Waking up in the morning can be a tough task and if you're the type who needs a jolt to start the day, check out the Eater Chicago Coffee Heatmap. We've listed new shops opened in the last year or expansions of existing establishments. Don't suffer through any more bad cups of coffee and make your way over to one of these spots. They'll have just the right boast of energy to help get you through the day.
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The Eater Chicago Coffee Heatmap: Where to Find the Perfect Cup of Coffee Right Now

Bad Wolf Coffee
The new coffee shop from Jonathan Ory, formerly of Schwa and Momofuku Ko, is unique in its lack of seating. The no-chair policy is so “visitors stand and are more likely to engage” one another and it’s a relaxing spot for conversations over a cup of brew. The menu features a selection of espressos, Counter Culture Coffee and Rishi Tea.
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La Colombe
La Colombe continues to expand around Chicago with its latest spot in Wicker Park and another yet to be determined. Focused almost exclusively on the bean, the shop features individually brewed coffee selections with Steampunk machines, espresso, teas and pastries.
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Intelligentsia Coffee Bar
Quickly becoming a nationwide phenomenon, the ever-popular Intelligentsia has its roots in Chicago and continues to expand. The beans are directly imported from growers in South America and Africa and the company’s baristas are some of the most knowledgeable in the business. With the latest in Logan Square and next to Plum Market, the Ashland and Division location should be opening soon.
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Dollop Coffee Co.
The newest Evanston outpost of the popular coffee shop is a collaboration with Hoosier Mama Pies, serving up delicious pies and sandwiches, Metropolis Coffee and Rishi Teas. Suburbanites finally have a chance to see what the fuss is all about.
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Bow Truss Coffee
With a Wells Street location open in addition to the original in Lakeview, Philip Tadros' standout coffee company is expanding its roaster too.
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Asado Coffee Roasters
Named the best cup of coffee by Chicago Magazine and best roaster by Chicago Reader in 2010, Asado Coffee’s second shop in Ukrainian Village offers up coffees by the cup from Japanese drippers, café con leche and an assortment of pastries. The espresso drinks are made using The Mirage, which owner founder Kevin Ashtari calls the Holy Grail of machines in the coffee world.
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Dark Matter Coffee Company
The home of Dark Matter Coffee, brewed via espresso, pour-over and French press, opened its smaller shop on Western last year. The original Star Lounge Coffee Bar around the corner offers a relaxed, social, and artsy experience, as well as specialty drinks like Dolor de Oro, and a bottomless cup of Joe for only $3.50.
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Bridgeport Coffee Company
Named as one of the top coffee shops by Time Out Chicago, Bridgeport Coffee Company is the envy of many. It roasts its own beans and works directly with coffee producers around the world. And those in the South Loop now can enjoy the goodness at the Bridgeport Coffeebar at Roosevelt Collection.
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Portage Grounds
The menu features Intelligentsia coffee and Rishi Tea, and the open space with tall windows is perfect for lovers of the light. A conference room in the back is also available to book for meetings.
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Ipsento Coffee House
This café roasts its own coffee for its espresso drinks like the namesake Ipsento Latte, made with a blend of coconut and dairy milk, honey and a pinch of cayenne. The shop also offers coffee education workshops to teach drinkers how to make the perfect cups at home. Look out for an expansion soon.
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Fuel Station
Born from the remains of a shuttered Caribou Coffee, Fuel Station offers brews from Uncommon Coffee Roasters on site as well as a menu of sandwiches, salads and pastries from around the city. In addition, there’s outdoor patio seating for the warmer months ahead.
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Ugly Mug Cafe
The Noble Square café offers Passion House coffee and espresso drinks alongside teas and more. There’s also a variety of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, wraps, pastries and donuts from Glazed and Infused. And of course, there's a collection of ugly mugs to choose from for your cup of coffee.
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Buzz: Killer Espresso
Not only is there artisan coffee in this peacful spot in Bucktown, but Buzz added a pretty second floor lounge with skylights last spring.
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Eataly Chicago
The Italian mega-store also does coffee, in the form of its Lavazza coffee bar on the first floor. The menu offers an array of Italian coffee and espresso drinks.
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