3131 Dobson St
Polish Hill
https://www.facebook.com/lilicoffeeshop
In my youth I found myself going to Polish Hill for Gooski's 5 dollar Shiner bock and sandwich lunch combo. Polish Hill always attracted me with it's very raw and authentic feel. The Westside views and beautiful architecture are astounding. As I've aged, however, I find myself looking for coffees and simple healthy eats. Lili Café really delivers here. Right from the get go you know you are still in Polish Hill with it's punk feel, but still friendly staff.
The menu is an incredibly delicious and frankly innovative vegetarian and vegan. The coffee can stand alone with it's flavor or you can have drinks made with espresso, coffee soda, and cream to be adventurous. I recently tried the "golden milk" which isn't a coffee drink at all, but a spicy steamed milk drink made with honey, turmeric, and black pepper. That and a side of double espresso really got me the energy I needed at 3:00 pm on a long Thursday ;)
Other fun things to note about Lili Café is that it is a place to just relax and hang out. There is a small space dedicated to records and comics to peruse. The back room has a few games on hand such as Settlers of Catan and Blokus. There is also a small nook painted entirely with chalkboard paint for people to express themselves. During the warmer days there is even a small outdoor patio.
While I might be far from giving off the young, cool, punk vibe you sense throughout all of Polish Hill (what can I say-- I was raised as a southern gentleman), I still appreciate Lili Cafe and all Polish Hill has to offer.
Without wax,
-Ted.
