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.
The menu looks intriguing. I prefer a non franchise restaurant over a franchise one.
ReplyDeleteI love the wave. It fits right into your description.
ReplyDeleteI'll try the fish taco salad, please. Interesting menu. I love finding new favorite places. Enjoy this one.
ReplyDeleteOn North Lake near Washington? Really? How come I've never noticed I when I drive down from Altadena? The menu board alone is a work of art that makes me want to go there. Is that the chef waving?
ReplyDeleteI should proofread before I press publish. Be nice to have an edit button like the one on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteReally hope Next Door Cafe does well.
It's hiding in plain sight, on the east side of the street a couple of doors south of Washington. Turn into the parking lot just north of the cafe umbrellas.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad, Bellis, it's been in my neighborhood for a year and I've only just found it.
I believe that's the chef. He's the one who brought us that brilliant salsa.
The menu looks interesting!
ReplyDeleteKnowing many people who love either the weak coffee at a certain Canadian donut shop, or the bitter stuff at a certain Seattle chain, I have learned not to trust anyone else's reviews on which coffee is good/bad.
Okay: time to laugh at the Englishman. What on earth is a blackened sandwich?
ReplyDeleteGood point, hamilton!
ReplyDeleteDive, you spice the skin and burn it a bit. Tasty.
Yummmm!!! That looks like one I want to visit!!! Looks like a great place to meet up with fellow bloggers!!!
ReplyDeleteThe folks who own the property and restaurant also give back to good work being done in the community. One of those win, win, win deals. Love the colors you caught and the wave is a real beckoner.
ReplyDeleteNow that makes me want to go there even more, LH!!!
ReplyDeleteI've been there a few times but not since last year. But a couple of friends started running something there weekly so I need to pay another visit this year.
ReplyDeleteIt's a little closer to me than the Coffee Gallery.
It's a long way away from me... but maybe one day I'll be passing!
ReplyDeleteBeth of newcastledailyphoto.co.uk
Chieftess, when you visit we have this and the fish place.
ReplyDeleteLH, that's good to know.
I'll bet they'll be glad to see you, Cafe.
Hi Beth, looks like it would be quite a trip for you! Come visit anyway.
Looks like a great place! I'd go there if I was in the area.
ReplyDeleteFun to find a new place that has great coffee and interesting food! Love all the colors in the photo, and the wave. I'll try the Fish Po'Boy and Chips with Butter Caper Sauce.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to go for that BLT, myself.
ReplyDeleteThis place looks great! I'm torn between the BLT and that chicken salad. Guess I'll need to go twice.
ReplyDeleteI've been wondering about this place. So glad it gets the thumbs up!
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