Rest Stop

Kafe Lila

Pawtucket needs the backing of some creative minds to reach its full economic potential, and applicants can now turn to the Grant Building for a blueprint. A turn-of-the-century structure with sleek hardwoods and cast-iron railings, the Grant is home to a variety of small creative upstarts as well as its cornerstone coffee shop, kafe’ lila (pronounced lay-la). This matte-yellow enclave is the brainchild of Karen Pace (artist-turned-entrepreneur by way of the culinary world) who serves up an array of fair-trade coffee drinks, organic teas, baked goods, specialty sandwiches (embellished with tapenade and homemade pickles) and a laundry list of exotic housemade ice creams like banana hazelnut, and vegan caramelized peach. The chic space is reminiscent of a post-war living room outfitted with kitschy card tables, plenty of potted plants and sofas that your mother would have protected with plastic covers. Shop hours have already been extended into the early evening, and, if business builds, Pawtucket may finally get its own late-night coffee klatch.

250 Main Street, Pawtucket, 305-3050, kafelila.com. Open Tues.–Fri. 7 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Cash only. Wheelchair accessible. Street parking.