With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many will be thinking of more laid-back ways to spend time with their date. Reservations and dressy attire won’t be necessary for this list of cute spots around the city to grab brunch, or even some coffee and a croissant. Either way, romance is always better when caffeinated.
Heritage Bicycles General Store (Lakeview) Heritage Bicycles and their newer second shop, Heritage Outpost, are possibly the cutest and quaintest coffee shops in the city. Visit the Heritage in Lakeview, which also has a bike repair shop in it, or try the newer location, which is located inside an apartment lobby.
La Colombe (West Loop, Wicker Park, Andersonville) A perk for a date is that they don't have any Wi-Fi. The focus is strictly on coffee and talk.
The Winchester (West Town) This cute spot is popular for brunch, but you can also sit at the bar for a coffee and get half of a waffle on the side.
Plein Air Cafe (Hyde Park) This café, which is most likely out of the way for most, is a great place for having a relaxing date. The interiors are warm and simple.
Gaslight Coffee Roasters (Logan Square) Gaslight is a popular spot for Logan locals, but for those who don't live there, it's ideal for a homey date. Most would consider it the quintessential "hipster" coffee shop. The place has house-roasted beans, trendy wallpaper and a deer head.
Ipsento (Bucktown) Ipsento is another quaint spot. Decorated eclectically with a bench made from doors and window frames hung on the multicolored wall, it is a cute place for a date. It's always packed, but if you're lucky you can snag a seat with your date. They have some amazing lattes, including the Nutella latte.
Le Cafe (Lincoln Square) Le Cafe is a French inspired shop off the Western Brown Line stop. French cafés are an obvious choice for those who are looking to buy sweets along with a coffee. Afterwards, you can stroll down Lincoln Square's quaint sidewalks.