Cozy local cafe enchants with literary magic, Harry Potter drinks

When customers walk through the doors of the Storybrooke Cafe in Englewood, they’ll sense a little hint of “storybook magic.”

The bookstore cafe, which opened at 556 S. Main St. in Englewood earlier this year, sells books for all ages, specialty beverages and treats. The business is more than just a place to buy something to read, said owner Natalie Lowry.

It’s a place for adults to step away from the hectic day-to-day tasks of parenting and life. They can enjoy a cup of coffee, read the newspaper or play a game of chess with a friend. The cafe will also host an upcoming painting class for adults only.

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“It’s a chance to take a step back from the day outside,” Lowry said.

And for children, they are transported to a realm of literary magic. The cafe hosts special events like the Glass Slipper Tea and Belle’s Enchanted Evening. The Storybrooke Cafe offers weekly events every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Events are tailored to connect with specific books. Lowry said one little girl walked up to her and told her she absolutely loved dinosaurs. The conversation inspired the owner to plan a dinosaur dig, connected to the book “Are We There Yet?” by Dan Santat.

The literary theme even applies to the cafe menu, which offers specialty coffee and teas. Customers can sip on “Wizard’s Brew,” which is a bubbly, butterscotch concoction reminiscent of Harry Potter’s butter beer. Other drinks include the “Pinkalicious Bubble Tea,” the “Happily Ever After,” and a milkyway-flavored drink called “The Voyager.”

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Lowry’s inspiration for the enchanted bookstore cafe comes from her three children. They help her choose drink names and often help plan children’s events. Customers will sometimes see her daughter floating around the cafe, dressed in her favorite princess costume.

“Kids are so involved with their phones and tablets, and there’s so much more out there for people to do,” she said. “I wanted to bring some of those fun, hands-on experiences back for the kids.”

Store hours and more information about special events can be found on the Storybrooke Cafe website and Facebook.

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