Sometimes we need a change of environment from the usual working from home or studying at the library. Most of people probably enjoy getting things done at a nice coffee shop with wi-fi and a good caffeine fix nearby. I spent a week working from a few different cafes in the city and took some notes so you guys know the best spots for getting work done!
Good Ambler
West Loop.
Good Ambler is a popular café in Fulton Market that’s on most people’s list of places to work. It’s a beautiful space with nice lighting, pastries, and I don’t drink coffee but I can say their chai latte is good. This café is better suited for group work/study as the seating is more communal. There are limited outlets and honestly fewer seats than expected. Also, it’s important to note that they have a 90 minute limit on their free Wi-Fi.
Sawada Coffee
West Loop.
A couple blocks away from Good Ambler is Sawada Coffee with completely different vibes. The entrance can be hard to miss as it’s a black door covered in stickers. When you enter, the counter for coffee and pastries is straight ahead. This area has very limited window seats for solo work or study with outlets available along the wall.
What makes this coffee shop unique is that to the left of the counter area, you have Green Street Smoked Meats attached. This space offers even more seating options for working and studying, as well as some great BBQ for when you get hungry. Because of this, if you want to work in that area, I recommend going outside lunch hours.
Thrd Coffee Co
Wicker Park.
Thrd Coffee Co is one of Chicago’s newer coffee shops and I absolutely love it! The lighting is warm, there’s a good amount of seating around the counter and in the back with outlets. They have a small menu but also offer seasonal items. I tried their blackcurrant cider and it was perfect for a fall morning. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a quiet place to get work done in the Wicker area.
The Understudy Coffee and Books
Andersonville.
This café has to be my favorite on the list! Half is a coffee shop and the other half is a bookstore. The Understudy has such a cute aesthetic, a great amount of unique drink and food options, seating with nearby outlets, and natural sunlight (if you prefer a darker space, you can find that at the back of the bookstore section). It’s honestly a perfect spot for solo work. I highly recommend! Also… Their early grey pound cake was delicious!
Two Shades Cafe
Little Italy.
Two Shades Café is the definition of your neighborhood cozy coffee shop. There is a mix of natural sunlight in the front and warm lights in the back, the baristas are super friendly and knowledgeable, and there are a variety of different seating options (with outlets) depending on what you’re looking for. You have window seats and couches in the front, stools at the counter, and swing chairs and tables in the back. Whether you’re looking to study/work by yourself or come in with a friend or two, this is a perfect spot for it all.
PiniPico Coffee & Empanadas
Old Town.
Do you like to eat empanadas or Brazilian snacks while you working? This small Brazilian coffee shop might be the place for you! They have a good amount of seating (mostly communal) but it’s still a great place to get work done during the day when traffic is slow. Plus, their empanadas and smoothies are pretty darn good!
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