Anthony J.
Google
On my way to an appointment in East Los Angeles, I decided to stop by Lilly’s Cafe after seeing it listed on Yelp. I figured it would be a quick stop for a couple of lattes and some dessert. The reviews were mixed, but I thought, How bad could a latte be? Unfortunately, I found out the hard way.
At first glance, the cafe looked very inviting — a charming gold logo in elegant script, with soft white and pink interiors. It stood out as a little gem among otherwise plain storefronts. The presentation suggested that Lilly’s Cafe offered high-quality products, albeit at a slightly higher price. I ordered two lattes, a carrot cake, and a cheesecake, expecting at least a decent experience for the nearly $30 total.
What a mistake. Once I was back on the road and took a sip of my latte, I was stunned — it was weak, watery, and completely flavourless. There was none of the rich espresso depth or velvety creaminess you expect from a well-made latte. It tasted like reused coffee grounds diluted with milk. I actually threw it away, and my client did the same.
Hoping the desserts might redeem the visit, I tried the cheesecake next. Another disappointment. It was flat, overly sweet, and missing the tangy richness of proper cream cheese. The topping had a strange, mealy texture that peeled off as if it had been glued on. The Graham cracker crust was soft, bland, and barely there. Honestly, you could find a better slice at a grocery store bakery.
The carrot cake fared no better — dry, grainy, and with an odd chemical aftertaste. It was nearly inedible.
Spending $30 on this experience felt like a complete waste of money. I would have been better off grabbing coffee and snacks at a gas station. After rereading other reviews, it’s clear that the owners haven’t taken any feedback seriously, which explains the consistently poor quality.
If they don’t care about what they serve, why should you care to support them? Save your money and steer clear of Lilly’s Cafe.