunately, the overall experience didn’t match what I was hoping for. We arrived around 8:10 a.m. on a Sunday, and the shop still felt like it was getting ready for the day. A few areas looked unfinished, and because of that I only ended up taking photos of the parts of the café that looked fully set up.
As someone visiting from out of town, I was also hoping for a little more guidance. Since this is a specialty Taiwanese bakery with many items I wasn’t familiar with, I expected a recommendation or someone to explain a few favorites. Instead, I was simply told they had “a ton of stuff” while being pointed toward the menu. After our order was taken, the staff mostly continued chatting with each other, which made the interaction feel less welcoming than I expected.
The food and pastries are absolutely worth seeing, especially if you’re looking for authentic Taiwanese flavors that are harder to find elsewhere. I just wish the customer experience had matched the quality and uniqueness of what they offer. This may have simply been a slower Sunday morning opening, but it shaped my first impression.
I love finding places that devote creative energies to their tea drinks. So I was especially excited to come across the salted caramel hojicha at Sweet Bean, and it truly did not disappoint. It wasn’t too sweet? and I could taste the hojicha which had a create nutty flavor. They have lots of other great tea options and pastries that are individually packaged. There is also a good amount of seating which closes 30 minutes before the store does. My only qualm with this cafe was the price, the drink came out to around $7.70 after tax and tip which may be on par with other places in Chicago but I think it’s still a lot. Nevertheless, I would definitely come back, I had a great experience.
We were in a rush and wanted a sweet treat, so we stopped here for strawberry matcha on our way to the museum campus and it was SO good. It was pretty busy, so we didn’t get to sit down, but the space looked very comfy and welcoming. Would love to come back next time we’re in Chicago and try their coffee and pastries!
Stopped by at a Sunday around 11:30.
Bought an egg tart, mini hot dogs buns on a skewer, and pork floss and mayo bun, red bean mochi bun, black sesame matcha, and Pandan mango matcha.
Egg tart: this has a crumbly crust. But not a flakey crust. The egg custard was more on the creamy side. Overall, this stemmed away from a traditional Hing Kong egg tart. 3/5
Mini Hot Dog Buns on a skewer. These were delicious. Three bite sized hot dogs in a bun with some melted cheese. The skewer was a fun way to eat this. You would probably get more bang for your buck by getting the regular hot dog bun instead, but the skewer was still good. 5/5
Pork flops bun with mayo. This was solid. The pork floss paired well with the mayo and bread. 5/5
Red bean mochi bun. This was also a solid red bean bun. The mochi inside was unique. Not overly sweet. The bun was good but the bread can be softer. 4/5
Black sesame matcha. I do recommend getting some sugar added. The black sesame isn’t just flavor, but you can feel the crushed black beans. 4/5
The Pandan mango matcha was also good. The mango didn’t taste like a typical mango, I’m not sure if it’s because of the Pandan, but it tasted a little like coconut. Pandan always pairs well with matcha. 4/5
Overall, this is a solid place to grab a drink and get some pastries. Staff was nice and there were tables to sit down and enjoy your drink and good.
One thing I like about this asian bakery is that the baked goods are sized properly. Each individual product I bought, at least for me, was filling. And the variety of sweet and savory products is on par with the quintessential asian bakery Chiu Quon.
The savory hotdog/cheese bakes, ham/cheese bun and bacon egg muffin were solid!! Well portioned and filling. I prefer savory over sweet.
But their sweet ube red bean mochi bun and a fluffier version of the egg tart are huge winners.
Wash it all down with a cup of hot coffee. This is a great way to start the day!!
It would be nice if they had boxes for those that buy more than 2-3 pieces. I would have bought more but trying to juggle multiple bags and filling them with their tongs made it a bit awkward.
Goddess and the Baker, 33 S Wabash-Millennium Park
| Address | 33 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 877-5176 |
I found this place on social media and wanted to give it a try - there is a lot of bakery goods but also good egg sandwich and omelette options for breakfast. Love their drip coffee- my daughter got cold brew with tiramisu cold foam. Omelette had plenty avocado in Iran’s my egg sandwich croissant with turkey bacon was best of both of two worlds. We sat outside and watched the L trains pass by - got loud but we were fine, fed the birds too:)will definitely come back.
This café popped up when I searched for popular coffee shops nearby, and as soon as I got there, I understood why. It was packed They have plenty of indoor seating along with a few outdoor tables, but my favorite part was the open-air design. The huge windows let in so much natural light and make it the perfect place to enjoy a Chicago summer while people watching. One of my friends who lives in Chicago told me this place has the best hot chocolate in the city. I was in the mood for a latte instead, so I ordered one along with the avocado toast. Both were really good, and even though there was a small line to order, the service was quick and the staff was friendly. I also noticed lots of people working and studying here, so it definitely has that neighborhood café vibe. The highlight for me, though, was the VIEW. The café overlooks the elevated train tracks, so you can watch the trains go by every few minutes (check out the videos below!). I could have easily sat there for hours just enjoying the view with my coffee. That alone makes this place worth a visit.
the heartiest brunch place around downtown chicago i tried during my short stay! my friend and i ordered the bacon avocado omelette, egg ham cheddar biscuit, and the cherry cruffin to share! excellent brunch full of flavour.
for drinks, i got the specialty coffee with notes of orange and chocolate mocha🤎 it was a little too sweet for me but props to the creativity of bringing out the flavour. my friend had a mango matcha that lives up to expectations!
overall great place for catching up and chats, not so much a place you’d want to study at or read a book in, it can get busy!
Went here for breakfast with my wife and this place completely impressed us from the moment we walked in. Goddess and the Baker is absolutely stunning, and the space itself is a big part of the experience. The huge glass ceiling brings in so much light, and with the train view, the whole restaurant feels lively, unique, and very Instagram worthy. It has that perfect mix of modern, cozy, and stylish, making it a place where you immediately want to sit back, relax, and enjoy your morning. Even before the food came out, we could tell this was going to be a special breakfast spot.
The menu is very good and has a lot of great choices, including specials that make it feel more interesting than a typical breakfast place. We ordered the Turkish coffee and it was honestly the highlight of the meal. It was absolutely incredible, rich, bold, and full of flavor. We have even been to Turkey, and somehow this was even better than many of the coffees we had there, which really says a lot. It is not often that coffee stands out this much, but this one definitely did and is something I would come back for again just by itself.
For the food, we ordered the Avocado Toast and the Chili Crisp Egg Bowl. Both dishes were so flavorful, fresh, and satisfying. The Avocado Toast was beautifully put together and had a great balance of textures and flavor, while the Chili Crisp Egg Bowl had a nice kick and was packed with ingredients that worked really well together. You can tell the food is made with care and not just prepared to look good, even though everything that came out looked amazing too. This place really delivers on both presentation and taste.
Overall, this is an excellent breakfast place and one that feels like more than just a quick stop for food. Between the beautiful setting, the great menu, the unforgettable Turkish coffee, and the flavorful breakfast dishes, everything came together perfectly. If you are looking for a breakfast spot in Chicago that is visually stunning, has great energy, and serves food and coffee that actually live up to the atmosphere, Goddess and the Baker is definitely worth visiting.
Goddess and the Baker is a delightful stop in the heart of downtown Chicago and an excellent place to recharge while exploring the historic State Street area. Combining the atmosphere of a modern café, bakery, and casual eatery, it offers a welcoming environment, friendly service, and a tempting selection of freshly prepared baked goods, beverages, and light meals.
During our visit, we sampled the Banana Pecan Muffin and Apple Galette, both of which were fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The bakery items tasted genuinely homemade rather than mass-produced, making them ideal companions to a coffee break while exploring the city. Equally enjoyable were the house lemonades, which come in a variety of flavors. The strawberry lemonade in particular was exceptionally refreshing and a perfect choice on a warm Chicago day.
The ambiance is bright, modern, and inviting, while the staff were consistently friendly and welcoming. Outdoor seating is also available and provides a pleasant spot to watch the rhythm of downtown Chicago unfold around you.
What makes this location especially appealing is its proximity to State Street and many of the Loop’s historic landmarks, theaters, shops, and architectural treasures. It feels perfectly positioned for a relaxing pause during a day of urban exploration.
Tip: Consider combining your visit with a stroll through the historic State Street corridor, one of Chicago’s most iconic downtown areas. Goddess and the Baker makes an excellent stop for breakfast, a light lunch, or an afternoon coffee break. If visiting during warmer months, the outdoor seating is particularly enjoyable. Don’t leave without trying one of the flavored lemonades and at least one freshly baked pastry—the Banana Pecan Muffin and Apple Galette were standout choices during our visit.
Deep Ocean Cafe
| Address | 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (312) 939-2438 |
Their food had a very good umami flavor. I sat by the window which had a nice view of the lake Michigan however there were many little children gawking at me. It was also allergy friendly as my grandbaby with a peanut, treenut and shellfish allergy was able to eat her chicken wings.
LOVED the Mac and cheese and house made chips! Super well made food for food court style. My friends loved their grilled cheese, fries, and impossible burger too! Lines were long but moved quick.
Eevette was absolutely wonderful. I came in just a few minutes before closing unfortunately and she listed to me all of the available vegetarian dishes, gave me recommendations, and even made my food herself, which I don't think is at her station. The food was great and there were lots of awesome choices, even for people with dietary restrictions.
Robin and Elana were a couple of the sweetest baristas I've ever met. My cousin and I were exhausted after a day of juggling babies and kids and tbh we were a nightmare to take care of LOL but they did it with the biggest smiles and kindest hearts. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day at the Shedd!
did not have several things listed on menu, a friend and I ordered two identical smoothies and they both looked/tasted drastically different; alongside coming in different cups (dif size, same price, no explanation) lol. Not the best 💔
Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe
| Address | 130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 |
|---|---|
| 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) 938-9777 |
We stopped by around 9:00 AM on a Saturday and had about a 20–25 minute wait for two with first available seating. The line looked long, but they have a very efficient system for checking people in and turning tables, so it felt like they were doing everything possible to keep things moving.
We ordered two coffees, a breakfast skillet, upgraded the buttermilk pancakes to the cinnamon roll pancakes, and added a side of fruit. Our total came to around $80 with everything included. The food was really good, and we saw several other tables with incredible-looking pancake specials like the berry and Oreo pancakes that we’d love to try next time.
We’d definitely go back, but would either try to make a reservation or arrive a little earlier to avoid the wait. Overall, a great breakfast spot that’s clearly popular for a reason!
You can always tell how good a restaurant is by their wait. This restaurant always has a wait. We waited 45 minutes. So worth it. The food, service and atmosphere was very good 👍. They turn their tables so fast. The team work was insane. Our server was very good. We had a great time.
Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe on E. Randolph is absolutely worth the hype. Despite stopping by during a busy brunch service, the experience was outstanding from start to finish. Our waiter was personable and attentive, and I was amazed that our food arrived in less than 10 minutes.
I ordered the Butcher Block Skillet along with the signature Berry Bliss Pancakes, and both were fantastic. The skillet was hearty and loaded with meat, while the pancakes completely lived up to their reputation. The berry mascarpone filling was rich, creamy. It truly was the icing on the "pan"cake!
We also tried the brisket grilled cheese. While it was good, I'd probably skip it next time. As a Texan, I felt it was missing a tangy barbecue sauce to give it that authentic barbecue flavor. Overall, the food was incredibly flavorful, the service was excellent, and the restaurant handled a packed brunch crowd with impressive efficiency. Wildberry is a must-stop every time I visit Chicago.
Visited Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe for brunch and had a great overall experience! We tried the toasted coconut banana cream pie pancake — it was just okay, not as impressive as expected — but the other dishes were really good and made up for it.
The food was fresh, flavorful, and the portions were satisfying. The ambiance was nice, and we truly enjoyed our meal. Definitely a good spot if you’re looking for a solid brunch option.
The signature blueberry pancakes were the star of the show!! They are so fluffly and Deli! The food was good, the coffee and mocha coffee was good, maybe the only thing that I didnt like was it was so many tables and almost no room but it’s totally understandable with the flavors and menu they got!
Again the blueberry pancakes are the ones making me coming back 🙂 !!!
Chicago Waffles South Loop
| Address | 1400 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 |
|---|---|
| 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: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 854-8572 |
Breakfast was fantastic from start to finish! Every item came out perfectly cooked, but Connie really made our visit memorable. She was incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely pleasant to talk with. Her warm personality and great service made such a difference. We would absolutely love to have her as our server again on our next visit. Definitely a great experience!
Chicago Waffle is a great spot for breakfast or brunch. The menu offers plenty of options, and the food was fresh, flavorful, and served in generous portions. Everything we ordered was enjoyable, and the ingredients tasted fresh.
The service was friendly and welcoming, and despite being fairly busy, the staff kept things moving and made sure we had everything we needed.
The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is that while everything was good, nothing really stood out as exceptional or unforgettable. That said, it’s still a solid choice if you’re looking for a satisfying breakfast in a comfortable atmosphere, and I’d happily come back to try more of the menu.
Had the pancake sampler, blueberry cheesecake pancake, side of corned beef hash, fried chicken with a strawberry orange juice and oat milk matcha.
Pancakes were nice, nice variety. Chocolate sauce was pretty Hershey syrupy. Kind of too sweet. Cream was nice and flavored.
Hash was nice, salty as expected. Fried chicken was alright. Pretty good but maybe cooked a tad long, was tough to cut through. Would have been juicer if it was cooked like 30 seconds shorter in the fryer.
Oat milk matcha was nice, not sweetened besides probably whatever was in the oatmilk.
Strawberry orange juice was a bit too sweet for me, but better at the end. Was probably strawberry syrup that needed mixing, but I didn't realize.
Free wifi available. Decent lighting, has tap to pay and a loyalty program.
I flew in from outta town. I got the waffle flight with eggs and chicken sausage on the side. It was pretty good. The food came out quickly. Two of the 4 waffles tasted good (red velvet and the one with bananas) but I think that's just a preference. I would return the next time I was in Chicago. Also I got the Macha tea with almond milk. It tasted really good. Water served was clearly tap with lemon.
Must try breakfast in Chicago downtown. Located across from Chicago firehouse restaurant. Limited parking on the street but worth visiting in Chicago. This restaurant offers many dishes with waffles, pancakes and eggs. My favorite was waffle Benedict. Enjoy.
Little Branch Cafe
| Address | 1251 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 360-0101 |
We were blown away by this little treasure! We got the Crab Cake Po Boy and the Torta daily special sandwich, along with smoothies. All were phenomenal, and the customer service was so friendly! They were very accommodating with allergies which was especially appreciated. Would give 6/5 stars if possible!
This place is a hidden gem!
We came in for lunch, was immediately greeted and seated. We had the pleasure to speak to management which is the entire family working together. Felt like home!
Chilaquiles salsa verde are a must, lattes and their natural cold pressed juices.
Thank you for such a great lunch we enjoyed it!
To start, we were greeted immediately and service was great. I had the strawberry pancakes which were good. What .ade the pancakes good were the fresh strawberries. The downside of the other dishes is the prioritization of how the fruit looked in comparison to the amount of potatoes. I asked about their Mexican hot chocolate, turns out it is regular hot chocolate with cinnamon. Its not necessarily a bad thing, I just wouldn't call it mexican. Otherwise, the main components were good, but most importantly, the service was great.
You have to order at the counter. I feel odd tipping when you have to order at the counter and seat yourself, but service was good and servers were really friendly so I did. I had the western omelette with a mocha ice latte. The food was good although it was pretty pricey and I expected bigger portions for the price.
Seriously good food. The red homemade salsa, good lord. We regret not coming here sooner. Wish they made dinner cause you know itd be fire!!!
The Spoke & Bird (South Loop)
| Address | 205 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (929) 263-2473 |
Good coffee with a good cookie. The omelette was a bit oily for my tastes but was also decent.
The patio was a great spot on a sunny Tuesday morning, would recommend going for a short walk from the convention center area for a conference, it’s only about 15 min!
Super good location and atmosphere. Service is great and coffee was good. Our oatmeal was weird. The lemon zest on overnight soaked oatmeal with no berries or nuts was not tasting good. I hope they change it and make normal. The rest was good and I am hoping their other food items are good.
Great corner spot built into the lobby of a larger building. There's indoor and outdoor seating along with a good variety of food and drinks on offer.
Everything we got was of high quality and brought directly to our table.
I walked by this place many times during the late summer and early fall months and noticed that this spot had many people using their indoor and outdoor dining areas.
Also, good mix of people of all ages that seemed to be from the neighborhood and surrounding. I would have to try this spot before it got too cold.
Finally got around to it and ordered some of their signature breakfast offerings.
I had to try their egg breakfast sandwich with ham and cheese on a brioche bun. This was really tasty and the ham was more reminiscent of ham carved off the bone similar to those at Christmas dinner. It was a bit too salty for me but still devoured it with gusto.
I also tried their swiss and mushroom omelette. To me it was a fairly decent sized omelette, and they sure did not skimp on the mushrooms. Well-seasoned and earthy sauteed mushrooms with the salty melted cheese all wrapped up in an egg blanket was delicious.
Only thing I felt amiss here was the pricing which I felt was a bit overpriced. But still really enjoyed everything here. Washed it all down with a tall cup of coffee (it wasn’t quite as hot as I like my coffee).
I would like to try the outdoor seating next season during summer.
I’m officially a returning customer at Spoke & Bird to the point where my weekend personality is basically “person waiting for their Spoke & Bird delivery.” ☕
I order from them almost every weekend and they’re consistently amazing. Their specialty lattes are creative, perfectly balanced, and somehow manage to feel fancy and comforting at the same time. Not overly sweet — just really good coffee done right.
Also, their vegan blueberry 🫐 muffins deserve their own fan club. I’m not even vegan and I order them every time. They’re moist, flavorful, and dangerously easy to justify as a “healthy choice.”
Everything arrives fresh, delicious, and worth breaking any “I’ll just make coffee at home” promises I make to myself. Highly recommend.
Meli Cafe
| Address | 500 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605 |
|---|---|
| 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: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 834-0500 |
I had a wonderful experience at Meli Cafe. The atmosphere is beautiful, with lovely decor and charming lighting that makes the space feel warm and inviting. The staff was friendly and attentive, which made the visit even more enjoyable.
I stopped by for an afternoon snack and had a fresh, delicious salad along with some excellent drinks. Everything tasted fresh and was prepared with great care. It was the perfect place to relax, enjoy good food, and spend a pleasant afternoon.
I truly enjoyed my visit and would definitely recommend Meli Cafe to anyone looking for a cozy atmosphere, great service, and fresh, delicious food. I’ll be back! 😊☕🥗✨
Stopped in for breakfast and it was great. The banana bread French toast was incredible, super flavorful and perfectly cooked. We also had the lox bagel, which was fresh and loaded with toppings. The hash browns were crispy and everything came out fast.
Really cozy place with friendly service and good prices for being right in downtown Chicago. Would definitely come back.
We tried this breakfast diner in the Loop and had a good overall experience. The service was a bit slow but not a big issue.
The gluten-free French toast was decent though not very fluffy. The avocado toast with eggs and fruit was very good and the pancakes were tasty but slightly crumbly. 🥞
I also had an iced oat milk vanilla latte it was excellent! The only downside is that there’s no sugar-free vanilla syrup option 🙁
Overall a solid breakfast spot with minor room for improvement !!
This cafe was within walking distance of our hotel and was such a great find. The interior was very nice with some great decoration and was busy but inviting. The hostess and waitress were fantastic. All of that somewhat pales in comparison to how good the food actually was. The Irish Eggs Benedict had some of the best hollandaise sauce I’ve ever had. The portions were generous, and I got a side of the applewood bacon and the Smokey flavor was prominent and delicious. My wife got the lamb shakshouka and I don’t think I’ve seen her enjoy any other meal in Chicago more. At the end we got to speak with the manager, Charles, and he seemed genuinely happy to hear how much we liked the food and our experience. He talked with us about the location, some other locations, and some of his past food experience. It was a cool end to a great eating experience. If you have the chance don’t pass up this Cafe.
Whenever I’m looking for breakfast spots I pick places with a unique menu and meli did not disappoint! They had a lot of fun options to choose from and we enjoyed our brunch. I could definitely see myself coming back to try something new! We sat outside on their patio on a beautiful day and it was so nice. I would highly suggest more umbrellas for the outdoor seating but we enjoyed our meal here!
Eleven City Diner
| Address | 1112 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 212-1112 |
We were excited to get breakfast at Eleven City Diner as we did some research prior to our trip and found they are very highly rated. We had an absolutely amazing breakfast and our server was phenomenal! We sat at the bar because they were very busy and we didn't mind, and got to enjoy being able to watch the goings on. Jonathan J was incredibly helpful, friendly and fun to talk to and provided fantastic service. Our breakfast was the best breakfast we've had in many years. I got eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast, my standard breakfast meal to check out how good breakfast is at a location. My husband got the french toast along with the corned beef hash. It was all so delicious! The potatoes are cooked in beef tallow and the seasoning was superb! They are absolutely the best potatoes I've ever gotten with a meal (I tend to dislike the potatoes and/or hash browns at most restaurants) and I wish we hadn't been going straight to the museum after breakfast so I could have taken the rest with us. I love they try to use locallyl sourced ingredients. We learned that by talking with our server. The coffee is sourced locally and they grind the beans fresh and the coffee was amazing. I truly don't have one negative thing I can say about our experience or our meals.
10 out of 10 for food, service, and atmosphere. Half of us ordered off the all-day breakfast menu and half of us ordered dinner. Everything was fresh and so good. The portions were amazing and the side house potatoes were probably the best potatoes I've ever had. Most importantly we were immediately welcomed with smiles by the hosts and our waitress was so friendly too, it was refreshing!
Visiting from St. Louis, MO and Eleven City popping up when searching local places with good reviews. So glad we made it during our visit.
What an incredible experience. This may be my favorite diner I've ever visited. The food was absolutely delicious, with every dish prepared perfectly and served fresh. It's the kind of place that immediately leaves a lasting impression.
What really stood out was the staff. Every team member was kind, attentive, and genuinely welcoming throughout the visit. You can tell this is a well run restaurant where everyone takes pride in providing great service and creating a positive experience for guests. Between the outstanding food, friendly atmosphere, and excellent hospitality, this is a place I highly recommend and look forward to visiting again.
If you are looking for an incredible breakfast spot, this is it!
The food here is executed perfectly. The breakfast sandwich was phenomenal—the eggs were hands-down the fluffiest I've ever had, and the bacon was perfectly cooked with amazing flavor. Also, do not skip the pancakes. They are incredibly fluffy on the inside with a beautifully crispy outer edge, and they have a fantastic vanilla flavor that elevates the whole stack.
The atmosphere has a great, nostalgic old-school diner vibe, made even better by the jazz music playing in the background. It sets the perfect morning mood.
To top it all off, our server Joaquin was ABSOLUTELY amazing. He was attentive, friendly, and provided top-tier service that made a great meal even better.
I’ll absolutely be back. Highly recommend!
If you’re in Chicago, do yourself a favor and check out Eleven City Diner. The food was excellent and the service was beyond excellent — one of those places where the staff genuinely makes the experience better.
The French toast was fantastic, but the real star of the meal was the brisket sandwich with their house dipping sauce. It’s almost like a consommé, but richer and packed with brisket flavor from the brine. Absolutely incredible.
The Michelada was also one of the best I’ve had — made with their homemade mix and local Chicago beer.
On top of all that, the atmosphere is awesome. Full old-school 1950s diner vibes with classic music playing the whole time. Great food, great service, and a really fun experience overall.
Soundings Cafe
| Address | 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday: 2:00 – 4:30 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Phone | (312) 692-3277 |
I recently visited Soundings Café, and it was a truly disappointing experience. The cafe has a terrible practice that I feel compelled to share. The menu listed a side of salmon at $7.95, but when I got my bill, I was shocked to see that I was charged $9.95. When I pointed out the discrepancy to the staff, they casually mentioned that the price had increased but they hadn't bothered to update the price tag. This is an unacceptable and misleading practice that leaves customers feeling deceived.
The service was equally disappointing. There was no apology or attempt to make things right—just a dismissive attitude that added to the overall negative experience. I wanted to give this place 0 stars, but unfortunately, that’s not an option. I won't be returning, and I advise others to avoid this place unless they enjoy being overcharged.
Got from the “hot fresh food” menu but it wasn’t very hot and didn’t seem very fresh. Overall not that bad though
Can get a nice view by the window
$7 for a stale pb&j with hardly any jelly. $16 for an equally unsatisfying chicken ceasar wrap that skimped on meat. That’s the “value” Shedd serves to families here, clearly taking advantage of their captive audience. Beautiful views of the skyline, but avoid the food if you can.
Ordered macciado with oatmilk due to lactose allergy. Got cows milk. Allergic reaction. Not recommend. Unreliable and careless.
The food here was just awful. The tomato soup tasted like a salt bomb. The chicken Cesar salad was bland and stale, the buffalo chicken wrap was a salty disaster and the Chicago style hot dog wasn’t memorable. The only things that were good were the bottles of beer and the views of Lake Michigan. I wouldn’t recommend unless you’re desperate. The Monterey bay aquarium had awesome food compared to this. Surely Shedd you can do better!
Tips for Getting Your Caffeine Fix Near Shedd Aquarium
Navigating the area around Museum Campus requires a bit of strategy, especially during peak tourist season or major Chicago events. Knowing how to time your coffee run and where to look for the best deals can save you both time and frustration. Here are some essential tips to ensure your coffee break enhances your visit rather than complicating it.
1. Walk North to the South Loop for Better Quality
The immediate radius of the aquarium is dominated by museum concessions and generic vendors. If you are willing to walk just ten to fifteen minutes north toward the South Loop or west toward Printer’s Row, you will find locally owned shops with better beans and lower prices. The walk through Grant Park is scenic and usually makes the better coffee taste even more earned.
2. Check Operating Hours During Off-Season
Chicago’s tourism fluctuates dramatically with the weather. Many cafes in the business districts, like the Loop, operate on reduced hours during weekends or winter months when office traffic is low. Before you commit to a specific spot, quickly check their current hours on a map app to avoid walking to a closed door.
3. Order Ahead via Mobile Apps
If you are on a strict schedule to catch a specific dolphin show or 4-D experience, time is of the essence. Most of the established cafes in the South Loop offer mobile ordering through their own apps or third-party delivery services. Placing your order as you exit the aquarium can cut your wait time down to zero.
4. Look for "Museum Campus" Discounts
While not widely advertised, some local shops are friendly to the hospitality and tourism workforce. If you are a member of the Shedd or a Chicago resident, it never hurts to ask if there is a local discount. Even if they do not offer one, engaging with the baristas often leads to recommendations for other local hidden gems.
5. Avoid the Noon Lunch Rush
The cafes near the financial district and South Loop cater heavily to the office crowd. Between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM on weekdays, lines can get long, and seating becomes scarce. If you are visiting the aquarium on a weekday, try to time your coffee break for mid-morning (around 10:00 AM) or mid-afternoon (after 2:00 PM) to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Chicago is a city that takes its food and drink seriously, and the area surrounding the Shedd Aquarium is no exception. While the pull of the aquatic life is strong, stepping out to explore the local cafe culture offers a different kind of nourishment. It allows you to see the city through the eyes of the locals who live and work in the shadow of the skyline.
Whether you choose a minimalist roastery or a bustling bistro, you are adding a layer of authentic Chicago flavor to your trip. The perfect cup of coffee is out there, just a short walk from the fish.
