Lime Cafe is OPEN!

Technically Lime Cafe has been open since the 17th, but as I've been under the weather, I've not been one of the few to get out and about and try the new expanded menu. Lime took about a month off to revamp the menu and the dining setup and I think it really works for the better. It's so good to have dining options after downtown office workers go home, we that live downtown need places to go in the evening! I'm getting ahead of myself! Let's start from the top....



First of all, yes LIME is open.. Their hours have been extended. Previous Lime-goers will recall seperate lunch and dinner hours. During the week, Lime is NOW open from about 11am til around Midnight weekdays. On SATURDAY, they are open for dinner only.


Lime is now a sit down dining experience, which lends itself to an easy-going atmosphere, and in the evening, (from what I remember from previous experience) a very nice dinner or date type location.

The dark walls, the beer on tap.. yes the beer on tap! They have 6 beers on tap (including the Weider's raspberry cider) and about 20 different bottled beer to choose from. The friendly service is still there.

For my first time back since their hiatus, I sat down on one of the comfy booths. I was offered a menu from Adam, who's new to Lime, but not to LA. He was friendly and communicative about the menu and the drinks and after taking my drink order, he returned many times engaging me and the others dining in the cafe. Good service, but not too much service.

I broke my personal drinking rule (for the betterment of the community honestly!) and ordered the raspberry cider on tap. The drink came very fresh and chilled and crisp with a clean & light fruity flavor. I didn't know what the 'brand' of cider was before I ordered it as it's not listed on the menu itself. If that's a complaint I think that's the only one I had. =)


The menu has an array of burritos and tacos and tosatadas, as well several vegetarian offerings. One of the new items on the menu is the seared steak enchilada which is their carne asada steak served enchilada style with red sauce and cheese. You get a choice of two sides with the meal: black or refried beans, Spanish rice, corn on the cob, or a side salad. I chose black beans and the side salad.


seared steak enchilada with sides (9.95)

It was served to me straight from the kitchen piping hot. Spice-wise I'm thinking it was very mild, something I would have no issue suggesting to someone who doesn't like spice. That's not to say it was without flavor. The carne asada steak is just as good as it was before, but you may opt to ask for hot sauce. Otherwise, the enchiladas were very filling with the black beans and salad.

The total came to about $16.00 for my meal and drink. They do have choices of iced tea (sweetened or not, or green tea) and soda beverages. Your milage may vary but for someone who skipped breakfast this morning I found the servings (especially the side salad) to be more than enough.

While waiting for my order, I noticed several office worker folks coming in for lunch. This is definitely relaxed sit-down style, and fits well with the surroundings of the gallery and the bar set-up. Be sure and drop in there and give the new menu a try. If you can't make it for lunch, be sure and try it for dinner.

They currently are having 2 happy hours from 4-7pm with 2 for 1 drink specials and $2 tacos (kitchen closes at 10pm) and the 2nd from 10-Midnight. Can't go wrong with that!


LIME CAFE 118 West 5th Street
11am-Midnight M-F/ Saturdays from 6-Midnight