Sharing the same strip of Milwaukee Avenue as Roots & Culture is, what appears from the street side to be a discrete little coffee house and bake shop named Lovely. Once inside, the stylish, shabby chic groupings of gently distressed wooden tables and chairs and prettily patterned upholstered stools ringing the long stretch of counter top that stretches most of the length of one side of the space, proves itself to be more then first meets the eye.

Besides the compensatory Intelligensia brews and unremarkable soup and sandwiches, owners Gina and Brooke tempt patrons with all of their French Pastry School trained treats, which include frosted cakes, flakey pies, large cookies and sugar glazed tarts. Don’t skimp on the coconut macaroons, Madeleine’s and hand canned fresh jams, which come in a variety of flavors and offset some of the sugar guzzling guilt.

Vintage aprons and towels at Lovely.  Photo by Thea Liberty Nichols.

Aside from free wi-fi, Lovely also features a cozy corner store display stocked with crafts and art work from local talent, including Bruce & Maynard, Fivefoldink, Oilcloth International and Busy B Designs to name a few. If you fancy yourself a bit of a French pastry chef, peruse their cute and kitschy collection of vintage aprons, hand towels and other assorted kitchen accoutrement.

--Thea Liberty Nichols