Nestled within The Bur Oak music venue on Winnebago Street, Lacy’s Cafe introduces a unique snack bar experience to the Atwood neighborhood, featuring a menu crafted from more than 20 local suppliers. Since its grand opening on June 25, owner Lacy Rude reports a warm reception from the community.
The cozy cafe accommodates up to 15 guests indoors, with an additional 20 seats available on its inviting outdoor patio. Rude emphasizes the cafe’s relaxed atmosphere, describing it as “open, friendly, and welcoming,” which aligns with her personal style.
This venture marks Rude’s second business following the establishment of Rude Brew Kombucha in 2017. Committed to supporting local entrepreneurship, she ensures that approximately 90% of the cafe’s offerings are sourced from nearby businesses.
Rude envisions Lacy’s Cafe as a community hub, aimed at promoting local enterprises and providing them with an additional sales outlet. “It’s a space that brings visibility to various local businesses,” she explains.
The diverse menu features treats like soft pretzels from Batch Backhouse, bagels from Origin Breads and Harmony Valley Farm, as well as Rude Brew’s kombucha and Batch It Crazy cold brew. Notably, the cafe also serves an exclusive “Mushroom Adaptogen Coffee,” combining Rusty Dog Coffee with mushrooms sourced from Micro Myco.
To cater to a variety of dietary preferences, Lacy’s Cafe includes an array of gluten-free and vegan options.
Despite the challenges of launching a second business, Rude expresses enthusiasm about the opportunity to engage directly with customers—a stark contrast to her primarily online-focused Rude Brew Kombucha, which is sold through e-commerce and other local retailers. “It’s even better than I had imagined,” she shares. “My previous experience was largely online, with only a few farmers markets, so this has been a fantastic change.”
Currently, Lacy’s Cafe operates from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with potential for extended hours and special events on weekends.