Best of 18 coffee shops in Lincoln Square
Lincoln Square, a charming neighborhood in Chicago, is home to a variety of coffee shops that cater to coffee lovers and casual drinkers alike. These coffee shops in Lincoln Square offer a cozy atmosphere, specialty drinks, and pastries, making them the perfect spot for remote work, meetings, or relaxation. With a range of options from independent roasters to popular chains, there is a coffee shop in Lincoln Square for every taste and preference.
- 1. Oromo Cafe Lincoln Square in Lincoln Square
- 2. City Skyline Chicago - Coffee Lounge
- 3. Geraldine's
- 4. The Perfect Cup in Lincoln Square
- 5. Cafe Utjeha
- 6. Groundswell Coffee Roasters
- 7. Spoken Cafe
- 8. Sweet Moon
- 9. The Green Post
- 10. Starbucks in Lincoln Square
- 11. Beans & Bagels
- 12. The Book Cellar
- 13. Dunkin'
- 14. Backlot Coffee
- 15. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
- 16. Ka Cafe
- 17. Cafe Mas
- 18. Sparta Coffee Shop
1. Oromo Cafe Lincoln Square in Lincoln Square
Family-owned and operated, featuring traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies

Nestled in Lincoln Square, Oromo Cafe stands out as a jewel among coffee shops. Its unique lattes and homemade nut milks are popular choices for many visitors. The menu offers an array of specialty drinks, such as the Turkish coffee, that are carefully crafted and full of flavor.
Gluten-free options are also abundant at Oromo Cafe, making it a great spot for those with dietary restrictions. The welcoming and cozy atmosphere attracts both locals and tourists alike. Overall, Oromo Cafe is widely recognized as one of the top coffee shops in the area, boasting delicious offerings and an inviting ambience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
2. City Skyline Chicago - Coffee Lounge
Offers vegan and gluten-free options, Hosts events and live music

A newly opened woman-owned coffee shop in Lincoln Square was visited, where the owner, Maria, was knowledgeable and attentive to the customer's preferences. The interior of the shop was charming and unique, with specialty drinks that caught the eye. However, the iced almond milk latte did not meet expectations.
Despite the disappointment with the iced latte, there is an intention to give the coffee shop another chance and try out other items on the menu. The seasonal flavors and customization options were impressive, suggesting that there are other drinks or food items that could be worth trying. The friendly and helpful service from the owner was a positive aspect of the experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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3. Geraldine's
Rotating selection of single-origin beans, Friendly and knowledgeable staff

Parking in the area around Geraldine's coffee shop can be challenging, but the difficulty of finding a parking spot is worth it once you experience the delightful offerings of this coffee shop. Geraldine's is a hidden gem that serves excellent muffins and scones. The blueberry muffins are a standard offering, but unique flavors like apple and cheddar are also available, providing variety and excitement for customers.
The French toast at Geraldine's is a must-try menu item. Its delicious taste and high quality make it a popular choice among customers. It is a perfect combination of crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior that leaves a delightful impression on the palate. Geraldine's attention to detail and commitment to quality make this coffee shop a standout in the neighborhood, making it a destination worth seeking out despite the parking challenges.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
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4. The Perfect Cup in Lincoln Square
Rotating selection of single-origin coffees, Sustainable and fair-trade practices

The Perfect Cup is a coffee shop located in a neighbor hood, reputed to be the best in the city. Its charm lies in its cozy atmosphere and welcoming staff. The shop offers a wide range of coffee choices, attracting a loyal following of coffee lovers.
The coffee shop's popularity is attributable to its comfortable ambiance, making it an ideal place for people to relax and enjoy a great cup of coffee. The knowledgeable and friendly baristas engage with customers, contributing to the shop's hospitable environment. Moreover, The Perfect Cup's extensive coffee selection caters to diverse tastes and preferences, further enhancing its appeal to coffee enthusiasts.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
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5. Cafe Utjeha
Offers vegan and gluten-free options, cozy atmosphere with fireplace

Cafe Utjeha is a charming local spot that boasts a simple and elegant atmosphere, allowing for plenty of natural light. The cafe is well-known for its excellent service, provided by friendly staff members, and affordable prices, making it a popular destination for meetings, conversations, or studying. One of the standout features of Cafe Utjeha is its delicious and fresh desserts, which are a favorite among customers.
In addition to its desserts, Cafe Utjeha also serves excellent coffee, including specialty options like Turkish coffee and white chocolate ice latte. The cafe's welcoming atmosphere makes it feel like a home away from home, with many customers returning again and again for the great food, drink, and service. The cafe also offers the convenience of an outdoor patio, providing a comfortable space for customers to enjoy their drinks and desserts while taking in the fresh air.
TOPICS
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
- Hidden Gems
6. Groundswell Coffee Roasters
Sustainable and fair-trade coffee sourcing

This coffee shop stands out as a great spot to hang out, known for its inviting atmosphere, top-notch coffee, and friendly baristas. It successfully combines the charm of a neighborhood coffee shop with a strong commitment to providing high-quality drinks.
The establishment takes its coffee seriously, ensuring a perfect balance between being a neighborhood favorite and a place that meticulously crafts its beverages. The baristas are not only friendly but also skilled at making delicious drinks that keep customers coming back for more.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- American Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Happy Hours
7. Spoken Cafe
Offers coffee classes and tastings, collaborates with local roasters

The sandwiches at this establishment are a must-try, with a varied and tempting menu that promises delicious and high-quality food. The ingredients used are top-notch, and the sandwiches themselves showcase a delightful inventiveness that is sure to impress. In addition to the food, there is also a good selection of drinks to choose from.
This place goes above and beyond when it comes to customer service and attention to detail. The staff are not only kind and welcoming, but they also take a environmentally and Covid-conscious approach to their work. For those with dietary restrictions, there are plenty of delicious gluten-free options to choose from. The standout for many is the breakfast sandwich on gluten-free focaccia, which is said to be absolutely delicious. The baker at this establishment is truly talented, and it shows in every bite.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Italian Cuisine
- Dinner
- Happy Hours
8. Sweet Moon
Comfortable ambience, caters to digital nomads, offers vegan options

The atmosphere of this place is truly tranquil and stunning, making it an ideal spot for focused work or studying. High cemodern design, combined with natural light and comfortable seating, creates a soothing environment.
The coffee and pastries served here are highly acclaimed. The dark chocolate and almond croissant, in particular, are customer favorites. These delicious treats, along with the high-quality coffee, make for a delightful culinary experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
9. The Green Post
Sustainable practices, community events, and local art displays

The food served at The Green Post was delicious, making for a positive dining experience. However, there were a couple of issues that prevented a higher rating. Firstly, the establishment's website and description present it as a welcoming spot to watch soccer matches.
During the first visit to The Green Post, the reviewer had a great time, especially thanks to their outstanding waitress, Savanah. Unfortunately, these positive aspects were overshadowed by other factors, resulting in a less satisfactory overall impression.
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TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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10. Starbucks in Lincoln Square
Offers a rewards program for frequent customers, serves food and baked goods

Starbucks is known for its coffee, but in this particular location, it's the efficient and friendly service that stands out. The staff are consistently pleasant, making it a great place to grab a cup of coffee. If you're able to snag a seat by the front window, you'll be treated to some people-watching along with your drink. The pastries are fresh and the coffee is hot and strong, adding to the overall positive experience.
In summary, while the coffee itself may not be the main draw, the excellent service and comfortable seating area make this Starbucks a great option for a hot cup of coffee and a pastry. The freshness of the pastries and the strength of the coffee are also noteworthy, making it a well-rounded experience for customers.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Late Night
11. Beans & Bagels
Offers gluten-free and vegan options

Beans & Bagels is a local grab-and-go restaurant that offers a limited selection of solid food options, with a focus on bagels. The restaurant is well-known for its bagels, but its lack of a sit-down cafe and limited coffee options have been cited as drawbacks by some customers. One unique feature of Beans & Bagels is their homemade black bean hummus topping for bagels. However, some customers have expressed a desire for dairy-free cream cheese. On the positive side, everything at Beans & Bagels is made in-house, and they even offer homemade oat milk.
The absence of a wider coffee selection and a sit-down cafe at Beans & Bagels has been noted by some customers, but there are still positive aspects to the restaurant. They offer a unique black bean hummus topping for bagels, and while some may wish for dairy-free cream cheese, the fact that everything is homemade is appreciated. Additionally, the restaurant's commitment to zero waste is evident in their use of homemade oat milk. Overall, while there are some areas that could be improved, Beans & Bagels offers a solid selection of bagels and homemade toppings for customers on-the-go.
TOPICS
- Breakfast
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
12. The Book Cellar
Independent bookstore with a cozy coffee shop vibe

The Book Cellar is a unique bookstore that also houses a cafe and wine bar, providing a cozy and relaxing atmosphere for customers. The store's selection of books may require some improvement, but the staff is friendly and helpful, making the shopping experience enjoyable. The fact that good wines are served while browsing is a nice touch, and it sets the Book Cellar apart from other bookstores. Additionally, the store is not a chain and has a charming, small-town feel, reminiscent of an old bookstore from one's childhood.
Located in Lincoln Square, the Book Cellar is surrounded by several other cafes, shops, and restaurants, making it a hotspot for visitors. The store hosts a variety of events such as book clubs, meet the authors, and children's events, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for the community. The Book Cellar's combination of books, food, and events makes it an excellent place to relax, meet new people, and discover new authors. Whether you're a resident or a tourist, the Book Cellar is definitely worth a visit.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
13. Dunkin'
Serves Dunkin's famous coffee and donuts, Drive-thru available

The coffee shop is a popular spot for families, with customers often bringing their children for a treat. The donuts are a particular favorite among the younger customers. Despite the popularity of the coffee and donuts, the shop has received low ratings. It seems the late-night service is not up to par with the morning service.
During the mornings, there is usually no line and the staff is efficient at taking orders. They even start preparing orders before customers reach the counter, making the process smooth and quick. However, it appears that the quality of service drops during the late-night hours. It is unclear what is causing the difference in service between the two times of day, but the contrast is notable.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Mid-Range
14. Backlot Coffee

We strive daily to surprise our guests with kindness. We want Backlot Coffee to be the place you go to meet your neighbors, your local coffee shop. Thank you for your support, you can find us on Central Street in Evanston and in the Old Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago. 2006 Central Street, Evanston, IL 847.859.21443982 N Avondale Avenue, Chicago, IL 773.657.3797
TOPICS
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
15. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Uses real fruit and superfoods in their smoothies

This establishment is an excellent spot to enjoy smoothies. The drinks are delicious and satisfy those seeking a healthy option. However, the atmosphere falls short of a typical coffee shop experience.
Despite the lack of coffee shop vibes, the smoothies continue to be a standout feature. Whether looking for a quick drink or a healthier alternative, this place ticks all the boxes. Nonetheless, it would be even better if the ambiance was more in line with a traditional coffee shop.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
16. Ka Cafe
This woman-owned, eco-friendly cafe supports local artists and makers, and offers a selection of used books for sale.

The coffee shop has a warm and relaxed ambiance that some customers appreciate as cozy and pleasant, while others find it a bit dingy. Despite this, the overall atmosphere of the shop is welcoming and enjoyable.
The staff in the coffee shop are friendly and knowledgeable about the various blends of coffee they offer. Customers consistently comment on the great quality of the coffee, which is reasonably priced. The coffee shop's offerings go beyond just the basics, with different blends that cater to a variety of tastes.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
17. Cafe Mas

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegan Options
18. Sparta Coffee Shop

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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