Located on the corner of 18th and Jefferson St., Bold Coffee & Books, which opened in Oct. 2024, has quickly become a favorite spot for students and community members. Founded by co-owners Ali and Tim Shaw, the shop combines rich coffee and pastries along with carefully curated books to create a welcoming atmosphere. The cafe is more than just a place to grab a drink—it’s a space for connection.

Senior Kiana Pandita visited Bold soon after it opened and enjoyed the environment of the coffee shop compared to the others she visited.

“I feel like the atmosphere is usually quieter and more of a safe place,” said Pandita. “I feel that environment is what drew me in. [It’s] kind of different from the other coffee shops I’ve been to.”

Senior Addison Lyerla agreed. She thinks that the new coffee shop fills a niche for the community. 

“There aren’t a lot of regular, sit-down coffee shops right next to Lincoln,” said Lyerla. “There are a couple of places to get coffee close by, but they are always so crowded. It’s nice to have a place that’s a little more quiet and … peaceful.”

Co-owner Ali Shaw envisioned their shop as more than just a place to grab coffee or pick up a book. For them, it was about creating a space for community and inclusivity.

“We’ve always loved comfortable community spaces where people can gather to chat, sit quietly or read for a while,” said Shaw. “Tim has worked in public service for 23 years, constantly working to build safe spaces for marginalized communities, and I’ve worked in publishing for 20 years. A coffee shop [and] bookstore focusing on safe spaces and uplifting marginalized voices made perfect sense.”

This mission of inclusion is also reflected in the books that the store sells. The back wall of the shop is dedicated to books that promote authors from a diverse range of backgrounds.

“In my work in publishing, I always have my eye on which publishers are working to shift the status quo in order to feature more diverse authors and characters,” said Shaw. “We also love to hear directly from people from various communities about which books they resonate with the most. If a Native customer suggests we carry Robopocalypse—a sci-fi thriller by a Native author—for example, we’re going to order that in a heartbeat.”

Bold Coffee & Books also hosts regular events to keep the community engaged.

“We host readings every Friday and Saturday night, children’s storytimes on Saturday mornings, and write-ins throughout the week,” Shaw said. “It’s great to see Lincoln students during lunch or study sessions. We even named a drink after you all: The Cardinal—a chai latte with oat milk.”

Students have also been appreciative of the shop’s accessibility and reasonable price point. 

“I think the prices are fair,” said Lyerla. “Overall, it’s reasonable compared to other coffee shops. I’ve gone there a lot recently.”

Bold Coffee & Books continues to grow as a gathering space for Lincoln students and the wider community. Whether stopping in for a quick coffee or spending hours lost in a book, visitors can count on finding comfort, connection and inspiration in this unique cafe.