Makeup by: @vesagashimua | Hair by: @biancairizarryhair

There is nothing better than dressing up for a cute coffee date with your girls. Nothing! Whether it’s a quick mid-morning catch-up or a full-on brunch moment, there’s something sacred about great conversation over even better lattes.

Friendships deserve space to breathe, laugh, vent and listen. These dates aren’t just about coffee (though that helps); they’re about showing up for each other, even if it’s just for an hour. So schedule the catch-up, wear something that makes you feel good, and let it be a ritual.

Bonus points if the café is as pretty as your outfit (and yes, we’re here for the aesthetics too).

I keep these Chicago coffee spots on rotation, chic interiors, good coffee, and just the right amount of “should we take a picture here?” energy.

My Favorite Coffee Spots in Chicago:

Venteux Café

Parisian vibes, bold espresso, and the dreamiest light for photos.

Website: venteuxchicago.com/cafe
Instagram: @venteuxchicago

Ralph’s Coffee

Classic, elegant, and the perfect place to channel your inner old-money girl.

Instagram: @ralphscoffee

Blue Bottle Coffee

Minimal, modern, and always reliable. There are also two locations in the city! One in River North at Wolf Point Plaza and another on Michigan Avenue.

Website: bluebottlecoffee.com
Instagram: @bluebottle

The Allis at Soho House

A favorite for those long catch-ups that turn into late lunches.

Website: theallis.com
Instagram: @sohohouse

Heritage Bikes & Coffee

A little edge, a lot of charm. Also has two other locations: one on Lawrence and one by the River! Both are just as chic.

Website: heritagebikesandcoffee.com
Instagram: @heritagebikesandcoffee

3 Arts Club Café

You go for the chandeliers and stay for the avocado toast.

Website: rh.com/us/en/chicago/restaurant
Instagram: @3artsclubcafeatrhchicago

NOMAD Chicago

Cozy, clean, and the kind of spot that makes you feel like a local.

Website: nomad-chicago.com
Instagram: @nomadchicago

Altar Home

A hidden gem that feels like your most stylish friend’s living room.

Instagram: @altarhome

Don’t forget, what you wear sets the tone.

Whether it’s relaxed-chic or head-to-toe polished, the right outfit makes it all feel a little more special. I linked a few of my go-to pieces for the perfect coffee date look:

MD Insider Tips:

1. Go during off-hours. Avoid the weekend rush and aim for mid-morning or late afternoon. You’ll actually hear each other—and get the good seats.

2. Look up the interiors before you go. If it’s not giving cozy, yummy food, or the energy you are looking for, skip.

3. Interior should guide the colors you wear if you plan on taking photos.

4. Share the pastry. Always. It’s an unspoken rule of good friendship.

Send this post to your go-to coffee date girl and start planning your next catch-up. Got a secret café I need to know about?

Spill the beans in the comments!

xx,
Monika

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