Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Chicago Heights

"Kicking it old school, you slice and bake the chocolate chip dough roll ($6) to yield a dozen cookies. Brothers Lalo and Uva Leon opened their bakery last summer in the McKinley Park neighborhood, where they’re still making wildly popular croissants. Check their Instagram stories for the daily changing availability or just call."

"There are only a few flavors of donuts to choose from at Butterdough in McKinley Park. But that’s fine, the horchata is what you want. The lightly-spiced glaze is poured on the donut right in front of you and pools in the container in a satisfying (and useful for extra dipping) way."

"This Euro-inspired cafe features a full assortment of coffee drinks. It's a collaboration between Kevin Heisner (Heisler Hospitality) and former Little Branch partner Soo Choi. There's also a great outdoor space next to the Robie House."

"We won’t lie to you and say these macarons are the most Instagram worthy of those listed here, but we all know you should never judge a book by its cover. Chef Toni’s signature macarons offer some of the most unique flavors we’ve heard of, including strawberry lemonade, made fresh at the cafe on Washington Street. What we love most about this patisserie is its option to create your own custom order."

"If you are looking for a casual place for lunch, check out The Polo Café. Stop in for the crème brûlée French toast or the pan-seared salmon fillet, and don’t miss the “Taste of Chicago” sliced mozzarella bread. If you really want a one-of-a-kind visit to the Polo Café, they also have a “Gospel Sing-Along Brunch” every Sunday morning."

"Not only is the coffee amazing (their CBD lattes are quite popular) and their sandwiches scrumptious, but they have best-in-class tech support that will keep your remote work laptop running like a dream. They can fix smartphones, consoles, computers, and tablets — they can even help you set up your website!. The location is spacious and ideal at the beautiful Bridgeport Arts Center, with both indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of outlets available in “normal times.” As of my visit last week, they still hadn’t opened up the inside for work, but I know that there are plans for indoor seating to return in the near future."

"A new daytime café serving quality coffee and deli sandwiches has come to Bronzeville. Owner DeCarlo Pittman, an industry vet with almost two decades of experience, and chef Donte Humphrey prepare sandwiches that range from the classic Italian and egg salad to a spicy fig creation. The menu also offers breakfast items plus salads and smoothies for healthy eating."

"One of the most unique coffeeshops in Chicago, owner Phil Sipka came over from Robust Coffee Lounge to give Englewood a coffeeshop and alternative to fast food. He uses beans from Bridgeport Coffee. There's a small but dedicated group of people who show up for these early Saturday morning hours for some tranquility..."

"Since the 1930s, this Bridgeport bar has been serving beer and shots to a customer base that fawns over this low-ceilinged space. Current ownership, the Badauskas family, took over the bar the 1950s. This charming corner bar even has an open mic for musicians."

"B'Gabs Goodies prides itself on offering the highest quality gluten-free, soy-free, raw, and cooked vegan foods, which are packed with enzymes, nutrients, vegetable based proteins, and vitamins. Everything is beautifully presented. The vegan and vegetarian restaurant promotes and values the practice of clean living by using only local and organic products when available to produce delicious, healthy meals."

"Named after owner Gabrielle Darvassy's, B'Gabs is a great destination for all types of diets. In addition to serving an all-vegan menu, this restaurant also caters to diners with strictly raw, soy-free, gluten-free, nut-free or alkaline-based restrictions."

"Plant Based Junkie takes your favorite burgers and other fast food and adds delicious plants to the mix. The "Chicken" sandwich comes in mild or spicy and their vegan cupcakes are the talk of the town!"

"Good old sausage pizza rules at this South Side classic, where kids can be rowdy, adults can get a drink, and nobody goes home hungry. (For all nine locations, see homeruninnpizza.com.)L & D daily. Free dinner parking, wheelchair accessible, child friendly.¢"