Published 25th December 2024
Chicago, on Lake Michigan, Illinois and also known as the Windy City is the third-largest city in the United States, boasting a population of approximately 2.7 million Chicagoans.
Before we get onto presenting the best laptop-friendly work cafes and coffee shops in Chicago we wanted to share some interesting info about the Windy City for those who may not know the city of Chicago so well.
Chicago is known amongst other things for its iconic skyline, historic architecture, and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.
As with the East Coast/West Coast rivalry in the rap world, there’s an ever-present rivalry between the Chicago-style deep dish pizza and the ‘New York Slice’ with Chicagoans and New Yorkers passionately claiming theirs is the best pizza.
With world-class museums, lively cultural festivals, and an extensive public transit network, the city combines big-city energy with Midwestern hospitality.
Chicago’s many coffee shops and coworking spaces provide an ideal urban backdrop for remote workers and digital nomads looking for a buzzing and exciting city to work from.
Many famous people have come out of Chicago including former president Barack Obama, chatshow queen Oprah Winfrey, actors Harrison Ford and John Cusack, basketball legend Michael Jordan, Hollywood titan Walt Disney and Hilary Clinton to name a few.
While not from Chicago, the notorious gangster Al Capone born in Brooklyn in 1899 ruled Chicago with an iron fist during the prohibition era between 1925 and 1931 and is forever associated with Chicago and its colorful history.
Chicago has over 52 million visitors every year and offers 26 miles of lakefront with an 18.5-mile lakefront path, ideal for walking or cycling for when urban life gets a bit tiring.
Lastly, a little-known fact is that the world’s first steel-framed skyscraper was built in Chicago in 1885 and not in New York as one would have imagined.
Map of Chicago community districts
If you are not familiar with Chicago, we’ve provided a short description of Chicago’s Neighborhoods
If you click on the neighborhood name it will take you directly to the recommended laptop-friendly cafes/coffee shops in that district.
Roscoe Village – Roscoe Village is a charming, family-friendly neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side, known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and relaxed village-like atmosphere. With an array of independent shops, casual restaurants, and cozy cafes, it offers a welcoming environment for locals and visitors alike. The neighborhood exudes a small-town charm while being close to the city’s hustle and bustle, making it a delightful spot for remote workers and students seeking a quiet, comfortable place to work or study.
Wicker Park/Bucktown – Wicker Park and Bucktown, located on Chicago’s Near Northwest Side, are trendy, creative neighborhoods known for their vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and eclectic mix of shops and eateries. Wicker Park is a hub for culture, featuring independent bookstores, record shops, and unique galleries, while Bucktown offers a quieter, more residential vibe with tree-lined streets and charming boutiques. Together, they attract artists, freelancers, and digital nomads who thrive in their dynamic and inspiring atmosphere. The neighborhoods are home to some of the city’s best coffee shops, making them ideal spots for work and play.
West Loop – A former industrial area turned foodie haven, West Loop is home to some of the city’s best dining and coffee spots. The neighborhood exudes a modern, upscale vibe.
Lakeview – Lakeview offers a relaxed atmosphere with its proximity to the lake and numerous casual cafes, popular among students and freelancers.
West Town – West Town is a diverse and rapidly evolving neighborhood located just west of downtown Chicago. Known for its mix of historic charm and modern vibrancy, West Town features an eclectic blend of art galleries, trendy boutiques, and multicultural dining options. The neighborhood is home to creative professionals and entrepreneurs, drawn by its lively yet laid-back atmosphere. With a variety of cozy coffee shops and coworking spaces, West Town is an excellent destination for remote workers seeking inspiration and a strong sense of community.
Bridgeport – Bridgeport, located on Chicago’s South Side, is a historic and culturally rich neighborhood known as the birthplace of several Chicago mayors. With its blend of family-owned businesses, art studios, and diverse dining spots, Bridgeport has become a hub for artists and young professionals. The neighborhood’s relaxed, friendly vibe, paired with its increasing number of coffee shops and work-friendly spaces, makes it a great spot for remote workers and digital nomads seeking a quieter, local vibe.
Lincoln Park – This picturesque area features tree-lined streets, historic homes, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s quieter than downtown, making it ideal for focused work.
Check out our list of the best laptop-friendly work cafes & coffee shops with free wifi in Chicago below
We’ve curated a collection of the best laptop-friendly work cafes and coffee shops in Chicago where you can rock up with your laptop and get some work done while enjoying the distinctive Windy City vibes,
If you have any suggestions for laptop-friendly cafes and coffee shops to work in Chicago please let us know in the comments section or submit a personal review of your favourite laptop-friendly work cafe in Chicago as well as other cities
ROSCOE VILLAGE, CHICAGO
HEXE COFFEE CO, ROSCOE VILLAGE, CHICAGO
2000 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
Hexe Coffee Co., located at 2000 W. Diversey Parkway in Chicago, is a popular Chicago workspot among remote workers and digital nomads.
Hexe Coffee offers free Wi-Fi and ample indoor seating equipped with numerous power outlets, facilitating a conducive remote work environment.
Additionally, the spacious outdoor patio provides a pleasant alternative for those who prefer working al fresco, though there are electrical outlets outside.
Patrons frequently praise the café’s distinctive gothic-inspired décor, which creates a unique and inviting atmosphere. The menu features a variety of in-house roasted coffees, pastries, and sandwiches, with the biscuit breakfast sandwich and ham and gruyère roll receiving particular acclaim.
In the evenings, Hexe transitions into a bar, offering a selection of cocktails and beers, making it a versatile venue for both work and relaxation.
While the café does not have a dedicated parking lot, street parking is available in the surrounding area. Overall, Hexe Coffee Co.’s combination of a work-friendly environment, distinctive ambience, and quality offerings make it one of the go-to choices for remote workers and location-independent entrepreneurs in Chicago.
WICKER PARK/BUCKTOWN, CHICAGO
THE WORMHOLE COFFEE, WICKER PARK, CHICAGO
1462 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States
The Wormhole Coffee, located in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, is a popular work spot for digital nomads and remote workers.
Wormhole Coffee offers free Wi-Fi, with passwords available on cards throughout the space, and ample power outlets, particularly near the community tables, making it convenient for extended work sessions.
Wormhole Cafes 80s-themed décor, featuring nostalgic items like a DeLorean car and vintage lunchboxes, creates a unique and inviting atmosphere.
Customers frequently praise the friendly staff and creative coffee offerings, such as the Honey Bear Latte and the Koopa Troopa, a chocolate peanut butter latte.
While The Wormhole Coffee is generally laptop-friendly, it can become crowded during peak hours, particularly around 2-3 PM and on weekends.
Some patrons note that the noise level increases in the evenings when the music volume rises. Additionally, seating may be limited during busy times, so arriving early is advisable.
Overall, The Wormhole Coffee combines a distinctive 80s vibe with all the practical amenities required by remote workers and digital nomads, making it a favored remote work spot in Chicago.
WEST LOOP, CHICAGO
VIETFIVE COFFEE, WEST LOOP, CHICAGO
1116 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
VietFive Coffee, located at 1116 W Madison St in Chicago’s West Loop, is a Vietnamese café known for its authentic brews and welcoming atmosphere. VietFive café exclusively serves robusta coffee sourced from the owner’s family farm in Vietnam, offering a bold and smooth flavor with twice the caffeine content of typical arabica beans.
The interior is light and airy, featuring white walls and rattan pendant lights, creating a nice work environment. Patrons have noted the availability of seating options suitable for laptop use, including round tables and a comfortable couch. The café’s energetic hip-hop playlist and friendly baristas contribute to a pleasing work space outside of the home or the office.
VietFive offers free Wi-Fi, making it a convenient spot for remote work. However, information regarding the availability of power outlets is limited, so it’s advisable to charge devices beforehand. There are no reported restrictions on laptop use during weekends, allowing for flexible work schedules. If you have different experiences please do let us know in the comments at the bottom of the page and we´ll update the info.
In addition to its coffee, VietFive serves unique food items like Bánh Mì empanadas and Bánh Patê Sô, reflecting a fusion of Vietnamese and French culinary traditions. Vietfive café also offers soft-serve coffee ice cream with coconut, catering to those with a sweet tooth.
Overall, VietFive Coffee combines authentic Vietnamese flavors with a comfortable environment, making it a noteworthy destination for digital nomads and remote workers looking for a nice place to work in Chicago.
LAKEVIEW, CHICAGO
OSMIUM COFFEE BAR, LAKEVIEW, CHICAGO
1117 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States
Osmium Coffee Bar, a Dark Matter Coffee establishment located at 1117 W Belmont Ave in the Lakeview area of Chicago, is a popular spot among digital nomads and remote workers.
Osmium Coffee Bar offers free Wi-Fi and ample seating, including window seats ideal for people-watching and a colorful outdoor patio adorned with graffiti art, providing a vibrant atmosphere for work or relaxation.
Patrons appreciate the friendly staff and the selection of speciality coffees, such as the Mayan Mocha Latte and the Wake and Bake latte. The café also offers free refills for drip coffee when served in a mug, making it an excellent and cost-effective choice for extended work sessions when on a tight budget.
While the café is generally laptop-friendly, it’s advisable to be mindful of peak hours and when it may be a little difficult to find space to work. The eclectic décor, featuring funky steampunk art and natural lighting, creates an inspiring environment for creative professionals.
In addition to its coffee offerings, Osmium serves delicious pastries, including a notable pistachio donut, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
Overall, Osmium Coffee Bar is one of the top choices for remote workers and digital nomads looking for a cool and buzzing place to work with great coffee in Chicago.
WEST TOWN, CHICAGO
STANDING PASSENGERS, WEST TOWN, CHICAGO
1458 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, United States
Standing Passengers, located at 1458 W Chicago Ave in West Town, Chicago, is a popular remote work spot among digital nomads and the work-from-home crowd.
Standing Passengers offers free Wi-Fi and ample power outlets, making it great for work. The bright, colorful and eclectic décor, featuring vintage video games and local art, creates a unique and fun atmosphere to enjoy while working away on the laptop.
Patrons appreciate the diverse menu, which includes specialty lattes like the blueberry lavender oat latte, breakfast tacos from Cafe Tola, and donuts from Do-Rite. The back patio provides a quiet space for focused work or relaxation.
If you are a lover of video games and funky art, Standing Passengers could be the perfect Chicago remote work spot for you in the West Town area.
BRIDGEPORT, CHICAGO
BRIDGEPORT COFFEEHOUSE, BRIDGEPORT, CHICAGO
3101 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60608, United States
Bridgeport Coffeehouse, located at 3101 S Morgan St in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, is a charming work cafe ideal for remote workers, digital nomads and students.
Bridgeport Coffeehouse offers rustic vibes with wood counters and a tin ceiling, reflecting its history and use as a former drug store.
Patrons appreciate the ample seating options, including a front room suitable for casual meetups and a quieter back room ideal for focused work, often compared to a library setting.
The availability of free guest Wi-Fi and numerous power outlets enhances the cafes appeal as a workspace.
Bridgeport coffee house is known for its in-house roasted coffees, offering a variety of artisanal blends and single-origin options. Additionally, Bridgeport Coffeehouse serves pastries and sandwiches, with breakfast sandwiches receiving positive mentions from visitors.
If you are in the Bridgeport area of Chicago and are looking for a laptop-friendly cafe or coffee shop to work for a few hours, we’d recommend giving Bridgeport Coffeehouse a try
LINCOLN PARK, CHICAGO
BOURGEOIS PIG CAFE, LINCOLN PARK, CHICAGO
738 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
The Bourgeois Pig Cafe, nestled in Chicago’s Lincoln Park at 738 W Fullerton Ave, offers an old-world European flavor for remote workers and digital nomads looking for something a little different.
Housed in a charming 1890s row house, Bourgeois Pig Cafe exudes an old-world interior with its antique decor and literary-themed rooms, providing a cozy and interesting backdrop for work or study sessions.
Patrons appreciate the ample seating across two levels, including indoor and outdoor areas, accommodating both individuals and groups. The cafe provides free Wi-Fi however it should be noted that some people have complained about poor Wifi, but other say it’s fine. If you have any recent experience do let us know in the comments.
The menu features inventive sandwiches, many with literary names, alongside breakfast items, teas, and freshly baked goods made in-house. Favorites like “The Great Gatsby” sandwich receive high praise for their taste and quality.
Bourgeois Pig Cafe operates seven days a week, with extended hours from Wednesday to Saturday, and serves beer and wine all day. Upstairs, The Gatsby speakeasy offers a Chicago-style jazz fusion experience in the evenings, ideal for when you are winding down your work session for the day.
If you’re in the Lincoln Park area looking for a laptop-friendly work cafe do give Bourgeois Pig Cafe a try.
