The Lively Cafe at St. John's

Listen....how have y'all been keeping this place a secret!? Went today for the 1st time in 20+ years. It was super hot and muggy and the air conditioning was heavenly. Super nice ladies answered our questions and took our orders. Then you take your order card to the pay window (no cash i think) and square up. The food was deli quality. Very fresh and good portion size. Great for lunch. The room is open seating at big tables. The vibe of the room kinda reminded me of the Wakulla Springs Lodge. They also have crazy take-and-bake meals (see my pics) but you need to order ahead from what I understand. Right downtown, great experience!

What a nice find! Working downtown there 2 options both are delis. A friend filled me in with this extra option a block away, since I didn't know it was there. One look at the online menu and I was off. They have 4 rotating weekly menus and I ordered from the green menu. Pork Bahn mi sandwich with a side of red grapes. The side is included with the ridiculously low price and there are multiple options. With fresh cucumber, cilantro, daikon radish and pickled carrots this sandwich was legit. They make fresh soups and desserts of the day which I will explore on my next visits. The all volunteer staff was so friendly and the place was buzzing. It is on church grounds with stunning outdoor seating. I treated a friend and got two sandwich and side meals for the same price as one singular sandwich from the deli across the street! Do leave a nice cash tip as it goes to charity. I will continue to leave reviews for each visit. Bravo Lively Cafe, Bravo!

I met for lunch with a club group of women. Yes we are lively and loud. The accommodations were perfect! Food was great and not only did I have a wonderful lunch, I decided to get dinner to go! Yes! They make up delicious homemade dinners for 2 or 4 people! All you do is heat them up! Lunch, dinner, was a real treat! Especially when it was my night to cook!!

I ordered a black bean burger with cheese, bacon, avocado, arugula, and tomato. My side was the Lively Bean Salad. There was too much for me to eat, so I brought half of each home. The food was delicious. I will be going back. I highly recommend it.

I feel like this place is a best kept secret! Cool little cafe-like spot inside the fellowship hall of St. John's church. They have a weekly, rotating menu and specials with the most delicious & unique selections. They always have a tasty vegetarian option too (even when I'm not trying to eat vegetarian). Their lively bean salad is my favorite side!

One of my all-time favorite lunch spots! The menu rotates weekly, there are weekly specials (including delicious desserts), everything is made fresh, service is quick and friendly, prices are amazing, and you can order online! I've literally never had a bad meal there. It's a local Tallahassee gem, so you're guaranteed to see someone you know there. If you decide to eat there, go eat in the garden! I can't believe such a treasure is hidden in downtown Tallahassee!

I didn’t even know about this cafe until my family ordered take out. I ordered the Buffalo chicken sandwich and it was great! Quality sandwich! I look forward to trying this place out again in the future.