Exquisite Lunch, Irresistible Baked Goods, and Bubble Tea Galore: A Taste of Heaven at Pearl’s Cafe on LH’s Main Street
By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN – Situated at 24 East Main Street in downtown Lock Haven, Pearl’s Cafe on Main has quickly become a favorite among locals since its opening in March of this year. With a 5-star rating on Facebook and a 4.7-star rating on Google, it is clear that this charming cafe has found the recipe for success. With a menu that perfectly balances lunch options and baked goods, as well as an impressive selection of specialty drinks, Pearl’s Cafe offers something for everyone. We had the pleasure of sitting down with owner Heather Robb, to get an update and learn more about what makes this cafe stand out.
Heather’s inspiration to open a cafe stems from her family’s background in the food industry. “My family had Rocky Point Lodge & Restaurant near Farrandsville, which is why we moved to Lock Haven, so it’s always been my dream to get into the food industry,” she shared. This dream has now become a reality, and Heather’s dedication to providing homemade, high-quality food is evident in every dish served.
When asked about the secret behind the cafe’s success, Heather attributed it to the care and attention put into each item on the menu. “Everything we serve is homemade, and we use the best quality ingredients; nothing is frozen,” she proudly stated.
“I’m also a people person and I just want everyone to feel welcome. I appreciate every purchase made whether it’s a two-dollar cake pop or a large lunch order… I truly appreciate every customer,” she said.
The welcoming atmosphere in the cafe is no shrug either. Customers walking in for the first time are met with charming decor and welcoming staff, all with smiles on their faces.
Heather says that she had a vision in mind when she brought this café to life. The concept and overall theme of the café is a blend of sage, black, and gold colors, creating a unique and charming atmosphere. Heather’s husband played a vital role in the café’s design by crafting the tables out of antique doors, giving the space a chic, rustic charm. Most of the cafe’s decor is sourced from antique markets, and Heather even added her own touches to some of the furniture by painting or reupholstering it. She mentioned the antique bakery case, which greets customers upon entry,
“Our bakery case was formerly a candy counter that was at Goose and Gander. That was gifted to me, which I’m so thankful for.”
When asked about her staff, Heather emphasized the importance of teamwork and camaraderie. Currently, there are four employees working alongside her. “My staff works with me, not for me,” she added. Appreciating the dedication and hard work of her employees, Heather ensures that they are an integral part of the cafe’s success, and they certainly go above and beyond to make every customer feel valued and appreciated.
The menu at the cafe strikes a balance between savory and sweet. When asked if the cafe is focused more on the lunch menu or the beverages, Heather offered, “It’s a balance of both,” she explained. “We also offer boba teas and fresh squeezed lemonade, which we make every day. We love using fresh, food-grade lavender in a few of our drinks, and we make our own simple syrups with natural ingredients.”
One distinguishing characteristic of the cafe is its commitment to using only high-quality ingredients in creating its homemade menu selections.
While the menu at Pearl’s Cafe changes weekly, a few options have become so popular that they’ve become staples. Heather mentioned the chicken salad on a croissant and the mac and cheese with candied bacon as popular choices that have been offered for the last few weeks. “I change up the salads and soups,” she says, “but sometimes our salads and soups are so popular that we’ll keep them on the menu for another week.”
When it comes to menu inspiration, Heather’s personal tastes take the lead. “I go with the things that I like,” she admits. And so far, her intuition appears to be paying off.
As the fall season approaches, Heather shared some exciting updates about the menu. “The fall menu will bring more fall soups and lunches that pair well with the changing weather. We’ll be making pumpkin lattes as well to sort of match up with the seasonal menu.”
One standout item on the cafe’s menu is bubble tea, also known as boba milk tea, a tea-based drink that features tapioca pearls which are made fresh every day, sometimes multiple times a day depending on the demand.
Heather shared that this particular beverage has become very popular amongst her customers. Made with black tapioca pearls, milk, concentrated black tea, and ice, their bubble tea offers a refreshing and unique beverage choice. With 14 different flavors to choose from, customers can indulge in their favorite flavors, a few of which are mango, cookies and cream, and brown sugar. Heather mentioned that the brown sugar flavor features homemade natural brown sugar syrup.
When asked about any local partnerships the cafe might have, Heather happily shared, “We use coffee from Avenue 209 in our cold brews.” This not only guarantees customers a wonderfully smooth and flavorsome cold brew coffee, but it also shows support for another local business.
For Heather, the most rewarding aspect of owning and operating a cafe is the satisfaction that comes from knowing her customers appreciate her efforts and enjoy her menu offerings. “I think the most rewarding aspect is just hearing that people like what I’m doing,” she revealed. “I love getting feedback, and I appreciate every single purchase, big or small.” Heather also noted that despite only being open for roughly four months, she’s already seeing a sizable group of regulars in addition to new customers, both of which are very much appreciated.
Indeed, stepping into Pearl’s Cafe on Main feels like entering a warm embrace. The charming establishment offers not only mouthwatering drinks and food but also a friendly atmosphere and genuine hospitality that keeps customers coming back for more.
To see the weekly lunch menu, homemade baked goods, and featured drinks, follow Pearl’s Cafe on Facebook by searching @PearlsCafeOnMain.
24 East Main Street, Lock Haven, PA
(570) 295-0313
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday – Friday 10:00-5:00
Saturday 10-3:00
Closed Sunday & Monday
