akureyri: bláa kannan

where: hafnarstræti 96, akureyri, iceland
weekend hours: sat & sun 10:00 am - 11:30 pm

this cafe, with chandeliers, eclectic decor and a selection of cakes, is a great spot for an evening coffee with it's late hours and location right on the main shopping streets.

chicago: intelligentsia (loop)

where: 53 w jackson blvd
weekend hours: sat 8:00 am-4:00 pm; sun closed
nearest L stop: jackson (blue line) or jackson (red line)

the monadnock location of intelligentsia is designed to resemble an italian espresso bar, with original tile floors and marble-topped tables and counter seating. it's often busy during the weekdays, but if you're downtown touring on a saturday it's a lovely spot to stop in for a quick rest!

reykjavik: ida zimsen

where: vesturgata 2a, grófin, 101 reykjavik, iceland
weekend hours: sat & sun 10:00 am-10:00 pm

ida zimsen is a café and bookshop near the old harbor in reykjavik. the illy coffee is strong (like all coffee in iceland), the refills are free, and the sunshine through the windows makes it a pleasant spot to stop as you plan your day in reykjavik!

kohler: the greenhouse (the american club)

where: the american club, 419 highland dr, kohler wisconsin
weekend hours: sat & sun 6:00 am - 9:00 pm

this lovely greenhouse is a wonderful spot for morning coffee or afternoon tea if you're enjoying the american club. it's especially cozy and inviting in the winter! in summer you can grab an ice cream before walking the grounds.

chicago: la colombe.

where: 955 w randolph st, chicago il
weekend hours: sat & sun 8:00 am-7:00 pm
nearest L stop: morgan (green/pink lines)

just at the end of the blocks of trendy restaurants on randolph street is la colombe. there's a giant window in the front that becomes an open space on warm days, and their iced latte is one of the best i've had. the atmosphere is comfortable, making it the perfect place to relax after lunch or wait on a reservation for hot spots like girl in the goat or au cheval.

chicago: stan's donuts (streeterville)

where: 259 e erie st, chicago il
weekend hours: sat & sun 7:00am-9:00pm
nearest L stop: grand (red line)

fun and a little funky, stan's donuts has a range of treats and intelligentsia coffee to make for a tasty sugar high any time of day. the ambiance is a little lighter and brighter, and a little less gritty-city, than shops in the wicker park area.

menu:
blueberry fritter: (x)(x)(x)(x)(  )
biscoff pocket: (x)(x)(x)(x)(  )
coffee: (x)(x)(x)(  )(  )
iced coffee: (x)(x)(x)(  )(  )

chicago: dollop coffee & tea (streeterville)

where: 345 e ohio st, chicago il 60611
weekend hours: sat & sun 7:00am-8:00pm
nearest L stop: grand (red line)

google maps describes dollop as a "modern java bar with a wall of windows", which is certainly accurate. the windows let in a wonderful amount of light for all of the students (and bloggers, work-from-homers, etc) who park at the communal high tables and window-facing counters with their laptops and their cup of energy. while seating is sometimes difficult - northwestern law & med schools are just down the street - the coffee is always good.

menu:
dirty chai latte: (x)(x)(x)(  )(  )
iced coconut vanilla latte: (x)(x)(x)(  )(  )