The Shoppes at 301 North Queen
located on the corner of Queen Street and Walnut Street in Lancaster
City is not like the cafes surrounding it. With a flare of Southern France and
a hint of NYC hysteria,
Café at 301 is not just a café, it’s an experience.
As soon as you enter you are
surrounded by a mix of French class and Southern hospitality. The tablecloths
are mix-matched ranging from chicken to flower print. This isn't the café for
sitting with just drinks.
If you feel the need for that though, you can claim a seat up at the coffee
bar. The conversation travels
throughout the café, led by the owner herself. Personable, the owner mingles among the customers
speaking of café inspirations, the quaint nature of Lancaster and NYC. I spoke
of all three with her
but lingered longer on the latter.
The food is
“this-looks-like-you-can’t-afford-it-but-surprise-its-actually-quite-reasonable”
kind of food. The portions are French style, meaning they are sized like they
should be—not the American way. My dad had a PBJ with bacon. Yes, you
heard me right. As you can presume there was not a crumb left on the plate.
After eating my “almost-too-pretty-to-eat”
meal, I was the perfect amount of full. That is until I went home and ate
Nutella straight out of the jar but that’s simply the American way. Your lattes
and cappuccinos are there for the picking but the salads, open faced
sandwiches, cheese and olive assortments, pastries, desserts, etc., are what
make the café into something truly special. If you have a spare moment and are in
the mood for a delicious meal only paused for fascinating conversation then you
should try out The Shoppes at 301 North Queen.