Lula’s Cafe

Really has gone to pot. I took visiting guests here after bragging about how good the food was. Boy was I embarrassed. 2 of us got choked trying to swallow the DRY as a bone chicken salad. After finishing a grilled sandwich one guest noticed a spot of green mold on the crust. Told waitress to please inform cook that bread was moldy! She walked to the back, dumped bread in trash and never said a word to cook?! Lula was nowhere to be found… Will probably never go back. The place was filthy! There was half a shaker of salt spilled all over bench as I sat down. On the other side, black hair & other not so appetizing things on the other bench Used to be my favorite lunch spot…

I usually enjoy the eateries downtown but this was just meh. my meal was lacking flavor. I had a chicken sandwich and potato salad. they do offer a military discount so that was nice as well as my server. the owner was rather rude to me however during a conversation we had. for this reason alone, I will not be going back.

Try the Ruben! This is a little café/​diner. The food was great and the staff/​owner were super friendly.

Great mushroom soup! Chicken salad has a kick to it but is great! Loved the hot Chocolate cake. Half of sandwich and soup definitely is a nice size for lunch. Happy atmosphere an clean. Will definitely come back

I decided my previous rating was too harsh. People rave about the soups. I still did not have a good experience and do not plan on going back.

Clean, sunny lunch spot, just lunch. No, it is not posh in décor but pleasant enough. The wait staff is very friendly and accommodating. If the owner Lula or mama is present, they greet you personally.
The specialty Portabella mushroom soup is awesome. I’ve had the roasted red pepper soup here before as well, also a winner. Had a Greek salad with lemon vinaigrette dressing that is lite and tasty. I think the prices are in line, not cheap but not gouging either. I’d recommend this place for lunch if in the Southern Pines locale

Lula makes the BEST soups, hands down!
Previous reviewer are right to say, that the place its self has not atmosphere, but Lula fills the place.
The paninis are Ok, the staff Ok most of the time, but the soup warms your heart and sould — is delicious, top notch!!!
We visit her every single time we are in Southern Pines/​Pinehurst area, take some with us to Florida, and even get it shipped here.
I would strongly recommend a visit!
Andrea

Well, if you’re looking for a chic atmosphere… keep going. The inside is like a school cafeteria, with some cheesy flower table clothes. BUT… if you don’t mind that kind of look, then you should give this place a try.
The wait staff is very friendly and very accommodating. I’m fairly certain no matter what time of day you go, you’ll find a seat. Which is sad, in a way, b/​c just 2 blocks up is Sweet Basil, which has people waiting out the door. Other than ambiance, there really is no reason for this disparity in «sandwich» shops in Southern Pines.
This place is supposedly known for its soups. They had Cream of Mushroom and Wisconsin Cheddar the day we went. Both the wifey and I got the Wis Cheddar, which was pretty good. Not overly cheesy, nice mellow flavor. We also both got the chicken fiesta sandwich ($ 8.25), which was good, a lot of flavor. The sandwiches come with a choice of potato salad, pasta salad, or chips.
THM (Take Home Message): I was a little surprised by the price tag for this small, relatively empty, shop. I don’t think you really get $ 8 worth of sandwich, but I honestly felt like the staff were genuinely grateful to have us there. I will once again go back to this «mom and pop» versus the big chain battle… the mom & pop shop can win, with either better quality food and/​or better service. I don’t necessarily think the food is award winning, but I do think they deserve a trial of your business.

«This is not a place I would recommend. «The sandwiches were small with not much meat & poor quality. «The bread was dry. No atmospher what so ever. I say stay away.

She’s great at what she does best: SOUP! 5 stars for simple soups with flavors so well balanced you’ll skip the salt & pepper.
We tried cups of the mushroom as well as the red bell pepper (see pic).
Virtually no atmosphere to speak of. Blank walls, florescent lights and it was freezing cold inside. It’s times like this I appreciate my inner ambiance ;) Sometimes you’ve got to bring your own vibe.

Very friendly staff. Good sandwiches and some of the best soup that I have ever had.

Very friendly staff and nice atmosphere. Whenever I’m in the mood for soup I go here. You must try the portabella mushroom soup.