The Ranking
Further Afield
Cafes outside Logan Square and Bucktown that earned a visit.
About
I moved to Logan Square in 2025, but I've loved coffee for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I'd order coffee ice cream and ask my mom for a sip of her morning cup. She would give me mostly milk with just enough coffee to make me feel included. Everyone thought I was crazy.
Before Logan Square, my family spent ten years in Brooklyn. We loved the walkability and the neighborhood coffee shops, especially D'Amico in Carroll Gardens, so when we landed here, mapping out the local cafes felt like a familiar kind of adventure.
For the record, I drink my coffee black (yes, I'm a psychopath, I know). I just like the flavor and don't think it needs much else. I tend to go for dark and medium roasts, especially anything chocolaty, a little smoky, and with some blackberry in the mix. That said, I'll try just about anything and I try not to hold it against a coffee if it's lighter than what I'd usually pick. If it's strong and has flavor, I'm in.
One disclaimer: I'm just a guy. My opinion doesn't matter. I'm not a coffee sommelier. I like coffee, and I'm doing this for fun.
How I Rank
Every shop gets three scores out of 10. Coffee is the headline — the others round out the experience.
Coffee
A 10 is must-have — go out of your way to try it. 7 to 9 is the personal-preference range; pick based on your taste (mine's in the About above). 6 or below is probably a pass.
Vibe
Three things: how friendly the staff are, the music and noise level, and whether the room has the right energy — lively or zen, both can land if they're committed to it.
Work-friendly
Wifi, good seating, people but not too many, the ability to take a video call without dirty looks, noise that's there but not overwhelming, and the ability to sit for a long time without getting kicked out.
Support
If this guide saved you from a bad latte, consider buying me one back.
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