Nestled in the heart of Lincoln, NE, Engine House Cafe is truly a gem for breakfast enthusiasts. Formerly a firehouse, this charming eatery captivates patrons with its unique ambiance and a menu brimming with delectable American fare. Critics rave about the breakfast burrito, described as "HUGE" and overflowing with savory ingredients, alongside perfectly crispy hash browns that have garnered a loyal following. Diners can't seem to get enough of the biscuits and gravy, touted as the best in town. Regulars appreciate the friendly, family-operated service, noting that even during busy hours, the staff remains attentive and accommodating. The atmosphere, while bustling and sometimes a bit loud, creates a lively dining experience that feels both welcoming and invigorating. On weekends, expect a wait, but many agree it’s well worth it for the quality of food and the delightful decor reflecting its firefighting past. From sumptuous French toast and chicken-fried steak to thoughtful daily specials, Engine House Cafe is a delightful discovery for those looking to indulge in hearty, homemade-style meals. This café not only satisfies the palate but also wraps every visit in sincerity and warmth, making it a must-stop for brunch lovers. Highly recommended for a taste of comfort in every bite!
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Photos
Reviews For Engine House Cafe
Drag0n
May 31,2025
Best breakfast food I've had in a very long time.... Tasted almost like Mama cooked it... I had the breakfast burrito, hash browns, and a side of bacon. Normally when I eat in a restaurant and I get hash browns I have to have steak sauce, because hash browns taste bad but not here. Best hash browns I've ever had. Good flavor, great quantity... The burrito was HUGE, and stuffed to overflowing with sausage, scrambled eggs, onions and green peppers... Highly recommended September 5- went back around lunch time... Today i had 4 scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage patties, and sausage links; still amazing. Food was incredible (as usual) coffee was delicious, and tho i was the last one in there, and they had already closed, at no point did anybody approach me and ask me to leave, or hurry up. Still one of the best hole in the wall off the beaten path places I have found; still highly recommended
Elisha Andersen
May 26,2025
Best biscuits and gravy in town! Great service and very nice family that owns and operates this unique brunch location. With the wait if there is a line but come early because they close mid afternoon and you don’t want to be at the cutoff. Daily specials are always a great price and a way to sample different things. Too many dishes to name them all but highly recommend this cute firehouse remodeled into a cafe In the historic havelock area of Lincoln Nebraska
Alex Williams
Apr 26,2025
First time here, but definitely won't be the last! A little bit of a wait on a busy Sunday morning, but it's a quiet area if you want to walk around while you wait for your table. Food was amazing and we could barely finish what we ordered! Staff was very kind and helpful even with how busy they were. Definitely would recommend a stop at this historical little breakfast spot!
Ashley Zentz
Apr 18,2025
Great food. Fast service. Tots were good, kids burger was great, omelet was great, eggs Benedict was great, even the cottage cheese was great ! Would've loved it even more if the blinds were openn ;)
Chelsea Klein
Mar 6,2025
Highly recommend this breakfast spot in Havelock! I tried the French toast breakfast combo and it did not disappoint. The vanilla flavor really shined through and it had a nice crispy shell. Husbands chicken fried steak breakfast he noted was one of the better in Lincoln NE! Crispy breading with gravy. This place was hopping on a Sunday morning, it’s possible you will need to wait to be seated, we felt it was worth it! Servers were attentive and very busy! Atmosphere was bustling, a little loud. However it’s a small space and very busy so it’s to be expected. I love the Firefighter decor.
Sherry Kvasnicka-Clarkson
Feb 27,2025
Our waitress was phenomenal! Very tentative, despite a busy Friday morning. I live a keto lifestyle and got an omelette. I asked for a fried egg and cottage cheese for my sides and they didn't blink an eye. Very accommodating staff! Delicious food.
Adrien Hello
Feb 24,2025
The breakfast was absolutely amazing. The prices and portions were exceptional with the omelet I got being one of the best ones I've had in ages. The bannana nut pancake I got was exceptional, too.
Dave Cipriani
Feb 5,2025
Great breakfast spot. We stopped in twice during our visit. We both got the biscuits and gravy with egg and sausage. Very good. The second time, I got the breakfast Burrito, which was even better. We would definitely return if in the area again!
Reviews For Engine House Cafe