Butterbrew & Dobby’s Donuts: See why Harry Potter fans line up for this Lexington cafe
There’s a new brew in Lexington and it has Harry Potter fans bubbling.
The Creatures’ Cauldron Cafe opened on Broadway in July to serve the kind of specialty drinks that would appeal to witches and wizards, elves and magical folk of all kinds.
Cafe owner Lynna Nguyen said she brainstormed ideas for the cafe after the former Spotz Gelato ice cream shop became vacant. She owns the shop next door called Creatures of Whim, which specializes in unique gift items with metaphysical flair.
Now it’s a mysterious hideaway, tucked behind velvet curtains with burgundy and gold walls, a fireplace, candles and “almost like a retro/library kind of vibe,” Nguyen said.
The magical-themed shop was about a year in the making, she said. And it’s proven very popular with fans of the Harry Potter books and movies.
The menu of “potions, brews & elixirs” includes Butterbrew, Polymilk Potion, Unicorn Tears and more. The Elixir of Life, made with vanilla, chocolate and milk, sounds appealing.
All the signature drinks are made without coffee, so kids and non-coffee drinkers can enjoy them, Nguyen said. Those who want a jolt of caffeine can ask for a shot or 2 (or however many your heart desires) of espresso to go in, she said.
“When I first opened, I didn’t think about kids,” she said. But she quickly realized that that was actually a big part of her customer base.
For those looking for something more straightforward, there’s a menu “for Mundanes” of more conventional coffee drinks.
If you’re looking for something to eat, the cafe also has “Honeydamsel Express Treats” including Cauldron Croissants, Charmed Cookies, Magickal Macarons, Dobby’s Donuts and more from local bakeries including Martine’s and Spalding’s, Nguyen said.
And word is leaking out about The Cauldron: “Any HP fan will feel right at home here,” said one fan on Facebook. “The perfect magical experience,” said another.
Nguyen said a TikTok posted in August went viral and for a while there were lines out the door. “The atmosphere is perfect for all the Harry Potter lovers out there,” the video said.
But things have calmed down and business is steady now, she said.
For Sept. 1, the traditional date that Hogwarts students catch the train from platform 9 3/4, Creatures’ Cauldron offered Harry Potter-inspired “Sorting Hat” drinks, topped with House colors.
Nguyen said more seasonal specials are planned for fall and Halloween.
The Creatures’ Cauldron Cafe
Where: 128 N. Broadway
Hours: Open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call: 949-332-9131
Online: thecreaturescauldroncafe.com
This story was originally published September 27, 2022 at 10:15 AM.
