Caffeind

I’m not sure if I coined the term caffeind or not and if this term obeys traditional spelling rules (i before e?), but either way, coffee is one of my favorite simple pleasures in life. I own a Nespresso, pour over, and french press and fully fangirl over my parents’ actual espresso machine. I wouldn’t say my caffeine tolerance is extremely high, but I also don’t drink coffee for the caffeine buzz. For me, a good cup of coffee feels like relief and reassurance. It’s a pick-me-up after a bad day, or the motivation to get me out of my house and studying around other people being productive, or a quick social opportunity and catch up with a friend. I’m always looking for new spots to study at, but I also like trying new places just for fun. Here are some of my favorites!

Study Spots

It’s hard to find a good coffee shop to study at. Sometimes tables are too small, or sometimes it’s too loud. Sometimes they don’t have WiFi, and sometimes the chairs are not the best ergonomic friendly design for someone with intermittent lower back pain who has to get through 100+ question bank questions. When I really need to get work done, I’m probably gravitating towards these spot for both a consistently good work set up and cappuccino.

BEST: Ground Up, West Loop

The best part about studying here is all of the tables. There is literally nothing worse than settling down for a study session with a table that is the wrong height or too small. Ground Up has amazing and affordable coffee, sturdy tables, and lots of natural light. I am embarrassed to say that all of the baristas here recognize me at this point.

RUNNER UPS:

Edie’s All Day Cafe, River North

Good Ambler, West Loop

This place used to be my favorite spot for getting work done. New caveat: they close off for lunch for a private event, so it’s only good for studying early in the day or late afternoon. They also got rid of the central table so it’s either comfy booths or nada.

Foxtrot Market, Lakeview

Don’t even bother studying at a Foxtrot in West Loop or River North. The Lakeview Foxtrots have been solid on weekdays for studying when the entire WFH crowd is out, but weekends aren’t great for getting work done. Important for my fellow medical students to keep in mind.

Floriole, Lincoln Park

I’m not sure if this qualifies as a restaurant or bakery/cafe, but they have so much seating, the BEST pastries and sandwiches, and amazing coffee. It never gets too loud, either, so you can actually get things done.

Other Favorites

These places all have fantastic coffee or a great ambiance, and most of them have both! Can’t ever go wrong.

BEST: Cafe Deko, Lakeview

I’ve studied here multiple times when I find myself in the area or want to venture out a little further from where I typically am. They have a great honey lavender latte when you’re in the mood for something more unique, and all of the baristas are knowledgable and nice. There isn’t a ton of seating, which is why it wouldn’t make my top work spots list, but I would still never turn down an invite to get coffee here.

RUNNER UPS:

Venteux

This place is new and located right in River North. It is French-inspired and has big windows facing Michigan Avenue. I wouldn’t say there is a ton of seating but the aesthetic and location make it perfect for a coffee date with a friend. I haven’t personally done their brunch or dinner but I hear great things about that too.

Sawada, West Loop

This place makes every food blogger’s list ever and is always packed. The concept is unique with the most standout menu items being the military latte that combines matcha with espresso and the black camo latte that combines hojicha green tea as the base along with espresso. There is tons of seating but most of it is wooden benches, so not the best spot for a prolonged work session on your laptop but could be a good option for reading or just relaxing.

Blue Bottle, Wolf Point

I was so excited when Blue Bottle opened a location in Chicago since I was absolutely obsessed with it during my time at Berkeley. The modern minimalist aesthetic fits perfectly with its location at Wolf Point. For anyone who hasn’t been to Blue Bottle, you are missing out!

Soho House, West Loop

I’m not sure when the Soho House lobby opened back up after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic but I am so glad it did. The lobby has lots of plush comfortable chairs and a big wooden table for working, and the lobby itself is open to the public. It’s never too loud or too crowded on weekdays and even weekends until early evening, making it a good spot to work too but honestly better for meeting friends and people watching.