Need to recharge after a boat tour? Find the best specialty coffee near the Chicago Riverwalk. Our guide features local roasters, grab-and-go spots, and insider tips.
1. Intelligentsia Coffee (Wrigley Building)
The Iconic Landmark Stop: A Premier Roaster By the River
This location is set inside one of Chicago’s most recognizable architectural gems, the Wrigley Building, which sits right at the confluence of the river and the Magnificent Mile. As a Chicago-born pioneer of specialty coffee, Intelligentsia offers unparalleled quality in an absolutely stunning, historic setting.
- Why Choose It: Experience coffee from one of the city’s most influential roasters in a magnificent location that is steps away from the Riverwalk entrance.
- Specialty: Their classic Black Cat Espresso (enjoyed as a straight shot or in a smooth Latte) or a freshly prepared Pour-Over using beans from their Direct Trade partners.
- Website: intelligentsiacoffee.com
- Location: 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (Inside the Wrigley Building)
2. Goddess and the Baker
The Vibrant & Sweet Stop: Just Off the Michigan Avenue Bridge
A quick walk into the lobby of the famous 333 N Wabash building (home to the Langham Hotel) will bring you to Goddess and the Baker. Known for its bright, cheerful atmosphere and abundant display of gourmet treats, this shop pairs its high-quality coffee program with a wide selection of scratch-made pastries and light meals.
- Why Choose It: It’s a convenient, highly cheerful spot right next to the river, offering a full range of excellent specialty coffee drinks and some of Chicago’s most popular desserts.
- Specialty: An expertly crafted Flavored Latte (try a seasonal special) and one of their famous, beautiful Layer Cakes or a Gourmet Cookie.
- Website: goddessandthebaker.com
- Location: 333 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
3. Beatrix Market
The High-End Market Grab-and-Go: Perfect for the Riverwalk
Located on the far western edge of the Riverwalk (near Wacker Drive and Randolph), Beatrix Market is the casual sibling of the popular Beatrix restaurant group. It’s a high-end, self-service market offering a fantastic selection of locally roasted coffee and premium, freshly prepared grab-and-go meals, making it ideal for a Riverwalk picnic.
- Why Choose It: Quality coffee from local roasters, plus a perfect selection of pre-made sandwiches, salads, and baked goods to take directly to the river.
- Specialty: Their refreshing Cold Brew or a classic Cappuccino, paired with one of their famous Lemon Glazed Blueberry Muffins.
- Website: beatrixrestaurants.com
- Location: 155 N Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
4. Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea
The Multi-Roaster Stop: Variety Near the LaSalle Bridge
Located just one block north of the Riverwalk at the Clark Street bridge, Fairgrounds is a favorite because it offers a “choose your own adventure” coffee experience. It features a curated rotating selection of high-quality beans from multiple top roasters across the country, giving you unrivaled variety in a single location.
- Why Choose It: You can taste and compare different specialty roasters in one spot. It’s an ideal stop before or after a boat tour departing from the central Riverwalk area.
- Specialty: Try their signature Cold Brew Flight (to sample various roasters) or their selection of seasonal Nitro Teas for a different type of pick-me-up.
- Website: fairgroundscoffee.com
- Location: 222 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60601
☕ Tourist Pro-Tip for the Chicago Riverwalk
Since the Riverwalk itself can be busy and often lacks seating, grab your favorite brew from one of these adjacent spots and head to the architectural viewing platforms built into the Riverwalk itself (called the “Coves” and “Hills”) for the best, most comfortable place to enjoy your coffee and the view! Tag roastcoffee.ai in your coffee photos!
