Oatmeal. Steaming hot. It sticks to your ribs. It fights cholesterol. It's good for you. It's good. What better way to fortify yourself than breakfast at Louisa's Bakery and Cafe, 2379 Eastlake Ave E. On a winter morning, the windows are fogged with condensation. Inside it's warm and nourishing. The smell of baking bread and apple french toast. There are huge sticky pastries. A cinnamon roll is as big as a lunch. Eggs, omelettes, granola. On a weekday morning, it's quiet. Newspapers rustle. Conversation is subdued, tentative. Getting ready to meet the day. It's pure Seattle. It's really good.


Open Monday and Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.