50 Best Coffee Shops near Highwood

“A hidden gem, hole in the wall, donut shop… Nostalgic, because this place definitely used to be a Dunkin’, and maintains the 90’s Dunkin’ vibe like a time capsule. However, their donuts are better. In my experience, they’ve never been stale. Always delicately fried and perfectly sweet. Mexican foodies can also find pan dulce.“

“Nice people fast service. Great locality ample parking .“

“Clean and very sunny interior with fast wifi. Often has balloons and decorations. The menu is the same as what I've encountered at other McDonald's establishments. I usually use the app to order $1 large coffees and then when I see the nearby Starbucks smile at the money I just saved myself.“

“I love to come here on a day off and get my High lemonade and a pastry roll (cupcake, cookie, slice of cake). The people there are amazing, kind, super chill & best of all welcoming!:) Although the place is small, it’s still a great place to visit + their cute duck collection!“

“The Tala in Libertyville is also where Tala roasts its coffee. It's a cute little spot. The coffee is always delicious and high quality. I like that this location has muffins in addition to donuts. The zucchini chocolate chip muffins are amazing. The staff is friendly.“

“I tried a coffee from here for the first time. Elena is so sweet and I LOVEEEE her accent. But she truly is so nice and sweet and I love that (i think i have a crush on her). Apart from her the coffee was SOOOO good. I was feeling low on energy so I needed something and this coffee was amazing. You can tell she is passionate about what she does and that makes me very happy to see. It’s safe to say i won’t be getting coffee from anyone else bc I love every but about it.“

“I had a fantastic experience at this cozy cafe, thanks to Vlad, who truly made my visit special. From the moment I walked in, his warm and friendly demeanor set the tone for a great time. He recommended a pastry that I wouldn’t have thought to try, and it was absolutely amazing! The perfect balance of flavors and textures, it was fresh, delicious, and the ideal complement to my coffee. It’s clear Vlad has a great knowledge of the menu and takes pride in ensuring guests have a memorable experience. I’ll definitely be back, and highly recommend stopping by for a delightful treat!“

“Thank you, Backlot Coffee, for letting us use our personal cups again and helping to protect the environment.“

“Non-sweetened almond milk for my lattes, unlike Starbucks.“

“Stopped in for a coffee during my lunch and was very impressed with not only their selection, but with the taste as well! I got the Maple Cardamom and was very good. Highly recommend if in the area!“

“The best coffee shop in Highland Park/Deerfield area! Best customer service and perfect atmosphere for work meeting, reading a book or grabbing coffee with a friend!“

“I work with many chambers and I must say The Winnetka-Northfield Chamber is the best. The ladies who work in the Chamber are so upbeat and always friendly. Terry has a very unique gift of guiding shoppers with retailers and connecting people with both Winnetka and Northfield.“

“I literally had the best pancakes I’ve ever had“

“We've been to this location ballpark 4-5 times in 2 months since we found that there's a Vietnamese food place nearby! The ginger chicken bahn mi is superior, absolutely recommend with jalapenos! (They aren't too spicy, but they add a layer of delicious with the lemongrass chicken!) The fresh shrimp spring are also just delicious, the peanut sauce that comes with is a REALLY nice consistency I didn't know I needed- it's perfect for taking a bite, drizzling some into the roll, and having another bite. Most peanut sauces are more "dipping" sauces, this is way more brilliant. They also carry a sparkling yuzu and white peach drink by Moshi that is REALLY delightful, and perfect with the bahn mi.

My guy ordered the beef pho last time, and I tried it, and I wanted to steal it, but my chicken curry was also really good, so I definitely want to order these again! There's a few other locations around the area, but under a slightly different name, Lotus Banh Mi. Guy and I feel like the consistency between the 2 locations are excellent! HIGHLY recommend!

The atmosphere at this location is great, it's off the street, with parking just around the corner, and the location has a very comfortable, fresh, feeling. We're hoping to stop by for lunch one afternoon, get some things we haven't tried yet, and walk around the area some- there's a great park about a block away!

Parking: Parking is the train station parking lot, may depend on time of day for availability. Should be free parking after 5.“

“My daughter and I happened to be in Lake Forest on this beautiful morning, and she was craving some coffee. We did a quick Yelp search and Hometown Coffee was the top rated place.

My daughter ordered an iced Latte, and I ordered a Cafe Au Lait. My coffee was delicious and she said her Iced Latte might be the best she's ever had!!

We both agreed this place deserves five stars!“

“Wild roasters have one of the best-roasted coffee in town. They make sure everything is freshly made and is served to perfection. Highly recommended and a must-try.“

“The bread is out of this world. My personal favorite is the seeded. The pastries are also very good. What a treasure.“

“It’s hard to go back to chains like Starbucks after you’ve had real quality coffee (Starbucks is a repressive evil corporation) The taste is just so much richer and the atmosphere is so much more chill and relaxed. They even stared ordering my favorite pastry (glazed croissant) from bennisons simply because I asked. Great coffee shop“

“Chicken and Waffles!!!! Now that there’s a loyalty program I’m going to bring more friends there.“

“I visited here on a sunny Sunday afternoon and it was quite busy! They posted wait times for how long was needed for their various menu offerings. I only had a smoothie, which was quite tasty, but the menu had many options that were quite appealing for the next time that I visit.“

“Really great triple berry yogurt smoothie. The tapioca boba has cores that are firm so if you like having squishy on the outside and hard on the inside bobas this is the place to get yours. This drink was nutritious and healthy. I could tell this was made with fresh ingredients. Waffles are cute and warm, go really well with the drinks. The staff is kind and friendly. Atmosphere is a nice spot for hang out with friends and for a short date, I mean short because it’s not the most spacious place so you can hang out and then go out haha“

“Easily my new favorite bubble tea place. The milk taro is delicious, probably my favorite from any bubble tea place. All the drinks look very unique and creative. The employee working provided very sweet, friendly service and even made us two croffles on the house! I had never had one of these before, but after biting into it, I was amazed! It had me smiling and wanting to go back inside for 3 more! Probably like my favorite waffle I’ve ever eaten from anywhere.
I can’t wait to go back soon to order a few more croffles next time. Thank you!!“

“Good coffee ☕, better pastry in a cozy, friendly setting.“

“Stopped by Churro Parlor in Lakeview, and it did not disappoint! From the moment we walked in, the vibe was warm and inviting. Jennifer was absolutely amazing—she took the time to explain the menu, offered great recommendations, and made sure we had the best experience. The churros were fresh, perfectly crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. We tried a few different flavors, and each one was better than the last! The dipping sauces were the perfect complement. Whether you’re a churro lover or just looking for a sweet treat, this spot is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back! Virtual review : @iam.shonnaaaa“

“If Cheers was in Lake Bluff, it would be Prairie. Each member of the staff has a unique and inviting personality who makes each visit feel personal, inviting, and small town. The regulars are split between morning and evening hours, with a few floaters. We welcome folks to the community, catch up on happenings, and bring a little joy each day. Mandy, the chef, compiles an amazing array of food items, from cinnamon rolls and coffee cakes, to casseroles and egg sandwiches during the morning, and a variety of sandwiches in the afternoons. The spot has outdoor seating on the sidewalk, as well as a dedicated secluded covered alley space with ample seating and ambience. Summertime events include covered alleyway cookouts and inclusion of other local businesses for special bites. Evenings can feature a quiet bar, karaoke, or live music. With a recently announced addition of Jeff Urso, a local restauranteur, to the ownership, 2024 is anticipated to be a great year for Prairie. Would highly recommend checking out this local gem.“

“Ordered up a peach smoothie and wow! It was really delicious and filling. Perfect for in-between meals while shopping in the really nice Hawthorn Mall! The server gave me the extra smoothie in a tiny cup, which I could give away to let someone else taste test the smoothie!“

“No bull coffee & great scones #seriouseats“

“A beautiful cute little coffee shop.
I was here in the neighborhood for a day trip and was given the directions to this coffee shop for a good cup of cappuccino.
I wasn't disappointed. The place had a warm cafe vibes. It was full of people and the staff was friendly.
I took danish and a mocha.
Mocha could have been made more hot.
Spent 10$
Adding photos from the visit.“

“Non-sweetened almond milk for my lattes, unlike Starbucks.“

“We went for a Tea Tasting. Laura was our server. She was full of knowledge and educated us on new teas we never would have tried. Truly an awesome experience!“

“WOW WOW WOW !!! AMAZING cookies and so beautiful too“

“Newly remodeled and just re-opened. Was nice inside! Recommend kiwi-lemonade refresher!“

“Best grilled cheese sandwich!“

“This Starbucks location went above and beyond for me the other day. I had been to a different Starbucks location, ordered a non coffee drink, took one sip and knew it had coffee in it, but they denied it so I left and started my drive. Took a few more sips and couldn't take it because I really do not like coffee and really wanted something nice to sip on while I drove so I decided to try again at this Lake Forest location. I explained what happened just to make sure I hadn't accidentally ordered a coffee drink ... they went above and beyond to make sure I had a perfect drink and were super friendly and generous about it. It had been an exhausting week for me and the delicious drink along with the excellent, positive experience at this Waukegan Road Lake Forest Starbucks really made my day!!!“

“Love it especially in the summer you can sit outside and people my favorite.🤭😂“

“Got the glow bowl and my daughter got a build your own açaí bowl today. THIS GLOW BOWL IS AMAZING!! The dairy free ranch is so tasty!! It’s perfect!!!! 10/10!!!!“

“GREAT ATMOSPHERE- GREAT COFFEE & that Ham & Cheese Roll was amazing“

“The first thing you notice is the farm house decor. The menu is American fare with a hint of some southern dishes. The staff is great considering it can get busy after 8:30 am. There’s plenty of parking and weather permitting. They have outside seating.“

“Morning shift workers help you out in any way you want very nice food quality and drinks

Parking: Two girls in the morning I don't know their names help me make a drink that was can cancel from the menu they did a great job“

“Wonderful selection of delicious treats with lots of sweet and savory options. Delicious coffee.
Best of all is the attentive staff! I spilled my coffee on the way out, and before I could turn around, 2 employees were cleaning up, asking if I was ok and starting a new coffee for me.
Thank you so much! Will definitely come again!“

“Love that Dunkin.Donuts in Highland Park good muffins good tea service with a smile“

“Best scones! Excited to visit in February!“

“Great place great service“

“exelente Lugar en Glenview para los amantes como yo de UN Rico cafecito y disfrutar de una Buena charla con el crew muy amables en dar informacion turistica ♥️ me llevo un Buen Recuerdo de IL totalmente recommendable 🥪☕“

“Friendly staff, clean and cozy atmosphere, food was served fast-hot-delicious…. And the macchiato was by far the best I’ve had!“

“Why do you keep going back if “every time you go” there is a problem? That’s seems crazy. I believe if they make a drink incorrectly they will remake it with a smile on their face. If they don’t have an ingredient what do expect them to do? I really like this location, they are friendly and are working hard to serve you. Out of Oatmilk? Have you addressed this with management? Maybe there is a shortage, transportation issues? Seems to me you just want to complain about workers who are making you something you don’t want to make for yourself. BE KIND is how I was brought up, what happened to you?“

“Everyone there is so friendly! Adrian always makes me smile at the drive thru. Whenever I get my Citrus Defender he asks me if I like the taste or I’m under the weather- then tells me he hops I feel better 😀“

“The chocolate croissants and raisin loaf are my favorite. I always loved the service as well from the Korean family that runs it. Today, though, it looked like nobody from the family was there, and the clerks looked so unhappy being there. I don't need that much pleasing from a French bakery, though, so it is still a 5 star from me.“

“Delicious boba tea! I had the Coconut milk tea with boba and my husband had the mango fruit with boba. This was our first time here! It was busy when we walked in with lines for those wanting to get there bubble / boba tea. There was a great menu of options to choose from and a nice sitting area to relax, and enjoy the drinks. Staff were quick and busy filling in the orders that were coming in. This is located in Chinatown near the Chinatown square. Great spot and delicious boba teas! We will definitely come back when we visit this area again!“

“Love having a Starbucks in Lake Forest. So convenient. Also love some of the workers there. Daniel and Jay to name a couple. I just wish they would get the free refill program correct for gold card members. I get the snarky face from the manager and a couple others when asking for my free refill. They keep telling me I need to buy a regular coffee to get a refill when in fact Starbucks web site says get a free refill regardless of the original beverage.“