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Welcome to City Lights Cafe

Nestled in the heart of Sylva, NC, City Lights Cafe is a charming eatery that seamlessly connects good food and literary ambiance. With a vast menu accommodating diverse dietary needs—especially its delightful vegan options—this café has become a haven for all food lovers. Guests rave about the fresh ingredients, from flavorful crepes to invigorating lattes, each crafted with care. The warm, laid-back atmosphere is complemented by friendly staff who enhance the dining experience. City Lights Cafe not only offers delicious dishes but also creates a welcoming space for community and creativity, making it a must-visit spot for locals and travelers alike.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to City Lights Cafe! Nestled in the quaint town of Sylva, North Carolina, this charming cafe is more than just a spot for coffee; it's a delightful culinary escape. Located at 3 E Jackson St, City Lights Cafe offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, drawing in locals and visitors alike with its unique blend of delicious food and community spirit.

City Lights Cafe stands out not only for its inviting ambiance but also for its diverse menu that caters to a variety of dietary preferences. With options ranging from vegan dishes to gluten-free delights, it ensures everyone finds something to savor. Customers rave about the vegan veggie stuffed crepe bursting with flavor from tempeh and black beans. As one enthusiastic diner, Michelle Novak, noted, it’s a joy to see such great plant-based options alongside friendly, attentive service.

The cafe also takes pride in its extensive drink selections. Whether you’re a fan of smooth oat milk lattes or refreshing hazelnut lattes, your taste buds are in for a treat. Sissy, a satisfied customer, described her experience with the oat milk latte as "very good" and the fruit accompanying her quiche as fresh and vibrant. For those with a sweet tooth, the tiramisu has been deemed "to die for," adding to the cafe’s allure.

City Lights Cafe is not just a place to eat; it’s an experience enriched by its affiliation with a bookstore. This connection provides a cozy environment perfect for reading, relaxing, or enjoying a lively conversation with the friendly staff. There’s even a thoughtful "take a note, leave a note" basket that adds a personal touch, encouraging patrons to connect and share their experiences.

From its flavorful dishes to its relaxing decor, City Lights Cafe captures the essence of a community gathering spot—a place where you can indulge in delicious food, sip expertly crafted drinks, and soak in good vibes all around. Next time you’re in Sylva, make sure to stop by this gem. You won't just leave with a full stomach; you'll walk away with a heart warmed by genuine hospitality and a newfound love for this charming eatery.

START YOUR REVIEW OF City Lights Cafe
Loretta Divine
Loretta Divine

Neat little cafe connected to bookstore. We were happy to find vegan options on the menu.

Sissy
Sissy

I had quiche worth fruit and an oatmilk latte. It was very good. The fruit was fresh, and the coffee was really smooth.

Michelle Novak
Michelle Novak

Most delicious vegan veggie stuffed crepe with tempeh and black beans! So amazing to have great plant based options!! Service was AMAZING, even caught the detail after the order was put in to make mine a vegan crepe and not regular dairy based one. One sweet, kind guy was doing it all, was so patient and kind. He exuded positive energy to everyone he served. Awesome bookstore attached! Will definitely be back!

Cheyenne Goss
Cheyenne Goss

I had stopped going to City Lights for years after getting some serious food poisoning from an iced latte back in 2019. However, I decided to give them a go again and they are under new owners and have a perfect health food score. Their crepes are amazing and I have been enjoying their coffee again! Highly recommend.

L Cardinal
L Cardinal

I saw this cafe online and punched it in my GPS to find it. They have plenty of parking on the road in front of the cafe as well as on the road above it. I ordered the Chicken Bacon Ranch Panini with a side Pasta Salad. The chicken and bacon sandwich was flavorful topped with ranch dressing, lettuce and tomato. I think my favorite part of my lunch was the pasta salad. It had pasta, olives, and pesto. So much flavorful in that little container. I chose a Hazelnut Latte to drink. Everything was delicious and I will definitely patronize them again.

Amanda Widener
Amanda Widener

This was the happiest find of a recent trip my family took to Cherokee. We were on our way home and the breakfast spot we originally planned to go to was closed, so we did some research and drove a little out of the way to try City Lights Cafe. First of all, the downtown area was adorable. Lots of shops and nice people. Walking into City Lights Cafe we already loved it. Really cool, laid back atmosphere. The menu is expansive and offered great options for our entire family (including my own gluten intolerance and my picky children). I am a coffee lover. I often go to try to coffee shops and see who has the best ones. While at City Lights I ordered a latte and it was delicious. I spoke with the staff while it was being made and had a very pleasant conversation. I ordered a gluten free crepe and it was incredible! My daughter also had a crepe, my son had a grilled cheese, and my husband tried the breakfast burrito. We were all going on and on about how good the food was. While putting up our plates I noticed the “take a note, leave a note” basket and absolutely love this concept. We also enjoyed checking out the local art and goods around the restaurant. The next time we drive anywhere in that direction, we will absolutely be back!

Rachel Taulbee
Rachel Taulbee

Loved the friendly service here! Everyone is so laid back and kind. The food was delicious! Tiramisu to die for! I love how the drinks are served in different mugs. Like you’re at someone’s home. Such a nice touch! Highly recommend this spot.

Amy Minor
Amy Minor

Awesome place for breakfast/brunch!!! Staff was awesome!!! I would go back just for them. Food was great. I love the crepes.