Probably one of the most bustling, busy coffee shops in downtown Holland, but it's more than worth the wait.
It's been a moment since I've last visited Lemonjello's establishment, but I was no where near disappointed when I had decided to return. My only complaint would be that the location is small for the amount of people it has ensnared by it's delightful, coffee aroma. But, the compactness of the room gives it a whimsical, comforting feeling as well.
The building has a cluttered treasure trove vibe. It almost felt that with every head pivot, there was always something new to find or notice. I would acquaint it to an "I-Spy" book if I had to give it a proper comparison; It's very light-hearted and nostalgic.
This place is notoriously busy. Having it's location being set right across from a college will tend to cause a commotion, especially during finals week. There were nearly no seats available around 10 in the morning, and I doubt the coffee/study rush will ever quell with time.
Despite the almost overwhelming amount of customers that swarm this café daily, the staff somehow manages to deliver both it's orders and great, enthusiastic attitudes. There was a particularly memorable moment during my visit where "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias started to play, and two of the Baristas had started to join me in singing this classic 2001 banger. To say that I had felt understood in that short-lived, three-person jam session would be an understatement.
I have yet to even mention the massive variety that they bring to the table in terms of food and beverages. They have a little something for everyone, from gluten free to vegan. I ordered a simple Chai Latte along side toast with almond butter(I also got a raspberry-bran muffin, and I highly recommend it). I will say, that for the amount paid, you do not get sizable portions. I think overall, they are a smidge overpriced, but that the taste they deliver is a wonderful little treat for yourself every now and then.
I would recommend this place for a breath of fresh air after a long day, or a quick pop in with friends. I also think it's a terrific place to study and enjoy a muffin or coffee, as long as you don't mind a little noise.
I hope to visit Lemonjello's again very soon. If the food and drinks weren't enough to convince me to return, then the fantastic environment and entertaining staff definitely...
Read moreRating: ★★★★★ (5/5) “Came for the lavender hot chocolate, stayed for the cinnamon roll... and then went back for more cinnamon rolls.”
Okay, so I did my homework. I was on a mission to find the best hot chocolate in Holland, Michigan, and Lemonjello’s was one of the top contenders. But—I’ll be honest—I almost didn’t go. Why? The number of reviews talking about rude service and employee attitudes made me second-guess it. Who wants to be judged for just wanting something warm, cozy, and lavender-flavored?
But then I found out they had lavender hot chocolate, and listen... as a certified hot chocolate connoisseur and someone whose favorite flavor on Earth is lavender, I simply had no choice. Curiosity fear of sass.
I pulled up, sat in my van, and genuinely debated just skipping it. But eventually, the craving won out, and in I went. There was only one person ahead of me in line, so I browsed the counter—strictly there for that lavender hot chocolate, mind you—and walked out with a small bakery haul.
I got a cinnamon roll that I swear was life-altering. I bake my own sourdough cinnamon rolls, and I’m pretty obsessed with them—but this one? Better. I said it. I went back inside to get two more for the road. That good.
As for the much-feared service? Total myth—at least in my experience. The cashier and the guy making my drink were both kind, conversational, and super helpful. We chatted about the drink, the pastries, even how their day was going. No eye rolls. No bad vibes. Just genuine, sweet humans.
When I finally got my drink (napkins and a bag already thoughtfully packed for me), I went back to my van, took one sip, and immediately regretted not getting the biggest size they offer. It was floral, rich, comforting, and easily the best hot chocolate I had out of the three places I tried in town. Hands down.
So if you’re on the fence about Lemonjello’s because of some sour reviews, let me be the voice that says: go anyway. Order the lavender hot chocolate. Grab the cinnamon roll. And if you’re going—text me. Bring me back a...
Read moreMy boyfriend and I were visiting from out of town for the weekend and decided to try this place out. Both of us really enjoyed our experiences the two times we came in. What genuinely makes this place 5-star worthy is the fact that there’s MULTIPLE gluten-and-dairy-free bakery items. I visit lots of coffee shops and keep seeing that there’s (typically) either a gf item, or a vegan item. Never both. The fact that Lemonjello’s had not one or two, but five different bakery items for me to choose from that were freshly made— not the pre-packaged, overpriced options you see at other places— that won me over. I understand it’s hard to accommodate my two dietary restrictions simultaneously, but Lemonjello 100% executed, and it’s something I appreciate greatly. I tried the gf/df apple almond muffin and chocolate chip cookie one time and the gf/df berry muffin the next, all of which I’d get again. My boyfriend and I also enjoyed our lattes— as baristas, we were impressed with the staff’s skilled latte art, especially considering I got mine with oat milk. The atmosphere was totally fine. I could personally just go without the music playing as it seemed a little all over the place, and the tables are fairly close together, but it’s evident they’re trying to utilize the space they have and provide as much indoor seating as possible for customers. I’m looking forward to coming back to this coffee shop as it’s very accommodating and overall...
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