TouristTips
☕ Chicago’s Fuel: The 4 Best Coffee Shops Near Your Architectural Boat Tour
Before you board your architectural boat tour to admire Chicago's legendary skyline, you need high-octane fuel! Tour departure docks along the Chicago River are situated in high-traffic areas short on convenient, high-quality specialty coffee. We’ve tracked down the best local coffee spots—from iconic cafes right in landmark buildings to excellent grab-and-go markets perfect for quick boarding—to ensure your caffeine fix is ready before your scheduled departure time.
☕ Chicago’s Fuel: The 4 Best Coffee Shops Near The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI)
After spending hours exploring the massive exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI)—from the U-505 German submarine to the coal mine—you'll need a powerful energy boost. The MSI is located in the beautiful Hyde Park neighborhood, which offers a much different, more community-focused selection of specialty coffee than the downtown Loop. We've tracked down the best local and specialty cafes—from historic institutions to modern, cozy spots—to ensure your caffeine fix is as fascinating as your day of discovery.
☕ Chicago’s Fuel: The 4 Best Coffee Shops Near The Adler Planetarium
After exploring the cosmos and gazing at the stars inside the Adler Planetarium, you'll need to refuel before returning to Earth. The Planetarium sits on the northern tip of the beautiful Museum Campus peninsula, an area notoriously short on independent, high-quality coffee shops. For a truly great cup, you’ll need to venture into the nearby South Loop or the adjacent Loop financial district. We've tracked down the best local coffee spots—from a classic Chicago roaster to high-quality cafes—to ensure your energy boost is as illuminating as the night sky.
☕ Chicago’s Fuel: The 4 Best Coffee Shops Near The Shedd Aquarium
After spending hours exploring the underwater worlds at the Shedd Aquarium, encountering belugas, or watching the marine mammal show, your energy levels might be running low. The Museum Campus, which houses the Shedd, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium, is notoriously sparse when it comes to independent, high-quality coffee. For a truly great cup, you’ll need to venture into the nearby South Loop or the adjacent Loop financial district. We've tracked down the best local coffee spots—from a classic Chicago roaster to high-quality cafes—to ensure your energy boost is as refreshing as a dip in Lake Michigan.
☕ Chicago’s Fuel: The 4 Best Coffee Shops Near The Field Museum
After spending hours exploring ancient history, meeting SUE the T. rex, or walking the halls of the Field Museum, you'll need a serious caffeine refill. The Museum Campus, which also includes the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, is short on independent, high-quality coffee shops. For a truly great cup, you’ll need to venture into the nearby South Loop or the adjacent Loop financial district. We've tracked down the best local coffee spots—from a classic Chicago roaster to the highest-quality hotel cafe—to ensure your energy boost is as powerful as a fossilized meteorite.
☕ Chicago’s Fuel: The 4 Best Coffee Shops Near The Magnificent Mile
After spending hours exploring the flagship stores or admiring the architecture along the Magnificent Mile, you'll need more than just a quick pick-me-up. The premier shopping district is notoriously short on truly independent, high-quality coffee. We've tracked down the best local and specialty cafes—from hidden gems just off the main drag to the world's largest roastery—to ensure your caffeine fix is as satisfying as your successful day of shopping.
☕ Chicago’s Fuel: The 4 Best Coffee Shops Near Navy Pier
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. We've tracked down the best local specialty coffee shops—from convenient options right on the Pier to Chicago roasters a short walk away—to ensure your caffeine fix is as satisfying as your views of Lake Michigan.
☕ Chicago’s Fuel: The 4 Best Coffee Shops Near Millennium Park
After spending hours taking your picture at the Cloud Gate ("The Bean") or admiring the incredible architecture of the Loop, you'll need more than just a quick pick-me-up. The area immediately surrounding Millennium Park can be a bit short on truly local, high-quality specialty coffee. We've tracked down the best local coffee spots—from Chicago-born roasting icons just steps away to hip cafes in gorgeous architectural settings—to ensure your caffeine fix is as satisfying as your day of discovery.

