
We proceed our exploration of the specialty-coffee scene in Nebraska’s capital metropolis.
BY JON FERGUSON
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Featured photograph by Oleg Ivanov
On Monday, we launched 5 of our favourite espresso outlets in Lincoln, Neb., showcasing the ever-expanding world of specialty espresso in Nebraska’s capital metropolis. At the moment, we’ll conclude our Lincoln espresso tour—be a part of us as we spotlight 5 extra visit-worthy cafés.
Reactor Espresso (Clinton)

Inside strolling distance from the Malone Heart, a notable Lincoln nonprofit and group area, you’ll discover Reactor Espresso. The institution was based by Megan Castor, a College of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) pupil who opened up the café earlier than her senior 12 months. Right here, you’ll discover high-quality espresso in a relaxed and heat atmosphere close to the UNL campus: a significant hub for college kids and the encircling group.
Standout choices embody the S’extra Latte and Midnight Mocha. The store additionally options neighboring roasters like Canyon Espresso Roasters, which Lincoln native Gregg Aksamit launched in his storage greater than 20 years in the past—a testomony to the expansion of Lincoln’s specialty-coffee scene over the previous few many years.
Bloom Espresso (Hawley)

Bloom Espresso lately expanded their area to include in-house roasting and extra seating, and the store has rapidly grow to be a well-liked vacation spot for the encircling Hawley neighborhood. The café provides quite a lot of baked items and freshly made waffles, all of which have grow to be an enormous hit amongst the Lincoln group.
The institution can also be only a few blocks away from the favored MoPac Path: the principle bike path by way of Lincoln, which connects the College of Nebraska’s important campus and east campus to the Southeast Group School campus on the japanese fringe of city.


Southeast Group School’s important campus has witnessed fast progress over the previous decade, with the growth of the Nice Plains Culinary Institute funded by a $4.2 million funding within the spring of 2018. This funding included a give attention to the creation of Course Floor Espresso, an affiliate of the full-service, student-run restaurant Course.
Monday by way of Friday, you’ll be able to come into Course Floor Espresso to get pleasure from a cup of joe. The store is situated subsequent to the campus’ important registration workplace and knowledge desk, providing comfortable cubicles and tables together with a pleasant view of their San Franciscan SF-6 roaster.
New Day Espresso + Smoothies (Fallbrook)


Should you’re set on getting farther away from the downtown space of Lincoln, New Day Espresso may be your jam. Situated within the Fallbrook group, simply east of the Lincoln Airport and barely north of the 80 freeway, you’ll discover a breezy, spacious, and alluring ambiance for centered examine periods or gathering with buddies. Along with conventional espresso-based drinks and enjoyable twists on previous favorites, New Day provides actual fruit smoothies, breakfast and lunch choices, and different delectable house-baked goodies.
Zen Espresso Firm (Downtown)


Concluding our listing of must-try Lincoln cafés is Zen Espresso Firm, began by Abby and Ryan McLeay. The institution, a vibrant group hub situated on the heart of downtown Lincoln, provides ample seating and inventive takes on espresso-based drinks—and the store’s “espresso flight” has grow to be a staple for locals.
“(The espresso flight) comes with 4 seven-ounce cups of the shopper’s selection of drinks from our menu,” Abby says. “(Prospects) can do scorching or iced drinks, lattes, scorching chocolate, lemonades, teas. … I feel that is one of the best alternative to strive many choices without delay.” The café additionally provides an array of bakery objects made in-house, together with plenty of candy and savory toast choices.
In Closing
That concludes our listing of our favourite Lincoln espresso outlets—we will’t wait to see how the town’s specialty-coffee scene continues to bloom over the following few years.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jon Ferguson has almost twenty years of expertise throughout numerous aspects of the espresso trade. He believes that with a deeper understanding of apparatus used all through your complete espresso provide chain, we will acquire a deeper respect for the labor and expertise required to remodel fruit seeds into the drinks all of us dearly love.
Subscribe and Extra!
As all the time, you’ll be able to learn Barista Journal in paper or digital format. Learn the February + March 2025 situation free of charge with our digital version.
And for greater than three years’ price of points, go to our digital version archives right here.