Skip to content
Find my one

Savor Scout › Campuses › Illinois › Northwestern University › Coffee Shops

Campus food guide

Coffee shops near Northwestern University

14coffee shops within 1 mile
12within a ten-minute walk
71%independent, not chains

Open map listings put 14 coffee shops within a mile of Northwestern University, 12 of them within a ten-minute walk, and 35 within 3 miles. The busiest streets are Sherman Ave (5) and Maple Ave (3).

The closest coffee shops to Northwestern University

Chosen local-first, then listed by distance from campus: a starting point, not a ranking. Listings from Overture Maps open data (September 2026); they carry no prices or opening hours, so check before you go.

Can't decide between them? Say what you're craving and Savor Scout picks one near Evanston, IL.

What to order

  • A cortado or flat white — To judge espresso and milk.
  • Pour-over — To taste the beans.
  • Drip coffee — If you need it fast.
  • A pastry — If baked in-house or by a good bakery.

How to spot a good one

  • Fresh-roasted beans — Roasted within the last few weeks, with a roast date on the bag. Many good shops roast their own or name their roaster.
  • Espresso pulled with care — Not bitter or sour. A good cortado or flat white is the easiest test.
  • Milk steamed properly — Silky microfoam, not big bubbles or scalded milk.

The whole picture is in the coffee guide.

Questions about coffee shops near Northwestern University

How many coffee shops are near Northwestern University?
Open map listings put 14 coffee shops within a mile of Northwestern University, 12 of them within a ten-minute walk, and 35 within 3 miles. About 71% are independent rather than chains.
Which coffee shops are closest to Northwestern University?
Fran's Cafe (0.1 mi), Unicorn Cafe (0.1 mi), Evanston Games & Cafe (0.3 mi), Clarke's Off Campus (0.3 mi) and Patisserie Coralie (0.3 mi).
Where are most coffee shops near Northwestern University?
The busiest streets are Sherman Ave (5) and Maple Ave (3).

More near Northwestern University

All food near Northwestern University Pizza near Northwestern University

Coffee Shops near other campuses