Vinos Finos is a departure from run-of-the-mill drinking and dining experiences. Located inside European-themed Lafayette Village, the wine bar is designed to sample tapas-style dishes and world-class wines. The staff here is more than happy to help with wine selection and pairings. Dark woods, leather furniture, and warm colors make the interiors feel like an old-world wine shop. Vinos Finos encourages patrons to converse, and the intimate, colorful setting is doubly suited for first dates or casual business meetings.
Bean Traders is dedicated to the art of roasting and slinging coffee. Since being opened by an optimistic, coffee-loving couple in 2000, the coffeehouse has won nearly a dozen local magazine awards for its coffee and atmosphere. The interior here is inviting, a little chaotic, and funky—the way a loyal, quirky friend might be. Coffee slingers here serve bagels and cookies, and trade in the likes of specialty pour-overs, southern pecan iced coffees, and pumpkin lattes.
Alley Twenty Six is sophisticated cocktail and wine bar serving charcuterie and small plates in stylish surroundings. Locals come to the bar for the relaxing, dimly-lit atmosphere, classic cocktails, and nicely curated wine list. Attention to detail and flavor sets Ally Twenty Six apart from other contemporary cocktail bars. The team here creates one of a kind homemade syrups and tonics: think zesty cinchona bark and lemongrass syrup. The bar, which faces East Chapel Street, has a little outdoor seating on 26 Alley, from which it takes its name.
Scratch is a charming bakery and cafe that offers diners a seasonal menu that showcases the very best, locally sourced produce. Designed by the talented chef Phoebe Lawless, the menu features an ever-changing variety of delectable treats like pork carnitas with avocado and spicy cucumber salsa, roasted okra, tomatoes and house-pickled onion salad, and sesame waffles with gingered plums. While the savory dishes are a revelation of beautifully balanced textures and flavors, you will find that the attractively displayed pies are simply impossible to resist.
Rise Biscuits and Donuts, as its name suggests, is a haven of sweet treats for children. The items are served as daily and weekly specials and displayed on a whiteboard. Relish donuts in varieties like Cinnamon Sugar Yeast, Mr. Peppermint Cake, Strawberry Jelly Filled and Big Pineapple Upside Down. The biscuits have even more unusual flavors and names such as Pig in a Blanket, Rabbit Stew and Fried Bologna, served with spreads like Duke’s Mayonnaise. Adults and kids alike can enjoy Crème Brûlée and Lemon Poppy Seed Cake along with gourmet cheese platters. One can also pop in for a very late breakfast as it serves snacks till the closing hours. Due to the high popularity of the donuts and biscuits, it is advisable to head here early in the morning. This bakery also offers catering services for parties and corporate events, else guests can pre-order bulk packages for functions.