Drip, flat white, espresso, two pumps of sugar-free vanilla? One of the most famous coffee orders is from Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, a French diplomat who settled on his go-to in the early days of coffee’s arrival in Europe. He wanted it “Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love.”

Takeout 25 and Eats collaborated to collect enthusiasm for 10 favorite cups of joe in the area. “Best” is highly debatable, so these are listed in order of enthusiasm.

1. Whirlwind Coffee Co

513 Madison St., Oak Park

Madeline Khan-Roberts: They serve a decadent cup of cortado. The espresso comes through right at the front and lingers at the end of each sip. I usually get it with oat milk, so the nuttiness really comes through along with the smooth creaminess – makes it feel almost indulgent.

Krysten Fane: frozen cold brew is absolute perfection on a hot summer morning.

2. Addis Cafe

818 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

Kate McFerrin: They have the best Mexican spiced hot chocolate in town!

Ayesha Akhtar: Ayesha latte, aka “rose cardamon lavender.” Kalki and I made that up during the pandemic!

3. Blackout Baking Co

210 S. Marion St., Oak Park

Joan Slanina: They make the best decaffeinated mocha, just the right blend of coffee and chocolate and they offer skim milk.

4. Zemi Coffee Cart

(Varies around Oak Park)

Raul Soto: Their cafe con leche with oat milk because it honors my Cuban roots and abides by my lactose intolerance.

5. Black Fodder Coffee

349 Ashland Ave., River Forest

Kylee Bray: wet cappuccino!

6. Kribi Coffee

(Multiple locations in Oak Park and Forest Park)

Cindy Fellencer: Their brand-new cold brew is amazing! Refreshing and smooth. Summer perfection! My other summertime fav is iced latte with oat milk and cinnamon powder on top. Coffee beans freshly roasted on site and not bitter!

7. Broken Tart

1108 Chicago Ave., Oak Park

Ayesha Akhtar: Oat flat white!

8. Vigo Coffee

1100 Lake St., Oak Park

Lynette Simmons Hoag: Lavender Matcha Latte, when they have it. Their regular matcha latte is pretty delish too.

9. U3 Coffee Roasters

7430 Madison St., Forest Park

Kylee Bray: Brown sugar latte!

10. The Daly Bagel

130 Chicago Ave., Oak Park

Eileen Hopkins D’Ambrogio: Dark Matter Coffee is my absolute favorite! You can grab a cup at Daly Bagel AND buy a bag to bring home! Specifically, their Chocolate City Cold brew will make your whole day better! I also get bags of Dark Matter from YEMBA (a local non-profit that benefits local middle and high school students).