Fuel up before you cruise! Find the best specialty coffee near Chicago River boat tour departure docks. Our guide features quick stops, iconic locations, and insider tips
1. Intelligentsia Coffee (Wrigley Building)
The Iconic Pre-Boarding Stop: Steps from the Dock
This location is inside the Wrigley Building, one of the most famous structures you’ll see on your tour, and is situated directly next to the main Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue Bridge docks. As a Chicago-born pioneer of specialty coffee, Intelligentsia guarantees unparalleled quality, making it the essential first stop for coffee purists.
- Why Choose It: It is the closest and highest-quality specialty roaster right next to the primary departure area. Perfect for a quick, guaranteed excellent espresso shot.
- Specialty: Their classic Black Cat Espresso (enjoyed as a straight shot or in a smooth Latte) or a freshly prepared Pour-Over, taken to-go before boarding.
- Website: intelligentsiacoffee.com
- Location: 400 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (Inside the Wrigley Building)
2. Goddess and the Baker
The Quick Gourmet Refuel: Coffee and Sweet Treats
A very short walk from the Michigan Avenue Bridge docks, Goddess and the Baker is located inside the 333 N Wabash building. This spot is renowned for its speed, bright atmosphere, and incredible selection of scratch-made pastries, making it the ideal choice if you need coffee and a quick, delicious breakfast or treat before the tour begins.
- Why Choose It: Excellent specialty coffee paired with great grab-and-go food and desserts—a perfect, quick all-in-one stop when time is of the essence.
- Specialty: An expertly crafted Flavored Latte (they have many options) and a famous Layer Cake slice, or a hearty breakfast sandwich.
- Website: goddessandthebaker.com
- Location: 333 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
3. Beatrix Market
The High-End Grab-and-Go: Near Wacker Drive Docks
Located on the western side of the Riverwalk (near Wacker Drive and Randolph), Beatrix Market is perfect for tours departing from the Chicago Architecture Center or Wendella docks. This high-end, self-service market features fantastic locally roasted coffee and premium, freshly prepared grab-and-go meals, ideal for a Riverwalk or on-boat picnic.
- Why Choose It: Quality coffee from local roasters, plus a perfect selection of pre-made sandwiches, salads, and baked goods to take directly onto the boat (if allowed).
- 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 Western Bridges
Located just one block north of the Riverwalk near the Clark Street bridge, Fairgrounds is an excellent option for those departing from the central or western docks. It is a multi-roaster cafe, allowing you to sample a curated selection of high-quality beans from different specialty roasters across the country, giving you unrivaled variety.
- Why Choose It: You can taste and compare different specialty roasters in one spot. It’s an ideal stop for those looking for something unique or departing from a less-crowded dock.
- Specialty: Try their signature Cold Brew Flight (to sample various roasters) or their selection of seasonal lattes.
- Website: fairgroundscoffee.com
- Location: 222 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60601
☕ Tourist Pro-Tip for the Architectural Tour
Due to security and boarding procedures, many docks require you to be in line 15-20 minutes before departure. Always grab your coffee before heading to the dock ramp, as there is often no time to run out once you arrive! Tag roastcoffee.ai in your coffee photos!
