From hotels and bars to pizzas, burgers and hot dogs — you name it, when it comes to food, drink and hospitality there’s a good chance Chicago is home to one that ranks among the best on the planet.
In addition to mastering some of the world’s most beloved foods, Chicago knows a thing or two about knocking together a good drink and there are few more popular than a solid cup of coffee.
In a world in which independent coffee shops have never been so popular, the competition has never been so intense with trendy new artisanal coffee shops seemingly taking over cities in the country.
Which is why it makes it all the more impressive that a Chicago spot was named the best independent coffee shop in the country according to USA Today’s Best Independent Coffee Shop (2023) list.
Nominated by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the U.S. for their cozy atmospheres, friendly baristas, and unique menus, it was Chicago’s very own Big Shoulders Coffee that topped the list.
Founded by husband-wife duo Tim Coonan and Patricia Coonan, the two combined their expertise in coffee, culinary traditions, and restaurant operations to launch a coffee business that now boasts 5 popular locations around the city.
“With multiple locations in the Chicago area, Big Shoulders Coffee is a must-stop for no-nonsense artisan beans, roasted to perfection,” writes USA Today.
“Founder Tim Coonan is a chef who picked up roasting as a hobby before turning pro. He and his team source beans from trusted farmers, roasting them to preserve the essence of each harvest and brewing them with utmost precision.”
Coming in second and third on the list were Jersey Java & Tea Co. in Haddonfield, New Jersey, and Stauf’s Coffee Roasters in Columbus, Ohio respectively.
Read the full list.[Featured image courtesy of Big Shoulders Coffee]