Cozy and complete with mismatched chairs, animal fur and a bright orange fridge, this place is bound to keep you coming back again and again.
Winter is upon us here in Stockholm and while we are still anticipating the coming of snow, the Christmas spirit can be seen all around the city. The infamous neighborhood of Gamla Stan, or Old Town, has been recently filled with lights and garland. Most cafes are offering their own version of holiday-flavored drinks and you can make your way through the Christmas market in Stortorget for candied almonds, a traditional Swedish Christmas favorite, glögg, or spiced mulled wine and other handmade novelties.
As you may know, when you live in one place for a while, it is easy to get complacent with your coffeehouse preference. This morning, a friend, a fellow self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, and I made our way to Stockholm’s old town. First to take some pictures of the scenery, but also both in dire need of a cup of coffee.
We are always searching for a new favorite, but seem to frequent the same few places we know will deliver the best.
After spending some time soaking up the Christmas cheer, we came to a crossroad. I told my friend to pick which direction and the next coffeehouse we came to would be the one we would try.
As fate would have it, we settled on a place called Café Lazy House, located just two blocks from the Gamla Stan metro station. With cold hands and awaiting a warm cup of caffeine, we were pleasantly surprised to see that it was exactly what we were looking for.
The place was cozy and eclectically complete with mismatched chairs and sofas, animal fur and a bright orange fridge. The space was tastefully decorated with holiday décor and the smell of freshly pressed coffee wafted through the air.
While not extensive, the menu featured plenty of options from various types of coffee drinks to sandwiches, salads, quiches, and an assortment of delicious baked goods, which were all moderately priced. One can enjoy a café latte for 30 SEK and a cappuccino or chai latte for 35 SEK. We experienced great service from the two staff and enjoyed the free WiFi.
Most seats were filled including a back seating area, so my friend and I quickly sat our belongings down at the pair of chairs closest to the door. We began our stay with a latte and a cappuccino, both delicious I might add, and ended with lunch and a second round of coffees.
One of their most popular menu items, reasonably priced at 185 SEK, is a breakfast for two that includes a variety of freshly baked breads, hard-boiled eggs, a plate of cold cut meats and cheeses, yogurt, granola, juice and two coffees. We intended on ordering that after reviewing the menu for the second time, but unfortunately we were told that the bread was not ready for us. Instead of waiting, I settled on a cold avocado salad and my companion ordered a hot chicken sandwich.
We agreed both meals were equally delicious and that we would undoubtedly be back, promising each other that we would not tell any of our friends that it would be our little secret… Oops.
Despite its tourist heavy location, Café Lazy House maintains the feel of a quiet local gem. It is a one of a kind stop you can’t miss. Next time you’re in Gamla Stan check them out and let them know I sent you.
Photos and article by Catie Rix
Check out our other coffee articles here:
