Some days, there’s nothing better than finding a spot to hunker down for the whole day — a spot to drink coffee, get work done, do a little reading, and even hang out for dinner with a glass of wine or beer. The following Chicago cafes are perfect for exactly that, open for breakfast and lunch with exceptional coffee programs and a welcoming atmosphere to comfortably hang out for drinks and dinner when the sun sets.
Read More/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857878/49106989_2020739704713309_2216572620772474880_n.0.jpg)
16 Stellar All-Day Cafes in Chicago
It’s work and coffee in the morning and dinner and drinks in the evening

The Coffee Studio
This cozy Andersonville spot is an excellent place to spend the day. With a full menu of coffees and teas, plus beer, wine, cocktails, and light fare to round out the uppers and downers, This nook is ideal for catching up on some reading.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857861/970879_10151647194174660_1300229105_n.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
Same Day Cafe
This brunch favorite is open all day long throughout the week. Same Day Cafe specializes in interesting takes on fountain soda drinks and a comforting lineup of sandwiches that makes it an easy place to whittle away an afternoon.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857862/19959411_710498942469853_8785324446021355374_n.0.jpg)
Bourgeois Pig
The Bourgeois Pig is a Lincoln Park stalwart, attracting DePaul students on a break. Its lived-in feel makes it an excellent afternoon spot to grab a drink with a friend or cozy into a table for the full day.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857863/12717211_10153914173422438_5878848353763940200_n.0.jpg)
Cafe Mustache
During the day, Cafe Mustache doles out coffee and sandwiches while freelancers fill the seats. But at night, this spot turns into a more lively watering hole with stools to belly up to the bar or a smattering of tables for a more intimate feel.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857864/32336883_2276218669055743_2984661555259375616_n.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
Colectivo Coffee
Outposts of the Milwaukee coffee import Colectivo have their spaces designed specifically for all-day lounging. The cafe menu serves up a solid breakfast and lunch, with choices for a light dinner. Plus, their own house beers round out the vibe for an early happy hour. Locations are in Lincoln Park, Logan Square, and Andersonville with more on the way.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857865/blb17121_27281181369_o.0.jpg)
Lonesome Rose
At night, this spot from the same crew behind tiki wonderland Lost Lake becomes a taco haven for Logan Square-ites with margaritas and excellent cocktails abound. During the day, breakfast tacos, coffee, and plenty of windows make this place just right for settling in.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857866/lonesome_rose_2.0.0.0.0.jpg)
Front Bar
Made to be the perfect spot for a before-the-show or after-the-show drink, this cafe at the Steppenwolf Theater offers up a heartier evening menu than most on this list and a fun cocktail menu. The food’s from Goddess & the Grocer and the coffee’s from Le Colombe.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857867/13339456_774239336051820_7390682206700727426_n.0.jpg)
3rd Coast Cafe
A Gold Coast treasure, 3rd Coast Cafe is perfect for grabbing a hearty breakfast with a friend, then getting some work done. There are specials every day for grabbing a drink while still on the clock.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857868/17554353_10154891712571084_9219943071003256557_n.0.jpg)
Café Marie-Jeanne
On the weekends, grabbing a table at Cafe Marie-Jeanne is a feat. But during the week, this French cafe is a fun spot to hunker down. An always-rotating pastry display serves those looking for light fare, while a full menu is just right for the hungrier set. At night, an excellent wine list and killer cheese and charcuterie choices make this an easy place to stay.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857869/cafe_marie_jeanne.0.png)
Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain
Egg cremes and stratas pop out as stars at this Humboldt Park hotspot. But the vintage vibes that exude Spinning J make it a standout for all day hangs. And stay for the pie.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857870/12733428_1246542442029132_2912183596331056743_n.0.jpg)
Also featured in:
Brothers and Sisters
An eclectic wine list and an ambitious all-day menu are the biggest draws for this new West Town hideout. A fun smattering of cheeses and charcuteries make it a fancy spot for lunch, but an early morning commuter special (a large coffee and pastry for $5 to go) and the refrigerated market section are bonuses to this mid-century modern cafe.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857871/Breakfast_CarolinaMarianaRodri_guez.0.jpg)
Beatrix
There’s more than one reason that this Lettuce Entertain You restaurant has a few outposts. To name a few, an extremely accessible all-day menu makes a meal easy for everyone, an excellent coffee and pastry program makes it an easy quick stop, and the cozy design despite the expansive size means it’s easy to stay all day.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857872/34994301725_efd730d804_h.0.jpg)
Marshall's Landing
When waiting for an appointment downtown, it’s important to find a spot to hang out in proximity. Marshall’s Landing at Merchandise Mart is just right for this. Coffee starts at 7 a.m., and with the restaurant opening at 11 a.m., it’s just the right spot to escape a downtown job for an hour or two, or grab a drink after work. It’s run by DMK Restaurants.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857873/35159634005_40ca491de7_h.0.jpg)
Slightly Toasted
Looking for a reliable spot that helps you save cash on coffee in the West Loop? Slightly Toasted boasts unlimited coffee plans, making it a home away from home. The expansive food menu and half-off whiskey Wednesdays don’t hurt, either.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857874/blb16914_32488138816_o.0.jpg)
Cà Phê Dá
The little sister to HaiSous, Cà Phê Dá specializes in Vietnamese coffee and street food. During the day, grab a specialty coffee and bánh mì. At night, hang out with friends and watch cocktails and phở ga flow.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857875/49106989_2020739704713309_2216572620772474880_n.0.jpg)
Plein Air Cafe
This Hyde Park hang near the University of Chicago means there will be plenty of college students hanging out, as this bustling bright cafe and coffee shop does the trick for an all day work spot.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62857876/17499001_1927626347480387_6069791366620712693_n.0.jpg)
Also featured in: