Looking for affordable coffee in Chicago? Here’s a quick roundup of 10 great coffee spots where you can enjoy quality drinks without spending a fortune. From cozy neighborhood cafés to unique themed spaces, these spots offer excellent coffee starting at just $3. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Metric Coffee: Industrial-chic roastery with coffee bags starting at $23.50 and fresh pastries.
- Layla & Ringo's: Bodega-style café with espresso from $3.50 and food options under $7.
- 3 Greens Coffee & Bakery: Downtown spot with $3 espresso and pastries from $2.50.
- The Wormhole Coffee: Retro-themed café with $3.25 espresso and nostalgic 80s vibes.
- Mojo Coffee: Logan Square favorite with $3.50 drip coffee and $4 scones.
- Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea: Vibrant space with $3.25 drip coffee and loyalty discounts.
- Ludlow Charlingtons Coffee Shop: Cozy, dog-friendly spot with $2.99 espresso doppios.
- Coffee Lab & Roasters: Lakeview café with $3 drip coffee and $5 Kyoto Iced Coffee.
- Cocobar: Latin-inspired café on the Riverwalk with espresso starting at $3.75.
- Café Tola: Oaxacan-style café with $3.25 espresso and empanadas from $3.
Pro tips: Bring a reusable cup for discounts, sign up for loyalty programs, and explore Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods to find your next favorite coffee spot. Prices range from $3 to $5 for most drinks, proving you don’t need to overspend to enjoy great coffee.
Chicago Best Coffee Shops - #ChicagoTravelGuide
1. Metric Coffee
Metric Coffee in West Town brings together a roastery, training center, and café all in one space, offering quality beans and brews at accessible prices.
The walk-up shop features a mix of industrial and Scandinavian design elements, including exposed brick, walnut counters, and a glass divider that provides a peek into the mini-roastery. The result is a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Their 12 oz bags of coffee start at $23.50, with options like Reverb Seasonal Blend ($23.50), Peru Esperanza Armijos ($24.50), Honduras Cabañas Natural ($24.50), Guatemala Camaleon Natural ($26.50), and Miramar Gesha Natural ($35.00).
To complement your coffee, fresh pastries are also available. Up next: Layla and Ringo's, blending affordability with a welcoming neighborhood vibe.
2. Layla & Ringo's
Layla & Ringo's combines a specialty grocer and café under one stylish, bodega-inspired roof. Here, you can grab coffee, tea, freshly prepared meals, and pantry essentials - all without breaking the bank. While you wait, explore a thoughtfully selected range of goods from local vendors. Pricing is easy on the wallet: espresso starts at $3.50, signature cold brews at $4.50, and teas at $3.75. Food options include $2.50 bagels, $6.50 breakfast burritos, $4.50 soups, and $7 salads. Everything on the menu is priced under $7.
The drink lineup features classics like espresso and Americano, alongside standout creations such as the Pistachio Cream Cold Brew and Blood Orange Espresso Tonic. For non-coffee drinkers, options like the Rose Cardamom Latte and Garden Matcha provide something different.
What makes Layla & Ringo's unique is its connection to DJ's Great Room. This space offers co-working and meeting areas during the day, making it a great spot to enjoy your coffee while getting some work done.
Start your morning with a bagel ($2.50) or breakfast burrito ($6.50). For lunch, try the Tomato Bisque ($4.50), New York-style sandwiches, or a fresh $7 salad.
3. 3 Greens Coffee & Bakery
You’ll find 3 Greens Coffee & Bakery on Level 1 of 900 North Michigan Shops, right in the heart of downtown Chicago. Espresso starts at just $3, while pastries are available from $2.50. The café focuses on expertly prepared espresso and matcha drinks, paired with a rotating menu of house-made sweet and savory pastries.
Part of the 3 Greens Market, this spot isn’t just a coffee shop. It’s a multi-concept space that includes a casual restaurant, a grab-and-go marketplace, a bar, and even a second location on Level 5 at Aster Hall.
Next, we’ll explore The Wormhole Coffee, where retro vibes meet fair prices.
4. The Wormhole Coffee
Step into a slice of the 1980s at The Wormhole Coffee. This café is packed with retro charm, featuring a Back to the Future DeLorean, shelves filled with Star Wars, Gremlins, Ninja Turtles, and Ghostbusters memorabilia, plus an NES console loaded with Super Mario Bros. 3 for some nostalgic gaming fun.
Espressos start at just $3.25, while lattes are priced at $4.50. Each drink is crafted with care, offering quality coffee without breaking the bank.
Up next: Mojo Coffee.
5. Mojo Coffee
Mojo Coffee is a Logan Square favorite, known for its great brews at prices that won't break the bank. Here's what you can expect:
- Drip Coffee: Choose between Colombia Huila or Tanzania Zanzibar for just $3.50.
- Espresso Drinks: Prices range from $3.50 to $4.70, with options like a flat white for $4.20 or a latte for $4.40.
- Specialty Drinks: Nitro coffee is $5, and Modbar coffees are available for $6.50.
The food menu is just as appealing. Grab a chili-cheese scone or a croissant for $4. If you're in the mood for something heartier, try their quiches (like Bacon & Cheddar or Zucchini, Feta & Sundried Tomato) for $8.50. Smoothie lovers can enjoy blends like the Cold Brew & Chocolate option for $7.50.
This spot perfectly combines neighborhood charm with fantastic value.
Next up: Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea.
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6. Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea
Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea provides a lively, welcoming atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. It's an ideal spot to catch up with friends or unwind with your favorite drink. Prices start at $3.25 for drip coffee, $4.75 for lattes, and $3.00 for teas.
Sign up for Fairgrounds Rewards and their newsletter to enjoy special discounts.
Next: Ludlow Charlingtons Coffee Shop combines old-school charm with affordable drinks.
7. Ludlow Charlingtons Coffee Shop
Located in Lincoln Park, Ludlow Charlingtons Coffee Shop has been a favorite since its opening in 2020. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 121 reviews, this cozy, dog-friendly spot is known for its inviting atmosphere. The dark green walls adorned with antique dog paintings set a charming tone, while free Wi-Fi makes it a great place to work or unwind.
The café offers a variety of drinks at affordable prices:
- House Roast Coffee: $3.79
- Espresso Doppio: $2.99
- Cappuccino: $4.49
- Latte: $4.99
- Matcha Latte: $5.99
- Iced Horchata Latte: $5.99
- Chai Latte: $4.99
- London Fog: $4.49
For snacks, gluten-free brownies and biscotti are available for $3.99, and the Raisin Roulade is priced at $4.99. With all drinks under $6 and treats under $5, Ludlow Charlingtons proves that affordable coffee doesn’t have to compromise on quality or charm.
Next up: Coffee Lab & Roasters offers more great coffee at wallet-friendly prices.
8. Coffee Lab & Roasters
Coffee Lab & Roasters, located in Lakeview, has been serving specialty coffee since 2019. One of their highlights is a 2½-foot cold brew tower used to create their signature Kyoto Iced Coffee, priced at $5. Drip coffee starts at $3, while espresso drinks range from $3.50 to $5.50.
The café sources fair-trade beans from BCBC Coffee Roasters and offers a selection of local pastries. These include cinnamon rolls from pHlour and weekend potato doughnuts from Downstate Donuts. They also feature seasonal coffee flavors throughout the year.
Situated near Lincoln Ave & Diversey Pkwy, Coffee Lab & Roasters is deeply connected to the community. Co-owner Helen Kim emphasizes the importance of these ties, saying:
"We want our cafe to be a part of the positive force that's building something beautiful for the world."
9. Cocobar
Cocobar, located on the Chicago Riverwalk, offers a mix of Latin American charm and affordable prices. Run by sisters Leticia and Erika Espinosa, who moved from Mexico City 15 years ago, this spot serves up espresso starting at $3.75 and Mexican mocha for $4.50. Enjoy your drink on their scenic riverside patio.
Next stop: Café Tola, where Oaxacan-inspired flavors pair with budget-friendly coffee.
10. Café Tola
Café Tola brings Oaxacan-inspired flavors together with affordable coffee options, making it a standout spot for budget-conscious coffee lovers.
The café's decor is a lively mix of Mexican art, colorful soda cans, and a neon-pink shark, all set to a hip-hop playlist. Located in several Chicago neighborhoods like Avondale, Lakeview, and Logan Square, Café Tola is known for its to-go-friendly setup and bold flavors.
The menu is rooted in the owner's family recipes, featuring empanadas stuffed with fillings like spicy pork and cactus, black beans, or chicken mole. Drinks include espresso starting at $3.25, café de olla for $3.75, and lattes priced at $4.50. Empanadas range from $3 to $4.50, making it an affordable choice for a quick bite and caffeine fix.
With its vibrant atmosphere and wallet-friendly prices, Café Tola offers a unique coffee experience that doesn’t break the bank.
Where to Find Good Coffee Without Overspending
Chicago is home to a vibrant coffee scene, offering plenty of options for those who want a great cup of coffee without breaking the bank. From West Town to the Riverwalk, the city’s independent cafés deliver quality brews at reasonable prices.
Looking for variety? Check out Metric Coffee’s industrial-chic vibe, Layla & Ringo’s cozy bodega-style setup, or Café Tola’s Oaxacan-inspired menu. Each spot brings its own personality to the table, making it easy to explore different flavors and atmospheres across the city.
Want to save a little extra? Bring a reusable cup for discounts, sign up for loyalty programs, and take the time to explore what each neighborhood has to offer. With prices ranging from $3 for a solid espresso to $5 for creative specialty drinks, Chicago proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy great coffee.
