I’ve been wanting to write a series for our tourism website about some of the cool new places to eat, drink and socialize that have sprung up around downtown Jackson and other places in Butts County, and having just finished a delicious cup of coffee from Lucy Lu’s Coffee Cafe, I thought this would be the perfect entrée to start off with.

Tucked away on the northeast corner of the downtown Jackson square at Mulberry and Second Street, Lucy Lu’s opened up in September of 2017 after several months of work rehabilitating the old store that for years was the home of Jackson Flower Shop and a few other things in later years. Walking in, I can still remember it as a flower shop and seeing my Aunt Josephine working on something in the arranging area. Back then, it smelled of flowers and plants; today, the arousing smell of coffee being ground and brewed is what you will find when you walk in the door.

Teri Galardi Porter and Mike Porter have done an outstanding job transforming the old store into the kind of place that invites people to come in, drink in the ambience and enjoy the views of the downtown Jackson square. Deeply grained wooden floors, exposed brick walls, large open windows and high ceilings give the coffee cafe a sense of warmth and openness, especially after dark when the soft lighting creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere perfect for sipping coffee, sitting and having conversation.

Locals and newcomers alike come and go, and if you sit there long enough, you’ll see someone you know inevitably stop by your table to chat. The walls are covered with interesting items, including artwork, old photos, memorabilia and catchy phrases, including a giant light-up baseball that I understand used to be a fixture at the Atlanta Braves stadium and would light up when a home run was hit. If the atmosphere is a hit though, the coffee and edibles are the true home run.

Featuring a variety of gourmet coffee drinks, including espresso and lattes, homemade pastries and cookies, muffins, biscuits and sandwiches, Lucy Lu’s is the perfect place to grab breakfast on the way to work or to come by for a lunchtime sandwich. I recommend the sausage, egg and cheese biscuit to start out the day, with a strong cup of regular coffee; for lunch, the chicken salad on croissant sandwich with chips is a great meal to get you through the afternoon. Others have commented on the awesome goodness of the pimento cheese sandwich and I’ve heard nothing but raves for the deserts. I’ll add my own recommendation for their coffee cake, which may have been the best I’ve ever had.

Good coffee is its own art, and I’m always in search of it; thanks to Lucy Lu’s being 2 miles from my home, I don’t have to go far to get it now. Their basic drip coffee is rich and flavorful, with a bold taste that doesn’t cross over the line into bitterness. Those who drink their coffee black will likely find it much to their liking, though for me, a bit of cream makes it perfect. Price-wise, the coffee is very reasonable for something that is definitely a cut above ordinary java and the food prices are in line with the high quality of the products being served. The staff is friendly and eager to serve and while they have a large variety of everyday products, they are always trying out new things and making specialty drinks for different seasons and events, or just because they can.

A recent example of this is their line of “Stranger Things” drinks, named for the popular Netflix series that films right across the street from the coffee shop. One of these, named the “Upside Down” is a delicious chocolate toffee drink that will “take you to another dimension”, according to their Facebook page. Others will include “The Will” and “The 11”, named for characters in the hit TV show.

As a coffee shop goes, Lucy Lu’s hits all the right notes, including an inviting atmosphere, quality food, an attentive staff, a great location and, most importantly, great coffee. Every small town needs a place to get good coffee and Jackson has needed one for a long time…but it had to be the right time and it had to be the right coffee shop for it to work. That time is now and Lucy Lu’s is definitely the right coffee shop, giving our area something that coffee drinking locals have wanted for years. Travelers coming through town won’t have to venture far off the main beat either, as the cafe is just one block north of the main thoroughfare, at 42 Mulberry Street.

The hours are generous and most will be able to find a time to stop by that works for them. Parking is around the square or alongside the cafe and you can just follow your nose the rest of the way to the perfect aroma of coffee. There are plenty of places to sit, but it does get crowded at times. You can browse using the free wi-fi while you wait and be sure to take advantage of their rewards program if you are a frequent flyer. Give it a try when you’re in town and experience Lucy Lu’s for yourself!

Location:
42 Mulberry Street, Jackson Georgia, at the corner of Mulberry and Second

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/lucyluscoffeecafe/

Parking: Free, around the square or in nearby city parking lots

Hours (As of this writing)
Monday-Thursday, 6:30 AM to 6PM
Friday 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Food Products:
Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, Biscuits, Sandwiches (Lunch)

Beverages:
Coffee, Espresso, Latte, Specialty, Iced, Smoothies, Fraps, Tea and more!

Perks (pun intended):
Free Wi-Fi
Rewards Program
Great Atmosphere
Cool Building

Disclaimer: The hours and products posted here are current as of the time of this writing but are subject to change. It is recommended you check with this business to get the most current offerings and hours of operation. 

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