I would wait in that line out the door everyday if I lived here. The staff was warm, the pastries were fresh and duper good, and that latte is the best one I’ve had since visiting New Zealand two years ago. 👏👏Pro Parent Tip: There’s a great park across the street - one parent stands in line with the order, the other goes and hangs with the kids at the park. 👌

Tons of food choices. Pleasant interactions with staff. A good amount of outdoor seating. Great coffee and baked goods! This location is a lot homier than their Irving Park location. Love the quality of the coffee at both!

The coffee and the food are both great. The guy who works there in the morning has to be one of the friendliest employees of any establishment i have come across and he really makes you feel welcomed. There is a constant stream of customers and quite a few of them he knew by name which was cool.

My first time at Backlot, and I will definitely be coming back. I ordered an iced mocha, veggie burrito, and chocolate banana bread. Everything was delicious and fresh.

Very well balanced coffee taste. not overly iced.

Top notch coffee. Breakfast sandwiches are some of the best I’ve ever had. Super friendly staff and great atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Ordered a cranberry muffin and an iced mocha. The muffin was good, but the mocha just tasted like chocolate milk. If I come back I will definitely order something else.

I visited months ago for the first time (before indoor seating was available) and it was an ok experience, but I’ve visited 3-4 times in the last few weeks and have been very pleased with my experiences. I love the burrito. Great latte, London fog (can be made with or without syrup), matcha, and they’re very friendly with kids whom I’ve had to bring along a couple of those times as I was running an errand in the area.

Its raining and cold and miserable outside and the staff were bubbly and kind ♡ such a mood boost!Also, the croissant and Chai tea are great!

Wait staff are all very polite and knowledgeable .

Delicious latte. Friendly staff. Their espresso has a rich and velvety taste.

Coffee and cortado were great but the breakfast burrito was unfortunately quite small. I wouldnt recommend as its more expensive then the breakfast sandwiches and only the size of a taquito.

Beautiful space, but the coffee was honestly pretty disappointing.

Great cold brew. Also the cinnamon rolls are some of the best Ive had.

High quality coffee beans, and v60 papers too if youre in a pinch

The coffee was really good. I thoroughly enjoyed my iced latte. The hot latte was reportedly good. Unfortunately our cappuccino was really a small latte, not sure the barista knows how to make all the coffees listed.We got an old fashioned doughnut. It was too sweet and didn’t have much flavor.I’d go back for a latte.

Been going here for some time. They have recently taken it to the next level with the Gravlax Bagel. It is sensational.

Super good cold brew. This coffee shop has space for those coming to do work, but also invites the gathering of friends and family to socialize.

Friendly atmosphere. Phenomenal coffee. Great location.

Backlot coffee is one of the best shops in the NorthShore area. Great coffee and ownership! Hope they open up like the rest of Chicago soon!

My second time to Backlot, one of my favorite coffee shops around Evanston. Love their vibe, and new space. Flat white was good, well balanced. Follow instagram @liying_chou

Great tasting coffee and awesome customer service!

Delicious and quality roasted beans. I order online from Florida and have them shipped - Backlot never disappoints. Guaranteed fresh roast as well. (Guatemala & Columbia are my favorite) Thank you Backlot!

The employee working behind the counter was so nice and friendly! Great coffee & such a cute space.

Great lattes and pasteries.

Great coffee. They know what a flat white is! 🙌 Super friendly service.👍

Wonderful coffee both made fresh and in their selection of beans. Favorite Avacado Toast on central.

Great coffee and drinks but they were out of most pastries - no croissants or donuts - great service

Great espresso! Cocoa, fig and syrup are the notes I got. Atmosphere is great and what a third wave shop should be. The owner was there taking drinks orders, so always great to see that! Thank you and see you again!

Friendly, efficient service with excellent coffee and pastries. Will be back.

The matcha green tea latte with oat is always a great choice and their pastries are amazing!!! Especially the little cherry/apple galettes.

♻️ Sustainable shop, 🌱 vegitarian options, 💻WFH friendly. Great espresso (try the Lavender Latte 💘). I love that Backlot Coffee is using sustainable business practices where possible, paper straws, offering products with fully recyclable packaging, etc. I would recommend this spot for a remote work sessions, spot to catch up with a friend or two or a Sunday coffee. They have WiFi, outlets, friendly staff, snacks and caffeine 👍🏽🙏🏽

Amazing avo toast

Backlot is my happy place, and its one of the only businesses Ive continued to patronize INDOORS (rather than via curbside or online) during the pandemic. They have clear protocols in place that make me feel safe in their shop, and they havent lost any of their friendliness or warmth. Many days, theres a line out the door (likely at least in part because a max of 3 patrons are allowed indoors at any time ;)), and it makes me happy to see our communitys support for such a local staple. Weve also really enjoyed the chance to pick up some quick bites and grocery items during the past few months -- plus the fact that they have strawless lids.The only thing that would make me love them even more is if they had a daily vegan and gluten-free sweet treat. But the fact that they dont keeps me patronizing DB3 down the street, so it all works out!

Always a friendly face, and their food is way way better than your average local coffee shop. Plus the coffee is top notch.

The staff is very nice

Loved visiting this coffee shop. The drinks are great and the staff is incredibly nice!

Great local business, appreciate the operation adjustments for COVID-19

Always great coffee and food

Horrible coffee!! Horrible! Horrible service. Owner is a spazz and isnt part of community regarding recycling. Does not support customers! If you want acid reflux, over priced, and bad service--this wannabe place that wont last is for you!

Horrible coffee service and atmosphere. If you want trashy service and vomit in your mouth this is the place.

Very tasty iced coffee. Super friendly staff.Cool atmosphere.

Best lattes out there!! Their coffee is the antithesis to Starbucks (apologies to any loyalists out there). They serve smooth and rich beverages without any bitter aftertaste. John is always friendly: happy to greet and remembers customers and welcomes newcomers. And try their breakfast burritos and sweets and treats. You wont be disappointed!! Backlot Coffee is awesome!

This is my absolute favorite Cafe in Evanston.

Great got cocoa with oat milk for a chilly walk down central Street. Delicious

Indoor and outdoor seating. Big and small tables suited to any sort of coffee outing. Stumptown Coffee is really top notch.

Only got a cold brew but it was tasty. The service was quick and friendly. Definitely a repeat

Friendly, attentive service. The oatmilk cookie latte was delicious! Highly recommend.

I love this place, great coffee, great service, great atmosphere, and the owner is super cool!

Great coffee, breakfast and 🧁 sweets.

Amazing cold brew coffee, nice selection of baked goods and a clean bathroom. Popular with the locals.

Best coffee place in Evanston. Love the vegan breakfast scones!

Love this coffee shop. They roast their coffee perfectly. The lattes are beautiful and taste wonderful. Skip the Starbucks and come here to grab a local cup to go or stay and be social with friends!

Wanted to give the most well-deserved shout out to my local coffee shop, Backlot. These guys are the best. I was a loyal customer before the quarantine, but they have gone above and beyond to cater to their customers in the midst of all this craziness. I love the new Backlot Bodega (they are selling delicious eggs, milk, soups, pre-made meals). The staff is respectful of distancing/ cleanliness and doing their best to make visitors comfortable. And I swear to you- this is the friendliest coffee shop staff you will ever meet in your life. I look forward to walking through the doors and hearing, WELL HELLO FRIEND! It absolutely makes my day. Well...that, and the gluten free donuts. Seriously, thank you guys for being such a beacon in our neighborhood right now. Visiting your shop for a latte and a GF donut is one of my most cherished simple pleasures.

Omg can I get my money back?!?! Take me back to real coffee and those that warrant to be called a coffee shop

Great coffee. John is an exceptional host and they have been doing a great job under the current circumstances. Donuts are great.

Cool locally owned spot with great coffee (and unique coffee drinks) as well as great food options. They also do their own roasting!

1st time trying this place and had an iced lavender latte. Wish they had coconut milk as a milk alternative. Instead ordered 1/2 oat & 1/2 soy milk. Will ask for a little more lavender next time. Nice decor and friendly staff.

Amazing pastries and excellent kombucha! I definitely recommended the to-go burritos. The staff are all wonderful.

Stopped in for lunch and had a quite delicious sandwich. The place is casual and simple; you bus your own dishes when finished. Clientele is mostly students who take up space for hours hunched over their computers and phones. The only negative is with the parking meters that have unreadable screens and swallow quarters for just a few minutes each (maybe this one was broken).

Backlot Coffee is a great addition to the neighborhood. Its a great place to go and get some work done, has great drink options, and features some great snacks from local restaurants like Blind Faith (yes, they have Vegan/Vegetarian options). Would highly recommend for anyone trying to find a nice coffee shop thats tired of Starbucks.

Backlot is one of my favorite coffee shops on the north side. This place pours out some of the best lattes in all of Chicago area. Their cardamom rose latte has been my favorite for years. They use Pacific barista blend for their almond milk which makes the lattes smooth as silk. The staff is super friendly, you’re likely to catch the owner behind the counter frequently. This place is a gem and I am thankful for it.

Staff was very nice. I ordered coffee and a pastry. Like most I was doing my work. I received a phone call which was less than a minute. Both sides of me said this isnt a office. One guy even got up and moved. I thought about leaving but looked around to see other people talking etc. Its a public coffee shop. Not a library. Funny thing is that one guy received a call and ran away to talk and left. Dont think Ill go back. Never have had a problem at any other coffee shops.

This place is awesome. It has a spacious customer eating area,friendly employees who seem to truly enjoy working their .and although the do offer the standard latte cappuccino, drip coffee,ect. They have a select number of well thought out beverages that that you wouldnt see at most places .

Great baristas and very friendly.

Found this place while just walking by. I was blown away by how great the coffee was, and also by the atmosphere and decor. Bigger than any Starbucks I remember, so plenty of room for doing computer work and socializing. There is a special area in one corner where you can sit on any one of 4 levels and look out on the store and the street beyond, great if you just want to relax.

Solid coffee options (but not too many!) and excellent bakery items. Double thumbs up.

Full of stuck up pretentious looking teenagers. I’m sure some of them are adults but they act as if they were 16. This one male cashier literally was on a power trip while I was momentarily there. Calm down you are a cashier.

I love this comfy place. The oat milk lattes are delicious and the vegan scones are the best. Ask for a bit of jam on the side.

Got here early and was able to try the apple galette warm out of the oven. It was sublime. As good as any I’ve had in Paris.

Cute atmosphere and great coffee! Pleasant staff and lots of fun shops to look around after. Great place to meet friends too!

Sort of a nondescript coffee shop. Coffee was decent, clean restrooms, seating very bare bones and uncomfortable. Sort of a modern trend. Didnt try the food but the selection looks decent.

I ordered two simple drinks and they didnt make either right, and acted like they were hoarding caramel when I ask for another shot in my caramel latte. Returning them wasnt really an option because the employees had disappeared when I went back in and couldnt be found for about 10 minutes.

Perfect to work

It was close by CDC. STARBUCKS ON LINCOLN

Backlot should be everyone’s local place. I can’t tell you how good it is, you just need to go. Get the cardamom rose latte with out milk. So great. Chill atmosphere and friendly service.

Get the Oatmeal Cookie Latte

No effort at all. I ordered a chai and a caramel coffee and they didnt blend either of them and acted like they were rationing the caramel. The guy that made them just slid them across the table at us. The store looks interesting but thats all they have going for them. Waste of $8

Great coffee and very friendly staff!

Excellent coffee, nice atmosphere, but the most expensive in the area that Im aware of. $3.00 for coffee, and $2 for a refill. I had a donut for $3.25. Very good but not worth it. My wife had the pumpkin bread. Same price, but dry and crumbly. Not even close to worth it. Between this and Starbucks a couple of doors down, go somewhere else.

Great, creative coffee in modern decor. Theres a great area for group meetings or 2-seats to catch-up with someone. Parking was easy and theres cute shops nearby too!

One of my favorite coffee shops. tons of space to work or hang out, friendly baristas, and delicious drinks. what more could you want?

Amazing coffee and a wonderful atmosphere. If you are in the neighborhood you have to stop here.Their food option support the local surrounding businesses, such a great idea!

My first and only experience with Backlot Coffee left a lot to be desired. To their advantage they have built a beautiful coffee shop with lots of vibe it is airy, easy to get soaked into ambience. The service staff is very friendly, helpful & informative. The real problem lies elsewhere, their COFFEE. The coffee does not live up to the hype. It is not only limp but completely lackluster and bland to put it mildly.Their packaged coffee is even worse. I purchased their supposedly claimed espresso roast what came out of my Rocket was anything but espresso. No cremá whatsoever and the flavor profile and mouth feel was sandy. To rule out that the problem could be with my grinder, I went to the neighboring community coffee shop and got it ground per my specifications with them. And despite that all that poured out of my espresso machine was sludge of bitter-sweet brew. I brought this to the Owners notice via email but the response I received was non-committal, and nonchalant to say the least. All I received from him an initiation to visit their pastry and full refund for my purchase.All the hype and feeling of euphoria amongst local Evasntonians seems to be completely misplaced. Backlot Coffee has a long way to go before it can live up to its initial hype and deliver upon the high expectations it has generated.

Loved the chai tea latte.

Great local coffee shop, even better now that theyve expanded. Always love their nitro cold brew.

During this pandemic Backlot took steps to provide for everyones health and streamlined its service accordingly.

Good coffee thats not too expensive with several vegan offerings. Kind of noisy for doing homework, but a nice vibe/aesthetic and interesting menu options like cardamom rose latte.

Very pleasant space, comfortable bar area facing the street. The coffee is OK, I would like to try their other drinks. They sell merch: T-shirts, totes. They also sell coffee beans

This coffee shop is bristling with energy even at 7 in the morning -- commuters stopping by to get their morning coffee, as well as customers (of all ages) sitting at the tables reading, working, and chatting with each other. Quite a sight for my first visit to this place.

Great coffee. Decent prices.

Great coffee with a huge mural by Jay Ryan ok the back wall. pretty comparable to Brothers K

I LOVED this place at its previous location 2 doors down, but now...the built in bench is on the west wall is uncomfortable- rigid and too high, my legs dangle like a five-year-old. Worse yet is the table across from the bathrooms, where the wafting smell of poo competes with my coffee. Ugh. I won’t go anymore unless there’s room to sit the front. There, it’s great!

Lively atmosphere, friendly and fast service

Great coffee and related drinks! The ownership is environmentally conscious which further sets them apart from the pack.

So welcoming that I think they adopted me. Gorgeous flat whites, but why only one size?

Great latte, new owners last few years have made subtle but quality improvements. Consistent good pours and good froth on foam. Gelato also quite a hit!

Super cute and they have Stumptown! (which I love) Decided to try something different, bad idea. Basically paid $5 for iced milk...

Great coffee and I really like there customers service they always greet people with kindness and happiness they really know how to make other people feel welcome here

Nice atmosphere, friendly baristas and did I mention great coffee and snacks?