Best Coffee Shop in Chicago | Arlington Heights, IL | CoCo & Blu Cafe

Walking into CoCo & Blu on a Thursday afternoon, I immediately understood why this place was absolutely packed at 3:30 PM. Located at 12 South Dunton Avenue in downtown Arlington Heights, this European-style coffee shop has created something special: a space where crafted beverages meet thoughtful design, and where the atmosphere invites you to linger whether you're meeting friends, catching up with colleagues, or simply taking a well-deserved break.

The only spot I could find to sit was at the bar, and honestly, that turned out to be the perfect vantage point to experience everything CoCo & Blu has to offer.

Quick Facts

📍 Location: 12 S Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

⏰ Hours: Monday - Wednesday 7AM - 4PM | Thursday 7AM - 9PM | Friday 7AM - 11PM | Saturday 8AM - 11PM | Sunday 8AM - 4PM

💵 Price Range: $5-8 for coffee drinks

🚗 Parking: Street parking and lot parking available

📱 Website: https://www.cocoandblucafe.com

☎️ Phone: (847) 873-0266

🌟 Best For: Crafted coffee drinks, meeting friends, European cafe vibe, evening cocktails

First Impressions & Atmosphere

CoCo & Blu is a very cool place, and it's easy to see why so many people meet up here to hang out with friends or colleagues. The atmosphere is very upbeat and fun, really matching the design aesthetic of the location. This isn't your quiet library study spot. This is a vibrant, energetic cafe where conversation flows freely and the music adds to the lively vibe.

The lighting is really thoughtfully placed and adds to the chicness. Floor-to-ceiling windows line one wall, flooding the space with natural light during the day while creating that European sidewalk cafe feeling that inspired the owners. The design successfully captures that French sense of style without feeling forced or overly themed.

When I visited on a Thursday afternoon around 3:30 PM, they were celebrating their 5 year anniversary with neat number five balloons all over the place, which added to the exciting and fun vibe overall. Founded in December 2019, CoCo & Blu has quickly become a staple in the Arlington Heights community.

The music contributes significantly to the upbeat nature of the spot. During my visit, "Cherry" by Chromatics was playing, setting the perfect tone. It's definitely great for friends or coworkers to come hang out as it's loud enough that you can be free to be yourself without worrying about disrupting others around you. That said, many people had their laptops out getting some work done. It was far too busy and noisy for me to focus, but I get distracted easily. If you can work in a lively environment, you'll find plenty of others doing the same.

The Space & How It Works

The process at CoCo & Blu is straightforward. Go in the door and take a right to the end of the bar. Pass the assortment of pastries that are neatly arranged on the bar top. The menus are on the counter in front of the cash register, and they're also available on their website if you want to take a quick look beforehand. There's a good amount of options, and I wish I would have looked before heading in.

Once you order, you can head over to find a seat or just wait a few brief moments and your drink will be ready on the other side of the La Marzocco espresso machine. Once you're done, you simply place your cups in the station near the back half of the shop along the interior wall. The restroom is in the back right corner.

The seating offers a good amount of mixed options around the shop. Small tables line the wall next to the floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for people-watching or soaking in that natural light. There are a few stools along the bar where I found my spot. Toward the back of the cafe, you'll find softer, more comfortable seating, with larger tables for groups in the center. The variety means there's usually a spot that fits your mood, though you might need to wait during peak times.

The Coffee & Food: What I Ordered

There's a real emphasis on the crafted beverages at CoCo & Blu, and it shows. They have nitro coffee on tap from both Rise and Dark Matter, two respected Chicago roasters. The beautiful blue La Marzocco espresso machine is the centerpiece behind the bar, paired with Mazzer grinders that signal they're serious about quality.

I was in the mood for something sweet, so I got the Salted Caramel Mocha for $6.68. They hit the right balance on the mocha. The chocolate wasn't overpowering, the espresso came through clearly, and the salted caramel added just enough sweetness without being cloying. The milk was wonderfully frothed, creating that smooth, creamy texture you want in a well-made mocha.

After I ordered, I put my stuff down on the stool near the bar. Before I could even sit down, the mocha was ready and waiting for me just to the left of the espresso machine. The speed was impressive without sacrificing quality.

They do have a regular food menu, though I didn't get anything on this stop. The pastries looked excellent, neatly arranged and clearly fresh. Next time I'll be sure to try the avocado toast or their quiche, both of which I saw multiple people enjoying during my visit.

What Makes CoCo & Blu Special

In the Chicago suburbs, CoCo & Blu stands out for successfully creating a European cafe experience that feels authentic rather than manufactured. Owner Michael Brown's vision was born from trips to Paris and touring European coffee houses, where he fell in love with the sidewalk cafe culture and the way Europeans approach coffee, food, and just living in the moment.

After 19 years as a stay-at-home dad, Brown recognized that Arlington Heights lacked a quality coffee option that didn't come in a paper cup. He spent three years searching for the perfect location in downtown Arlington Heights, specifically seeking a space with huge windows to provide that "watch the world go by" experience.

The commitment to quality equipment and ingredients sets CoCo & Blu apart. That La Marzocco Strada espresso machine isn't just for show. It's one of the finest machines in the industry, and paired with quality beans from Rise and Dark Matter, the coffee drinks consistently deliver.

The cafe also transforms in the evenings, particularly Thursday through Saturday when they stay open later. The space shifts from a relaxed coffee shop to a vibrant cocktail bar, making it a popular gathering place throughout the day and into the night.

The Service Experience

The employees were very kind and gave you a moment to order if you hadn't already decided before making your way to the register. There was no pressure, no rushed feeling despite how busy it was.

They were super attentive to guests' needs. A guy asked to have his coffee warmed up after he had been sitting for a while? No problem. A lady had a bunch of questions about the pastries? No problem. The staff handled every request with genuine friendliness and efficiency.

The speed of service was remarkable. My mocha was ready before I could even settle into my seat, yet it was perfectly crafted. That balance of quick service without sacrificing quality is rare and appreciated.

The Verdict: Is CoCo & Blu Worth It?

Absolutely. If you're looking for a quick stop to grab a coffee and breakfast before work, or if you're wanting a cool place to hang out with friends after hours, CoCo & Blu is the place for you. The European-style atmosphere, quality coffee drinks, and lively vibe create an experience that goes beyond just getting your caffeine fix.

The Salted Caramel Mocha was excellent, and I'm already planning my next visit to try the avocado toast and explore more of their menu.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

🅿️ Parking & Access: Both street parking and lot parking are available in downtown Arlington Heights. The location is easily accessible and walkable from other downtown businesses.

⏱️ Best time to visit: Expect crowds during afternoon hours, especially on weekdays when people meet for coffee breaks. Early mornings or late evenings (Thursday through Saturday) offer different vibes. If you need a quieter environment for laptop work, weekday mornings are your best bet.

💡 Insider tips: Check the menu online before you go if you want to save time deciding. The bar seating gives you a front-row view of the coffee-making process. Evening hours transform the space into a cocktail bar, offering a completely different experience. Follow them on social media for special events and seasonal offerings.

♿ Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with accessible parking near the entrance.

👥 Good for groups?: Yes, with larger tables in the center and various seating configurations. However, it gets very busy during peak hours, so larger groups might want to arrive during off-peak times or call ahead.

📶 Work-friendly?: Mixed. Many people work on laptops here, but the lively, upbeat atmosphere and noise level make it challenging for those who need quiet focus. Best for collaborative work or if you can concentrate in busy environments.

Final Thoughts

CoCo & Blu has successfully created what Arlington Heights was missing: a European-style coffee shop that serves as an extension of your family room, a place where quality coffee meets thoughtful design and genuine hospitality. The crafted beverages are excellent, the La Marzocco machine delivers consistent quality, and the atmosphere invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment.

The fact that it was absolutely packed on a Thursday afternoon at 3:30 PM tells you everything you need to know. This is a community hub where people genuinely want to spend time, whether they're grabbing a quick coffee before work, meeting colleagues for an afternoon break, or settling in with friends for evening cocktails.

The Salted Caramel Mocha hit the perfect balance, the service was attentive and kind, and the trendy atmosphere makes it easy to see why CoCo & Blu has become such a beloved spot in just five years. If you're in the Arlington Heights area and looking for quality coffee in a vibrant European-style setting, CoCo & Blu on South Dunton Avenue is calling your name. Just be prepared to wait for a seat during peak hours, because everyone else has discovered it too.

Have you been to CoCo & Blu? Drop a comment below with your favorite drink order or what I should try on my next visit!

Looking for more Chicago-area coffee shop reviews? Check out my complete guide to the best cafes in Chicago and the suburbs.

I paid for this drink myself. All opinions are my own.

Last updated: November 2025

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