Best Places to Read in Chicago This Winter
By Allison Yates
When it comes to finishing a gripping read, any book fiend knows that it doesn’t matter where you are. Be it feral reading on the CTA, as our friend Betsy Tomszak of Books with Betsy calls it, waiting in line for your coffee, or even hidden underneath your desk, the best of books command our attention. But sometimes, even the most feral of among us yearns for the right atmosphere to immerse ourselves in heartbreaking plot lines or dense nonfiction prose.
If you’re looking to read outside your carefully-curated home library, Chicago offers dozens of plush chairs, pillow-filled reading corners, and sunlight-soaked tables to curl up with a good book.
Though at Read & Run Chicago we have our favorites—after all, many of our events take place at some of our favorite spots—we also asked members of Chicago’s bookish community to weigh in. You’ll hear from Bernie of Expand the Classroom, Kaylen of Ladies Who Lit, and more.
Whether you’re looking for the buzz of neighboring voices to lull you into a reading flow or complete silence, here are the best cozy places to read in Chicago this winter.
Harold Washington Library
Neighborhood: Loop
Harold Washington Winter Garden
At the top of this Chicago cultural landmark, the ninth-floor Winter Garden feels like a lush escape from any inclement Chicago climate (and as any Chicagoan knows, we have a lot). Soak up all the natural light in even the darkest days.
Call & Response Books
Neighborhood: Hyde Park
“Visiting Call & Response feels like being in my own personal library. Almost every book on the shelf is one I’d want for my own collection, and it is such a welcoming space to bring a cup of coffee and a book, and sit and read by the window.” —Cynthia Okechukwu, Read & Run Chicago guide and founder of Black Girls Read Book Club.
Lady Gregory’s
Neighborhood: Andersonville
Book Club Run of Temper, March 2022. Photo credit Kyle Nowacyzk.
Readers & runners got comfortable with author Layne Fargo in Lady Gregory’s the book-laden library, complete with a crackling fireplace and warming whiskeys like hot house cinnamon. Want to brave the Chicago winter? Run outside on this self-guided route of Layne Fargo’s Temper and warm up after at Lady Gregory’s.
Dorothy
Neighborhood: West Town
Courtney at Dorothy. Courtesy of Courtney Ruhland.
This sultry underground West Town Lesbian bar serves up quality cocktails and hosts year-round performances, comedy, author talks and panels, and even a monthly Silent Book Club.
“Silent Book Club at Dorothy holds a special place in my heart. It creates a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to enjoy literature in all forms with the choice to silently enjoy a tasty cocktail and each other’s company, or make new friends who share a common interest. “ —Read & Run Chicago guide Courtney Ruhland
Map Room
Neighborhood: Bucktown
Map Room. Credit to Map Room.
“I love reading at dive bars, especially Map Room. It may seem counterintuitive, but the chatter and music help me zone in and make me feel cozy.” — Bernie, founder of Expand the Classroom
Kibbitznest
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Chicago Books & Social Club at Kibbitznest. Courtesy of Chicago Books & Social Club.
“My favorite cozy, indoor reading spot in Chicago is Kibbitznest! I love this community-centered space for its stellar hot chocolate, the library of books and board games, the kindest staff, and that I somehow always discover a new space to curl up and read.” —Iman Haidarzada, founder of Chicago Books & Social Club
Off Color
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Betsy Tomszak reading at Off Color. Courtesy of Betsy Tomszak.
“One of my favorite places to read in Chicago is at Off Color Mousetrap. It’s a super reader-friendly brewery that has lots of fantastic seasonal offerings. It’s never too loud and there’s usually at least one or two other folks reading either at the bar or a table. Also, I host a monthly book club with the taproom manager!” —Betsy Tomszak, host of podcast and book club Books with Betsy
All Together Now
Neighborhood: West Town
Photo taken from AllTogetherNow.Fun.
I love sitting on the small bar by the windows at All Together Now with my current read and a glass of whatever wine their super fun and friendly staff have suggested! Pair that their cheese curds! —Kaylen Ralph, founder of Ladies Who Lit
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Neighborhood: Loop
Read & Run Chicago volunteers and guides at a cozy reading happy hour at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel in January 2025.
Since I started working on events with the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, I’ve spent more time in their hotel lobby—dubbed the “Drawing Room”—than I ever thought. Every time I go, I see people huddled by the fire, reading books, and working remotely in a wildly historic setting.
The Bourgeois Pig Cafe
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
The Bourgeois Pig Cafe, taken from Facebook.
“It’s creaky and moody and ye olde English vibes and cute as f!@#$%. Elderly people are oftentimes reading the newspaper there, and you can also build your own fire in their fire pit outside.” —Read & Run Chicago volunteer Connor Cargill