Dragonfly Cafe — Restaurant in Lowell

I've ordered from Dragonfly many times for both personal lunch as well as large office orders. Recently I placed an order through their website for pickup - the order was placed at 12:13 pm and I arrived at the restaurant around 12:18 not realizing that my pick up time wasn't until 12:43 (this was for 1 item, a Habibi bowl). Mistake on my end so I simply sat down at the bar area. 12:43 rolled around and not once, from the time I walked in to the establishment to sitting at the counter for almost 30 minutes did one of their staff acknowledge my presence. It wasn't until I asked at 12:45 about checking on my order that the woman behind the counter said anything to me and that was a "oh, I see it back there, it needs a few more things but there's other orders in front of you". Not only was past my order pick up time, again for ONE bowl, but the lack of customer services was horrible and the reason I won't return. Between the 2-3 girls behind the bar counter and the 2-3 in the kitchen (who can see the bar counter from where they put the food up) who couldn't be bothered to even say hello, ask if I needed help with anything or if I had any questions- what a shame that you work in a service industry yet lack simple service standards. I'll also note that yes, there was a line of about 8 people when I walked in and there was one other group of 2 individuals at the bar who appeared to have already eaten, the place was not overly busy and definitely not busy enough to be ignored for...

Life Alive + Capital One cafe vibes.

Came here for a quick breakfast on the patio, and it ended up being a solid find. It’s probably the only spot in this part of Lowell with a nice setup, and honestly, one of the only gentrified-feeling corners of the area. Inside, it’s spacious and inviting with plenty of couches and tables. For a relatively new café, prices were surprisingly reasonable.

We tried two of their toasts and the Uplifted Bowl. The bowl was the best thing we had here. It was very reminiscent of the warm grain bowls at Life Alive. Seasoned rice, raw cabbage and carrots, and that familiar peanut sauce combo.

The toasts, though, were underwhelming. Signature avocado toast was just smashed avocado on a piece of pretty mediocre toast. No acidity and heat (could barely feel the chili crunch). Tasted more like a hotel lobby version of avocado toast.

The Banana Toast was even less appetizing. Not sure if it was the cinnamon powder or just the heavy smear of peanut butter, but it was extremely dry. The honey and cinnamon probably pulled out even more moisture, turning the peanut butter into this thick, paste-like spread. The bananas helped a little, but I still ended up picking off the toppings and leaving the toast behind.

Still, if you’re in the area and looking for a spot to chill, get work done, or hang on a patio, this is one of the better options in Lowell. Just stick...

I’ve given this cafe a go a few times. For what it is, it’s good. If you’re looking for a clean, bright spot with healthy food options, this place ticks all the boxes. They’ve got a variety of choices for anyone with dietary restrictions, so that’s a huge plus. The vibe is nice, with plenty of seating, and the employees are always friendly and happy to explain the menu, which is helpful if you’re not sure what blue majik spirulina actually is.

Now, the downside—while the food is fresh and the ingredients are top-notch, I found it missing that little something extra in the flavor department. It’s healthy, sure, but it feels like it’s lacking in taste. You know that punch of flavor that makes you think, ‘Wow, I could eat this every day’? Yeah, this is more like ‘Hmm, I’ll eat this because it’s good for me… and I guess I’m full now.’

As for parking, it’s a bit of a hunt since they share the lot with the other businesses in the Mill, including a medical office and Jade restaurant underneath. And while the food can be pricey, you’re paying for quality, so I won’t complain about that.

In the end, if you’re really into healthy food, it’s worth a try. It just didn’t hit the flavor notes I was hoping for, but maybe I’m in the minority. Still, kudos to the staff for being awesome and willing to answer all my questions...