Massive sandwiches and friendly people on Eastlake
Monday, April 04, 2005
After incubating for several months in my basement, Judy's Book just moved into a 'real' office on Eastlake, an easy walk from the neighborhood's retail core. We just started exploring the local eateries for lunch, and hit an early home run at Louisa's Cafe & Bakery.
Located in an airy corner storefront near the corner of Eastlake and Roanoke, Louisa's specializes in hearty, healthy bakery & cafe fare, most of which is prepared onsite in their open kitchen. A long row of bakery cases is loaded with great breads and sweets, and the menu features a rotating selection of soups, salads and (my personal favorite) absolutely massive sandwiches, served on thick slices of their own store-made bread. On weekends, they serve breakfast all day -- centered around traditional favorites like omelettes with toast & potatos, oatmeal and granola.
The decor can most accurately be described as "college town eclectic" -- salvaged church pews, a random assortment of sturdy wooden chairs, and an equally sturdy (and random) array of cafe tables. The general mood is equally informal -- everyone behind the counter boasts a sunny, relaxed disposition, accessorized with a minimum of two tattoos (and an optional piercing). Patrons bus their own tables, and free wi-fi attracts more than a few all-day regulars.
I'm looking forward to exploring the many competing lunch offerings along Eastlake, but I know that Louisa's will be a regular stop on the circuit.