Coffee & Tea
Local Favorite

Elawa Farm Cafe

About Elawa Farm Cafe

Elawa Farm Cafe is a welcoming coffee and tea destination at 1401 Middlefork Dr in Lake Forest, Illinois. With a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, it offers a comfortable setting for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dessert, or a quick visit for a satisfying bite.

Whether you are dining alone, meeting someone for coffee, or looking for a relaxed place to enjoy a meal, the cafe provides an inviting experience centered on quality refreshments and convenient service.

The menu includes great coffee, an excellent selection of tea, comfort food, healthy options, quick bites, beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. Guests can choose from outdoor seating, dine-in service, takeaway, delivery, and on-site services, making it easy to enjoy the cafe according to their schedule.

Known for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dessert, and comfortable seating, Elawa Farm Cafe also serves local specialties and is recognized for its fast service. Restroom facilities are available for added convenience.

Accessibility is an important part of the cafe experience, with a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilet. Elawa Farm Cafe accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a convenient checkout.

Customers have rated the cafe 4.70 out of 5 based on 72 reviews, reflecting a highly regarded experience for visitors seeking coffee, tea, meals, and relaxed dining in Lake Forest.

★★★★★ 4.70 rating (72 reviews)
Elawa Farm Cafe
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Independent Reviews
Elawa Farm Cafe interior

More Than Just Coffee

Every cup we serve is a small moment of joy, carefully crafted by passionate baristas who care about your experience.

  • Free WiFi
  • Cozy Seating
  • Pet Friendly
  • Local Roasters

Reviews

From our beloved regulars

Maria Marzola

Maria Marzola

10 months ago

This place is absolutely beautiful!! The coffee was good too and the chicken sandwich is yummy

Jules Park

Jules Park

9 months ago

The property itself is worth the visit. The food is better than average but not mind blowing. Glad it wasn't busy!!

Pop Tartleson

Pop Tartleson

month ago

This is a really lovely farm. There is a barnyard animal area for kids and a pretty nice cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. Definitely a nice place to spend a summer morning or afternoon.

Daniel Bozarth

Daniel Bozarth

year ago

Got the roasted Squash Tartine after walking the adjacent trails for a couple hours. It was good mixture of flavors, and just a little sweet. Fries were good, but if felt like I got the bottom of the bag with a bunch of tiny pieces. Was surprisingly busy at 1. But cleared out by the time we were done eating. Order via QR code on each table.

July B

July B

year ago

Elawa Farm Café: A Hidden Gem for Organic and Healthy Dining 1401 Middlefork Dr, Lake Forest, IL 60045 Elawa Farm Café is a delightful retreat that offers a perfect blend of healthy, organic cuisine and a tranquil farm-to-table experience. Located in the picturesque surroundings of Lake Forest, IL, this café is a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. From the moment you step onto the premises, you’re transported to a serene farm setting, complete with a rustic charm that enhances the dining experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a wholesome, peaceful meal. The menu features a variety of delicious dishes crafted with fresh, organic ingredients sourced locally. Each bite is a testament to their commitment to quality and sustainability. Whether you’re indulging in a hearty salad, a flavorful sandwich, or one of their exquisite baked goods, the taste is simply unparalleled. The café caters to all dietary preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone. What truly sets Elawa Farm Café apart is its exceptional service. The staff is attentive, friendly, and passionate about the food they serve, making you feel right at home. Their knowledge of the ingredients and the farm's history adds a personal touch to your dining experience.

Taylor Flowe

Taylor Flowe

year ago

Love this addition to an already special place. The food is phenomenal, both lunch and dinner. The breakfast sandwich was amazing. It’s usually bustling, but wait times aren’t horrible. There is one woman in particular who works the counter who is the pinnacle of professionalism and so cool under pressure when it’s busy. If all the staff are like her, you will always have an incredible experience here.

Liz Haas

Liz Haas

year ago

This was such a cool place that we stumbled across when we were passing through town. It’s a beautiful spot and the food was delicious! We ate outside while we watched the goats play. There’s a large nature preserve right behind the farm and we went for a nice hike after breakfast. This place is definitely worth a visit!

Nicholas Krotine

Nicholas Krotine

3 months ago

Amazing cafe with Michelin quality food/pastry nestled within a quiet farm. Great place to decompress and enjoy a nice breakfast/coffee or lunch.

Stephen Ruegg

Stephen Ruegg

3 months ago

Delicious food, probably the best brunch and chicken salad sandwich in the area. Service is quick and easy. First come first served for seating and there is both indoor and outdoor tables. Cute farm to explore and a market that has pop up tents.

M X

M X

3 months ago

The people working at the cafe have always been kind and calm. As a customer, I think it encourages customers to equally be calm and enjoy the beautiful farm environment. In my many visits, I would say even the customers seem to relax when here. My food review is motivated by the hash browns. The cafe serves a golden brown square of stringed potatoes 🥔 in two triangles, which offers a soft bite. Great for anyone with dental issues perhaps and needs to eat gently. Personally, I ordered mine extra extra crispy, and it’s delicious. The center still remained soft, nice taste of potatoes contrasted with the initial bite of crispy lightly salt flaked crust. I recently (March 2026) tried the raspberry lemon thumbprint cookie. I hesitated to do so in my last visits. I thought the size and consistency was more like a chocolate chip versus a chocolate truffle, too much. Yet, the jam always looked appealing. I was wrong about the consistency. The base is light and not too sweet but not so light that the jam overpowers the consistency. And it’s a good size to pair with a cup of tea. The jam is absolutely pleasing. I call the Elawa TP, giant’s thumbprint cookie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Elawa Farm Cafe

Business Features

Highlights & Amenities

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • On-site services
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great coffee
  • Great tea selection
  • Serves local specialty

Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Solo dining

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dessert
  • Seating

Amenities

  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Tourists

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments

Children

  • Good for kids

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Plenty of parking

Come Say Hi

We'd love to see you! Stop by for your favorite drink or to try something new.

Location

1401 Middlefork Dr, Lake Forest, IL 60045, United States

Hours

Open Now · Sunday 8 AM-3 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 8 AM-3 PM
Thursday 8 AM-3 PM
Friday 8 AM-3 PM
Saturday 8 AM-3 PM
Sunday 8 AM-3 PM
Monday Closed
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Get in Touch

Questions about catering, private events, or just want to say hello?