Baby, it's cold out there! One of the best ways to keep warm is with a nice cup of Joe (or hot chocolate) in a cozy coffee shop. While it seems there's a Starbucks around every corner these days, there are plenty of other options - many of them local places. Here's a list of our faves:
Julius Meinl
Fine food producer Julius Meinl has transported its Viennese coffee to this Southport gem, known just as much for its savory menu as it is for its excellent brews. French press coffee, the Vienna Eiskaffee (espresso poured over vanilla ice cream) and Linzer Torte lattes taste as divine as they sound, but don't overlook the menu of pear and brie sandwiches, crepes and Austrian goulash.
Atomix
If a location scout for "Planet 9 From Outer Space" or any other so-bad-it's-good 1950s sci-fi happened upon Atomix cafe, they'd likely get a raise. If you like that sort of thing, and you know you do, let its coffee be a part of your daily ritual and you will never have to sleep again (try the "Motor Oil" blend). Atomix also offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly sandwiches, soups and the requisite pastries.
Letizia's Natural Bakery
Waiting in the sometimes-long line at Letizia's is always worth it. The pastries are fresh, delicious and honest, like the no apologies hand-scrawled sign by the crispy chocolate chip cookies that alerts customers to Letizia's cheeky "it-happens" attitude and the permanent sign on the door that proudly promotes the shop's use of real butter (no margarine here). Just like the lines, the calories are worth it here. Oh, and the coffee is good, too.
Argo Tea (Gold Coast)
More of the same spic-and-span coffee and tea shop goodness offered at its other locations, only this one is bigger. Chipper, house blended teas are displayed in clever glass teapots behind the coffee bar and are outshined only by one of the world's finest coffee producers: Illy. The cafe is so bright and clean, you may want to hang out for awhile. Look for muffins from the Chicago Diner, Carol's Cookies and other local favorites.
Merle's Coffee Shoppe
Located right near the Francisco Brown Line, this coffee shop attracts plenty of regulars and caters its home-style cooking. Come during lunchtime and check out the specials menu, which can include turkey burgers, reubens, and Caesar salads.
Metropolis Coffee Co.
Rated one of America's 14 top coffee bars by Food and Wine magazine in 2006, Metropolis takes great pains to make sure its coffee (and your experience drinking it) is of the highest quality. Specializing in small-batch roasted coffees, you can take your pick of organic, fair-trade beans to go or bring your laptop, take advantage of free wi-fi, and grab a steaming mocha and a scone.
Medici Bakery
Though buttery croissants emerge as the main event (with classic versions sided by ones filled with everything from spinach and feta to chocolate), breads, muffins and pies turn this Hyde Park bakery into a mecca for sweets. Pair your choice with a cup of fair trade coffee and enjoy a casual breakfast at one of the four petite tables.
The Grind
The cafe's sizeable menu of egg sandwiches, bagels with pesto and goat cheese, and bowls of soup are sure to keep you satisfied while you surf the web. Cupcakes, milkshakes and "The Best Carrot Cake Ever!" are sure to make your stop a sweet one. Pop in before catching a movie at the across-the-street Davis Theater.
Third Coast
Forget the 24-hour Starbucks. This open-til-the-wee-hours cafe serves up whatever espresso beverage you need to keep your eyes open...and more. But if you don't want to pair a mocha with your gourmet cheese plate, go ahead and order a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Looking for a less schmancy experience? Never fear: Bagels and coffee abound.
Iguana Cafe
They're few and far between, but when you find a coffeehouse/bar that's open late, has tasty food, and can sate your cappuccino and gin-and-tonic craving in one fell swoop, you know it's a keeper. This European coffeehouse and lounge, bedecked with wooden tables and burnt orange and golden walls, is the perfect place to grab two cups of coffee and split a Nutella, walnut and cinnamon crepe with a friend for an afternoon treat.
Each week, Centerstage Chicago's crack staff will answer a question you have about the city, showing you some of the best places around in the process. Did we miss something? Tell us. Got a question you want us to answer? Ask us and we'll get right on it.
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