Next Door Cafe at 1174 N. Lake Avenue is just what the tummy ordered. I knew it was there but hadn't stopped by, until a friend suggested it for coffee. I didn't want to go at first, because although the place had good reviews, we were going for coffee and just about all the reviews said the coffee was bad.
Here's the deal: front patio with umbrellas, clean and comfy indoor cafe, plus a spacious rear patio you can enter directly from the parking lot. Delicious food (very fresh), and sweet service.
And the coffee was fabulous.
The first time I went, the (you might say cook, I'm gonna say) chef brought a sample of mango salsa to our table, just to try. Super fresh, unusual, tasty, and I know I'm going overboard here but I'd never had anything like it.
I went back yesterday and had the cranberry chicken salad and a raspberry smoothie. Both fab. I asked about the mango salsa, but it's not on the menu. Apparently the chef was just trying something. Try it again, please!
I'll go again, salsa or not.
