• Where is Lincoln, Nebraska located?
    • Lincoln, Nebraska, is nestled in America’s heartland.
  • What makes Lincoln's coffee scene special?
    • Lincoln is home to some of the best coffee shops in the country.
  • Should visitors explore Lincoln's coffee shops?
    • Yes! Whether you live in Lincoln or are just passing through, a visit to one of its many coffee shops is a must.

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1. Bagels & Joe


Savor fresh bagels and enjoy an easy morning coffee stop with friends.

Bagels & Joe

© Bagels & Joe

Bagels and Joe in Southeast Lincoln is the city’s first independent bagel shop, open since 1993. The ambience is modern and welcoming with a neutral color palette, wood floors, and contemporary furnishings. The shop serves Canyon Coffee Roasters coffees exclusively and sells coffees by the bag too. Bagels and Joe serves a memorable variety of hot and cold coffees and teas. Guests can also expect over a dozen kinds of bagels with a wide choice of hand-blended cream cheeses. Fresh fruit smoothies, lemonade fusions, and iced teas are also on the menu, along with an assortment of salads and sandwiches. Bagels and Joe opens daily at 6 a.m.

4701 Old Cheney Road, Lincoln, NE, Phone: 402-423-7797

2. Crescent Moon Coffee


Sip craft brews and admire local art in a cozy, affordable hangout.

Crescent Moon Coffee

© Crescent Moon Coffee

Crescent Moon Coffee in Lincoln has been a local fixture in historic Haymarket for nearly two-decades. This expansive, underground coffee shop offers patrons a comfortable urban hideaway with industrial style ceilings and exposed brick walls. The coffee shop also hosts local artists and musicians on a slightly elevated stage, including open mic nights for writers. They have an extensive menu of food items, like homemade soups, panini sandwiches, and delectable crepes. Crescent Moon features an array of hot and iced drinks. Some of the offerings include fruit smoothies, espresso shakes, a daily brew, and blended cocoa. Hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., except Sundays when they open at 9 a.m. and close at 10 p.m.

140 North 8th Street, Lincoln, NE, Phone: 402-435-2828

3. Cultiva Labs


Taste bold espresso and enjoy a quick, exciting stop for coffee lovers.

Cultiva Labs

© Cultiva Labs

For the ultimate connoisseur of coffee and chocolate, there is no better place than Cultiva Labs in Lincoln. This quaint amarillo colored building is home to the roasting operation of Cultiva. With only a smattering of tables indoors by the large windows and two-picnic styled tables outdoors, this cozy space is truly for those who want a better cup of coffee than the usual diner and for a great piece of decadent chocolate. With no formal kitchen here, Cultiva Labs offers diners a handful of tasty goodies. Their aromatic coffees are sourced from countries like Costa Rica, Columbia, and Nicaragua.

2510 Randolph Street, Lincoln, NE, Phone: 402-975-2664

4. LaMar's Donuts and Coffee


Grab sweet donuts and enjoy a cheap, satisfying treat with the kids.

LaMar's Donuts and Coffee

© LaMar's Donuts and Coffee

Spanning five states and 25 stores, LaMar’s Donuts and Coffee in Lincoln offers patrons at least 48 different kinds of donuts. The interior design of this mom and pop shop features tile floors, floor to-ceiling windows, and recessed lighting. The spacious interior also has wooden tables and chairs, large display cases, and high stools, which are perfect for looking out the windows. Opening every morning at 4 a.m. except on Sunday (5 a.m.), LaMar’s bakers are up even earlier to start on the fresh-baked goods that are sold here. Besides the mouthwatering donuts, the shop offers fresh, piping hot coffee and refreshing cold drinks.

1601 Q Street Suite F, Lincoln, NE, Phone: 402-477-5554

5. Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso


Relax with a warm drink and explore a laid-back, retirement-friendly café scene.

Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso

© Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso

Reopening under new ownership in 2017, Meadowlark Coffee and Espresso in Lincoln has brought back community and a hometown feeling to this establishment. The interior of this venue offers patrons a place of cheerfulness with bright colored walls, blonde wood tables and chairs, and suspended lights. The interior also has hardwood floors, large, leather couches and chairs, and a row of bookshelves stacked with books, games, and magazines. Open daily at 6 a.m., Meadowlark serves breakfast, and sandwiches and soup at lunch. Meadowlark serves sustainable organic coffee to ensure every cup is responsibly sourced.

1624 South Street, Lincoln, NE, Phone: 402-470-0391

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