Where the creative converge: The Lemon Grove Lounge and Cafe
Gary S. Angelo FEATURES REPORTER
Issue date: 11/3/09 Section: Features
Since Aug. 6, The Lemon Grove Cafe and Lounge has been opening Youngstown's eyes to a late-night creative atmosphere. The Lemon Grove is located at 122 W. Federal St. in downtown Youngstown. Jacob Harver, the owner and proprietor, was flipping through names in an encyclopedia one night with his friend, and settled on this perfect name for his business.
"The name reflects a naturalness, and there is something mystical in the name, like the song 'Shady Grove,'" Harver said.
The Lemon Grove serves exotic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes made from locally grown food. Inside the uniquely narrow building, Harver and company display work created by local artists. The cafe also offers free Wi-Fi.
"The Lemon Grove lives up to my expectations, which is to have a European-style cafe," Harver said.
Much like the late-1950s beat writer Jack Kerouac, Harver wanted to study where interesting people hang out in cities and towns.
"I wanted to create a venue that blends together the flair of Kravitz Deli, Cedars Lounge and The Royal Oaks. Those places are the institutions of Youngstown," Harver said.
Harver wanted to create a bar and coffee shop that is open until 4 a.m. all year long.
"We did construction 20 hours a day for four months, and the day construction was done, we opened our doors," Harver said.
Cafe manager Eric McCrea enjoys The Lemon Grove's customers and friendly atmosphere.
"The employees here are very 'Youngstowny.' Everyone knows everyone, which is cool," McCrea said.
McCrea said The Lemon Grove has different food specials every day, while the mood or setting is quite intimate.
"The atmosphere is almost like somebody's living room; people are thinking, writing and reading here in the cafe," McCrea said.
McCrea pointed out that the establishment openly welcomes artists and readily showcases anything related to the arts.
"We get into anything and we are open to any suggestions," he said.
"The name reflects a naturalness, and there is something mystical in the name, like the song 'Shady Grove,'" Harver said.
The Lemon Grove serves exotic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes made from locally grown food. Inside the uniquely narrow building, Harver and company display work created by local artists. The cafe also offers free Wi-Fi.
"The Lemon Grove lives up to my expectations, which is to have a European-style cafe," Harver said.
Much like the late-1950s beat writer Jack Kerouac, Harver wanted to study where interesting people hang out in cities and towns.
"I wanted to create a venue that blends together the flair of Kravitz Deli, Cedars Lounge and The Royal Oaks. Those places are the institutions of Youngstown," Harver said.
Harver wanted to create a bar and coffee shop that is open until 4 a.m. all year long.
"We did construction 20 hours a day for four months, and the day construction was done, we opened our doors," Harver said.
Cafe manager Eric McCrea enjoys The Lemon Grove's customers and friendly atmosphere.
"The employees here are very 'Youngstowny.' Everyone knows everyone, which is cool," McCrea said.
McCrea said The Lemon Grove has different food specials every day, while the mood or setting is quite intimate.
"The atmosphere is almost like somebody's living room; people are thinking, writing and reading here in the cafe," McCrea said.
McCrea pointed out that the establishment openly welcomes artists and readily showcases anything related to the arts.
"We get into anything and we are open to any suggestions," he said.
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biuro kede
posted 4/08/10 @ 10:08 PM EST
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