Kristina S.
Yelp
Very obsessed with Lamara. I almost don't want to tell people about it!
I don't often hang out at coffee shops/cafes but I wanted to treat myself to breakfast the other day while running errands in Mid-City. I hit the jackpot with Lamara!
First off, this place has VIBES. It is large, open, bright, and clean. Seating is plentiful. Tables are not on top of each other. Seating varies from high top chairs at a bar facing a beautiful moss art piece, small 2 person tables (with chairs or old church pews as seating), and a long family style table in the middle which I thought was a charming touch. There is ALSO an outdoor patio in the back where dogs are apparently welcome. The music was soft and the server is nice. There are outlets a-plenty, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are clean and even have fancy hand soap.
The food is exactly what I look for when I cook for myself - clean, no added sugars, whole foods, etc. There are vegan/veg/GF options if that's what you need! They have a full coffee menu as well as a smoothie menu featuring an acai bowl.
I went 2 days in a row and have tried: Acai protein bowl ($13), breakfast pumpkin-oat waffle ($10), and a cafe au lait (oat milk, $3.50). Everything has been fantastic; the food is high-quality and beautifully presented. I feel that the portions were exactly right. They may appear on the smaller side (based on our usual crazy large NOLA portions) but due to the quality ingredients, you feel satiated. Prices are definitely in the right spot, in my opinion.
Another awesome thing is that they are low-waste. Food and drink are served on/in beautiful ceramic pieces. Utensils are re-usable and cloth napkins replace paper. Water glasses/cups are available instead of plastic. I believe I saw paper straws as well.
They also have a loyalty program in which you earn a "bean" for each item purchased, plus an extra bean if you sign up for the mailing list. With 7 beans, you get a free drink or smoothie! It's safe to say I'm very much on my way to a free drink. :)
Everything at Lamara seems to have been curated with a lot of thought and attention to detail, from the design to the food to the cutlery. I have LOVED my experiences here and I will definitely be back soon to try out the lunch items.