Chicago Cafe Series｜☕️｜Hero Coffee

Today’s coffee shop visit is to a chain location in the Loop — and I personally think this one is the most unique of them all ✨. It’s tucked away in an alley, with no indoor seating, only takeout and a small service window. 📍 Hero Coffee and Bagel Bar ☕️ Coffee: Overall, I’d say don’t let it sit too long — the latte is pretty fragrant when fresh. If the ice melts too fast, though, it starts tasting watered down, more like milk 🥛. On the bright side, they offer quite a variety of drinks (guess that’s the perk of being a chain!). Rating: 8/10 ⭐️ 💻 Work/Study Spot: This is strictly a grab-and-go — no seating inside at all. Other locations might differ though. Rating: 1/10 ⭐️ 🪞 Interior Vibes: Dark industrial style 🖤⚙️ — stands out compared to most cafes in Chicago. For someone who visits lots of cafes, this was a refreshing change! Given the small space, they’ve done a great job with the design. Rating: 9/10 ⭐️ Bonus: In summer, you can sit in their alleyway with your coffee and chill ☀️🍃. 🛋️ Comfort: As far as laptop-friendliness goes — 1/10, since there’s literally nowhere to sit. 💰 Value: A medium latte for just $5 — in such a prime downtown location? Totally worth it 🏙️💸. Rating: 8/10 (but honestly, price-wise it’s 100/100 ✅) Overall, it’s a distinctive little branch of the chain. If you’re downtown seeing The Bean or strolling near Millennium Park and need a coffee break, this is a solid pick 👍. But if you’re making a special trip just for this spot, maybe check out other locations nearby instead ~~ 😉 #ChicagoCafes #HeroCoffee #LoopChicago #IndustrialStyle #CoffeeToGo #BudgetFriendly