Backlot Coffee — Restaurant in Evanston Township

I'm willing to use my school .edu email to give this Cafe another 5-Stars across the board to give them the 10-Star Rating it deserves.

THE ATMOSPHERE is inviting and comfortable while maintaining a stimulating energy that promotes productivity; this dynamic, in my opinion, is the IDEAL combination for a cafe.

THE FOOD was intoxicatingly delicious. It was truly a beautiful expression of edible art. I highly recommend the Cheddar Jack Biscuit (mouthwateringly savory and delectable) and the Lemon Tart Pie (tart to taste yet swooningly sweet!)- but come early to grab it as they sell out quickly! I was fortunate enough to speak with their executive pastry chef to share that this was my first time here. She was knowledgeable about the menu and her passion towards her work here is evident. Bright and delightful, spirited and professional, she truly is an up and coming genius of culinary art.

THE DECOR AND STAFF perfectly executed a matching ambiance to set an elevated standard for cafes. John, owner, was engaging to all guests. He seemed to be on a first name basis with many regulars. He was pleasant to the children making this both a productive work environment for the professional and a safe space for families.

I hope this is enough to convince the anyone that hasn't experienced this impressive neighborhood treasure to visit.

John, please do everything in your power to keep the magic alive here! Employees, I appreciate you and I thank you for your dedication. As a former food service worker, I get it. Head up. Emily, your talent isn't going unnoticed. I promise. Your potential grows exponentially from here.

I will be back. I will bring colleagues. I will bring family. I will...

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 Evasntonian's 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...

Backlot is a nice place to sit and sip. Its also provides great backdrops for selfies if you're socially Insta-cure.

If you prefer locally owned, and mix of light simple homey decor with that reclaimed wood, and rustic metal stools look, but not yet lived in, this is your place.

The bathrooms are very clean. That could be one of its best attributes.

When the place is empty, it can be loud because the ambient acoustics of the space are too lively. But when its busy, the bodies of customers appropriately eat up the noise refections. Its possible that acoustic treatments might interfere with the decor, or its a mechanism for making your stay shorter.

In either case, I choose Backlot when I'm in that area over the walk-in closet sized Starbucks down the street b/c I prefer to support the local businesses.

I like that I can ask for a ceramic cup to drink from. I loathe paper cups. I like that they have paper straws. I'd like it better if the pastries were more appropriately priced. On the other hand I suppose that has helped to keep my per...