Best Cafés in Lower West Side

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

Chicago

Areas

BridgeportBucktown / Wicker ParkDowntown / LoopHyde ParkRiver North (Chicago)Streeterville

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Starbucks Reserve® Chicago Roastery restaurant

1. Starbucks Reserve® Chicago Roastery

4.7

Exceptional(15)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Café • River North (Chicago)

Booked 6 times today

The World's Largest Starbucks.A spectacular destination. Our passion for craft, innovation, and discovery comes to life in an ever-evolving menu of coffee, cocktails and food.An immersive and thoughtfully designed experience, this one-of-a-kind space will bring your event to life in a uniquely memorable way.

2. CAFÉ CRÈMERIE

4.1

Excellent(5)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Café • River North (Chicago)

CAFÉ CRÈMERIE, is a European-style café inspired by owner Lisa Gasparian’s European travels and love for all things food and culture. Lisa sought to create a unique destination for guests to relax and enjoy fresh, quality sweets, savory snacks, rich smooth coffee, and delicious wines within a cozy atmosphere. For this Mother and entrepreneur, every day holds moments to savor filled with experiences and vibrant inspiration to make CAFÉ CRÈMERIE the best European escape possible for the neighborhood she calls home. Step inside, settle in, and let us transport you to a European state of mind. A bientôt!

3. Expat

4.3

Awesome(11)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Café • West Loop

Booked 2 times today

A café, restaurant and bar in Chicago’s West Loop, Expat is your home for American café classics and comfort food, select dishes from destinations around the globe, well-traveled cocktails and natural wines. Set in an intimate room, Expat channels the style, music and mystique of Havana, Ibiza and Marrakech in the 1950s. These alluring locales captured the imagination of travelers who sought a blend of cultural richness, artistic inspiration, and a break from convention. At Expat we imagine the singular delights one would crave from back home, or from their travels, after spending time away.“We want to be a space that provides the atmosphere of an exotic destination while preserving the warmth and flavors of home,” says Daniel Alonso, Bonhomme Hospitality Group’s Founder and Creative Director.

A photo of Dolce Arte - The Art of Food restaurant

4. Dolce Arte - The Art of Food

4.8

Exceptional(16)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Café • Bridgeport

Booked 3 times today

Dolce Arte - The Art of Food is a Café delight nestled in the heart of Bridgeport, Chicago, offering a genuine taste of Italy with every bite. Renowned for its "phenomenal food" and "impeccable service," this cozy café invites you to indulge in a variety of freshly baked Italian pastries and the finest LavAzza coffee. Diners rave about the "best American pancakes" and the exquisite pasta paired with Antinori wine, making each meal a memorable experience. Whether you're there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Dolce Arte promises an "outstanding dining experience" that will have you eagerly planning your next visit.

5. Copper Club

4.2

Awesome(26)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Café • Downtown / Loop

Booked 4 times today

Copper Club is a Brasserie and Cocktail Bar featuring chef-driven comfort food and a large selection of classic cocktails and bourbon in a warm inviting space in the heart of Chicago's Theater District.

A photo of Publican Quality Meats restaurant

6. Publican Quality Meats

4.9

Exceptional(11)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Café • West Loop

Publican Quality Meats is your friendly, neighborhood butcher shop, market and café. We are dedicated to bringing you clean, wholesome, honest products: responsibly raised meats, artisanal baked bread and handcrafted provisions. We are committed to the community through our practices, education and hospitality.

A photo of Chapel Street Cafe restaurant

7. Chapel Street Cafe

new

4.1

Excellent(7)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Café • Streeterville

Booked 9 times today

Welcome to Chapel Street, Chicago’s first Australian café, where vibrant flavors and a laid-back atmosphere blend seamlessly to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Inspired by the bustling café culture of Melbourne, we bring you thoughtfully crafted dishes, exceptional coffee, and a warm, welcoming vibe.Our menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a touch of Aussie flair, from perfectly poached eggs on signature avo smash, to hearty dinner offerings and indulgent pastries. Behind the bar, our skilled baristas serve up rich espresso blends and velvety flat whites, staying true to Down Under's world-renowned coffee culture and our expert bartenders craft cocktails using Aussie ingredients.Whether you’re joining us for a leisurely brunch, a quick coffee break, or dinner with friends, Chapel Street is your home away from home. Experience the best of Australian hospitality in the heart of Chicago.

A photo of Nellie's Restaurant restaurant

8. Nellie's Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(191)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Café • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 8 times today

Nellie’s Puerto Rican Restaurant is a family owned eatery nested in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Puerto Rican community. Since opening in March 2006, Nellie’s has become recognized as one of “Chicago’s Best”. Serving a unique blend of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine and American breakfast favorites. Including their famous 'avena de coco' (coconut oatmeal) and the ever popular weekend buffet. Nellie's prepares every dish with the highest quality ingredients by a talented cooking staff and served with a warm smile. Nellie’s is not a restaurant; it is an experience. Find out what the excitement is all about!

A photo of West Town Bakery - West Town restaurant

9. West Town Bakery - West Town

4.2

Awesome(17)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Café • West Town

Booked 3 times today

West Town Bakery is a Chicago staple for anyone craving coffee, sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and seasonal treats. Home of the "cake ball," West Town Bakery has five locations, in River North, The Loop, West Town, Wrigleyville, and Wheeling. Come to satisfy your hunger or sweet tooth, and stay for the upbeat vibes, excellent service, and offerings for everyone. Our aim is to blend Chicago's urban street art and music, while focusing on the techniques and flavors of the pastry scene. From our managers and chefs to our bakers and baristas, each member is instrumental in the creation of our breads, pastries, coffees and cakes, based on the principal belief that everyone should be able to have their cake and eat it too.

10. Dawn Eatery

4.6

Exceptional(303)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Café • Hyde Park

Booked 75 times today

Dawn Eatery in Hyde Park, Chicago, is a breakfast haven that promises to delight your senses with its authentic southern-inspired breakfast dishes. Rave reviews highlight the "amazing breakfast" experience, with standout dishes like "biscuits and fried green tomatoes" and "grits with pot roast" receiving particular praise. The vibrant yet comfortable atmosphere, coupled with impeccable service, makes it a popular destination. Guests are encouraged to make a reservation to secure a spot in this bustling eatery. Whether you're a local or visiting the nearby Museum of Science and Industry, Dawn Eatery is "definitely worth the visit" for a breakfast that bridges generations with deliciousness.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Richard
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This was a lovely experience! The seating was comfortable, the tables far enough apart to keep noise and claustrophobia away, the food was outstanding, the service charming and kind, the drinks were brilliant. Food: Even simple seeming stuff had complex flavors, the steak was PERFECT, the sauces original. The cocktails had a LOT going on (we ordered what seemed like relatively interesting ones).
More info
Copper ClubPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Loop
•
4.2
K
Kimberly
Grand Rapids / Western Michigan •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Julianne is the best!! Hopefully Starbucks Reserve is paying her well 😁 She is so fun, personable, and knowledgeable. I learned a ton about the art/technique of making an espresso martini!
More info
Starbucks Reserve® Chicago RoasteryPrice: Expensive• Café• River North (Chicago)
•
4.7
D
danielaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We really enjoyed this dining experience. If you are looking for a quiet place this highly recommended.
More info
Dolce Arte - The Art of FoodPrice: Moderate• Italian• Bridgeport
•
4.8
H
Hannah
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on 28 Jan 2025
This is a gorgeous spot with incredible food. The space is small, but very atmospheric. I am thrilled to have found this place, I will definitely be returning.
More info
CAFÉ CRÈMERIEPrice: Moderate• Café• River North (Chicago)
•
4.1
B
Brian
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on 19 Dec 2024
Cool and eclectic atmosphere. Creative but grounded menu. Looking forward to trying at a time when i’m not overstuffed from late lunch.
More info
ExpatPrice: Moderate• American• West Loop
•
4.3

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