Lizzy J Cafe

The atmosphere was quaint and comfortable. The staff delightful. I had the crab cakes, crabby benny; very very good. Drizzled with hollandaise sauce. Disappointed to discover they had run out of aioli sauce. The Lamb chops needed a bit more flavor and salt. They were out of grits, so they substituted with hashbrowns. Some had cheese some didn't. Both were very good. It was a nice experience though nothing wowed me. I could barely remember the meal.🤷🏾‍♀️

I’ve been here twice and absolutely love this cozy place. The crab/lobster Benedict is OUTSTANDING. I had the shrimp and grits just this morning. A bit salty for my particular taste, but still good. Both times I’ve gone before noon - not at all crowded. The host/waiter is the sweetest, kindest gentleman - very attentive and kind. Coffee is SUPERB, the BEST way to start a morning. I love and am committed to supporting this Black owned business.

We made 11/7/20 10 a.m. reservations prior and took a drive on a mild, sunny Saturday morning here. I live 22 miles away from this restaurant so I was hoping my experience would be worth going the distance. We get there and see this quaint and bright establishment. I walk in and was immediately greeted by Chef and Owner Lizzie J! She was so pleasant. She actually was the one that seated us outside (due to Covid restrictions, no indoor seating allowed, only outdoor) which that impressed me RIGHT THERE! I've never been to a business where the actual owner seated me. I felt special :) We started out with hot tea which is created by her. Decided to try the Hibiscus Sangria flavor. It was really good! There are many hot/cold teas, lemonades that she offers and makes herself. We had ordered our food and was looking forward to our meal. Once again, Lizzy J came out proudly with our food. We tried the Shrimp and Grits, Freddy Jr. (chicken atop a sweet potato waffle) and fried Catfish fillet and Grits. Presentation was beautifully done. I tasted the shrimp & grits and I wanted to just immediately start crying due to having ultimate joy swirling around in my mouth! That was the BEST shrimp and grits I have ever had in my life, do you hear me? The shrimp in it were HUGE!! Grits were tasty also. Lizzy convinced me to get andouille sausage as an additional meat instead of the chicken sausage which I appreciated because the flavor was out of this world! My buddy enjoyed her catfish and grits as well. Lizzie J is very good about asking how the food tastes and if it needs anything more to your liking. The business just recently made 1 year old. I noticed that Lizzy J took the time to talk to every customer that was dining there. Now, that's good business. I also got to meet her husband and he was pleasant as well. Just good people. I didn't want to leave. It was so nice outside and the area is quiet despite the street being a very busy one. Lizzy J also does catering and I definitely want to support her in that business as well. Please come and support this black owned business, you will not regret it! Make sure to make reservations (through Open Table) as this is a small restaurant with limited seating. Masks required, temp checks given, tables are distanced apart. What I thought was awesome that I've never seen is that each table had a bottle of hand sanitizer on it which I truly appreciated. Lizzie J, thank you for the most wonderful experience! I have been to a lot of restaurants but I must say that yours was one of the best & memorable experiences that I've had from pleasant service to excellent safety precautions to delectable food. You know I will be back and have already spread the word about your excellent establishment.

Loved my visit to Lizzy J Cafe! Delicious flavors and friendly staff. Street parking and quaint environment make for a wonderful dining experience. The shrimp and grits was yummy as was the breakfast bowl! Hope they do well. Conveniently located right in Lincoln Square. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My coworker and I had lunch here today, and let me tell you, I'll be back to try everything on the menu. This time around we had the lemon blueberry French toast stuffed with mascarpone, a side of bacon, the shrimp and grits, and two hot teas. The French toast was perfect--crispy corners, not too sweet, and indulgent. The shrimp and grits had perfectly creamy grits topped with sausage and shrimp with the perfect amount of seasoning. Often places don't use enough black pepper, but this was not a problem at all. In terms of the service, everyone was sweet and attentive. Please go and support this business. I think it makes an excellent addition to the neighborhood, and the food is delicious. Plus, they properly steep your tea and offer both honey and sugar.

My mom and I decided to have our Sunday date here for the first time and we were not disappointed. Make a reservation or be patient and wait for a table bc it's worth it. The staff were nice and chef stopped for a second and said hi. I gave side eye bc there was no salt and pepper on the table and I just knew I was going to need it. #BoyWasIWrong We had shrimp and grits, some of the most flavorful I have had in my life. Plump seasoned shrimp, creamy hominy grits (has cheese), sausage, and this slurp worthy creole sauce made my day. We also had the caramel apple walnut french toast. Brioche bread grilled with a light french toast batter, had crispy edges, and it was topped with apples that weren't mushy. The walnuts were a perfect touch and that caramel sauce!!!!!!! #BottleItUpAndSlatherItOnEverything Mom and I loved it. Another table had catfish and grits. I almost sat at their table to get a taste. The couple behind us had some type of blueberry french toast that they finished in 5min lol. It looked amazing and they suggested we try the lemon berry french toast next time.

Will definitely return. Best advice go early as they tend to run out of the dishes if you have a later appt. But good to know everything is fresh. Has the catfish and grits. Really tasty.

The Sweet Potato Waffle with Hottie syrup, chicken and cheese grits was amazing! This was my first stop coming from the airport. Highly recommend!