Grassland Dessert Cafe, which opened in May 2025, offers a variety of desserts, including ice cream, gelato, smoothies, acai bowls, and baked goods, along with coffee. The cafe is open Tuesday through Sunday.
Since opening, Grassland has become a popular stop for locals and students. Emily Thompson, the manager, said, “In our first week, we really didn’t know what to expect, but the outpouring of community support was beyond anything we could have imagined.”
Ms. Thompson said, “A popular item is the Creamsicle Freeze, which you won’t find anywhere else. It’s made with orange sherbet, vanilla bean ice cream, bubbly seltzer, and a splash of milk, then topped with whipped cream and a cherry.”
Grassland is preparing to introduce delivery options soon. Ms. Thompson said, “We’ll be starting with Hotchkiss and then expanding to other local private schools and businesses. We’re excited to make it easier to enjoy our sweets wherever you are.”
Describing her daily routine as manager, Ms. Thompson said, “Every day, I find myself busy scheduling, placing orders, and navigating staffing needs, and also jumping in to help make our grab-and-go treats like ice cream cakes, chipwiches, flying saucers, and pints. I spend a lot of time making sure the cafe looks its best and is ready to welcome guests. But my favorite part is connecting with our community and making sure everyone leaves a little happier than when they came in.”
Grassland plans to add oatmeal and soups to the menu in the upcoming weeks, along with seasonal specialties. “We’re especially proud of our high- quality drip coffee and espresso, sourced locally from Barrington Roasters. Our talented baristas create fun and unique seasonal drinks that change every two weeks. Right now, we’re featuring fall favorites made with our house-made pumpkin spice syrup and pumpkin cold foam,” said Ms. Thompson.
Just down the street, On the Run Coffee Shop is another popular destination for food and drinks. The cafe served as a breakfast spot for Lakeville locals since 1983. Its menu includes a range of traditional breakfast items such as sandwiches, oatmeals, bagels, and soups. Beverage offerings include coffee, espresso drinks, and tea; baked goods and pastries are also available.
Owner Erica Cooper said, “Some customer favorites are our signature sandwich, The Runwich, and our BLTs. Our iced caramel lattes are also very popular. I have always loved the food industry; seeing familiar faces every day just adds to the enjoyment.”
On the Run recently introduced online ordering and delivery services. Ms. Cooper said, “We knew that the demand was there, and creating the platform for our customers to utilize online ordering would benefit the members of our community.”
