Finding the perfect bagel isn’t just about chewy crusts or creamy spreads… it’s about discovering a spot where every morning feels a little special. Lincoln is sprinkled with bakeries and cafés where the humble bagel gets star treatment, and we’ve rounded up the best of the best.
Let’s get to it.
Bagels & Joe
On any morning in Lincoln, Bagels & Joe feels like the city’s official carb ambassador. Kneading dough and pouring java since 1993, they remain the original bagel and coffee house around town. Their secret? Freshly baked bagels and house-made cream cheese in inventive flavors that keep customers coming back for more.
Coffee aficionados rejoice… every batch is roasted right on-site, so there’s no stale beans or flavorless cups.
The menu doesn’t know when to quit. Breakfast bagel sandwiches share space with paninis and pastries. Gluten-free choices join the fun too, so everyone can find something to love.
The atmosphere is cozy and laid-back. It suits wrangling kids, cranking out emails, or enjoying a book that definitely isn’t work.
Sit inside among friendly chatter, or step outside to soak up a taste of genuine neighborhood mornings. When hunger strikes between six in the morning and two in the afternoon, roll yourself over to Bagels & Joe. Sample the original Lincoln bagel experience.
Braeda Fresh Express Café
Whether it’s sunrise or sunset, Braeda Fresh Express Café welcomes bagel cravings all day long. Open daily from eight until eight, they’ve nailed the art of balancing breakfast and lunch in one friendly spot.
Their bagel lineup covers every mood. Plain for purists, Asiago for cheese lovers, Everything for those who want it all. Spread on strawberry or plain cream cheese… pile on eggs and American cheese for a breakfast sandwich that outlasts your morning emails.
Lunch rolls around with gourmet salads, hearty sandwiches, and soups that feel like a hug. Plus, you’ll spot Miller & Paine® Cinnamon Rolls making a sweet cameo.
The setting is a cozy, family-friendly nook with actually comfortable seats, which feels like a rare find at any coffee shop.
Hungry in a hurry? Dine in for relaxed service, carry out for quick bites, or DoorDash when time is tight. Braeda Fresh Express Café doesn’t judge… it just serves up tasty options whenever hunger calls. Get in on this comfort-food parade here.
Le Quartier Bakery & Café – Meridian Park
Nestled in Meridian Park, Le Quartier Bakery & Café has been turning croissant dreams into reality since 2006. This family-owned bakery offers French-inspired breads and pastries that avoid the cardboard texture trap. Each bite boasts a crispy crust and an airy, weightless crumb you hardly expect from a neighborhood café.
Breakfast centers on sandwiches parked on fresh croissants. A veggie option stands ready to prevent any sandwich envy.
Lunch brings hearty sandwiches like Cuban, chicken salad, and surprisingly suave caramelized cauliflower. The quiche isn’t shy and pairs nicely with house-made soups.
Of course, the pastry case demands attention. From flaky fruit tarts to buttery pain au chocolat, picking just one item can feel impossible.
Coffee lovers aren’t left out. A carefully curated list of espresso drinks rounds out the experience. Friendly staff know your name and usually have a smile at the ready.
Whether you’re working, loafing (pun unavoidable), or corralling kids, this spot has a seat and a snack with your name on it. Dive into their French-flavored menu here.
Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso
At Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso, you’ll find more than just a cup of joe. This Lincoln spot takes coffee seriously, baking bagels in-house before topping them with cream cheese and a full-day breakfast menu designed for those who refuse to stick to rigid egg timelines.
The bagels are a highlight… fresh and chewy, they play perfectly against signature cream cheese spreads. Pair one with a latte and you’ve covered breakfast, lunch, or any meal in between.
Meadowlark doubles as a community living room. Art shows and live music pop up regularly, so you can admire local talent while sipping your drink. The vibe is friendly and welcoming, all about sparking conversations and sharing creative energy.
Social responsibility matters here too. You’ll notice eco-friendly practices woven into day-to-day service, and the staff genuinely enjoys chatting with regulars and newcomers alike.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or lingering for an afternoon of art and conversation, Meadowlark makes coffee, community, and creativity feel like the perfect blend. see what’s brewing at Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso.
Mo Java Cafe
For over a quarter-century, Mo Java Cafe & Roasting Co. has held down its corner in Lincoln. In a world where coffee trends come and go, this spot remains a steadfast favorite with meticulously roasted beans sourced from around the globe.
Bagel lovers unite… the selection runs from classic Asiago and plain to blueberry and more. The menu reads like a tournament of bagel sandwiches: Krab Melt, Cosmic Meltdown, and Chicken Melt top the list. Cream cheese fans will want to meet flavors like Sundried Tomato Basil, Basil Pesto, and Jalapeno.
Non-bagel eaters aren’t left behind. Gluten-free flatbread pizzas and deli sandwiches offer tasty alternatives. Breakfast devotees might opt for Avocado Toast or a comforting plate of Biscuits and Gravy.
The café itself is cozy, family-friendly, and decidedly laid-back. You won’t find a thousand chains here… instead, you’ll discover unique menu items and the kind of personal touch that comes from years of perfecting both coffee roasting and café vibes.
Pull up a chair, order something unexpected, and settle in for a neighborhood experience that feels anything but ordinary. Order a taste of Lincoln’s favorite bagel slingers.
Stauffer’s Cafe & Pie Shoppe
For more than a quarter-century, Stauffer’s Cafe & Pie Shoppe has been Lincoln’s reliable breakfast and lunch destination. In a world where restaurant trends flare up and fade faster than you can say “sourdough starter,” this family-owned spot just keeps serving comfort on a plate.
The menu feels like a cozy morning at grandma’s, with plain bagels and cream cheese ready to kickstart your day. Pancakes, omelets, and homemade cinnamon rolls join the roster, and at lunchtime you’ll find all the classics—from juicy hamburgers and club sandwiches to a tangy Reuben if you’re craving rye.
The atmosphere is refreshingly unfussy. Hop in line at the counter, grab a mug of coffee or tea, and settle into one of Lincoln’s most comforting dining rooms. If you prefer to stay under the radar before noon, delivery will save the day.
And don’t skip the baked goods. Pies, muffins, cinnamon rolls…basically a dream for anyone who lives for fresh-from-the-oven treats. See their menu and hours.
The Chocolate Season • Chocolaterie & Coffee Shop
Amid Lincoln’s hustle, The Chocolate Season • Chocolaterie & Coffee Shop shines as a small-batch haven. Since 2007, this woman-owned, family-run shop has been refining handcrafted chocolates and confections the old-fashioned way. No artificial frills—just pure ingredients and plenty of sweetness.
Their offerings extend beyond truffles and caramels. Bagels are hand-kneaded, boiled, and baked onsite, with options like plain or cinnamon oatmeal. Cream cheese comes dressed up with pesto, veggies, or smoked salmon. Feeling indulgent? Grab a Pesto Veggie or Smoked Salmon Bagel and watch your snack game level up.
Inside, it feels like a friendly neighborhood hangout. There’s a kids’ corner for little ones and a shaded patio for sunny afternoons. Remote workers will appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi, while coffee drinkers will find a solid selection of roasts to power through their day. Try a treat that puts the “art” in artisanal.
The Mill Coffee and Tea
Stepping into The Mill Coffee and Tea feels like finding a hidden corner of your neighborhood. This spot pulls off a rare balancing act… a classic coffeehouse vibe with a menu that never feels dated.
Bagel lovers will be pleased by Everything, Plain, and Multigrain options. Sandwiches get a gourmet twist—prosciutto and goathorn peppers share the stage with more familiar Midwest flavors. Gluten-free and vegan friends aren’t an afterthought here; there are solid choices that go beyond a lone lettuce leaf.
Open bright and early every day, The Mill welcomes weekend brunch seekers, remote workers with laptops, and anyone just needing a quality cup of coffee. They may list coffee second in the name, but locals know it’s front and center in this cozy, unpretentious spot. See what’s brewing (and baking) at The Mill.
