Backlot Coffee

The cinnamon roll here is my spirit animal. Gooey, sugary, warm, size of a hubcap…read more The breakfast sandwiches are a dream as well. Great bread.

was disappointed !! was planning on going all summer. Finally went today . it was bad from the…read morestart! First, I had an allegic reaction. I started coughing maybe due to no ventilation and oil they were using to cook! the guy taking my order kept leaning in bc he could not hear me! they were running their live video and the music was blasting! Wait there is more! I kindly asked for a knife to cut my huge pastry. The lady responds, "no tenemos cuchilla para cortar pan" ever so defensive. As we sat in front of the cooking area she still stared me and my daughter down! The older lady asked, did you ask for a fork, I said no a knife. She said it's only if you order food!!! What... mind you two güeritas next to me had a pastry and plastic cutlery including a knife!!! When I got home I cut the pastries and tried my Gordita! They were delicious but I will not go back or recommend your business! As a Latina there was zero hostility And what's with the only getting a knife if you order food. I ordered a Gordita in addition to the pastríes! I was so let down and will never go back! I also cleared my allergy 20 minutes after leaving!! WILD

Chilaquiles torta verde y Chilaquiles in salsa roja with steak and eggs

See all

Box of 4 Pastries

Necessary & Sufficient

4.0(62 reviews)

1.9 mi•Logan Square

The service is always lovely and the coffee & matcha here is top tier! It's on a cute little corner…read more(:

I joined my brother when he walked his kid to school the other week - please respect our privacy -…read moreand we stopped by Necessary on the way back. Come to find out they've been going here for awhile since it's really close to his old apartment as well. He's a homeowner now in an adjacent neighborhood - please respect his privacy - and he still enjoys stopping by on the way back from Scott's Tots. The coffee was great - as were the empanadas! Typically I do not love savory breakfast but when it comes to empanadas Ima dog it down every time no complaints. We got: -meat empanada (me) -ham and cheese morning bun (my brother's fave) And for to drink: -Chicago fog -Lake Shore Chaga It was delicious - perfect complement to the crisp Chicago air. Excellent service as well! Truthfully, what really warmed me to this place is that my brother's dog Wibby used to love coming to get pets and a pup cup from the window. She's been gone about 4 months now so it's always special to see little reminders of her around the neighborhood. Xoxoxo

Margaret's Orgeat Latte

See all

Brew Brew Coffee and Tea

4.5(241 reviews)

1.5 mi•Avondale

Was my first time there, the inside is so cute and the coffee is also good.. but the main reason…read moreI'm writing a review is because of the chipotle chicken torta. It was so gas omg and the bread they use it was so yummy 10/10 WOULD eat again. Also if you try it make sure to put the salsa verde. Gas or ass? Gas for sure

It was really busy but we got our drinks pretty quickly! There were about 10 seating areas I…read morebelieve. Most tables have two chairs. Thrres also outdoor seating but it was really hot that day. There's a bathroom hidden in the back corner. I loved my Dulce de leche latte. The mango cream was delicious but the matcha was not strong enough. Just tasted like a mango drink with a hint of matcha aftertaste. Curious to try the other drinks! It's located right across from a park if you need a place to hang out after.

See all

Orange juice

Sipping Turtle Cafe

4.3(98 reviews)

1.5 mi•Avondale

This place is super clean and nice atmosphere to sit and drink some coffee and have some delicious…read morepastries for sure. Great drinks and service was great as well. Definitely recommended

A great spot with a great vibe! We didn't try any of the food, so I can't speak to that, but it was…read moresolid drip coffee and cold brew and friendly service. It seems like a great neighborhood spot - very welcoming!

Cute water stand

Bagel sandwich

See all

MeLatte Coffee Shop

4.9(81 reviews)

2.2 mi•Logan Square

Such a cute coffee shop! The first place we tried to go was closed but my sister and brother in law…read moresaid this spot was awesome so I was excited to try! I love the colorful fun decor and cozy vibes. I ordered a brown sugar cinnamon latte iced with oat milk. Was ready fast! It was a touch too milky so I ended up ordering another espresso shot to add and then it was absolutely perfect! My sister got a strawberry matcha which was nice and creamy, and everyone else got tea as well and enjoyed it! The people working were super nice!! Super cute spot and I'm so glad I got to try it!

Such a fun neighborhood coffee place. It's so cozy the vibe is like a place your tía opened up…read more There is art on the wall from local artists and a table selling jewelry and zines. But you came for the coffee and food and they do that well too. The empanadas and the crepes have never let me down the lattes are tasty and the service is warm and welcoming. If you're a loganite or just find yourself in Logan square needing a something to nosh on and a caffeine boost try out MeLatte!

Inside!

See all

The Brewed

4.5(78 reviews)

1.7 mi•Avondale

I absolutely loved my visit to The Brewed! As a horror fan, it was a total blast getting to look…read morearound and admire all the memorabilia on display. The murals were incredible!!especially the Candyman one, which was a real highlight. I stopped by on a weekday, so it wasn't too busy, which made for a really relaxing experience. I tried the Skull Island latte, and it was super delicious. They have a fantastic selection of other coffee house drinks and pastries as well. The staff was super friendly, and the facilities were great, too. I appreciated that they have two gender-neutral restrooms (one equipped with a urinal and the other with a changing table), and there's even a small merchandise rack if you want to pick up a spooky souvenir on your way out. I can't wait to go back and try more of their menu! Definitely check this place out if you're in the area.

The vibe of this place is swipe approachable and friendly. Super eclectic collection of trinkets…read moreand gadgets while also being connected to a record shop. I ordered an iced vanilla latte and it was okay, but the sweetener had a funny taste to it I'm not sure it was homemade, they did have a lot of options to choose from though. After a while the drink was melting there ended up being funny white stuff that coagulated at the top of the cup which freaked me out a bit. I'm not sure if it was syrup or something from the ice, but after that I couldn't finish it.

See all

Moonwalker Cafe

4.5(101 reviews)

1.0 mi•Avondale

I had the breakfast sandwich once and now I live here. Also working my way through the latte…read moreselection but agree so far the banana bread is peak. The staff is amazing and so friendly and there's usually a cool mix of people hanging out and great music. Perfect neighborhood coffee shop.

Really enjoyed my visit to Moonwalker Cafe! The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the…read moreatmosphere was comfortable and inviting. They offer a nice selection of breakfast and lunch options, which I'll definitely have to come back and try. I ordered an iced coffee, and it was excellent, smooth, flavorful, and not bitter or overly acidic. They also have outdoor seating, which is a great option on a nice day. I'll definitely be back!

See all

Cool coffee shop on the SE corner of Karlov & Belmont

Milli by Metric

4.3(66 reviews)

1.6 mi•Avondale

Cheesy Corn Danish(highly recommend) Ham and Gouda Bun…read moreRaspberry Lemon Olive Oil Choux Bun Pistachio Draft Latte Pain Au Chocolat Mixed Berry Brioche

The vibes at Milli are always immaculate. Perfect place to work from, catch up with a friend or…read morejust daydream. The space is large, with plenty of seating, outlets and solid wifi. I'd say it's elevated industrial chic. Employees are chill and not overly friendly. They are always well staffed though. Giving them a 4/5 because I've had some misses when it comes to food and drink. The tulsi tonic tasted like medicine and I would not recommend. While I appreciate the inventiveness of the pastries, some of them are trying to do too much and don't quite nail every flavor/component of are just off on ratios. I am always down to try a fun pastry or drink so I'll keep trying em. Definitely on the pricier side but not as outrageous as some other spots.

Interior

Scallion Cheddar Coffee Cake (~$4)

See all

Ube Caramel Delight (~$8)

Chiqueolatte

4.2(165 reviews)

2.0 mi•Logan Square

I love this place! Colorful decor and furniture, its bright and fun ambiance is warm and inviting…read more Spacious cafe with plenty of seating and two large rooms. Friendly service. The food and beverages are delicious! I loved the southwest chicken sandwich, as well as the Caesar salad with chicken. Every ingredient tasted fresh and high quality, and the chicken was tender and juicy. The sandwich also came with a tasty cup of soup. The tomato soup was very nice, and the croutons on top were the perfect touch. I enjoyed such a fun matcha latte! It was called Super Monkey Ball matcha and the presentation was great! The banana cream topping with cinnamon filled the top. Really comfortable place to relax with friends or get some work done.

The staff were beyond friendly and welcoming. They have an…read moreextensive menu of drinks and food. We got the green goddess smoothie and a delicious chocolate chip cookie! There's more than ample sitting inside the cafe! They have 2 all gender bathrooms with convenient changing stations to take care of your little ones.

See all

Caffe Milano

Omarcitos Latin Cafe

4.8(133 reviews)

2.1 mi•Logan Square

If you aren't coming to Omarcitos, you are missing out. My boyfriend loves all the Jibaritos but…read morethe Lechón Plate may be the best dish I've had anywhere in the city (and I have been to Michelin star and Top 50 Bars rated spots around Chicago). We split the Tacos Dorados De Pollo En Consomé as an app for the first time today and it was simply perfect. The lemonade is made super fresh. I have a feeling I may have to try everything on the menu. The energy is immaculate - maximalist mix of colorful tables and chairs, plants, original paintings, and a signed poster of Guy Fieri. The people who work here are so kind and helpful. The music is not so loud that you can't talk. There's an open-air indoor area and an outdoor section. If you get here before it gets too crowded, it's not a bad place to sit and read a book either.

Yasss Omarcitos is exactly it!! I can not count how many times I have been. The food is…read moreconsistently amazing. Always hits 100/100. The place is getting popular, very popular. So if coming during peak times expect a small line and enjoy Omar is amazing standing at the window making sure everything runs smooth. He is yelling out hello papis left and right. He knows and loves everyone. The menu is full of everything is fire. Enjoy it this is one of the best on this country

Best Coconut café con leche

Steak Sandwich or Steak Jibarito

See all

Eye catching local art

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

6 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Beth T.

8 years ago

CATY IS MY LADY! Every other coffee shop out there is an embarrassment compared to the quality sips this place offers. The shop is just a little out of my way to work but more than worth it, not just for the coffee but the staff is awesome too. I don't want to necessarily say Caty (one of the baristas there) is my favorite (she is) (Sorry, everybody else still gets an A), but she DID teach me about oat milk, which changed. my. life. as well as the difference between how the coffee/espresso is prepared at this kind of place vs a Starbucks/chain operation type place, and I am forever converted. I hadn't had Starbucks in a while since going to this place (I ran in to an emergency recently, don't judge! Although I would judge you if you had Backlot coffee and then did what I did) and dang it was bitter compared to the sweet sweet sips of serenity from Backlot. Thanks for killing the caffeine game guys. Oh, the doughnuts kill it too. Never change, fellas. read more

Ivonne L.

112

2 months ago

Neighborhood gem alert Decided to switch things up today and visit one of our local cafés, and honestly... 10/10 choice. Everything we tried was delicious, cozy, and exactly the kind of Sunday treat you want from a neighborhood spot. Drinks & pastries that actually hit * Blueberry matcha -- tasted exactly like sipping a blueberry muffin. Sweet, comforting, and so good it low‑key shocked me. * Spinach & feta croissant -- buttery, flaky, and packed with flavor. Truly one of those "wow okay" bites. * Oatmeal cookie latte -- my brother's pick, and he loved it. Warm, sweet, and dessert‑in‑a‑cup vibes. * Ham & Swiss croissant -- simple, savory, and really well done. Fast service & cute vibes Service was super quick, and the shop itself is small, cute, and full of great baked goods and drinks. One of those spots that feels homey the second you walk in. A perfect neighborhood café stop -- delicious drinks, great pastries, and cozy vibes all around. read more

Serenity S.

1 year ago

Rolled into Backlot Coffee in Irving Park on a lazy Saturday and spent about $14 on a cardamom‑rose latte and a burrito--worth every penny. The spot's got a cozy, artsy feel with local murals and big windows, perfect for hanging with a book or chatting with buddies. The barista was super friendly, blending that latte just right--creamy but not too over‑the‑top. Burrito was solid--warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, even if it wasn't the fluffiest tortilla. My only gripe? Seating fills up fast, so snag a spot early or plan to go mid‑day . Overall, it's a legit neighborhood gem with quality drinks, tasty eats, and a real community vibe. read more

Cesar J.

7 years ago

The coffee is very creamy and tasty. The pastry's are so good. They are so beautifully baked and delicious. The flavor of them is so good. Again with the coffee it's so delicious. I would come here again. read more

Maddie W.

7 years ago

Great neighborhood coffee shop! Drinks and employees are fantastic. Beans are great to pick up as well.

Elizabeth Q.

7 years ago

Socially irresponsible - open weeks into the pandemic.

Backlot Coffee - coffee - Updated October 2026

Browse Nearby

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Restaurants near Backlot Coffee

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Breakfast near Backlot Coffee

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Cocktail Bars near Backlot Coffee

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Desserts near Backlot Coffee

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Things to Do near Backlot Coffee

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Lunch near Backlot Coffee

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Parking near Backlot Coffee

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Boba near Backlot Coffee

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Shopping near Backlot Coffee

BEST of Chicago, Illinois Thrift Stores near Backlot Coffee

Best of Chicago

Things to do in Chicago

Browse Brands

Brands by name

Browse Articles

Articles by date

People who viewed Backlot Coffee also viewed

Our Mutual City Coffee

4.6

(45 reviews)

My go-to coffee shop down the street from my house. The coffee is bomb. Cold brew is rocket fuel -…read morein a good way. Specialty/seasonal lates are perfectly sweetened so they don't just taste like you're drinking Torani syrup, which luckily, you also won't find at this place. The house made syrups are fantastic. Baked goods are always a hit. The owner is super cool. They're always playing good music in there too. Probably some of the best coffee I've had in the city. I'm a coffee snob and I make good coffee at home - burr grinder, pour over, scale, the whole thing - but the stuff I make still doesn't seem to hold a candle. This place is a treat.

OMC is a great addition to the neighborhood with wonderful service, baked goods, and (of course)…read morecoffee and coffee drinks. One thing I really like about the place is the openness and outgoingness of the owner and the staff. They interact with customers and get to know them. It's a nice change from typical coffee shops. The other thing I love about Our Mutual City is their accommodation to food allergies. They always have something gluten-free, and often both gluten- and dairy-free. Speaking of which, I had a gluten-free and dairy-free breakfast sandwich. They bake the eggs in a loaf with several spices that compliment the meal very well. Rather than a biscuit or a bagel, they serve it on two latkes (potato pancakes) with several slices of bacon. Wow - it was huge and it was amazing. Definitely recommend it either with the dietary restrictions, or without. I also had a rosemary-caramel latte. The barista recommended it to me and I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. Around the table we had other breakfast sandwiches, a bagel with lox and cream cheese, and other coffee drinks. I took a few dairy-free, gluten-free pastries home with us. I highly recommend Our Mutual City Coffee.

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee

4.8

(31 reviews)

Cozy and huge coffee shop! They have my beloved oat milk for lattes. And tons of donuts, cakes,…read morecroissants, cheesecakes and also custard and pies! And cookies and danishes and muffins. Oh my! The pies kind of look like homemade individual sized pizza pockets with either spinach, chicken, veggie or zatar. They're on the bottom shelf in the picture. All kinds of pastries from savory to sweet. I was eyeing the chicken pie for a future visit during lunchtime. If you want to work on your laptop, the free WIFI is good and there are charge cord plugs all along the wall. I like how spacious and bright it is inside, not to mention the high ceilings. When I get cabin fever it's nice to "escape" to a clean and friendly location like this.

A group of us were in the mood for dessert after a delicious dinner nearby and stopped by here. I…read morebelieve Qamaria is a chain so I think I've been to another location in another city, but this is my first time at this one in Chicago. We got an array of desserts to share: the pistachio cheesecake, Dubai chocolate cheesecake, Ferrero Rocher cheesecake, and a kunafe custard. I thought everything was yummy and we all had different rankings of what was good/our favorite. I think I really liked the kunafe custard but I appreciated that each of the items had a distinct flavor that felt worth trying. I would definitely come back.

Coffee Joint

4.4

(214 reviews)

Got the iced marshmallow lattes based on others' reviews and it's soo worth it. They didn't have…read moreany scones this morning unfortunately but I hear they're great. The barista was kind and quick and it's a chill vibe. A place you could come and work or chat with a friend.

Coffee Joint is exactly the kind of neighborhood café I love finding…read more The toasted marshmallow latte was easily my favorite drink and something I'd come back specifically for. We also tried the Vietnamese coffee, a blueberry scone and a surprisingly huge veggie sandwich. One of the things that impressed me most was the value. A coffee, bakery item and substantial sandwich came in at under $25, which is becoming increasingly rare at independent cafés. The café has a relaxed neighborhood feel, and the patio makes it an easy place to sit for a while rather than feeling like you need to grab your coffee and leave. The experience felt casual and welcoming, which is exactly what I want from a local coffee shop. There were also enough interesting drinks on the menu that I left already wanting to come back -- particularly to try their ube and banana bread matcha

Backlot Coffee

4.5

(29 reviews)

Sandwich was by far one of the best breakfast sandwiches I've had. So yummy. Oatmeal cookie latte…read morewas so delicious. Staff was super nice!

My first time at a Backlot coffee since they're all in north Chicago. Its a pretty cozy space with…read morefree wifi, fair seating, and street parking nearby (metered outside but free at the neighboring park) They offer pastries and sandwiches as well so youll be able to power through a day studying there. I got the honey lavender and cardamom rose lattes, which were good but I feel like they were a bit too similar. The lavender and rose elements were more subtle than I would prefer, but I did like that they weren't too sweet which let the espresso stand out PSA they also offers pup cups so overall pretty happy with my visit. Id certainly return if im in the area again and would love to try the other menu items, in addition to more seasonal drinks

Brew Brew Coffee and Tea

4.5

(241 reviews)

Necessary & Sufficient

4.0

(62 reviews)

The service is always lovely and the coffee & matcha here is top tier! It's on a cute little corner…read more(:

Drink Happy Thoughts

4.6

(74 reviews)

This place was so cute! It's a super tiny shop with only a few seats. There was only one person…read moreworking, but it wasn't crowded when we went so the service was quick. I like that the syrups are homemade and they have many unique coffee options. I got some type of blueberry cold brew with cold foam and I didn't really taste the blueberry, but it was still good. We also got a blueberry donut (didn't get a photo) and it was soo good.

Love their matcha tea! Happy to see that it's not the premade sweetened option that some other…read moreplaces have. But also nice to see that some of their seasonal options also include different matcha lattes, will definitely need to try those next time. Seating is very limited but when I came on a Sunday around noon most people were getting their drinks to go.

Taste of Colombia

4.7

(47 reviews)