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8 Best Coffee Shops in Lincoln, Nebraska to Try Today (2024 Update)

barista preparing coffee in a cafe

If you love coffee, it’s always best to know the top coffee shops in your city, and this is definitely the case when you’re traveling out of town. Not everyone loves going to Starbucks. The long lines, the loud environment, the hectic condiment counter–it can be a lot, especially if you are someone who doesn’t like crowds. If you’re new to the Lincoln area or traveling there for the weekend, you may be wondering what the best coffee spots are. Well, we’ve provided them for you below.

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The 8 Best Coffee Shops in Lincoln, Nebraska

1. The Mill Coffee & Tea

The Mill Coffee & Tea logo

  • 800 P St. 100, Lincoln, NE 68508

The Mill Coffee & Tea is located in Lincoln’s popular Haymarket. It is the ideal place to stop by for a few hours of reading or studying. The Mill offers a variety of specialty and premium coffees, teas, sandwiches, and pastries. They also offer a relaxing outdoor seating area making it a great place to take in the cool Lincoln weather.


2. The Coffee House

  • 1324 P St. Lincoln, NE 68508

The Coffee House is another popular coffee haunt in Lincoln. It’s a fairly large space and is great for stopping by in the morning to read the paper or just hanging out with co-workers or friends. You can find a variety of coffee blends and drinks, and home-baked breakfast items, including their popular “cromelettes”. These tasty little croissant-inspired buns are filled with meat, eggs, and topped with flavorful seasonings.


3. Bagels & Joe

Bagels & Joe logo

  • 215 N. 14th St. Lincoln, Nebraska

Bagels & Joe opened their doors in 2021, and to date, they have three locations in Lincoln. You have several different menu items to order, including specialty coffee blends, branded bagels, as well as breakfast, lunch, and sweet desserts. One of their locations is on the University of Nebraska at Lincoln campus, which is perfect if you’re a student looking for a quiet place to study.


4. Goldenrod Pastries at The Bay

Goldenrod Pastries at The Bay logo

  • 3947 S 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506

This shop is located right off of the Antelope Valley Trail and offers some of the best blends of high-quality coffees that you can find in the city. Goldenrod Pastries at The Bay is more expensive, but their premium blends are well worth every penny. They also have a nice selection of breakfast and lunch items with many gluten-free and vegan options.


5. Cultiva

Cultiva Coffee logo

  • 727 S. 11th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508

Cultiva has three locations in the city (one located downtown) and it’s one of the most popular coffee shops located in the entire state. It’s also a popular destination with students at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. The shop offers both traditional and premium coffee blends and a full breakfast menu that includes pancakes, flavored drinks, teas, crepes, and other specialties. So, whether you’re looking for a quick cup of java or a full breakfast, they’re guaranteed to have something on the menu for you!


6. Crescent Moon

Crescent Moon logo

  • 140 N 8th St. Lincoln, NE 68508

Crescent Moon is the perfect place to relax or stop for a quick cup of coffee before heading to work. The cafe is typically quiet, and local students often frequent it. It has a dark, moody atmosphere that allows you to work quietly, whether alone or with a colleague. Their breakfast menu item includes omelets, crepes, and pastries, and they have a nice variety of different coffee blends and flavored drinks available.


7. Scooter’s Coffee

Scooter’s Coffee logo

  • 6811 O St, Lincoln, NE 68510

This popular local coffee shop was opened in 1998 by its founders, Don and Linda Eckles. With over 20 years of continued success, Scooter’s shops have become one of the biggest coffee brands in Nebraska. You can find coffee, breakfast sandwiches, or flavored drinks at all of their locations. And they also offer drive-thru services and online ordering.


8. The Meadowlark

The Meadowlark logo

  • 1624 South St., Lincoln, NE 68502

The Meadowlark is a fancy coffee shop, event venue, and hangout spot all-in-one. Known for its premium coffee blends, art shows, and tasty pastries, this shop is one of the most popular destinations for both locals and out-of-towners. They offer a wide variety of cold and hot beverages, breakfast and lunch items, specialty blends, and they top it off with 5-star service and a relaxing atmosphere.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re local to Lincoln or just visiting for the holidays or a vacation, you’re sure to find an awesome local coffee spot to enjoy a premium blend. And this list doesn’t include every single coffee haunt in the area, but hopefully, it’ll give you a few great options to consider!


Featured Image Credit: Monkey Business Images, Shutterstock

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Kate MacDonnell

Kate is a lifelong coffee enthusiast and homebrewer who enjoys writing for coffee websites and sampling every kind of coffee known to man. She’s tried unusual coffees from all over the world and owns an unhealthy amount of coffee gear.

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