Hey there, coffee lovers!
If you’re spending time in Wicker Park and looking for the best place to grab a good cup of coffee, we got you! This is the neighborhood that launched Smashing Pumpkins and it has one of the most interesting coffee scenes in the city. You’ll find laid-back spots, interesting interiors, and some of the best espresso you’ll ever sip.
We’re the Ben Lalez Team, and we’ve spent a ton of time walking the streets of Wicker Park, meeting clients, hanging out between showings, and of course, drinking coffee. Whether you’re local or just passing through, here’s a list of places that stand out – not just for the drinks, but for the vibe and experience that comes with them.
Our Selection Criteria
This list is made up of spots that primarily serve coffee, have earned high Google reviews, and offer something unique to Wicker Park’s coffee scene.
Name | Google Rating | # Of Reviews |
The Wormhole Coffee | 4.6 | 1,971 |
La Colombe Coffee Workshop | 4.6 | 443 |
Gallery Cafe | 4.6 | 405 |
Ipsento 606 | 4.5 | 1,082 |
Philz Coffee | 4.5 | 384 |
Brü Chicago | 4.4 | 729 |
Colectivo Coffee | 4.4 | 576 |
Oro Chocolate And Coffee | 4.2 | 172 |
The Wormhole Coffee
Website: https://thewormholecoffee.shop/
Read reviews here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8rYA7fB771N84V2J9
You can’t miss The Wormhole – it’s the place with the life-size Back To The Future DeLorean replica inside. You’ll also find it filled with Star Wars memorabilia, horror movie posters, and a Keanu Reeves cutout. The long, narrow space attracts hipsters, laptop users, and tourists seeking photo ops. Customers love the “too cool for you” baristas who actually make top-tier espresso drinks, plus the sustainability focus with plastic-free packaging.
La Colombe Coffee Workshop
Website: http://www.lacolombe.com/
Read reviews here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ua9o9ZLhJvirzepf6
Located right beneath the Damen Blue Line station, it’s the perfect commuter stop. Their signature Draft Lattes on tap are a must-try. Customers love that it’s WiFi-free on weekends, encouraging actual conversation over laptop work.
Gallery Cafe
Website: https://www.gallerycafechicago.com/
Read reviews here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zv7WLDzW6gAmqxgt7
Gallery Cafe features monthly rotating exhibitions of local artists. Every visit is a chance to discover new creative work while enjoying small-batch, air-roasted coffee. The space is intimate with outdoor seating that gets packed on weekends. Customers love the art-themed menu items and the way this 1996 establishment continues to promote local artists.
Ipsento 606
Website: https://www.ipsento.com/
Read reviews here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yn65CPXyrQenzfW26
This modern 1,800 square foot space transforms from coffee shop to full bar in the evenings, featuring rare Slayer espresso machines and a $14,000 ModBar system. The adjacent public park basically serves as extension seating.
Philz Coffee
Website: https://www.philzcoffee.com/
Read reviews here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YHfRodE9XXjPFKQB9
Enjoy San Francisco’s pour-over culture in Wicker Park. The interactive service model lets you meet your barista before payment, and they specialize in handcrafted pour-overs with theatrical high-pour technique. No espresso drinks here – just 12+ signature blends made with serious coffee theater.
Brü Chicago
Website: http://www.bruchicago.com/
Read reviews here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Rk1oY4MzoWpCeKG6
You’ll feel like you’re hanging out in someone’s eclectic living room, complete with squishy sofas, vintage chairs, and chandeliers. The women-owned establishment serves locally roasted Bowtruss coffee, CBD-infused options, and signature gluten-free crepes. With free WiFi, chargers, and a community printer, it’s designed as a co-working space that also hosts open mic nights.
Colectivo Coffee
Website: https://colectivo.com/
Read reviews here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kEKX4PW9u9wXR1AX9
This massive two-story industrial-style space offers 100+ seats across multiple areas, including an upstairs loft, fireplace section, and outdoor patio. They disable WiFi on Saturdays from 10AM-2PM to encourage socialization.
Oro Chocolate And Coffee
Website: https://orochocolate.com/
Read reviews here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/d2b4RL4RHHbYc5i36
This is coffee and chocolate theater – a transparent bean-to-bar chocolate factory and coffee roastery spanning nearly 5,000 square feet. You can watch the production process behind glass windows while sitting in authentic, handcrafted Nicaraguan furniture. The educational focus on ethical sourcing means single-origin cacao and coffee direct from Nicaragua farms, with all syrups and baked goods made in-house.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve spent a few mornings sipping coffee in Wicker Park, you start to understand why so many artists, musicians, and creative types never want to leave. There’s something very cool about a place where your barista might be the next indie rock sensation and your morning coffee shop does double-duty as an art gallery.
Thinking about moving to Wicker Park? Give the Ben Lalez Team a shout! We know every corner of Wicker Park, from the best coffee spots to the perfect apartment where you can hear street musicians practicing through your windows, and we’ll be happy to show you around the neighborhood!