1. Little Bean Coffee Company, Antioch

This coffee shop prides itself on being a third space—where you can relax and spend time at a place that isn’t your home or work. Whether you want to socialize with friends or just spend some quiet time reading, this downtown coffee shop is ready to welcome you.

Savor one of its signature drinks, such as its Cafe Caramel or Honey Oat Latte. Try one of its breakfast sandwiches, such as the Southwest, with sausage, egg, cheddar, red peppers and chipotle sauce. If it’s lunchtime, you can choose from a whole range of sandwiches, paninis and melts. And keep in mind, this café sells more than just coffee—it’s also a bookstore and gift shop!

2. Café Calidá, Chicago

The husband-and-wife team of Anton and Liset Adkins own this café in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood. The coffee shop was born of a pandemic passion project, and its name reflects Liset’s Guatemalan roots.

With well-crafted traditional drinks, such as café con leche, chai lattes and matcha, and community events like language exchanges and even orchestra performances, Café Calidá is a must-visit for anyone in the area.  

3. Daisy’s Artish Café, Lake Villa

Located in Lake Villa, near the Wisconsin state line, Daisy’s sells Door County Coffee and a wide range of espresso drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos and mochas. Also on the menu are slices of Lake Geneva Pie Company quiche and Riverside Bake Shop pastries and breads. The coffee shop doubles as a home for unique gifts and as a home for the works of local artists, including the eponymous Daisy herself.