If you’re a friend of mind reading this, just click away because you are sick of me talking about how much I love this place.

For everyone else, it is actually a cute story! When I moved to Chicago, my first outing I met my now closest girlfriends, were planning to go out drinking later so I needed some caffeine to survive. I hate Starbucks, but it was right across the street from my apartment, so I started walking that direction… until I passed Pedestrian Coffee.

They weren’t even fully open yet at the time, but they were serving from the window. I ordered a coffee and—WOW. That moment turned into a ritual, and even now, after moving away, I still order their beans to make at home every day.

Locations

Pedestrian has two main locations in Chicago, plus a sister shop:

• Pedestrian Coffee – Lakeview
  939 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
  (Right next to the Belmont stop—perfect pre-Cubs game)
• Pedestrian Coffee – Logan Square
  2642 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
  (Next to the Logan Theatre – they have ice cream at this location!)
• The Coffee Studio – Andersonville
  5628 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60660

Website: https://pedestriancoffee.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pedestriancoffee

What to Order

Honestly? Everything. I’ve never had anything here that didn’t impress me, and their menu keeps expanding. Their syrups are homemade, their baked goods are tested and perfected, and they make even the simplest drink feel special.

Coffee

Nutella Latte — If you enjoy caffeinated hazelnut chocolate milk, order this. It’s amazing hot or iced. They have some special magic that gets the Nutella to mix perfectly (and even as a baker, I cannot replicate it).

Charlatte — Their most popular latte. It’s made with two parts whole milk and one part coconut milk, blended with honey and cayenne. I don’t personally love honey, but everyone I know who has tried this drink becomes obsessed.

Pumpkin Patch Latte — Seasonal (usually available until Thanksgiving), and their far superior version of a pumpkin spice latte. It uses real pumpkin purée and all the warm, cozy spices you crave during Chicago winter.

Food & Pastries

Sourdough Cinnamon Roll — On my last trip to Chicago, I had one every single morning. The sourdough tang balances the sweetness perfectly. If you go early and they’re fresh out of the oven, do not skip this.

Bacon Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuit — An OG item I’ve been ordering for years. If you choose a sweeter latte and want something savory to balance it, think: a classier, more flavorful Red Lobster biscuit. If you bring them home in winter, pop one in the microwave for a few seconds and it’s heavenly.

Walking Sourdough Waffles — I forgot to try these because the cinnamon rolls distracted me, but I watched several orders come out and instantly regretted not grabbing one. They’re top of my list for next time (I’ll update in March after my next trip).

Tips for Visiting

• Go early to catch the cinnamon rolls right out the oven
• Lakeview location has more seating if you want to stay awhile but gets busy on the weekend mornings – the lines move fast though
• Their beans ship every Monday if you fall in love and want to brew at home (like I do)
• If you buy their merch you get a discount on coffee if you wear it in (pro tip for locals or repeat Chicago travelers), I mean it eventualy pays for itself right?

So if you are in any of these neighborhoods (and you should check them out they have so much to offer) when in Chicago, you have to stop in. I won’t personally be posting blogs on other coffee spots in Chicago because to me it just isn’t worth it this place is just that good. Whether you are hitting up a Cubs game or checking out the farmers market in Logan Square this is the spot to start your day at.

And hey if we are in town at the same time, when you stop in just look for the red hair!

Photo dump (because I have 3 years of photos I can’t choose from):