By Cliff Lewis
It’s an endangered species to be sure: The quaint little shop, nestled in a friendly neighborhood, just a stroll away from so many porches, yards, and front doors. These days, one must travel by car to access most popular cafés, the majority of which are bounded by broad deserts of asphalt. At best, one might venture to the Prince Street Café or Square One Coffee—excellent shops, but not without the frenzied buzz that accompanies any spot within the Central Business District. But a simple, quiet, neighborhood café is hard to find. That is, unless you’re anywhere near Pickles Café at 323 W. Lemon Street.
At the northeast corner of Lemon and Concord, Pickles Café sits in a generally quiet slice of town, just far enough from the bustle of Prince and Queen. The indoor seating area, although rather narrow, feels more cozy than cramped, with a row of several square tables and seating for two beside the Lemon St. window. In addition to the inviting atmosphere, the majority of visitors seem to be residents of the surrounding community; one can sense this from the sound of neighborly banter, and the morning pack of dressed-down newspaper-readers.
The menu offers mostly standard café fare, with coffee, bagels, pastries, omelets, and breakfast burritos for the morning; and sandwiches, wraps, and salads for lunch. But the quality and care put into each of these menu items is well beyond “standard.” A great lunch starter is the fresh vegetables with hummus; the portions are generous and the hummus is bold and rich. The sandwiches all carry a creative, vibrant flare, whether one is enjoying a basic BLT or an eclectic Roasted Portobello and Brie with Pesto Mayo.
Owner Rob Washick explained that the selection has remained similar to what was offered when the shop was known as “Dosie Dough.” In addition to providing a variety of Vegan options, Pickles Café seeks to use fresh, local ingredients as often as possible.
Pickles Café is an ideal spot to enjoy a calm breakfast or lunch in a friendly Lancaster City neighborhood. The shop is worth a visit—if for no other reason than to catch a glimpse of this rare and valuable breed of Café.
Went in on a Saturday morning, place was dead. Ordered anyway, worst food I have ever eaten. Would not give it to a homeless person. Coffee counter was filthy. Surprising for how empty the place was. Half-and-Half tasted old. In addition, the employees are creepers. I swear every time I looked up their eyes were glued on me. Will not go back. Avoid this place. Chestnut Hill Café is where you want to go.
I am not one to support big business. McDonalds has a better breakfast, lunch and dinner. Metro Pizza rates a ten next to these guys. Subway’s cheese steak blows these guys out of the water. Try it if you want, I just say be careful. A Chinese Buffet is cleaner than this place.