Lilys Chocolate Coffee
Key Points
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Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee, founded in 2020 by siblings Saif and Lily Alobaidi, offers unique Iraqui desserts and premium coffee in Vienna and Alexandria, VA.
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It seems likely that their target customers are middle to upper-middle class, interested in international cuisine.
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Research suggests their Lokma, a fried pastry with chocolate, is a standout item, with prices ranging from $12 for five pieces to $54 for thirty.
Overview
Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee is a family-run café specializing in Iraqui desserts and high-quality coffee, located in Vienna and Alexandria, Virginia. Founded by siblings Saif and Lily Alobaidi, who immigrated from Iraq in 2009, it opened its first location in Vienna in July 2020 and expanded to Alexandria in 2023. The café is known for its unique offerings, particularly Lokma, and has become a beloved spot for those seeking something beyond typical American desserts.
History and Ownership
The café was established by Saif and Lily Alobaidi, who brought their Iraqui heritage to the US. Saif, with a background in civil engineering, and Lily, known for her hospitality, opened the first location in Vienna in 2020, followed by a second in Alexandria in 2023. Their goal was to share Iraqui culture through food, making it a family-run business with personal touches in every dish.
Offerings and Experience
Lily’s is famous for Lokma, a fried pastry traditionally topped with honey or sugar syrup, but here it’s enhanced with Belgium-imported dark, white, or milk chocolate, and can be stuffed with peanut butter and Nutella, garnished with pistachio, Oreo, or hazelnut. They also offer churros, chocolate moose cake, pistachio and strawberry moose, croissants, and tiramisu. Their coffee, a blend of Guatemalan and Brazilian beans, and cardamom-spiced hot tea add to the exotic appeal. The atmosphere is cozy, with friendly staff enhancing the experience.
Survey Note: Comprehensive Review of Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee
Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee, located at 175 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180, with a second location at 631 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, is a delightful café that has captured the hearts of dessert and coffee enthusiasts since its founding in 2020. This review delves into every aspect of the establishment, from its rich history to its meticulous offerings, ensuring a positive and detailed exploration.
Historical Background
Founded in July 2020 by siblings Saif and Lily Alobaidi, Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee is a testament to their Iraqui heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. The Alobaidis immigrated to the US in 2009, initially settling in Arizona before moving to Northern Virginia. Saif, with a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Arizona, and Lily, known for her hospitality and event planning skills, decided to share their culture through food. Their first location in Vienna opened with a grand opening on July 10, 2020, and due to its success, they expanded to Old Town Alexandria in 2023, housed in a historic 18th-century building previously occupied by Francesca’s boutique. This expansion reflects their commitment to growing their brand while maintaining family ownership and operation.
Demographic and Ideal Clientele
Given its locations in Vienna and Alexandria, both affluent and family-friendly areas, Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee likely attracts middle to upper-middle class customers. These areas, suburbs of Washington, D.C., have a diverse population that embraces international cuisines, making it ideal for those seeking unique dessert experiences. The ideal clients are likely individuals and families who appreciate high-quality, exotic desserts and premium coffee, possibly with an interest in cultural exploration. The café’s offerings cater to those looking for a special treat, whether for a date night, family outing, or a casual meet-up with friends.
Locations and Operating Hours
Lily’s operates two locations:
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Vienna, VA: 175 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180, open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
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Alexandria, VA: 631 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with Friday and Saturday extending to 11:00 PM.
Both locations offer delivery and takeout through platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats, enhancing accessibility for customers.
Recipes and Ingredients
At the heart of Lily’s menu is Lokma, a traditional Iraqui fried pastry. Typically served with honey or sugar syrup in Iraq, Lily’s innovates by topping it with premium Belgium-imported chocolate in dark, white, or milk varieties. Customers can customize their Lokma with fillings like peanut butter and Nutella, and garnishes such as pistachio, Oreo, or hazelnut, available in sizes from five pieces ($12) to thirty pieces ($54). Beyond Lokma, the café offers an array of desserts including churros, chocolate moose cake, pistachio and strawberry moose, croissants, and tiramisu, all made with high-quality ingredients. Their coffee is a special blend of Guatemalan and Brazilian beans, roasted by a local Georgetown roastery, ensuring a rich and robust flavor. They also serve cardamom-spiced hot tea, adding an exotic touch to their beverage menu.
Ownership and Management
The café is owned and operated by Saif and Lily Alobaidi, who manage the business with a hands-on approach. Saif handles the operational and strategic aspects, leveraging his engineering background, while Lily focuses on the culinary and hospitality elements, ensuring each dessert is crafted with care. Their family-run model fosters a personal connection with customers, reflected in the warm service and attention to detail.
Branding Strategy
Lily’s branding is simple yet effective, with the name “Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee” highlighting their core offerings. The website, lilyschocolatecoffee.com, is clean and functional, providing essential information like menu and locations. Their presence on social media, particularly Facebook, allows them to engage with customers, share updates, and promote events like afternoon tea parties. The branding emphasizes quality, culture, and community, appealing to those seeking a unique café experience.
Pricing Structure
The pricing at Lily’s reflects the premium quality and uniqueness of their offerings. Below is a detailed breakdown based on available menu information:
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Item
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Price Range
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Lokma (5 pieces)
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$12
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Lokma (8 pieces)
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$18
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Lokma (18 pieces)
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$36
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Lokma (30 pieces)
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$54
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Other Desserts (e.g., Cakes, Pastries)
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$5 – $10
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Hot/Cold Drinks (Coffee, Tea)
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$3 – $5
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This pricing positions Lily’s as a slightly upscale option, justified by the artisanal nature of their desserts and the use of imported ingredients like Belgium chocolate.
Customer Experience and Atmosphere
Customer reviews, such as those on Yelp and Tripadvisor, highlight the café’s welcoming atmosphere and standout Lokma. Patrons describe it as “incredible” and “chocolaty,” with one reviewer noting, “The lockma are incredible! Definitely the stand-out item here, and at this point it is what I order every time as you can’t get it anywhere else in the area.” The staff’s friendliness, particularly Lily and Saif, enhances the experience, making customers feel valued. The cozy interior, perfect for both quick visits and leisurely stays, adds to the charm, especially in the evening, as noted by Uber Eats reviews.
Additional Details
Lily’s also holds afternoon tea parties, offering a unique social experience, and their commitment to quality extends to partnerships, such as with a local Georgetown roastery for their coffee beans. The café’s expansion to Alexandria, housed in a historic building, adds a layer of historical charm, appealing to those who appreciate both modernity and tradition.
In conclusion, Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee is a remarkable establishment that combines cultural heritage with culinary excellence. Its detailed attention to ingredients, warm hospitality, and unique offerings make it a must-visit for anyone in Vienna or Alexandria seeking a memorable dessert and coffee experience.
