While staying in the River North neighborhood on a recent visit to Chicago I made a point to try the local craft coffee offerings as I do on most trips I take. Caffe Umbria made sense based on location and keeping a tight schedule. Wow, is this place popular with the locals. On a Saturday morning at about 10:30AM there was a line out the door and I could tell these were locals. That's saying something on a Summer weekend in July, peak tourist season for Chicago. Caffe Umbria met my expectations and I would go here again. I would make an effort to go when the line is short. I feel I was very lucky that I only waited about 10 minutes to place my order for one espresso and only about five minutes for my espresso to be presented at the bar. However, if I arrived just a minute or two later I would have waited in a much longer line that formed outside along the storefront. Credit to the employees for being very hardworking and friendly. I am holding back a fifth star because my espresso lacked the brightness and pop that I have come to love from other places I have reviewed. Also, while I did buy a bag of whole beans for home brewing, the bags did not have a "roasted on" date. I still bought beans and will update this review based on my brewing results, but normally the best roasters have a "roasted on" date on every bag of whole beans. Overall Caffé Umbria is a solid coffee shop and the location is absolutely unbeatable near the Marina Towers and upscale hotels in River North on Clark Street. UPDATE: The whole beans were decent for brewing coffee at home. Better than Starbucks. The light roast beans yielded a brew with notes of . Usually I don't get from a light roast, but it was tasty.
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Good coffee and tea. Lines can get long at peak times. Maybe up to a 15-minute wait to order. Friendly staff and quick service one you do get to order. Minimal indoor and outdoor seating. Seems like most business is to-go (takeaway).
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Whole Coffee Beans, Bakery
Vegetarian options
Most if not all pastries were vegetarian.
Dietary restrictions
Know yours.
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid street parking, Paid parking garage
Parking
It’s downtown. Most people are already parked for work, etc and on foot when they come here.
Kid-friendliness
Sure. Bring your kid! Menú is adults-focused though.
Wheelchair accessibility
Accessible but a tight space. People would make room though.

I visited Chicago for the first time and visited Cafe Umbria four times (almost every day). It was conveniently located by the Westin River North, where I stayed. The staff were always friendly and bright, but not overbearingly so, and you could tell that they were genuine. I got the hot honey oat milk latte and lavender latte twice, each time either hot or iced. Both are great, but are definitely on the sweet side. For the lavender latte, be sure to stir well or you’ll get hit with the lavender syrup at the bottom of the cup. The cinnamon scone, plain and almond croissants are also good. Keep in mind that the croissants are more on the crispy side, rather than buttery. Will definitely come back here when I visit Chicago again!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

Walk-in experience: I made a quick stop at Caffe Umbria in Chicago on Clark St before heading to the airport. I'm no expert in coffee, but I do love a latte. I ordered the honey oat latte on ice. No need to add extras because it taste great as is. The honey balanced the subtle nutty flavor of the oats milk and espresso. The flavor and caffeine got me on my merry way to the airport! Now I will need to try and replicate that somehow or just go back the next time I'm in town or nearby. Also, the hostess was pleasant and attentive, as she recognized my University logo and made connecting conversation. Bonus! Drink: Honey oats milk latte on ice 4/5
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

Umbria Coffee Roaster delivers an exceptional coffee experience that transcends expectations. The rich aroma, combined with the nuanced flavors, creates a delightful symphony for the senses. The beans are meticulously roasted to perfection, ensuring a consistently bold and smooth cup every time. The commitment to quality and sustainability shines through, making Umbria a top choice for coffee connoisseurs. From the first sip to the last, it's evident that this roaster takes pride in crafting an unforgettable coffee journey. Highly recommended for those who appreciate the artistry of a superbly roasted brew.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Everything I had was great. The crostata was interesting and espresso is nice. Spent just under $10 altogether. An interesting coffee shop with great service and helpful staff. Just know that not much seating is available inside the coffee shop itself but otherwise a pleasant experience!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Features
Dine in: Yes
Outdoor seating: Not sure
Takeout: Not sure
Delivery: Not sure
Curbside pickup: Not sure

Love this cute spot for coffee and a treat! The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The place is super cute and clean. They have a small indoor seating area and an outdoor patio. Definitely a must try for excellent coffee with people who care about the craft! They have lots of options for non-coffee drinkers too. I got the best London Fog I've ever had here!
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I’m gonna preface this by saying, I’m visiting from out of town and I never post google reviews but this place is so good! I got a Vanilla Cafe Latte with Oat Milk and wow so good. Coffee was perfect temp for the cool weather and didn’t melt my face off on the first sip. The shop is pretty itself as well. Do yourself a favor and skip the starbucks that’s nearby and come here, thank me later!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

Great euro style cafe. Prices are about what you’d expect for the area ($6-7 for a med latte). The employees are very kind and work hard to get orders out quickly. The biggest complaint I have is that seating is very limited and there are no outlets in the lobby with tables. Great for chatting and hanging out, not so much if you have an engineering laptop that can’t go five seconds without being plugged in.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

COVID- no outdoor seating. Very very little window/bar seating. I saw two ppl working. It's more of an in and out place. COFFEE- I got their iced lavender latte. I will say it is not my absolute favourite (fave lav latte is Detroit Midtown's Great Lakes), brother got their regular coffee and liked it. We actually went back within 30mins to get more lavender latte!! OTHER- they have good selection of drinks and some foods to go. Friendly staff!!

Meh. Got a large lavender latte and could barely taste the espresso. My guess is they put same # of espresso shots in medium as large; tasted like flavored water with a hint of coffee. We have better cafés with superior quality lattes in and around Houston, e.g., Common Bond, First Cup (Pearland), etc. Oh... the "vibes" were like
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 2
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

We ordered a honey oat milk latte, chai tea latte, and matcha latte (all iced). All drinks were delicious and the staff were kind. Personally, the chai tea latte was my favorite since I like sweeter drinks. The shop itself is small and a line can form, but if you go earlier in the morning before 9, it’s not too bad.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This is a coffee shop that was created in Seattle, however, I didn't have the pleasure of trying it there. So we stopped by on our last morning in Chicago and ordered their lavender latte with whole milk. The rich flavor of the coffee with the softened edge of the lavender was soothing. A definite must have when I visit Chicago. I simply love all their flavors and the heart shapes with the cream made my day!!

I love this coffee shop. I come over when I need a tasty pick-me-up and don't feel like searching for a new place. When I am here, I'll get served a delicious drink. Their cappucino is perfect, and on my last visit, I tried almond croissant. The location is not convinient for me, but I'm willing to walk all the way from West Loop.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

I'm in town visiting my cousin and decided to give Cafe Umbria a try. I'm so glad I did! Very helpful and friendly staff. I purchased 2 different bags of coffee (she offered to let me try what they had brewed and also ground it to my specifications) and I also got a latte and it was very good. I only spent $33 so that's a steal in my opinion. I will be returning if I make it back to Chicago. If

Great coffee, one of the few decent coffee I have had in Chicago. I would put them second to Big Shoulders coffee but it was great. They tend to make the coffee hotter than usual but once it cooled to the right temperature it was a great coffee
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

I don’t want to exaggerate, but this might be my favorite coffee shop in Chicago. Every single time that I have visited, it’s been perfect. The coffee is strong and smooth. The sugar is subtle. And the latte art (evidence attached) is perfect. The baristas are always sweet as well. Anytime I want a cup of coffee that won’t miss, I head to Umbria for a perfect cup.

Delicious pastries, really good coffee and friendly staff. Good location if heading to the train station; close to Blue Line if going to or coming from O'Hare.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chocolate Croissant, Croissants

Great coffee with many roast options. They also sell very delicious kombucha and pastries. However if you come with a big company there are not much place to seat. If you are a coffee lover this is surely a place for you. Highly recommended.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Nice place to have a cup of coffe and deserts (just a few options at that moment), consider is a small place inside with limited seatings but great quality of drinks. I tried lavender latte it was good but very sweet. It was a friendly quick service, despite carrying a big noisy cup as part of keychain to access the restrooms hahaha.

This place has a delicious lavender latte & is tucked in a perfect location. Staff are super nice & I definitely recommend if you’re in the neighborhood!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Latte Coffee, Bakery

Visiting from out of town and found the nearest highest rated coffee shop from my hotel. The honey oat milk latte is excellent! The chocolate croissant was great too.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Recommended dishes
Chocolate Croissant, Honey Oats Milk Latte

Immaculate atmosphere, be aware that the line can sometimes get long. Their beans are also pretty affordable, and they have a Friday special that let’s you get a drink for free if you order beans.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Recommended dishes
Coffee Mocha

Great coffee and friendly service. This was our first coffee shop experience in Chicago and it didn't disappoint!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Latte Coffee, Croissants and Cookies

Great coffe!! I had the shakeroto espresso and it was amazing. We were new to the place, and staff was annoyed seemed like it. But it could had just been a bad day for them. Otherwise a great great Instagram worthy place :) we ended up buying a bag of coffe as well. Will definitely stop in again.

Such a vibe. Love the little coffee cups and the water station lol The menu was good as well. I stuck with the doppio con panna. You get a little chocolate with it. The pastry which I cannot name because I forgot was to diiiie fooooor yuuuuumm
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Small little cafe in a nice area. Coffee was good. Croissants should be toasted or warmed before serving, I believe.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Croissants

A little pricy, but I love their lavender latte. It’s the perfect location to take it to go and sit out by the river. Not very big/not many seats, so not a spot to work from or meet a friend for coffee if you’re looking to stay in.
Service
Take out
Price per person
$1–10

Lovely little downtown coffee shop. The staff was very warm and friendly. The pastries were great. They bring some nice artistry to the coffee without making it fussy. 5/5 would come back anytime downtown looking for coffee
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great little Cafe in River North. People were so friendly and patient. We ordered pour over coffees and scones. Both were very good. Place is small, but very good vibe. Definitely a place to visit while in Chicago.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great spot delicious coffee and great pastries. Super friendly staff. Outdoor seating available.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Croissants

Stopped by for coffee. Employees offered great service. The coffee was good, and their honey oat milk latte was surprisingly good. I don't like oat milk and wanted to order another one too!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

A great cup of coffee. Enjoyed their pastries but they are not fresh.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Honey Oats Milk Latte, Croissants

Delicious honey oat milk latte. Friendly service. Not much space to sit directly in the shop but there is a lobby space for the office building that has some tables for seating. The chocolate croissant was good but the inner chocolate cream was all on one side.

Coffee is ok. Crowded and few sitting capacity. They have outlet so you can charge your phone. If you need to use the bathroom just ask for the key.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Great place to get a cup of coffee or tea to go. Limited seatings inside and small selection of baked goods are available along with merchandises.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Features
Takeout: Yes

Many alternative milk options inviting soy, almond, oat. Friendly baristas.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Latte Coffee

We came only 15 min before closing, and the people here are super nice and kindly waited for us to finish our coffee and desserts. The place looks very attractive just as there drinks. The espresso is super impressive and the Mocha also taste nice.

Wow. I was told by the barista they’re know for their espresso, but that oat milk cappuccino was off the charts and the gluten-free vegan chocolate hazelnut cookie was a perfect sidecar. No bathroom, but a nice space to sit and savor your

Some of the best coffee I've ever had. Staff was so much fun to talk with and super knowledgeable about their blends. Would highly recommend this place to coffee snobs and coffee amateurs alike. Will be back the next time I'm in Chicago!

Coffee is amazing and not too sweet. I had the caffe al pepe (it has honey, pepper and cinnamon). This might be seasonal so definitely give it a try!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

Loved the fact that they used actual chocolate to make their mochas (which were still incredibly balanced and not too sweet at all). My partner got the hot cocoa and loved it. The blueberry muffin was yum too. Good place to go!

Caffe umbria is great little spot. In the actual cafe there aren't many seats, but there is hallway right out the side door that has a few extra tables. That little nook is nice and quiet, giving a good spot to work or relax.

Excellent espresso served in ceramic which is still a rarity, cozy and friendly place with a small outside patio and tables inside. Good croissants too. Highly suggested.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Let’s be real. I came here because of the beautiful mugs. The service was great and the lattes were perfect. Arrived around 8am on a Saturday and sat by the window to people watch. Nice little place to enjoy coffee.

One of my favorite spots that we grabbed coffee from during our trip. Coffee and matcha were both top notch and made with care!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

Great place for espresso, and other coffee drinks. Latte has a good balance and flavor and the espresso was just right for me. Little piece of chocolate you get with the order is a very nice touch! More

4.5 rating. Pictures and highlights mentioned on Instagram @FoodVibesNYC Great stop for espresso in river north. Separate adjacent work or chat area next to the coffee shop makes it great for multi-use.

The best coffee I’ve had in the US, and I’ve been here for 3 weeks. Those guys know what they’re doing! Highly recommended
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20

Wow great little coffee shop. Delicious and friendly service. Came by twice today.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Got their cappuccino freddo, which is a sugared version of cappuccino poured onto ice. Just okay. Both coffee and milk got overpowered by the sweetness. But, they do make AMAZING milk foam!

Almond croissant was good and a generous size. Iced Americano didn’t have enough kick and flavor. I wouldn’t go back here for coffee.
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Had a dirty chai latte with coconut milk, love that they offered so many alternative milk options. Pastries look delicious and I will for sure be returning for an almond croissant!

The lattes are excellent here. I wish they had more seating space! It’s still one of my favored places to caffeinate.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Yum matcha latte with oat milk and a chocolate chip cookie. Cute space.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

The one and only traditional Italian sipping HOT CHOCOLATE in Chicago! Check out the interesting SPECIALTY DRINKS. Say HELLO to the Fabulous Ladies!

I like the coffee and their scones, muffins.. equally. They have got good seating space some inside the store and some outside of it as well. More

Always busy and acquiring customers because it is a community favorite! Great location by the riverwalk! Really enjoyed the matcha latte.

Great place, loved the barista, he was great! Delicious coffee and fresh pastry
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I loved their peach flavored pastry.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20

Barista was super nice and gave us a great recommendation (the Caffe Al Pepe)!! Honey oat milk was good too. More

I had a good smoothie, but the salad was just ok.. cute coffee place with fun round tables
Service…
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Super cozy coffee spot. Solid coffee and great service.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Coffee is great. Machine color rules. Great chocolate coming with the cup. Seating area makes it 4.5 stars..

Coffee was good, missed barista art though
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I got three different lattes and they were all so good. That rarely happens!!
Service: 5

Really cool coffee shop. I had the lavender latte. It was very nice!
Service: 5…
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Nice and clean, food was good portion was perfect. Good coffee.
Service…
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Really friendly. I have a newborn so they brought the drink out to me! So good too

Coffee was fine and I got a pistachio pastry. But there wasn't much for seating.