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Best Chicago Businesses With Art Galleries

Would you like some artwork with your lunch or coffee? For those looking for a way to take in artwork, we recommend skipping the art galleries and heading out to one of the many restaurants and cafes in Chicago that display photography, sculptures, painting and more from local artists. Checking out art at local restaurants is also a great way to discover new and emerging artists while having lunch or sipping coffee. The following restaurants and cafes proudly display local art; in addition, some of the artwork is available for sale.

Buzz Cafe
(Credit: Buzz Cafe's facebook)

Buzz Cafe  
905 S. Lombard Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60304
(708) 524-2899
www.thebuzzcafe.com

Buzz Cafe proudly displays local art, with a special emphasis on 'local' as the cafe mainly displays works from artists in Oak Park, River Forest and parts of Chicago. Photography, folk art, sculptures and some vintage items are displayed, and artwork can be displayed for extensive periods of time, with some works on display on the cafe's walls for more than one year. If you like what you see, you can purchase a particular piece. While you're at the cafe, make sure to check out the selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner items, as well as snacks, pastries and a selection of kid-friendly meals.

Cafe Jumping Bean
1439 W. 18th St.
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 455-0019
www.facebook.com/Cafe-Jumping-Bean

Located in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, Cafe Jumping Bean displays a selection of artwork that is rotated every five weeks. The restaurant typically features artwork and photographs, and many of the artists are from the area. The artwork is also available for purchase. Established in 1994, Cafe Jumping Bean is an essential part of the local artwork scene in Pilsen. Are you feeling hungry? In addition to artwork, the restaurant offers a selection of soups, sandwiches, pastries and coffee drinks that are sure to satisfy.

Coffee Studio
(Credit: thecoffeestudio.com)

The Coffee Studio
5628 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 271-7881
www.thecoffeestudio.com

When it comes to displaying local work, The Coffee Studio gets super local and displays artwork from its own baristas, in addition to work from other artists in the area. Paintings, prints and other artwork is typically displayed at the Coffee Studio, and items can be displayed for several months at a time. Customers can also purchase artwork if the artist allows the sale of their work. The coffee shop is located in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood and offers a selection of pastries, baked goods and an assortment of coffee drinks.

Related: Best Local Art Even You Can Afford

Kitchen Sink
1107 W. Berwyn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 944-0592
www.kitchensinkcafe.blogspot.com

If you're in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago, then you should consider checking out Kitchen Sink for its selection of local art, including works by students and emerging artists from the neighborhood and surrounding areas. The cafe usually displays photography or paintings, but it has displayed some ceramics as well. Artists' works are rotated, with each work on display for about two months. You can also purchase the artwork unless the artist says the art is not for sale. While you check out the artwork, you should also grab a bite to eat. Kitchen Sink offers a selection of sandwiches for breakfast and lunch, as well as soup, bagels and breakfast burritos.

Overflow Coffee Bar
1550 S. State St.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 772-2356
www.overflowcoffeebar.org

Overflow Coffee Bar, located in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood, features a collection of artwork by local artists that is rotated every month. "We have displayed photography, stained glass and drawings, and we try to get artists from the South Side," Brandon Neely, co-owner of Overflow Coffee Bar, explained. The artwork is also available for sale, and Neely says the restaurant does not take any commission from the sales. "We want to promote local artists, as it's one of our values. We value creativity and we want to help artists get exposure through receptions," Neely said. Overflow Coffee Bar also offers a selection of coffee drinks, as well as sandwiches, salads, pastries, breakfast items and meals for kids.

Related: Best Up-And-Coming Artists In Chicago

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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