Skip the tourist traps! Find the best specialty coffee near Chicago’s Willis Tower and Skydeck. Our guide features top-rated local spots, their unique brews, and insider tips.
After gazing at four states from the Skydeck, you’ll need more than just a quick pick-me-up. The area immediately surrounding Willis Tower, while packed with commuters, can be short on truly local, high-quality specialty coffee experiences.
1. Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken (Willis Tower)
The Convenient Local Fusion: Inside the Skydeck Building
This popular local spot is conveniently located on the ground floor of Willis Tower. Do-Rite features high-quality coffee from another celebrated local roaster, Dark Matter Coffee, alongside some of Chicago’s best gourmet donuts (including daily vegan and gluten-free options). This is arguably the easiest and most unique coffee-and-treat combo you can get without leaving the building.
- Why Choose It: It’s a perfect pairing of two Chicago favorites: gourmet donuts and expertly roasted local coffee, all available right before or after your Skydeck visit.
- Specialty: A Dark Matter Coffee latte paired with a Pistachio or seasonal Gourmet Donut.
- Website: doritedonuts.com
- Location: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606 (Willis Tower, ground level)
2. Meddle Coffee Bar
The Barrel-Aged Brew Stop: For the Coffee Adventurer
A short and easy walk west of the Willis Tower (near Union Station), Meddle Coffee Bar is the flagship specialty outpost for local roaster Dark Matter Coffee. Known for their “intellectually honest” approach, they offer unique preparations like barrel-aged beans and a vibrant, art-forward atmosphere they call “Psychedelegance.”
- Why Choose It: Experience a truly unique, artistically focused specialty coffee bar that goes beyond the basics, with some of Chicago’s most creative roasts.
- Specialty: The signature Barrel Mocha or a Chocolate City cold brew to taste their distinct barrel-aged beans.
- Website: darkmattercoffee.com
- Location: 601 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
3. Big Shoulders Coffee
The Local Quality Champion: Near the Financial Hub
A quick walk into the heart of the Loop will bring you to Big Shoulders, a celebrated Chicago roaster known for its “No Lazy Coffee” philosophy. This shop focuses on quality and consistency, making every cup approachable and delicious. Its location near the Chicago Board of Trade is ideal for catching the buzz of the city.
- Why Choose It: A reliable source of high-quality, perfectly roasted coffee from a truly local Chicago brand that focuses strictly on the craft of brewing.
- Specialty: A perfectly pulled espresso shot or a carefully brewed pour-over of one of their single-origin selections.
- Website: bigshoulderscoffee.com
- Location: 141 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604 (Inside the Chicago Board of Trade Building)
4. Intelligentsia Coffee (Monadnock Coffeebar)
The Pioneer’s Loop Outpost: In a Historic Setting
Intelligentsia is a globally recognized Chicago-born roaster that helped launch the modern specialty coffee movement. This Loop location is situated in the stunning, historic Monadnock Building, offering a sleek, minimalist space perfect for enjoying a classic, high-quality cup from a pioneer of Direct Trade sourcing.
- Why Choose It: Experience coffee from one of the city’s most influential roasters in a beautiful, historically significant architectural setting.
- Specialty: Their classic Black Cat Project espresso (enjoyed as a straight shot or in a smooth latte) or a freshly prepared Pour-Over.
- Website: intelligentsiacoffee.com
- Location: 53 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604 (Monadnock Building)
☕ Tourist Pro-Tip for Willis Tower
Since this area caters heavily to commuters, most independent coffee shops will close earlier (often mid-afternoon) than shops in tourist/residential areas. If you are visiting later in the day, confirm the shop hours online before walking over!
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