The best scones in the world! Also such smooth coffee!!! A definite must for your energy needs
David Shih
There are a ton of coffee shops in downtown Evanston. But this place is never too crowded or busy. And the coffee is pretty good.
Kaylee G.
I used to come to Unicorn all the time, have always enjoyed its homey, slightly run down yet endearing atmosphere. For the nostalgia of it being a place I always liked, I give it two instead of one star. Unfortunately I will not be returning any time soon, because I had a very rude experience with the woman who owns the place just this morning. I came in with my phone and computer low battery and wanted to get a jumpstart charging pre-ordering banana bread from the bar. As I sat down and proceeded to plug in my phone, the woman who works there ran up to me and said that I could not have outside food and drink in the cafe-- totally fair, I can understand this, and I had a kombucha in a bottle sitting on the table. So I poured it into my water bottle, and proceeded to set up my computer (at this point I had been there for 2 minutes, max). The woman proceeds to shake her head at me disdainfully, raises her voice from behind the bar, and sassily says, "you need to buy something if you are going to stay here". At this point, multiple people turn their heads to see this commotion she is making, at which point I am mortified because I was going to buy some banana bread, I always do, I am somewhat of a regular, and she is raising her voice at me like that after I have been there for a handful of minutes. Needless to say, I packed up my things, told her that I am a regular and this was incredibly disappointing, to which she said, "sorry, don't be offended" and to which I walked out. Honestly one of the more abrasive experiences I've ever had in a coffee shop... so disappointing. I was rooting for you too, Unicorn!
Naomi Jaroslaw
The nicest staff of any coffee shop ever!! Super adorable atmosphere with an amazing, decently priced atmosphere. I’m from Brooklyn where hipster staff treat it as if it is a privilege to get to eat there and this was the complete opposite. I highly recommend!
David Hartmann
Great coffees and homemade pastries. Wonderful ambience.
william harrison
The Unicorn Cafe has superb coffee, baked goods, and genuine New York bagels. One feels welcome to a very comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. The owner, Jessica, pulls it all together. My grandson:"loves it."
Carter Liebman
I absolutely adore Unicorn’s staff, atmosphere, and coffee, but there’s one thing that always sticks out to me: it’s super humid. I don’t know if it’s a factor of the space or the a/c not being run, but as soon as the shop gets busy the windows fog up and it gets sticky. It definitely can make it hard to stick around and enjoy.
Taeil Kwak
The host is lovely. The vibe is very relaxing and comfortable.
Del H
Rustic, funky styled cafe with all manner of sweet treats and coffees and teas. Hippie bistro in the heart of Evanston.
Serious sanitary concerns. I visited Unicorn Cafe in November 2019 and I was shocked by how poorly the store was maintained. While I was waiting in line I witnessed flies flocking on a croissant at the bar. I used to like this cafe but the store is not maintained properly anymore. The store is always too damp and has a distinctly unpleasant smell.
Jane
The moca's taste is not quite good, worse than Starbucks. Music is loud, place is crowded, noisy. It's not a good spot for reading or thinking alone, only good for a chat maybe. Disappointed.
Scott Schmaren
Cute coffee shop in the heart of Evanston. Great atmosphere to study, work or for conversation. My tea was great, loose leaf and bagged to order. This is a great little coffee shop and I highly recommend it.
Terry L. Applebaum
Terrific beverages, panini, bagels and sweets. Welcoming owner and staff. Good place to meet, read or study.
Tom Gebarowski
Always a must stop anytime we visit Evanston! Its the hangout downtown on campus for Northwestern University students looking to study as they sip some warm tea or coffee, or just to take a nice break from classes and meet up with a friend. Great location, clean, pleasant atmosphere here too!
Best scones ever! They are soooo delicious!!!
The best scones in the world! Also such smooth coffee!!! A definite must for your energy needs
There are a ton of coffee shops in downtown Evanston. But this place is never too crowded or busy. And the coffee is pretty good.
I used to come to Unicorn all the time, have always enjoyed its homey, slightly run down yet endearing atmosphere. For the nostalgia of it being a place I always liked, I give it two instead of one star. Unfortunately I will not be returning any time soon, because I had a very rude experience with the woman who owns the place just this morning. I came in with my phone and computer low battery and wanted to get a jumpstart charging pre-ordering banana bread from the bar. As I sat down and proceeded to plug in my phone, the woman who works there ran up to me and said that I could not have outside food and drink in the cafe-- totally fair, I can understand this, and I had a kombucha in a bottle sitting on the table. So I poured it into my water bottle, and proceeded to set up my computer (at this point I had been there for 2 minutes, max). The woman proceeds to shake her head at me disdainfully, raises her voice from behind the bar, and sassily says, "you need to buy something if you are going to stay here". At this point, multiple people turn their heads to see this commotion she is making, at which point I am mortified because I was going to buy some banana bread, I always do, I am somewhat of a regular, and she is raising her voice at me like that after I have been there for a handful of minutes. Needless to say, I packed up my things, told her that I am a regular and this was incredibly disappointing, to which she said, "sorry, don't be offended" and to which I walked out. Honestly one of the more abrasive experiences I've ever had in a coffee shop... so disappointing. I was rooting for you too, Unicorn!
The nicest staff of any coffee shop ever!! Super adorable atmosphere with an amazing, decently priced atmosphere. I’m from Brooklyn where hipster staff treat it as if it is a privilege to get to eat there and this was the complete opposite. I highly recommend!
Great coffees and homemade pastries. Wonderful ambience.
The Unicorn Cafe has superb coffee, baked goods, and genuine New York bagels. One feels welcome to a very comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. The owner, Jessica, pulls it all together. My grandson:"loves it."
I absolutely adore Unicorn’s staff, atmosphere, and coffee, but there’s one thing that always sticks out to me: it’s super humid. I don’t know if it’s a factor of the space or the a/c not being run, but as soon as the shop gets busy the windows fog up and it gets sticky. It definitely can make it hard to stick around and enjoy.
The host is lovely. The vibe is very relaxing and comfortable.
Rustic, funky styled cafe with all manner of sweet treats and coffees and teas. Hippie bistro in the heart of Evanston.
Restaurantji Recommends
Serious sanitary concerns. I visited Unicorn Cafe in November 2019 and I was shocked by how poorly the store was maintained. While I was waiting in line I witnessed flies flocking on a croissant at the bar. I used to like this cafe but the store is not maintained properly anymore. The store is always too damp and has a distinctly unpleasant smell.
The moca's taste is not quite good, worse than Starbucks. Music is loud, place is crowded, noisy. It's not a good spot for reading or thinking alone, only good for a chat maybe. Disappointed.
Cute coffee shop in the heart of Evanston. Great atmosphere to study, work or for conversation. My tea was great, loose leaf and bagged to order. This is a great little coffee shop and I highly recommend it.
Terrific beverages, panini, bagels and sweets. Welcoming owner and staff. Good place to meet, read or study.
Always a must stop anytime we visit Evanston! Its the hangout downtown on campus for Northwestern University students looking to study as they sip some warm tea or coffee, or just to take a nice break from classes and meet up with a friend. Great location, clean, pleasant atmosphere here too!