Brewella’s Unveils Its New Home in Lakewood

Brewella’s in Lakewood has found a new home … less than two blocks away from its old one.

The coffee shop and creperie first opened in 2018 in a teeny-tiny spot on Madison Avenue at the corner of Wagar Avenue. In 2024, owners Chris Murphy and Joe Keppler announced they’d signed a lease on a much larger space at the corner of Madison and Lauderdale avenues, previously occupied by Lakewood Music Collective. Though it took time for the space to come to fruition, the new iteration of Brewella’s officially opened its doors to the public on March 14.

“Readying the space has been a full-team effort,” Murphy says. “One of our baristas and I put in the new bar. Another one did the murals and the paintings, and another sourced everything from the lights to the paint colors.”

He explains what diners can expect from the upgraded location:

• More space (and lots of it): The previous space seated only about 20 people. The new location more than doubles that occupancy, with room for up to 50.
  

• A new roastery: Brewella’s now serves coffee from Heartwood Roastery in Chagrin Falls. “They've been great about coming out to teach our baristas and giving us additional training to expand our coffee programming,” Murphy says.    
  

• An expanded menu: In addition to crepes, Baker Brye Roth is now behind the scenes to turn out bakery items like empanadas, mini quiches and a take on classic New York black-and-white cookies hand-painted in Brewella’s signature brushstroke motif.
  

• Extended hours: The cafe is still closed on Mondays, but it’s now open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. every other day of the week (instead of shuttering at 2 p.m., as before).
  

• Events, coming soon: Murphy plans to start hosting events, like maker markets, craft classes, book clubs, and to offer the space for rentals.

 "The metaphor I’ve been using is that it’s like a repotting — when you move a plant into a bigger pot,” Murphy says. “Brewella’s has the same essence as before. But this definitely marks a regrowing of our roots.”

Cozy up at the new Brewella’s space with a few menu standouts.

Honey Lavender Latte ($6.25)
The pleasant merriment of sweet and floral notes is a fresh, balanced additive for your morning dose of espresso.

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Crepe ($11)
The namesake fixings are folded into a thin buckwheat dough for an easy, yet filling take on a classic breakfast spread. Elevate the experience with a dose of complimentary hot sauce.

Nonna’s Alfajores ($2.75)
The Argentinian delicacy is rolled in crispy coconut flakes and sandwiches dulce de leche between two pillowy shortbread cookies covered in powdered sugar. The soft, crumbly treat quickly dissolves into a sweet dance party for the taste buds.

For more updates about Cleveland, sign up for our Cleveland Magazine Daily newsletter, delivered to your inbox six times a week.

Cleveland Magazine is also available in print, featuring immersive stories, helpful guides and beautiful photography and design.