35 Best Cafes near Lake Bluff

“Stopped here on our way through town. Friendly service and delicious food in a cute little town.“

“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.“

“I often buy my lunches here, and mostly I pick something below $10. Guys are fast, attentive, and nice. My food is always ready in 10 minutes, and it's always fresh and hot. Meals are tasty and most of them are healthy. God bless you, guys, for feeding me ❤️“

“There’s a certain quiet magic in Tala Coffee, Highwood. The flavor here isn’t just good — it has depth, like a story unfolding with every sip. You can taste the attention, the patience, the care.

The space is soaked in soft, voluminous light that feels almost three-dimensional — it moves through the café like air, shaping shadows, warming wood, making everything glow just a little more than you’d expect.

And the atmosphere… calm but alive. Like a Sunday morning that forgot to end. A place where time slows down just enough to let you notice it.

Highly recommended — not just for coffee, but for the feeling it leaves behind.“

“Anam Cara Cafe was the perfect location for our family reunion on Black Friday! We were able to reserve a private room, so the little ones had free range to run around and not bother other patrons and the adults could comfortably hear each other and catch up. The staff was so friendly and helpful throughout the entire process, from setting up the reservation to not rushing us out at the end of our gathering. They gave us great and attentive service without hovering and interrupting our conversations. Food was excellent and served promptly. Would definitely recommend! We're already talking about meeting there again when the Wisconsin and Chicago sides of the family meet up the next time.“

“Conscious cup is my go to in town, even though we have quite a few independent coffee shops. The drinks and food are great. Disappointed with the price updates lately, a sandwich is now the same price as it used to be but a half size. I understand the rising costs of things but I think management needs to reconsider this or adjust prices to bring back the original sizes.“

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

“Been coming here since they opened. Consistently good food and friendly staff. Love the burgers and paninis. It’s livelier than the traditional diner, partly because of the bright walls, and a great place to eat!“

“Amazing food and atmosphere! Of course, the tea is great too!“

“Wonder French pastries and the best chicken and mushroom quiche“

“Great, authentic Italian cuisine. Never disappoints.“

“Great staff, good dirty chai, always a nice vibe and hash browns!“

“🩷🩷 amazing place to work!“

“Visited for breakfast a few days ago and had the best French toast I've ever had; they do their Cinnamon Roll French Toast right. Our server was super friendly, the kitchen was backed up a little but she made sure to check in frequently and keep us updated. Super cute inside too, definitely recommend for easy breakfast!“

“Food is always fantastic. The avocado toast, the breakfast burritos, and the lunch paninis are bangers, not to mention the brownies (we always grab one to-go).

The owner and employees are all very sweet and the space is vibrant—in the summer the full windows open and it's just a really pleasant spot to grab breakfast or lunch. Would love to see more authentic, small places like this open up and thrive in the North Shore.“

“Best scones! Excited to visit in February!“

“Great food and great service!“

“Delicious food. Good service. Great people. Very reasonable prices. I’m very glad I stumbled upon this spot and will be coming back again and again. I loved the southwest style salad with blackened chicken. Their specials are also fun and different. Check this place out - you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!“

“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!“

“Friendly atmosphere! Nice outdoor patio to eat and sit! Food tasted great!“

“Try em all.………………………………….“

“Great place great people who work inside there it's cleaner then wingstop.“

“tried this place because I was around the area I usually go to liquid fusion in linconshire a bit further but always great, it was friday around 230pm walked in said hi nothing the guy took my order I said thank you nothing I mean I don’t want people to be extra friendly but okay wow ordered a almond milk tea with boba it was delicious but the customer service is lacking I felt like I was asking for a favor and bothering the worker there I don’t know if I will be going back“

“Lucky Jack's has to be the epitome of gaming cafes! There are three locations in the srea, all of which are identically appointed. All are very clean and spacious. You're not cramped into an area the size of a closet, or behind a roped off space up against a wall. There's ample space given between machines as well as a seating area where you can wait for a gaming station in comfortable surroundings. They also have a bar to sit at and enjoy a beer or a glass of wine. If you're playing, you're invited to share in a selection of salty snacks, and soft drinks are also gratis to gamers. The attendants always greet you with a "welcome to Lucky Jack's" and are attentive to your needs while playing.“

“Amazing place! Delicious onion soup!!!!l love it 😍“

“Thank you so very much for the amazing experience“

“10 STARS IF I COULD When we walked in around 5:15pm to go to the cafe the line was really long, so I ordered via app. Omg, Emily was very calmed and collected when people seemed kind of getting antsy. She acknowledged that I was there to pick up my food and gave me a heads up that it’ll take another 3 more min. I told her it was fine and that she was doing a great job and said good luck. She was very thankful. I’m more than pleased with her and would definitely recommend! Great hire manager. Emily definitely deserve a raise.“

“The soup wasn't as rich as I expected. I had to remind the manager I was supposed to get a treat because I was overcharged on my last order. My breakfast sandwich was good last
Saturday except they forgot the cheese.
I understand why people use the kiosk“

“This Panera Bread in Vernon Hills is hands down the best! Every time I come here, my salad is fresh and my order is spot-on. Even when I placed a carry-out order just 30 minutes before closing, everything was perfectly made and super fresh. Consistently excellent!“

“I love Dotty's. It's a nice place to game and socialize.“