For the impatient: Hit these four spots for the best matcha experience in Chicago right now. Quality powder, proper preparation, interesting options, and people who actually care about matcha.
If you only have time for one stop? Make it SUGOi Sweets—it’s the complete matcha experience.
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The Must-Visit:
SUGOi Sweets + MOKOMA Tea — The Complete Experience
SUGOi Sweets
937 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
MAP
Best for: Everything. Seriously, if you only have time for one stop, this is it.
Why this is the essential stop:
- The main event: Vegan matcha soft serve ice cream that’s legitimately exceptional
- Matcha drinks done right: Amazing iced lattes with the option to upgrade to any of their premium matcha powders (when you upgrade, you often get a little shot of straight tea on the side to taste the full quality)
- Take matcha home: One of the only spots with a full range of top-tier matcha tins for purchase (depending on current stock—there’s a shortage right now)
- Instagram-worthy bonbons: Beautiful, delicious, and the perfect matcha companion
- Craft chocolate wall: Curated selection from around the world
- Teaware selection: Everything you need for home matcha prep
- Rotating flavors: Often a second soft serve flavor alongside the matcha
Order strategy: Get the matcha ice cream (non-negotiable), upgrade your iced latte to premium matcha for that side shot of straight tea, and browse the matcha tins if they’re in stock.
Current Top Pick:
Altar Home — The Specialty Champion
Altar Home & Cafe
1858 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
MAP
Best for: Creative specialty matcha drinks
Currently ranking at the top of my personal rotation. They use the exceptional Then & Now matcha from Shogyokuen (via Spirit Tea), and their specialty drinks are thoughtfully crafted.
Must-try: Triple Tea Latte (Ambrosia, Malabar & Matcha) – A beautiful blend of quality teas with matcha, featuring light ginger and vanilla with subtle sweetness
Why: Specialty drinks with actual thought behind them
Bonus: Menu rotates with creative options
The Purist’s Choice:
Nomad — The Consistent Classic
Nomad-Chicago
820 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60610
MAP
Best for: Perfect straight matcha or latte, every time
If you want matcha and water—nothing fancy, just perfectly executed—Nomad delivers. They use the same exceptional Then & Now matcha from Shogyokuen (via Spirit Tea) as Altar Home, and they care deeply about preparation. This is where you go for that reliable matcha ritual.
Order: Straight matcha with water or a perfectly made latte
Why it works: Consistency and quality. You know exactly what you’re getting.
Worth the Detour:
Allez Cafe — The Interesting One
Allez Café
2239 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
MAP
Best for: Creative matcha drinks + good food
If you have time or you’re in the area, Allez is absolutely worth the visit. They bring something different to the table with interesting specialty drinks and some decent food options to round out the experience.
What to expect: Specialty drinks that go beyond the basic latte
Vibe: Experimental, quality-focused, good food alongside
The Bottom Line
Chicago’s matcha scene? Constantly evolving. But right now, if you want interesting + consistent + quality matcha + made well, these four spots deliver. Short on time? SUGOi Sweets is your one-stop matcha destination—everything from ice cream to upgraded lattes to matcha tins to take home.
What do you think?
Chicago’s matcha scene changes fast. Got other spots doing it right? Found something we missed? Drop us a line—we’re always hunting for the next great matcha experience in the city.
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