When you’re looking for a place to meet a friend, work from home without being at home, or simply on a search for the best joe-to-go in the Oak Park area, we’ve got the perfect spot for your next best cup.
In addition to great coffee, you’ll likely find the free Wi-Fi you need to make working from “home” social, too. Many of these places also have outdoor seating you’ll enjoy when the weather gets nice.
Here are some top picks:
A serene, light-filled space with large, beautiful windows and spacious outdoor seating, Addis Café is ideal for relaxing and lingering over your coffee with a book or a friend. Special events and menu items that bring the flavors of Africa to Oak Park make this a local favorite.
Menu Highlights: Delightful beverages made with great attention to detail include surprising flavor twists—try a mocha with cayenne or a turmeric latte. Also, enjoy a wide selection of pastries, elaborate waffle creations, and berry jam and cream-filled scones. We love the cinnamon roll waffles with a honey nutmeg latte.
Making a Difference: The cafe has become the celebration of community that Kalki and her co-owner-husband, Michael Kumela, hoped it would be when they opened. Pleased to introduce Ethiopian flavors and her own signature spice blend in traditional dishes like Ye-Miser Wot (slow-cooked lentils in berbere sauce) and beet and potato salad, Kalki enjoys spending time with customers she considers family.
Stop by to enjoy the coffee and stay for everything else. The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch, but you can get a family-style traditional Ethiopian carryout dinner to enjoy at home with delicious Ethiopian injera bread.
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Once an independent staple, Buzz Café recently transitioned under the ownership of Kribi Coffee, a local roaster that opened its first café in Forest Park. Fortunately, little has changed. It’s still a funky, kid-friendly coffeehouse where neighbors catch up over ethically sourced, aromatic coffee and fresh, organic comfort foods.
Menu Highlights: Open for breakfast and lunch, the cafe features classic staples like pancakes, oatmeal, donuts (if you need a sweet treat) and a list of essentials to create your own customized breakfast sandwich, plus handheld sandwiches and freshly made soups and salads. We love the BLTA—A for Avocado!—any time of the day. Don’t miss weekend brunch, served Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, for a special brioche French toast and housemade quiche.
Coffee & Drinks: The full menu of coffee and espresso drinks is complemented by tea-based beverages—try the London Fog Latte—and specialty drinks, including Italian sodas, Kombucha, and frozen hot chocolate.
Making a Difference: Kribi Coffee disrupted traditional coffee practices with a revolutionary roasting method and, with a mission to pay farmers more, formed ties with over 600 coffee farmers worldwide who now earn two-to-three times the market price for their coffee. The company also prides itself on supporting local communities in need. Chicagoland partners include Tutoring Chicago, Center on Halsted, and Beyond Hunger.
Buzz Café by Kribi Coffee puts sustainability and exceptional service first. Stop by for its delicious coffee, tasty food, and quirky vibes, and enjoy a celebration of local art and music. In Oak Park, Kribi Coffee also operates CrossFunction at 1033 South Boulevard and Albion at 149 Forest Avenue and Kribi Coffee Air Roastery Forest Park at 7324 Madison Street in Forest Park.
Equally obsessed with coffee & tea, Fairgrounds Coffee is dedicated to diversity, fair business practices, and bringing people together through great coffee and tea experiences. In addition to handcrafted beverages, Fairgrounds also offers all-day breakfast, salads and bowls, sandwiches, and a commuter menu of quick, portable bites designed to be a bright spot in your busy day.
Menu Highlights: Open daily from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., you can begin or end your day with delightful all-day eats like an egg sandwich with housemade giardiniera aioli, a vegan sweet potato bowl, or comforting grilled cheese and tomato soup combo. We also love grabbing a kale smoothie or a handheld spinach and goat cheese frittata for the morning commute.
Coffee & Drinks: Working your way through the Fairgrounds drink menu would take a long time and a lot of dedication. From coffeehouse classics, like an Americano or a latte, to Fairgrounds signatures, like a honey lavender latte or blended cold brews, and seasonal specials and tea lattes, everything on the extensive menu is brewed to please.
Whether choosing an old favorite or trying something for the first time, lingering over your laptop or chatting with an old friend, or grabbing something to go, you will enjoy every visit to Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea.
Mulata Kitchen, founded by Cristiane Pereira, former owner of Oak Park’s famed Taste of Brazil, delivers delicious customized coffee blends in a space that welcomes the village’s diverse community. Enjoy a daily brew or an espresso drink, including the cafe favorite “Mulatte,” served hot or cold, along with a creative menu of soups, salads, handmade empanadas, and gourmet sandwiches inspired by the flavors of Brazil.
Menu Highlights: Empanadas, savory baked pies called "Pastel Assado" in Brazil, top the menu, but don’t sleep on the Turkey Meltdown sandwich—Chihuahua cheese, smoked turkey, bacon, avocado and chimichurri—or the eggplant and portabella sandwich known as the Mulata Bella served on a signature rustic bread. The National dish of Brazil, a black-bean stew called feijoada, made with pork meat and sausage and served with rice, collard greens, and farofa, will bring you back again and again.
Open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Mulata offers a beautiful, unique, and exotic blend of flavors in the heart of Downtown Oak Park. It’s the perfect place to grab a cup before you walk around the corner to see the place where ideas came to life for Frank Lloyd Wright!
Whirlwind Coffee Company brews specialty coffee with heart. This small-batch roastery is a mission-driven, family-owned business that gives 100% of net profits to charities and communities in need. Sustainability is also central to their values, with every batch roasted using an environmentally friendly roaster.
Founded by David Silverstein, Whirlwind was born out of a personal journey through loss and healing. After the tragic passing of his wife, Elana, David found solace in roasting coffee.
Today, Whirlwind is a father-daughter operation dedicated to crafting exceptional coffee while giving back.
Menu Highlights: Stop in to grab a cup of freshly brewed specialty coffee or take home a bag of Whirlwind’s expertly roasted beans. Whether you’re a fan of smooth single origins or bold blends, there’s something for every kind of coffee drinker. And if you're looking for a gift with a story, Whirlwind’s coffee subscriptions and merch carry meaning beyond the mug.
Whether you're stopping by to refuel, support a good cause, or just enjoy a well-made cup, Whirlwind Coffee Company delivers coffee brewed for something bigger.
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Wise Cup brings an Indian flair to Downtown Oak Park. In addition to its classic coffee drinks, Wise Cup offers an array of traditional and innovative coffee drinks, baked goods, and Indian treats, including samosas. Every fresh item at this hip spot is thoughtfully created by local artisans, including locally roasted coffee, sweet and savory treats, and unique hand-thrown mugs.
Menu Highlights: At Wise Cup, the flavors of India are naturally infused with the flavors of an American cafe. Try a specialty latte like the Turtle Mocha, made with almond, caramel, and dark chocolate, or the Kashmiri Latte with organic cardamom. Loose leaf teas come in sweet little pots, and the delicious Masala Chai comes with ginger and cardamom. Classic Indian treats baked in-house, like the samosa, a hand-held snack pastry with savory filling, are simply divine.
Although it can be hard to get a seat some days, the good news is they’re expanding into the shop next door!
If you’re looking for a place to meet friends, enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or tea while getting some work done, or grab a quick bite before a movie at the Lake Theater, Wise Cup is an excellent choice.
Margaret “Gosia” Glimco is a Polish immigrant with a passion for coffee and an American dream. When the space across from the Brookfield train station opened up, Gosia took a chance on her dream and opened her own coffee shop, a welcoming, pet-friendly space with comfortable seating and great coffee. The menu is straightforward, featuring expertly crafted coffee drinks brewed with Colectivo coffee, which is roasted in Milwaukee using carefully selected beans sourced from farmers and cooperatives worldwide.
Menu Highlights: Beyond the classic lattes, espresso beverages, and the Dead-Eye Coffee with three shots of espresso (for those days when you need an extra boost), Gosia’s also offers organic, award-winning Rishi teas, including Blueberry Hibiscus and Peach Nectar. The signature drinks have a playful twist. Try the Cookies & Cream, espresso blended with milk, ice, and crumbled sandwich cookies, or the Malibu Chai, a unique take on traditional chai made with coconut milk and sweet vanilla. The baked goods are made from scratch by Troubadour Bakery and are delivered fresh each morning.
When you walk through this popular independent coffee shop door, you’ll find it's the kind of place where the owner greets you by name and you might even get a surprise greeting from a furry friend. The cafe’s intimate feel makes it a great place when you need to find some peace and quiet.
Loca Mocha Cafe operates in the Brookfield train station and caters to early-morning Loop commuters. Still, when things get quiet, this cozy cafe becomes a meeting place for moms with toddlers and work-from-homers who enjoy a freshly brewed coffee or espresso drink along with a pastry from Kay’s Bakery in Forest Park.
Menu Highlights: There’s no wild and wacky here, just the classics, from lattes to Americanos—done right. In addition to delicious coffee drinks, you can try out any delectable baked goods, including banana nut loaf, lemon poppy seed loaf, and muffins. Need something to keep the kids happy? Try a hot chocolate or a little steamer!
U3 Coffee Roasters baristas and its chef crafted a delicious menu of sweet and savory snacks and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere for a coffee, a bite to eat, or great conversation. The owners of this welcome new addition to the retail shops and restaurants on Madison Avenue in Forest Park are committed to ethical business practices, working directly with farmers to ensure fair trade prices and sustainably sourced coffee beans that are perfectly roasted on-site.
Menu Highlights: Whether you are coffee or espresso-obsessed, U3 has the perfect brew. Try a classic café au lait, drip coffee, cortado, or a signature drink, like the Honey Oat Latte made with cinnamon and cayenne. Teas and caffeine-free drinks, including steamers and housemade lemonade, are also available. Pair your beverage with a bacon cheddar scone or an out-of-this-world vegan banana bread paired with caramelized bananas, flax seeds, and walnuts.
Making a Difference: Selecting U3 means more than enjoying coffee—it signifies your commitment to positive change. Through the U3 Coffee Bank, the company aims to empower the entire coffee sector, supporting everyone from bean farmers to startup entrepreneurs, reinvesting in the communities that cultivate its coffee, and guaranteeing fair wages and sustainable resources. U3 also assists budding coffee businesses by providing mentorship, resources, and financial aid to help them realize their ambitions.
A treat in every way, Owl and Lark focuses on specialty coffee drinks, juices, and healthy, delicious food made fresh to order. Gather with friends or work quietly in this cozy, artistic place in the heart of downtown La Grange.
Menu Highlights: Healthy and delicious fresh squeezed juices and smoothies, high-quality coffee, and delightful toast and salads are on order at Owl and Lark. Besides a great list of incredible coffee and tea-based drinks, like the lavender latte made with natural lavender essence, the cafe serves amazing bites, like the Magic Bowl, made with frozen fruit, nuts, and blue spirulina, and the Green Goddess “everything” bagel topped with cream cheese, avocado, cucumber, and other fresh vegetables. Try the Golden Immunity Juice, made of carrot, turmeric, apple, lemon, and ginger, or the Green Detox, made of cucumber, celery, kale, spinach, apple, lemon, ginger, and parsley. You’ll feel like a superhero!
You can find healthy, tasty food at Owl and Lark every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Known for its laid-back vibes and delicious beverages, Wheelys Coffee Lounge has become a local favorite thanks to its exceptional service, high-quality coffee, curbside pick-up, and co-working space.
Menu Highlights: Try one of the seasonal specialty drinks, like the Leprechaun Latte, recently released for St. Patrick's Day, or their take on one of your favorite classics. If you’re in the mood for a meal in a glass, order one of their muesli smoothies. From peanut butter to pistachio avocado, there’s a flavor for everyone. Wheelys also serves a variety of bagels, pastries, snacks, and a delicious avocado toast topped with an egg.
Sugar Milk Cafe is a sweet and stylish neighborhood gem serving up indulgent coffee drinks, creative waffles, and Instagram-worthy treats in the heart of Melrose Park. What started as a small dessert concept quickly evolved into a full-service cafe with bold flavors and a vibe that’s as fun as the menu. The pastel-toned space is bright, playful, and full of personality—perfect for a casual breakfast date, a midday pick-me-up, or a weekend outing with friends.
Menu Highlights: Known for its signature coffee drinks and over-the-top waffles, Sugar Milk Cafe brings a dessert-forward approach to classic café options. Try their Horchata Latte or Iced Strawberry Matcha, or go all in with a Cookie Butter Latte topped with whipped cream and cookie crumbles. The ube waffles and Fruity Pebble French toast are local favorites, and the seasonal specials (like red velvet lattes and pumpkin churro waffles) keep things fresh and fun year-round. Non-coffee options like milk teas and fruit refreshers round out the menu for every kind of craving.
Whether you’re snapping pics of your stacked waffle tower or just looking for a cozy place to sip something sweet, Sugar Milk Cafe serves up comfort and creativity in every bite and every sip.
An independent specialty coffee catering company and coffee shop, Black Fodder Coffee offers an extensive menu of craft coffees, including pour-overs, cappuccinos, cortados, and iced brews, served by java-passionate baristas who engage with customers on the coffee they're drinking and the industry that produced it.
Giving Back: Black Fodder Coffee donates a portion of its profits to local and international organizations working to end slavery, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, as well as to non-profits that provide legal aid to those in need and support services for survivors of sexual violence and abuse.
Black Fodder Coffee also offers one-on-one coffee brewing classes and brew parties, where you and your friends can have fun learning how to make the perfect cup of joe.
An area newcomer, Aviator Coffee is bringing its elevated coffee shop concept to Westchester. With great coffee, roasted in Chicago and served as early as 6:30 a.m. from the drive-thru, excellent pastries, and great food, plus cocktails, beer, and wine served in a cozy bar until 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Aviator Coffee hopes to meet your needs all day. Friendly and efficient service, along with the coffee shop’s spacious seating area, make it a great place to get work done, and happy hour specials Mondays through Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. make it a great place to be when your work is done.
Menu Highlights: Try a latte, signature drink, or an Aviator Cold Brew; it’s what they’re famous for. Enjoy a classic breakfast sandwich served on bread, an English muffin, croissant, or everything bagel, or a breakfast burrito. We love the curry chicken salad when settling in for the afternoon or the curry chicken snack cup when we’re on the go.
This casual coffee shop offers a large seating area with comfy couches and tables, so bring your laptop or come after work to relax over a special hand-made cocktail with a friend or even a coffee date.