Skip the chains on the pier! Find the best specialty coffee near Chicago’s Navy Pier. Our guide features top-rated local spots, unique brews, and insider tips.
After riding the Centennial Wheel or exploring the ships at Navy Pier, finding a satisfying, high-quality coffee can be a challenge—the Pier itself tends to feature well-known national chains. For a truly great cup of coffee from a local roaster or specialty cafe, you’ll need to head off the Pier and into the nearby Streeterville or Magnificent Mile neighborhoods.
1. Kisbi Coffee (Inside Sable Hotel at Navy Pier)
The Convenient Specialty Spot: Right on the Pier
While most food and beverage options on the Pier are national chains, Kisbi Coffee is an independent exception. Located in the lobby of the Sable Hotel at Navy Pier, it offers Costa Rican premium Arabica coffee and other specialty beans (from Kenya and Ethiopia), making it the highest-quality, most convenient local option without leaving the complex.
- Why Choose It: It’s the best option for specialty coffee on the Pier, offering single-origin beans and a focus on quality without the chain atmosphere. It’s easy to grab and enjoy while walking the South Dock.
- Specialty: Their Costa Rican Premium Arabica drip coffee or espresso, or a classic Latte paired with one of their pastries.
- Website: sablehotel.com/dine-and-drink/kisbi-coffee (Scroll down to “Kisbi Coffee”)
- Location: 900 E Grand Ave (Inside the Sable Hotel)
2. Goddess and the Baker
The Vibrant & Sweet Stop: A Short Walk from the Pier
A pleasant 10-15 minute walk west from the entrance of Navy Pier will bring you to the bright and cheerful Goddess and the Baker. This is a local favorite known for its colorful display of gourmet treats, delicious cakes, and consistent, high-quality coffee and espresso program.
- Why Choose It: Excellent specialty coffee paired with some of the city’s most appealing, made-from-scratch desserts and light meal options—a great spot to refuel for a full morning or afternoon.
- Specialty: A fun Flavored Latte (they have many seasonal options) and one of their famous, decadent Layer Cake slices.
- Website: goddessandthebaker.com
- Location: 435 N Michigan Ave (Nearest location to the Pier)
3. Beatrix (Streeterville)
The Upscale Local Hub: Coffee, Market, and Restaurant
Located in the Streeterville neighborhood, just south of the Magnificent Mile and about a 15-minute walk from the Pier, Beatrix is a beloved local restaurant group known for its fantastic food and dedicated coffee bar. It offers a more sophisticated setting and is perfect if you want to pair your specialty coffee with an amazing baked good or a full breakfast.
- Why Choose It: High-quality coffee using local roasters, plus a dedicated pastry case with incredible selections baked in-house. It’s a great stop for a slightly more luxurious break.
- Specialty: Their excellent Nitro Cold Brew or a perfectly executed Espresso drink, paired with their popular Lemon Glazed Blueberry Muffin.
- Website: beatrixrestaurants.com
- Location: 671 N St Clair St (Streeterville)
4. Dollop Coffee Co.
The Reliable Local Favorite: Simple, High-Quality Fuel
Another excellent local Chicago chain, Dollop is a great choice for visitors seeking reliably excellent coffee and fast service. Their location in the nearby River North/Magnificent Mile area is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Pier, offering a straight-forward, no-frills experience focused on quality beans and satisfying baked goods.
- Why Choose It: Consistently great espresso and drip coffee from a local roaster, plus a solid selection of pastries for a quick, quality take-away or sit-down break.
- Specialty: A perfect Iced Coffee for walking the Pier, or their daily Drip Coffee for a straightforward energy boost.
- Website: dollopcoffee.com
- Location: 343 E Ohio St (Nearest location to the Pier)
☕ Tourist Pro-Tip for Navy Pier
If you’re willing to walk a little farther (15-20 minutes west from the Pier entrance), you’ll quickly move from tourist chains to the denser concentration of specialty coffee in the Streeterville and River North neighborhoods, which offer the best selection and quality.
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