As summer comes to an end, it is important to reflect on things one has learned over the past three months – specifically the best places to get coffee. From vacations and celebrations to jobs and interviews, college summers are a time of endless opportunity and new experiences. 

Personally, I got whisked away by the city life in Chicago and spent long hours working at a seafood restaurant on the famous Riverwalk. The windy city has a charm to it that is unlike any other city. With its accessibility from Iowa and central U.S. locations, it is one of the most popular tourist locations in the midwest and a perfect destination for a college student in the summer. 

I was immediately immersed in activities like the architecture boat tour, the Fullerton Beach skyline view, endless museums and restaurants of every cuisine. Perhaps best of all, I had the pleasure of trying an array of Chicago’s best coffee shops. 

Below is a review of four of the coffee shops I tested out while living in Chicago this summer. Here is a take on what these shops are best for, how they compare to each other and where to spend your weekly coffee budget in the windy city. 

Hero Coffee: Best outdoor seating

One of the first coffee shops I tried this summer was Hero Coffee. Hero is popularly found on TikTok coffee reviews. It’s hidden in an alleyway off Michigan Avenue and it is necessary to use maps to find it. Along with good coffee and many options for bites to eat, I found that Hero Coffee was best for its outdoor seating. The string lights above the patio and a sliver of a city view make for a fun experience sitting outside as people stroll by, always rushing around to their next activity. I suggest going here on a nice day for a first date- try to avoid this spot if the weather is unbearable.

Blue Bottle: Best view

The chain Blue Bottle is found in various cities around the United States, including Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C. and others. I found the coffee itself to not be my favorite. However, the River North location of Blue Bottle has an impeccable view of the river, downtown and an aesthetically pleasing environment to sit and sip for a while. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a trip to bring a visitor or meet a friend there for a midday catch-up and enjoy the view.

Goddess & the Baker: Best sweets

As you can tell by the name, Goddess & the Baker is known for more than just its coffee. This spot is for all my sweet coffee-drinking, pastry-loving friends out there. If you’re looking for an afternoon treat or a specialty iced drink on a warm summer day, Goddess & the Baker is the place for you. The best part about this coffee shop is there are multiple locations all around the city, so you can easily find one within walking distance from anywhere downtown. 

Although the coffee tastes good, I would not recommend this one for a serious meeting or study spot. It attracts a lively crowd and keeps a high level of entertaining music to influence more of a vibrant environment making it a spot that is not the best for a chill afternoon or study session.

Aster Hall: Best study spot

If you are looking for a comforting and calm environment for productivity or various meetings, Aster Hall is the place to go. With its easy accessibility on a centralized street (Michigan Avenue) and a beautiful location at the 900 North shopping center, it has an exceptional view and plenty of space to spread out. 

Not only do they serve great coffee, but they are also attached to an entire cafeteria with an extensive menu of different foods that allow one to sit and dine all day long. A lunch date by the big beautiful windows overlooking the city would be a great option at Aster Hall.

I hope this article leaves you ready and excited to taste and see what Chicago has to offer in the category of coffee. Next time you visit Chicago, check out one of these spots yourself or try something new! There is always more to explore; that’s the beauty of the big city.