Blue Demon Approved:

Top 5 Cafes Near DePaul

(Loop Campus Edition)

 

Staying energized especially near midterms and after are key to making it to finals. Sometimes all you need is a good study space with delicious lattes and croissants. Here are my favorite spots near DePauls Loop campus and all within a walkable distance!

1. Cafecìto

My top pick goes to the cafe-restaurant “Cafecìto” serving up Cuban cuisine, quick eats and delicious “Cafecìtos”(an endearing spanish word for coffee. Typically, -ìto is added to the ending of adjective words). I love Cuban dishes, sandwiches and pastries because they offer a comfort that reminds me of foods my mom makes and enjoys.

RECOMMENDATION: Ropa Vieja cuban sandwich, Cafecito (espresso shot with sugar) and a Guava & Cheese empanada.

2. HERO Coffee Roasters

Number 2 on my list is the (literal) hidden gem by the name of HERO. I walked by this pseudo-alley once or twice before realizing it was a cafe. Something like this is seldom seen in Chicago due to our architecture, so this feels like it was injected into downtown. This is sandwiched in between a building across from DePaul’s Center building. Speaking of sandwiches…I had a perfect one here! Who doesn’t love a good “BaconEggNCheese”?

RECOMMENDATION: Bacon, Egg and Cheese Bagel Sandwich and an Iced Latte with pump of Lavender 

3. Happy Monday Cafe

If you’re looking for a mellow-er vibe than your traditional cafe, this is the spot for you. Typically, cafes are bright and can be bustling when you’re in need of a quiet and dimly lit place to zone out or lock-in and study. Offering a more boho aesthetic and featuring wicker chairs and earth tone colors, this is a great cafe near campus to get some work done with minimal distraction. They have some funky drink specials that you won’t find elsewhere. 

RECOMMENDATION: “Bee Sting” Latte Featuring Chili infused honey + Sweet honey

4. Dollop Cafe

Sure, chain locations can be less exciting, but I first heard of Dollop from a friend who really enjoyed their pastries! I enjoy their iced coffee (an oldy but a goody) and their lemon poppy seed pastry. They also offer easy to order drink + eat combos that are perfect if you’re on the go before class! This is a solid option if you’re indecisive like me or need a quick stop to scroll the feeds and sip coffee. Not ideal if you want to study or focus in because they close at 4pm!

RECOMMENDATION: Beacon Donut and Coffee (only $6)

5. Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea

A place a little further but a bit more active is Fairgrounds! This is a great option if you want to sit on Michigan avenue, chat with your friends or just people watch (or building appreciate). I love the on-tap Kombucha and ready-made meals. A little pricier but better quality than a similar 7-11 option (no shade, we love a good Buffalo chicken stick).

RECOMMENDATION: Matcha Miel Latte (I can’t believe this is my first mention of matcha) or on tap Wild Bay Kombucha 

When grabbing a quick coffee, making sure the option is solid and worth the cost is crucial as a student! If these choices don’t appeal, you’ll be pleased to know that DePaul campuses have their own cafés too. You may even have a meal plan with enough Blue Bucks to cover your daily latte.

Learn More about Blue Demon Dining & Our Cafe!

Marco Garcia | IG: AstroTheProtege | First-Generation Latino Digital Marketing Student