Café Chronicles: Sip by Sip through the Coffee Houses in Lincoln

by Cynthia Peterson

The Capitol City is speckled with wonderful coffee shops including many Starbucks, New Day, the Mill and Scooter’s locations, plus newcomer 7 Brew (drive up only). Whether you’re in search for a quick cup of coffee or a cozy spot to rest for a few hours and get some work done, the capital city is speckled with spots to fuel your addiction. 

The Mill Coffee & Tea (www.millcoffee.com), has four wonderful shops that are extremely popular in Lincoln and now one in Omaha. The original is in the Haymarket at 800 P Street, and the newest in the Telegraph District at 330 S. 21st Street. Those two, plus a shop on UNL’s Innovation Campus and one near Union College, all feature traditional coffee and espresso drinks, a large assortment of teas and snacks, all in a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The Mill is a hip space that offers indoor and outdoor seating plus free Wi-Fi. These Lincoln favorites are busy day and night.  

Since opening in 1987, The Coffee House (www.thecoffeehouselnk.com), 1324 P Street, has remained a very cool, locally owned coffee shop that prides itself on quick service, delicious homemade pastries and many vegan and vegetarian options. The Coffee House is on the edge of the UNL City Campus and appeals to a wide demographic.  

New Jersey-based Rock ’n’ Joe Coffee at 5025 Lindberg Street (www.rocknjoe.com) is also a great place for lunch; wine or beer in the evenings (and, on occasion, music).

New Day Coffee & Smoothies now has four locations, their first one located at 4131 Pioneer Woods Drive (www.newday.cafe/). The owners, Mark and Jenny say, “Our mission is to be a grace-filled atmosphere that cultivates the hope and expectations of each NEW DAY!”

Gratitude Café & Bakery has that small-town feel. Located at 1551 N. Cotner Boulevard (www.gratitudecafebakery.com) in a historic old bank building. The scones are beyond compare.  

Cultiva Coffee (www.cultivacoffee.com), 2510 Randolph Street, 727 S. 11th Street and 3535 Holdrege Street, is a café and micro-roastery. Along with world-class coffee and espresso, Cultiva whips up delicious crepes with a variety of toppings and sauces. 

If you are near Nebraska Wesleyan University, Mo Java Café and Roasting Co., 2649 N. 48th Street (www.mojava.net), is a great place to grab a cup of fair-trade organic coffee or surf the web. The pizza and sandwiches are worth mentioning, too. 

Crescent Moon (www.crescentmooncoffee.com), 140 N. 8th Street, has been in the Haymarket for over 20 years. They also serve beer and wine and, in the mornings, great crepes. 

Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso, 1624 South Street (www.meadowlarkcoffee.org), has served organic, fair-trade coffee since 2005, and all its food is locally sourced. The pastries are delicious, as are the daily soup specials. They also host live music, poetry and art shows for their many loyal customers.

The Harbor Coffeehouse, 1265 S. Cotner Boulevard (www.harborcoffeehouse.com), is a favorite in the Piedmont neighborhood and now there’s a Haymarket location, too. It’s a great place to meet friends or customers. 

Bagels & Joe had been locally owned and operated since 1993 (www.bagelsandjoe.com). You can find them at multiple places in the city.    

The Chocolate Season (www.thechocolateseason.com) at 3855 Village Lane. While they specialize in handmade chocolates and confection, they have a full espresso bar, too. Chocolate!

It’s all up to you now…discover your own favorite place to get caffeinated in Lincoln—multiple favorites are allowed. Enjoy!