Winter in Lincoln calls for steaming mugs, cozy corners, and flavors that hug you from the inside out. Skip the chains—these local spots serve personality, warmth, and caffeine that hits just right.
Rebel Hen Cafe: Where “Local” Isn’t Just a Buzzword
Location: Old Town Lincoln
Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 4 PM
This isn’t just a coffee shop—it’s a love letter to Lincoln. Rebel Hen’s scratch kitchen churns out fresh pastries daily, and their coffee? Roasted just down the road in Auburn by Remedy Supply Co. Try a latte with house-made syrups (think vanilla bean or spiced honey), or go rogue with one of their 10+ loose-leaf teas.
Pro tip: Their online ordering system means you can grab a peppermint mocha without leaving your car. Menu standouts:
- Iced Coffee that somehow still tastes like a campfire hug
- Chai Latte so creamy you’ll forget it’s 45° outside
- Breakfast sandwiches that will make you cancel lunch plans
SF Bay Coffee at Gateway: Dark Roast Devotees, Unite!
Location: 110 Gateway Drive, Suite 100
Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 4 PM
Don’t let the unassuming strip mall location fool you—this place is a caffeine sanctuary. They’re pouring San Francisco Bay’s cult-favorite beans, including the Extra Dark Italian roast that regulars swear could power a snowplow. Winter specials:
- Gateway Galentines: A pink-hued latte with raspberry syrup (yes, it’s Instagram-ready)
- Doppio Shots pulled so smooth they’ll ruin Starbucks for you
- Hazelnut Creme Coffee that doubles as dessert
Fun fact: Their Colombian blend converted a loyal cream-and-sugar user into a black-coffee purist.
Brood Coffee: For When You Need to Adult… But Not Too Hard
Location: 110 Gateway Drive, Suite 100
Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 4 PM
Sharing a wall with SF Bay Coffee (yes, really—caffeine row!), Brood is where you go when you want your coffee strong and your vibes stronger. Exposed brick meets mismatched mugs here, with baristas who remember your usual by visit #2. Must-tries:
- Spiced Caramel Latte (tastes like Christmas morning)
- A cold brew that could wake a hibernating bear
- Avocado toast that’s actually worth $9
East Ave Cafe: The Early Bird’s Playground
Location: 701 East Avenue
Hours: 6 AM – 3 PM, Monday-Saturday
While you’re still debating hitting snooze, East Ave’s regulars are already on their second cup. This no-frills spot opens before sunrise, serving truckers, nurses, and anyone who thinks 6 AM is a reasonable hour. Their syrup rack looks like a candy store:
- Peppermint mochas that’ll clear your sinuses
- Sugar-free coconut latte for the New Year’s resolution crowd
- Butterscotch steamers that taste like liquid Werther’s
Pair anything with their jalapeño-cheddar bagel—the kind of spicy-savory combo that makes winter mornings tolerable.
Why Bother With Your Kitchen?
Lincoln’s coffee scene isn’t just about caffeine—it’s about sticky cinnamon rolls shared over gossip, baristas who know your dog’s name, and finding that one corner table where your latte stays hot for exactly 23 minutes. Let these spots handle the brewing this winter while you handle the sipping.
Sources: rebelhencafe.com, sfbaycoffee.com, broodcoffee.co, eastavecafe.com
Header Image Source: Julia Florczak on Unsplash
