Best Coffee Shops in Lincoln Nebraska

Located in  800 P St. Lincoln, NE 68508

Phone: 402-475-5522

Web page

The Mill Coffee & Tea is a small-batch craft coffee roaster, espresso bar and tea house located in Lincoln, Nebraska since 1975.
Like all good stories, the details of The Mill’s origins vary depending on who’s telling the story. What we do know is that during a bitter Nebraska winter in the mid 1970’s the folks at a local bike shop had an idea. The everyday “shop” coffee they served left much to be desired, so why not improve on it and at the same time generate a bit of cold weather revenue for the small bicycle shop? This quest turned into something of an obsession and soon their “shop” coffee was causing quite the stir. To these bicycle shop guys, this highlighted a distinct lack of gourmet quality coffee in Lincoln, and coupled with the increasing popularity of their coffee, they decided to open a small gourmet coffee and tea store adjacent to the bike shop. Thus began the first version of what we know as The Mill.

As The Mill grew over the ensuing years they moved into a larger location a few blocks north of the bike shop. Some years later when that building was slated for demolition to make way for a big, new bank and parking garage they moved into an old brick warehouse in the yet-to-be developed historic Haymarket district of downtown Lincoln. That was in 1988. Now, with much more room to work, a coffee roaster was purchased and The Mill began roasting its own coffee right in the store. Tables, chairs, coffee brewers and an espresso machine were added to the mix and Lincoln’s first true espresso bar / coffee house was born. A number of renovations and expansions have happened over the following twenty-four years, but The Mill is still serving coffee in that warehouse, and the guys (now world class coffee roasters and top shelf baristas) keep striving to make it better. This is one of the best coffee shops in Lincoln Nebraska and they have expanded to other locations throughout the city.

Located in 140 N 8th St, Lincoln, NE 68508

Phone: 402-435-2828

Web Page

Locally owned and operated Crescent Moon Coffee has been at home in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket district since 2001. They serve a variety of single origin and locally roasted coffees, loose leaf teas, espresso specialty drinks, craft beer, wine and cocktails. In addition, their extensive menu offers made-to-order crepes, panini sandwiches, and a variety of pastries. Crescent Moon supports local and regional musicians and artists, including the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Lincoln. Past artists have included The Mezcal Brothers, John Walker & The New Hokum Boys, Jack Hotel, The Bottle Tops, The Dirty Low Dogs, and Swing 105. Check out their event page for a list of upcoming performances and booking information. This is one of the Best Coffe Shops in Lincoln Nebraska.

Located in 1324 P St, Lincoln, NE 68508

Phone: 402-477-6611

As a locally owned and operated business, Their food, coffee and teas are made from scratch daily by their friendly baristas and baker!. They offer a range of espresso & coffee drinks in a chill cafe with a quiet area and decor as eclectic as their staff and customers.

Nebraska Realty

Located in 2649 N 48th St, Lincoln, NE 68504

Phone: 402-464-4130

Their story starts with one man’s passion for strong coffee and an even stronger community. Paul Marshall opened the doors to Mo Java Cafe and Roasting Co. back in 1994 when he was just 26 years and he has been honing his coffee-roasting craft and connecting with customers ever since. Over the years, Paul has grown his business from the ground up, doing many of the renovations himself and adding new recipes and signature cocktails to the menu, all while maintaining the casual atmosphere that drew people in at the beginning. He knocked down walls and built up tables and his small coffee shop evolved with hard work and over time into coffee shop meets restaurant meets cocktail bar and a Friday night concert venue to boot! Today, you might see Paul toying with recipes in the kitchen (he’s been known to give samples to customers!), restocking the shelves with still-hot coffee beans, or sharing his goofy sense of humor and a little bit of Mo Java history with anyone who stops by.

Located in 727 S 11th St, Lincoln, NE 68508

Phone: 402-435-1133

They are a coffee roastery founded in 2004 in Lincoln, NE. They expanded to three shops in 2015, and their two cafés offer delicious brunch options along with beautiful caffeinated beverages. Cultiva Labs is their coffee roastery, featuring an espresso bar. It also houses their bean-to-bar chocolate operation, Sweet Minou, the first business of its kind in Nebraska.

They also have a 2nd location on the UNL East Campus 3535 Holdrege #130

Located in 5025 Lindberg St, Lincoln, NE 68516

Phone: 531-500-4684

In the early 1990s, the Rock ‘n’ Joe brand was inspired by two things: the growing popularity of specialty coffees and sandwiches among American consumers, and rock music and memorabilia. Envision a cafe where people would gather to enjoy first-rate coffee, outstanding sandwiches, and delicious pastries in a cozy and laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of an exclusive backstage lounge. In 1993, that vision became a reality with the opening of the first Rock ‘n’ Joe in New Jersey. Legendary rock music filled the air, colorful album covers lined the walls, and the coffeehouse and bistro was an immediate success. The popularity of that first location quickly attracted interest from franchisees eager to play a role in expanding the business.

Located in 1624 South St, Lincoln, NE 68502

Phone: 402-470-0391

Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso opened its doors on Earth Day, April 22nd 2005.

The original owners, Adam Hintz and Nathan Simpson wanted to help develop the burgeoning community on South street, by giving the near south region a crossroads to meet and chat. Serving all organic, fair trade and shade grown coffee, Meadowlark focuses on becoming a sustainable business. All of their coffee and tea is made with purified water, for enhanced flavor and quality.

That same vision carries on today. New owners purchased the business recently and continue to provide a welcoming gathering place.

Their pastries, desserts, and sandwiches are locally made to keep the dollars spent in Lincoln. Occupying a storefront on the edge of downtown and near south neighborhood provides an ideal location for people of all walks of life to gather.

Located in 5022 Old Cheney Rd #3, Lincoln, NE 68516

Phone: 402-421-1122

How The Coffee Roaster Came to Be

In 1995, Gary Karnes set off on a search for better coffee. Frustrated with the burnt, bitter beans he often found throughout Lincoln, Nebraska, he took matters into his own hands and headed straight to the source of the nation’s most up-and-coming roasting methods: Corvallis, Oregon. Michael Sivetz, the founder of air-roasted coffee himself, took Gary under his wing and taught him how to craft the perfect cup every time.

With a new, cutting-edge technique under his belt and a refreshed entrepreneurial spirit, Gary returned to Lincoln and opened his own facility, aptly named The Coffee Roaster. For years, he provided the people of Lincoln and its surrounding areas with the ability to brew customized coffee with high-quality, air-roasted beans. Gary passed his knowledge and passion down to his daughter, Sam, and her husband, Vince, in 2014.

Together, they’ve rebranded the company and launched it into the digital age. With a modern vision and fresh ideas, Sam and Vince are proud to serve their coffee to satisfied customers throughout the United States, and will continue to do so until the next generation is ready to take on the family business.