Chicago Coffee Shop Series | Logan Square

Just because you live in a city doesn’t mean that you’ve experienced it in its entirety. Living in Chicago for over eight years, it was a treat if I ever spent much time on the west side that wasn’t work related. It's easy to get around Chicago for the most part but it's rather difficult to get from the north side neighborhoods to the west. It wasn’t until the last two years that I started exploring the West Loop, Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village and especially Logan Square. This coffee series is the reason I started exploring Logan Square. Without it, I may never have spent much time there! Besides the impressive farm-to-table food scene and hipster vibe, it has an competitive coffee scene as well. Here are four in particular to put on your radar.

Brew Brew Coffee Lounge | 3832 West Diversey Avenue
Brew Brew is a cozy neighborhood cafe on the northwestern border of Logan Square. There’s plenty of space filled with tables as well as couches and chairs. The window facing out into the street also has seating which is nice for people watching. It’s a pleasant, laid-back atmosphere that’s great for productive working or coffee with a friend. The only caveat is it’s not the easiest to access if you’re not in the area. The Diversey bus is the best public transportation option. However, it’s definitely worth an occasional visit if you’re willing to make the trek from other neighborhoods in the city.

Wi-Fi: ✓
Good for working: ✓
Food Selection: Full menu and snacks
Service: Good
Noise Level: Low-Moderate
Seating Space: Plenty
Outlets: Scattered but available
Music: Low-Key/Indie

Cafe Mustache | 2313 North Milwaukee Avenue
Right off the California blue line stop, Cafe Mustache takes its name to heart. It’s identifiable by a mustache sign hanging outside of the business. They also have art displayed throughout the entire coffee shop, many with a mustache somehow involved. There’s quite a bit of seating even though the space isn’t that large but it doesn’t feel cramped. They also host musical performances in a separate space off the main coffee shop which has a full bar. Cafe Mustache is a huge community supporter. They sell work from local artists from vinyl records to novels and give the money 100% back to them. So next time you stop by, make sure to browse their collection while sipping a cappuccino.  

Wi-Fi: ✓
Good for working: ✓
Food Selection: Full menu and snacks
Service: Very Friendly
Noise Level: Low
Seating Space: Plenty
Outlets: Plenty
Music: Eclectic - Fun Fact: all of the music played is off of vinyl records

Gaslight Coffee Roasters | 2385 North Milwaukee Avenue
I had the best grilled cheese and tomato soup of my life at Gaslight Coffee Roasters. Gaslight isn’t the largest space. There are some chairs lined up towards the front with coffee tables to accompany them. There are tables along the wall across from the barista counter and a communal table all the way in the back. While that might be a decent amount of seating for another coffee shop, this one must be a neighborhood favorite because it was packed. I took a seat towards the front while waiting for one of the tables to open and ordered my lunch. The staff was friendly and even helped me make my decision when ordering. Why is it that when you’re the most hungry, you have the hardest time deciding? I spent a few hours in the afternoon getting work knocked out at this gem with a belly full of rich tomato soup and freaking fantastic grilled cheese.

Wi-Fi: ✓
Good for working: ✓ ← If you are able to grab a seat
Food Selection: Full menu and snacks
Service: Friendly
Noise Level: Moderate
Seating Space: Limited and much of it cramped
Outlets: Available where there is seating
Music: Low-Key/Alternative

New Wave Coffee | 3103 West Logan
I didn’t spend much time in New Wave Coffee but I can say with complete certainty that they make delicious lattes. I made a quick stop at this neighborhood favorite on my way to support a client on a TV segment. I had about 25 minutes to down a coffee and muffin and get caught up on email. While I didn’t use their wifi (I used the data on my tablet), they do have it available for free. The space is enormous with an entrance on either side. There’s plenty of seating which is great for variety. New Wave is a short walk off of the Logan Square blue line stop.

Wi-Fi: ✓
Good for working: ✓
Food Selection: Full menu and snacks
Service: Good
Noise Level: Low-Moderate
Seating Space: Lots
Outlets: Plenty scattered around the space but easier to access with a seat closer to the walls
Music: N/A