Update: Lil's Cupcake Cafe is now Twinsie's Coffee and Cupcakes
I was having one of those work days that felt like it would never end, so when lunch time arrived, I needed a sweet treat. I remembered that the new cupcake café downtown had lunch offerings so I decided to give it a try.
I was having one of those work days that felt like it would never end, so when lunch time arrived, I needed a sweet treat. I remembered that the new cupcake café downtown had lunch offerings so I decided to give it a try.
It is located on High Street between Jonathans and the Elsinore Theatre. Upon walking in, I noticed the high ceilings and that there was lots of natural light coming in from their huge windows. They were playing pop music and the décor was modern.
You order at the counter and they serve you at the table, I ordered a veggie sandwich, a cup of their clam chowder and a mint chocolate cupcake. The sandwich was made with pretzel bread and served with some slices of fruit, which I liked. It felt healthier than chips on the side. The veggie sandwich was made with shredded lettuce, red bell peppers, tomatoes, cheese and what tasted like a thousand island dressing. The clam chowder was tasty and had bits of bacon in it. 
The highlight of my lunch was the mint chocolate cupcake. It was fantastic and lovely to behold.
This was my second visit to this café, the first time, we just stopped in to grab some desserts to-go. On our first visit, we got the mocha cheesecake and a chunk of cake covered in chocolate with a raspberry sauce on top, they were both nothing less than amazing. The service was quick and very friendly. 
I will definitely be back for dessert and maybe just to stand and drool at their cake case.
Lil’s Cupcake Café
150 High St. SE
503.566.6655
This looks great! I'd love to get a schedule (their website isn't up yet, it seems). Just called and was told that they don't open until 5pm today...?! Seems an odd time for a soup and sandwich place to open.
ReplyDeleteYes, also disappointed Lil's wasn't open Saturday morning for a pastry pick-up on our way out of town. Not only do they have delicious sandwiches and cupcakes. . . but pastry!
ReplyDeleteWe stopped in after dinner one eve for a cupcake and ended up leaving empty handed. The offerings looked stale, frankly. Beyond that, the woman behind the counter couldn't even tell us where the cupcakes were from...which seemed just wrong for a place with "cupcake" in the name. It's also kind of like the cupcakes are an afterthought, off in the corner. Trying to jump on a trend, I guess...
ReplyDeleteA friend who was curios about the cupcakes brought me one to taste the other day. It was chocolate w/ a dollop of what appeared to be whipped cream on top. The cupcake was dry, crumbly and uninteresting. The topping was of the Hostess cupcake cream filling quality. Yuck...
ReplyDeletewow, sure hope last 2 comments arent from competitors. we have to help each other and stick 2gether people!
ReplyDeleteRP
My son and I stopped into Lils to check out the offerings a couple of days ago. I opted for the chocolate espresso cupcake, my son chose the lemon custard. I have to be honest. My cupcake was exceptionally dry. I couldn't tell if it was a result of over baking, refrigeration, or that it was stale. Conversely, my sons lemon custard was moist, just tart enough and delicious. I am a baker myself and I know how hard it is to make a decision about throwing away product that simply isn't fresh enough. You bake it and hope that the people will show up. The problem is that if you don't sacrifice those items that no longer represent what you are trying to get across, then the people who buy them are going to have a disappointing first experience and perhaps choose not to come back. The woman who helped us was very friendly and described all of the flavors and ingredients to us.Salem can only get better with more restaurant options. Especially small batch, handcrafted food that showcases what is unique about each of us.
ReplyDeleteCommenter number 3 here...and no I'm not a competitor, just tellin' it like it is. Time will tell and the marketplace will determine if they last.
ReplyDeleteThought I would stop to get my favorite dessert for a dreary Salem day. A yummy made from scratch cupcake. Wrong!! Was very disappointed at what I got...a very dry and stale cupcake. for $3.50!
ReplyDeleteI have been to Lil's on a few occasions. I have had lunch once (it was good) and the rest of the times I have stopped in for cupcakes. I agree with ALL of the prior comments. There are times when the cupcakes are so-so at best and it is clear they are not baked fresh. But on other times the cupcakes are delicious, moist and taste fabulous! At the same time, the restaurant is still fairly knew and I think it is taking some time to figure things out. They do have a cupcake "happy hour" in the evenings now to sell cupcakes that were baked that day. Hopefully this will help with making sure we get fresh baked cupcakes!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the previous comment, my first experience was less than stellar - stale and tasteless. However, a dozen of different cupcakes were ordered for my baby shower and everyone raved about them! They must of been made fresh that day. HUGE difference in quality.
ReplyDeletedo try the pumpkin cupcake- fabulous! hubby just picked up a 6 pack of cupcakes for me yesterday. we tried the pumpkin, carrot, chocolate peanut butter, red velvet, and chocolate espresso cupcakes. the 1st 3 flavors were exceptional, especially the pumkin, moist & flavorful. the red velvet had a sicky-sweet, mint green- colored frosting that didn't compliment the cake. and the chocolate espresso was very dry, so i wonder if it is the recipe for that flavor that needs adjusting?
ReplyDeleteYour hubbie is a keeper!
DeleteI thought it was way too expensive. They showcase their cupcakes poorly and the ambiance is not great. I pass on this cupcake shop, and I don't pass on many.
ReplyDelete