| Artisan Cellar | 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, suite 116 | (312) 527-5810 |
With 1,400 international wine choices, focusing on smaller producers and boutique wine, this upscale shop also features an espresso bar and made-to-order paninis. 75 artisan cheeses, sliced cured meats, and gourmet groceries fill the cozy space nicely.
| Beans and Bagels | 2601 W. Leland | (773) 649-0015 |
A quaint coffee shop right next to the Rockwell Brown Line stop, Beans 'n Bagels lives up to their name by serving fresh bagels every day, and Metropolis coffee (also in bag format). The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a newspaper in the morning; don't forget to check out their back room with the cozy couches.
| Beans and Bagels | 1812 W. Montrose | (773) 769-2000 |
With a similar vibe to the sister Beans & Bagels on Leland, you can't help but love this cozy cafe. Being right off the Brown line makes it perfect for morning coffee or a yummy, reasonably-priced lunch.
| Bourgeois Pig Cafe | 738 W. Fullerton | (773) 883-5282 |
It's rare to find a coffee shop that not only serves amazing sandwiches, but also bakes all their pastries daily. "The Pig" not only does all that, but they have an awesome atmosphere: book-lined walls, worn wooden furniture, and a trendy crowd.
| Coffee and Tea Exchange | 3311 N. Broadway | (773) 528-2241 |
Enjoy the smell of spices and coffee as you wander around the huge barrels, debating on which of the 20 flavored coffees or teas to enjoy. Buy local from One of Chicago's very own roasters. Featuring chocolate caramels.
| Eno Wine (Intercontental) Eno Wine (Fairmont) | 505 N. Michigan 200 North Columbus Dr | (312) 321-8738 (312) 565-8000 |
The only thing better than chocolate is enjoying it alongside cheese and wine, as the folks at Eno have found out. Relax for a casual after-work get together, or a birthday party with family.
| Eppy's Deli | 224 E. Ontario | (312) 943-7797 |
Come in only if you're hungry. Everything is homemade, delicious, and huge (the overstuffed sandwiches come with half a pound of meat). Eppy offers "temperature soup", so if it's 39 degrees outside, your cup of soup costs 39 cents.
| Fixx Coffee Bar | 3053 N. Sheffield | (773) 248-0841 |
Fixx manages to be both professional and friendly, and the menu is filled with interesting drinks - try the Smith and Wesson, a six-shot mocha. Various lunch fare along with loose-leaf tea, locally made caramels and baked goods complete the dining experience. Enjoy people watching through the huge windows while using the free wi-fi, and listening to the occasional local musician.
| Florodora | 330 S. Dearborne | (312) 212-8860 |
This new boutique has already been featured in prominant Chicago periodicals acclaiming their selections of edgy clothing, home accents, and jewelry, many of the items locally made. Drop by to check out their new articles, arriving weekly.
| Flourish Bakery and Cafe | 1138 W. Bryn Mawr | (773) 271-2253 |
One of the best (and newest) bakeries in the city, this 50s-themed spot makes 'most everything from scratch, including the croissants. Everything is baked fresh daily, with pastries half off after 5 pm.
| Metropolis Coffee | 1039 West Granville Avenue | (773) 764-0400 |
Combine the winning numerous awards for their wholesale coffee business (including "Roast" magazine's 2007 Roaster of the Year) with an awesome cafe serving pies from Hoosier Mama, and you get one of the finest places to chill on the north side, let alone the city.
| Pause | 1107 W. Berwyn | (773) 334-3686 |
This quaint coffee shop uses the tagline "smell the coffee" to encourage busy city dwellers to indulge in the relaxing atmosphere and satisfying designer drinks. A display filled with amazing, locally-made scones and other goodies is always a tantalizing choice.
| Suzanne Cummings Flowers | 630 W. Webster | (773) 880-9805 |
Suzanne studied in London to perfect the contemporary method of hand-tied bouquets that stand up on their own. Flowers are delivered weekly from Holland, and the decor will represent the chosen colors for that period. Also browse in unique gifts, like hand-made vases and chocolates.
| Three Tarts Bakery | 301 S. Happ Road | (847) 446-5444 |
Established in 1998, Three Tarts Bakery & Cafe makes all their items from scratch. They specialize in beautifully decorated cakes and cookies that taste as good as they look, as well as breakfast pastries and hand-crafted hearth breads. The Cafe boasts flavorful soups, fresh salads and sandwiches.
| 3300 N. Ashland | Chicago, IL 60657 | (773) 244-4200 |
| 3640 N. Halsted Street | Chicago, IL 60613 | (773) 472-0400 |
| 6020 N. Cicero | Chicago, IL 60646 | (773) 205-1100 |
| 1111 Chicago Avenue | Evanston, IL 60202 | (847) 475-9492 |
| 1640 Chicago Avenue | Evanston, IL 60201 | (847) 733-1600 |
| 1101 S. Canal Street | Chicago, IL 60607 | (312) 435-4600 |
| 30 West Huron | Chicago, IL 60610 | (312) 932-9600 |
| 1000 West North Avenue | Chicago, IL 60622 | (312) 587-0648 |
| Winston's Market | 3440 N. Southport | (773) 327-6400 |
This grocery and gourmet cafe offers several varieties of sandwiches, salads, and sides. The wide aisles are stroller friendly, catering to the modern urban family. Coolers filled with all sorts of drinks line the walls, and a small seating area makes it possible to eat in.
