Backlot Coffee - Evanston

I ordered the seasonal brand-side latte, and it had such a unique twist with smoky aromas and a hint of sea salt! The coffee was clearly of high quality; it wasn't overly bitter, but it packed a strong caffeine punch that made me feel incredibly energized the next day. I also tried the vegan scone. It didn't taste like a typical scone, but it was genuinely delicious. Not overly sweet like many coffee shop pastries, it had a dense texture with nuts and a hint of banana and cranberry flavor. I would come back time and time again just for the amazing latte and scone breakfast. The place is so charming, and the short bus ride from Northwestern University is absolutely worth it!

The vegan scone was fantastic, and I absolutely loved the lavender milk latte!

I visited this coffee shop a few times, but the only vegan pastry was always sold out. When I inquired with the owner, he was rude and very intolerant towards vegan customers. I will not be returning to give this place my business.

Strange experience at this place for me. it is very busy on Saturday morning and a tonne children, so this is not a quiet coffee shop for working or learning. I came in and asked if her milk was unsweet and the front line person who looked like the owner was very sassy, always said that it was “natural sugar”. when I politely repeated my question, he said again and again: “It has sugar, okay?” I said that some plant milk added sugar and others did not, and he was more and more irritated until I take care of the package. it was dissatisfied oatly, which was perfect, and the words “unsatisfied” were on the top of the package, but I still did not understand why he had to do so much. the latte was good, but the interaction made me confused.

This place is not much better for vegans than Starbucks. They have nondairy milk and they have one vegan scone. They said that they don’t typically have more than that one vegan baked item.