The thing about Chicagoans, especially the young professional ones, is that they all tend to congregate in the same pockets around the city. Considering the size of the city, thanks to synchronized lifestyle patterns, you are unbelievably likely to run into someone you know, whether you like it or not. On days when you would rather keep to yourself, it’s important to have a few hideaways kept safely in your mental catalogue. For me, one of my go-to hideaways is Elaine’s Coffee Call.

Elaine’s Coffee Call is the perfect place to plop down with your laptop and get some work done in peace on any given weekday. Sheltered in the lobby of Hotel Lincoln, right across the street from Lincoln Park, the cafe is preciously peaceful when the rest of the city is sitting at a 9-5 desk somewhere in the Loop. It’s not glamorous, it’s not Starbucks. It’s cozy, quaint, neighborly, though still a part of the oh so trendy Boka Group. It’s a safe distance away from downtown, but close enough to justify a trek out to enjoy some peace and quiet. And when you’re ready to be social, just head up to J Parker for drinks with a view.