Tucked just off Fox Road, The Groovy Café is an absolute gem of a coffee shop serving up mochas, matcha, breakfast, lunch, and much-needed reminders like “Good things happen here.”
Owner Lisamarie Stonebraker bought the café earlier this year with a vision of making it more than just a place to grab a drink — and it’s working like a charm. The menu playfully nods to pop culture with items like the Gold Dust Omelette (a Stevie Nicks tribute) and the Ziggy-Wich (a Bowie-inspired sourdough sandwich). Monthly menu changes keep things fresh, with next month featuring a Taylor Swift–themed special and bracelet-making event for her new album release. Something “Enchanted” will surely be on the menu!
But a clever menu isn’t the café’s only strength. Guests can expect delicious breakfast and lunch offerings made with care: hand-crafted salad dressings, cappuccinos flavored with seasonal house-made syrups, freshly baked bagels, the highest quality meats, and a blood orange olive oil cake that locals can’t stop raving about.
Whenever possible, Lisamarie sources ingredients close to home. Each day begins with freshly brewed Tinker Coffee, and every morning she picks up warm, just-made Sidedoor Bagels from downtown Indianapolis. Guests can also enjoy Naptown’s own Nelson’s locally blended teas and indulgent DeBrand Chocolates from Fort Wayne.
About 90% of the baked goods are crafted in-house, complemented by premium Boar’s Head meats. And yes — there are charcuterie boards, beautifully prepared to enjoy in the café or to take on the go. Simply delicious!
Dietary needs? No problem. The menu offers multiple options for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian guests.
Beyond food and drink, The Groovy Café is also a curated little marketplace featuring locally made bracelets, hand-crafted cards, books, and even cat and dog treats (with proceeds supporting animal shelters). One of Lisamarie’s staff members describes it as “a fabulous little jewelry box of items.” And when it comes to her staff, Lisamarie doesn’t hesitate to give credit where it is due.
“I simply could not do this without the amazing group of people working behind the scenes,” she says. “They’re the ones who make this place tick.
“This place is about building relationships,” Lisamarie adds, as she serves up a rich, velvety mocha. “It’s a modern-day Cheers-style coffee bar — a place where families and friends can connect. Moms bring their kids here to do homework, rewarding them with our soft serve ice-cream or pineapple dole whip. Friends meet friends. Families meet families. We don’t have a television. Instead, we keep a daily newspaper, plenty of books, and most importantly, face-to-face conversation. It’s about getting back to what once made us a groovy society — finding joy in fellowship with one another.”
Bring a book and sit for a spell, or grab a friend and experience The Groovy Café. It is located at 11659 Fox Road in Lawrence and is open Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–8:30 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
