It would barely be an exaggeration to say that Hogsalt is my main source of sustenance in Chicago. In fact, on any given day in Chicago, you’ll likely find me here, at 3 Greens Market. With a cup of hot coffee, my laptop and notes scattered around me, looking a little too comfortable.

In my defense, it’s easy to get comfortable here. Tucked away in a more quiet block of River North behind Merchandise Mart, 3 Greens Market is a hybrid cafe-restaurant-lounge-market that is my happy place in this city. On one side there’s a cafe/bar with Doughnut Vault doughnuts (and other sweets pastries), surrounded by couches, communal tables and cozy nooks, the wifi password plastered on the back wall, a “Welcome” sign for the digital age. On the other side, there’s a quality salad bar and hot food buffet, where you can weigh out a snack or a full brunch or dinner. Or, if you’re feeling indulgent, you can treat yourself to a Small Cheval burger. All without ever having to unplug.

It’s a strange place, where everyone feels like a regular, where the service is friendly, but not in-your-face familiar kind of friendly. On a rainy day, or (shudder) on a winter day, you can get cozy and camp out all day. You can trust you’ll stay caffeinated without getting hungry or running out of battery or feeling judged by a snarky barista, a luxury other cities can’t seem to afford.