Black Owned Coffee Shops In Chicago – We Come for the Beans, We Stay for the Vibes

According to Google Maps, Chicago has about 340 coffee shops. The city is full of creativity and diverse options; however, there are some Black-Owned Pour Professionals that are using their brands for social justice by promoting other BIPOC small business owners and providing safe spaces for people to talk about issues that affect them on a daily basis while also fostering the community at large. Here are five Black-Owned Coffee Shops in Chicago you should check out!

Atmos Coffee is a Black & Latina-owned shop located in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood. Atmos is definitely a vibe. With the warm green decor and cozy brown leather seats, Atmos feels like fall year-round. My favorite Atmos specials are the Ho-La-Ta Matcha Latte which is a honey lavender and tangerine, matcha, oat milk latte. Atmos also serves @havingfons plant-based empanadas, pastries, croissants, and quiche. The coffee is amazing but the best part of Atmos is the way that they support their community through back-to-school drives and social media shoutouts of other small businesses.

Coffee, Hip Hop, and Mental Health is a nonprofit located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Through the sale of quality cups o' joe alongside branded merchandise and events, Coffee Hip Hop and Mental Health provides free therapy to Chicago’s underserved Black & Brown communities. Their mission is to normalize therapy. Their coffee shop @thepeoplescoffeeshop is open 7 days a week and offers coffee staples like Pumpkin Spice lattes and their mental health lavender & vanilla matcha. Coffee Hip Hop and Mental Health will be closing their Lakeview location September 11 at 8 pm. They recently signed a new lease. Stay tuned for details.

Honorable mention, Eméché (means tipsy in french) is located in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. Emeche is known for their cupcakes and sweets made fresh daily but I couldn’t leave them off. My favorite drink is the chai tea and steamed milk latte. Vegans don’t worry, Emeche has you covered. Their vegan menu offers vegan cookies, donuts, pudding, and a Vegan BLT. In need of an event space, delivery, or a caterer? Emeche can help with that too! The next time you’re in Bronzeville you have to stop by.

Overflow Coffee is a coffee shop, event space, and blog located in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. Their motto is a space to prosper. Brew lovers are invited in with a very Chicago industrial vibe brick wall with dark green and mustard decor. Overflow host an evening series called Overflow After Dark where they highlight artists and partner with Chicago businesses. Check out the Vee-Jay which is a honey cinnamon latte and the Overflow which is a chocolate, hazelnut, coconut milk, and cayenne pepper expresso. At OverFlow Coffee Shop it's not just about the java but supporting up-and-coming talent from all over town too - check out their Instagram page to stay up to date.

My home town South Shore has a Black-owned coffee shop and I am here for it! Situated at the corner of Yates and Exchange, South Shore Brew welcomes their java lovers with portraits of Chicago heroes like Michelle Obama, Jessie Jackson, and Gwendolyn Brooks. The huge windows, corkscrews, greenery, and beachy decor are a subtle nod to the city’s southern lakefront. South Shore Brew definitely has the support of their community, politicians like President Barack Obama and Mayor Lori Lightfoot have been photographed at the Brew. Try the Iced Tumeric Ginger Chai Latte and the grilled cheese kale panini.

Did you know that coffee has African roots? The robusta plan used to make coffee has its origins in central and western sub-saharan Africa. Popular brands that use robusta plants include Peet’s, Dunkin Donuts, and Seattle’s Best Coffee. Coffee brewed from the roasted and ground seeds of the tropical evergreen coffee plant also has African origins.