LuLu's

Hey Folks,

Pour yourself a cup of coffee and let’s talk…. well…  coffee shops.  Travelling around the country like we do gives Margo and I great opportunities to check out local coffee shops.  Sure, you can get a cup of Joe on any corner these days.  Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, even McDonalds is getting in the game.  But to really immerse yourself in the local community nothing beats the independently owned hometown coffee shop.  We’ve been to coffeehouses in strip malls and historic buildings, brewhouses on college campuses and in office complexes.  Even an establishment down the street from Temple Square in the very Mormon town of Salt Lake City.  Mormons do not consume caffeine of any kind so operating a coffee shop there has its challenges.  Sometimes the coffee isn’t that good (rare) but the conversation and education of local history is always worth the stop.

One of our favorite shops so far is right here in Watertown, TN.  Yes, here I go again bestowing compliments on this little town but it’s true.  Ironically, it’s called LuLu’s.  As most of you know, Margo named our 25 foot Airstream Safari LuLu a few years back and since then we have affectionately called her by name in our posts.  Imagine our surprise when we cruised onto Main Street in Watertown for the first time and saw 1) a cool coffee shop and 2) it was named LuLu’s.  

LuLu’s is owned and operated by Gabrielle and her father Ron, both Watertown residents.  They bought it about 3 years ago and have turned it into more than just your typical coffee shop.  It’s housed just off the Watertown Square in a brick building circa 1903.  It’s been many things in the past including the post office in the 50s and a blueprint shop but now is the focal point of Main Street.  They also serve food (great hand pressed burgers) but also offer a vegetarian menu and unique dinner items and desserts – all homemade.  It has a hippie flair to it.  The menu is covered with peace signs and the walls with paintings from local artists.  It’s a long way from the bright chrome and sterile plastic of a Starbucks and that’s what makes it so special.

Hey!  Is that Brad Pitt?

Homemade specials

The shops' namesake 'LuLu'

But wait, it gets better.  On Saturday nights they have live music.  The best bands and singer-songwriters you’ve never heard of can be seen here every weekend.  This is the outskirts of Nashville so talented musicians abound here.  To get an invite to play (for free) at LuLu’s is an honor.  A few Saturday’s ago “Black Cat Crossing” performed Muddy Waters style blues in front of a packed house of 30 (it’s a small place) and one Jack Russel Terrier.   The well behaved pooch belonged to a quite eccentric looking local who stopped in – guitar in hand – and joined the band for a set.  The dog made the rounds while dad jammed on the little stage.

Why is a dog allowed to run amuck in a restaurant?  Well, it’s a small town thing but she was also an official service dog.  I’m not sure in what capacity but it didn’t matter; she was just as welcome as the rest of us.  It’s more than that though.  LuLu’s is named after a Chihuahua whose picture is the shops’ logo, not only appearing on the sign outside above the front door, but also paid homage to with a supersized Andy Warholesque painting that hangs prominently over the stage.  Dog’s rule in Watertown.  

This Saturday singer/songwriter Jennifer Brantley and her husband Dave took to the stage.  They’ve been part of the Nashville music scene for many years.  They tour but when they’re off the road in the winter months they particularly enjoy playing intimate venues like LuLu’s.  In conversation with her between sets we discovered Jennifer has family in Ocala (our hometown).  It’s really a small country when you think about it.  

So when in Watertown be sure to stop by LuLu's.  In the meantime, we’ll keep you posted on future java juke joints we come across in our travels. 

Check out Black Cat Crossing on YouTube here.   Devon Gilfillian and the band put on a great show.

Here’s Jennifer’s web site.  Give a listen.  http://www.jenniferbrantley.com/

Kevin