Best Cafes in Chicago | Hexe Coffee Co.

Hexe Coffee Co. has the cafe patio you've waited all winter to sit on.

Update: I made my second trip on a 70° day in March. I arrived while the sun was still shining, and the wind was calm. I tried out their bourbon barrel-aged iced coffee along with the Supreme Truth sandwich, and I even found a spot on that amazing patio to hang out. Everything you will read below held true over a month later. If it's patio season, and you aren't on Hexe's patio reading this, then you should probably just head there now. You're missing out.

I had left work on that uniquely warm February day. I was committed to finding one of Chicago's best tacos. At the last moment, while sitting in traffic, something told me I needed to change my plans. I recalled scrolling by a coffee shop with an awesome-looking patio earlier in the day.

I switched up the Google Maps, exited the freeway, and headed over to Hexe Coffee.

It was one of the best decisions I could have made that day. I recommend you make the same decision soon.

Process

There is street parking along N. Clybourn. I have been able to find a spot here each time I made the trip. The best part? It's free!

Walk up the ramp and onto the patio where you will find Hexe's front door. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by the pastry case - and at least two enthusiastic employees who are more than happy to help.

The menu is on the back wall directly behind the register. Here you will find all of the coffee, cocktails, and food options that Hexe offers. I would recommend browsing the menu before you go in to get an idea of what they have depending on the time of day. Or you're welcome to take my suggestions as well!

Place that order and go find yourself the perfect spot to relax. Your order will be up shortly.

When you’re all done there’s a bin for dishes to the right of the pastry case near the doorway to the restrooms. If you're outside there are some waste bins and a small table for dishes near the concrete benches on the far side of the patio.

Coffee and Treats

On my first trip to Hexe, I was apparently in the mood for something sweet. So I went with the chocolate banana bread and the caramel latte.

The latte was great, and it was exactly what I was expecting - and needing - that evening. They also have your other classic coffee options - cortado, macchiatos, etc. These are all going to be solid options, but I think to get the full Hexe-perience you have to explore their craft coffee cocktails.

The Naked Ape and Japanese Highball are on my shortlist. I look forward to my next trip to Hexe to try those out and maybe a few more!

The chocolate banana bread was solid - but also soft. Reminiscent of a brownie in so many ways. It had great chocolate flavor without being too chocolatey. It has a wonderful bit of chew around the edges and is perfectly baked on the inside.

The croissants looked absolutely incredible - flaky and drizzled with chocolate. The muffins had that texture and toppings that made them glisten in the light. They even had skull cakes with a coffee flavored icing that were very intriguing.

Hexe also has a sandwich menu that runs from 12-5 pm. After 5 pm they partner with Kite String to offer taquitos until close.

Seating

There are approximately 16 tables for two neatly aligned inside and another handful of stools that wrap around the bar itself.

Outside you will find at least 20 patio tables that would be the perfect spot to hang out during the warmer months. You will be hard-pressed to find a patio with this much seating in Chicago - let alone at a cafe!

For the laptop-wielding, there are outlets available along the wall inside. Hexe is certainly work-friendly as evidenced by the 75% of the guests who had their laptops out grinding out those last few ounces of productivity for the day.

Atmosphere

It reached 55° degrees in Chicago on this beautiful February day. New energy started rolling through the city as people began exiting their annual hibernation. For many Chicagoans, today marked the start of shorts season; and, thus patio season.

Walking towards the door you have to pass the patio seating.

Some were wrapping up their busy work day with a nice latte and others getting a head start on their evening by enjoying a few beers with their friends and their pets.

Once I made it inside I realized that the cafe was packed - and it was awesome!

Heading in you see why so many people recommend this place.

The music is great - Robert Lester Folsom and some Kenny Knight played on the speakers. Upbeat. Fun.

The employees are interacting with the customers. Everyone here is having a good time.

Service

Truth is, I didn’t know what I wanted. This happens to me a lot. The barista was wonderful. Letting me know that I could take all the time I needed. They even pointed out the little list next to the register which held the flavors that could be added which are not listed on the normal menu.

You can’t miss the case of pastries. Some of them are incredibly beautiful. (Hindsight, I should have probably gotten something that photographed better.) I asked for recommendations and the barista let me know that they were all made in-house and which ones they liked and recommended based on what others have enjoyed.

The options here are 8oz, 12 oz, and 16oz. I love it when they list the sizes after asking “What size?”

Like many shops, they will also ask “for here or to go?” [Rant alert] Lately, I have been plagued with getting paper cups even after I say it's “for here” and it drives me crazy because the cup is what completes the overall experience. The "experience circuit" is completed as a perfectly shaped mug becomes nestled into your palms. [End rant]

I completed my order and found my seat. Within a few moments, they called out my drink at the bar.

Before I left I was browsing at the merch and other items that were for sale. The nice guy behind the counter offered to help answer any questions that I may have had.

Genuinely enthusiastic.

Summary

Hexe hits on everything I look for in a spot. The people were great. The process was great. The seating was better than most. The atmosphere was awesome. And the coffee was great.

Free street parking is a bonus. And Hexe being open until 7 pm is huge - getting harder and harder to find these days.

The offerings are simple enough to prevent the dreaded menu analysis paralysis but creative and broad enough to appeal to a range of beverage needs.

Whether you’re local and just need a morning fix or traveling in and want to try something a little more special during your stay. Hexe has you covered.

Hexe is an obvious choice.

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