Cozy café interior with lake view

Elwood · Johnson Lake Drive

When was the last time you sipped something extraordinary with the lake as your backdrop?

Artisan coffee at dawn. Craft cocktails at dusk. Every moment at The Inlet Hideaway feels like a quiet escape from the ordinary.

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15+ Years Serving Elwood
50+ Signature Drinks
4.9 Guest Rating
Elegant café interior with natural light

Our Story

A sanctuary where time slows down and every sip tells a story

Nestled along the quiet shores of Johnson Lake, The Inlet Hideaway began as a simple dream — a place where the rhythm of daily life yields to something more deliberate, more meaningful.

Our space blends the warmth of a neighborhood café with the refined atmosphere of a craft cocktail bar. By morning, the aroma of freshly ground beans mingles with lake breeze. By evening, the same space transforms into an intimate setting for handcrafted drinks and unhurried conversation.

Every element here is intentional: the locally sourced ingredients, the curated music, the view that never grows old. This isn't just a place to visit — it's a place to return to.

Locally sourced ingredients
Open daily from dawn to dusk
Waterfront seating available

Guest Words

What our visitors say

"The Inlet Hideaway has become our weekend ritual. There's something magical about watching the lake from our table with a perfectly poured coffee in hand. The staff remembers our names and our orders — it feels like coming home."

A regular guest

"We hosted our engagement celebration here and it was perfect. The private dining area overlooked the water, the cocktails were extraordinary, and the team made sure every detail was seamless. We couldn't have asked for more."

A recent celebration

"As a coffee enthusiast, I've tried pour-overs all across the region. The Inlet's single-origin selection is genuinely exceptional — you can taste the care in every cup. This is what a specialty café should be."

A coffee connoisseur

Visit Us

Find your way to the inlet

Address

2 Johnson Lake Drive 18
Elwood 68937

Hours

Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

2 Johnson Lake Drive 18, Elwood 68937

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Reservations

Reserve your table at the inlet

Whether it's a quiet morning coffee or an evening gathering by the lake, we'd love to welcome you. Fill out the form below and we'll confirm your reservation within 24 hours.

Thank you!

Your reservation request has been received. We'll be in touch within 24 hours to confirm your table.

Elegant table setting at The Inlet Hideaway
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