Living Room Vibes on Main
Nestled along the tree-lined streets of downtown Dunedin lies a beloved neighborhood gem - The Living Room on Main. This quintessential Main Street cafe exudes small-town charm with its cozy, eclectic decor and welcoming community vibe. For over a decade, The Living Room on Main has brought locals together over hearty meals, morning cups of coffee, and good conversation. It's a go-to gathering spot that feels just as comfortable as your own living room.
The Living Room on Main first opened its doors in 2010, launched by husband-and-wife duo Tom and Susan Johnson. Having worked in the restaurant industry for years, Tom and Susan saw a need for an all-day cafe in their community - a place where people could connect while enjoying exceptional food and drink. Their vision ultimately culminated in The Living Room, which has since become a treasured institution on Main Street.
Cozy Atmosphere & Menu
Stepping into The Living Room feels like entering a friend's stylish yet laid-back home. Mismatched couches, reclaimed wood accents, and colorful local art adorn the space. The atmosphere is casual and comforting, with guests chatting over coffee by the front window or gathering for dinner at the distressed wood tables.
The menu reflects the same eclectic-meets-familiar vibe. You'll find soups, salads, and sandwiches made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients at lunch. Heartier pub fare like burgers, wings, and flatbreads dominate the dinner selections. And the weekend brunch menu delivers all your favorites, from fluffy pancakes to huevos rancheros to bottomless mimosas.
Popular dishes include the Blackened Shrimp Tacos with chimichurri sauce, the Grass-Fed Beef Burger with aged cheddar, and the Chicken & Waffles featuring spicy maple syrup. Vegans also have plenty of options, like the Forbidden Rice Buddha Bowl and the Beyond Burger with dairy-free cheese.
Of course, a meal at The Living Room isn't complete without something sweet from their dessert display case. The peanut butter silk pie and triple chocolate cake tend to disappear fastest, but the bread puddings and cheesecakes give them a run for their money.
Bar Program & Weekly Specials
The Living Room also houses a full bar stocked with regional craft beers and unique house cocktails like the Blood Orange Paloma and Cucumber Mint Mule. Bartenders can whip up an old fashioned or vesper martini, too. Special themed drinks appear on the menu each week, featuring fresh ingredients and global flavors - think watermelon frose in the summer or hot toddies in the winter.
Every Wednesday evening, The Living Room offers half-off signature cocktails like the Jalapeno Margarita and Moscow Mule from 5-7 PM. Other weekly specials include $4 local draft beers on Thursdays and Bloody Mary & Mimosa pitchers for $15 on Sundays. Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 3-6 PM with deals on shareables and select sips.
Outdoor Patio
When weather permits, The Living Room's patio fills with patrons and their four-legged friends. Under string lights and ceiling fans, you can enjoy dog-friendly outdoor dining from a special patio menu catering to canine tastes. Housemade doggie ice cream, puppy chow, and peanut butter cookie treats are always a big hit.
Humans can order from the regular menu on the patio or opt for lighter fare like flatbreads, nachos, and wings. An outdoor bar makes grabbing drinks breezy, with Adirondack chairs providing comfy lakeside seating. Leashed dogs are welcome at designated patio tables.
Bringing Community Together
But more than anything, The Living Room on Main serves as the heart of its small beach town community. It's a place for friends to catch up over brunch on Sundays, neighbors to support local talent during open mic nights, couples to rendezvous over bottles of wine - where birthday parties and book clubs convene with ease.
The Living Room also gives back through partnerships with area charities and nonprofits. Monthly fundraisers spotlight different causes, whether they're raising money for the local animal shelter or collecting food donations for struggling families. It's just one small way this little Main Street cafe aims to make a difference.
For owner Susan, building community always remains top of mind. "We wanted to create a space where everyone felt welcome and at home," she says. "Our customers are really what make this place so special. Their friendship means the world."
Indeed, one step through the repurposed wooden doors transports you into the warm embrace of The Living Room family. No matter when you visit, you'll likely see familiar faces - regulars who have been coming here for years exchanging smiles over cups of Intelligentsia Coffee or glasses of Florida orange juice. Servers know locals' orders by heart, while longtime visitors adoringly refer to the staff as their "family."
Reviews & Accolades
The Living Room earns consistent praise for its cozy atmosphere, stellar service, and crave-worthy food. Many happy guests leave glowing reviews across platforms like Facebook, Yelp, and Tripadvisor. In fact, The Living Room holds an impressive 4.8 rating on Facebook based on over 300 tremendously positive reviews.
Recent visitors rave about the "quintessential small town vibe," "drool-worthy pancakes," and "top-notch mimosas." Others highlight the "warm, welcoming staff" and "laid-back living room feel." It's clear both locals and tourists have found a home here on Main Street.
The restaurant also snagged awards for "Best Cafe" and "Best Breakfast" from Tampa Bay Magazine for three consecutive years. Food blogs and local papers frequently tout it as a must-try spot for elevated comfort cuisine done right. Clearly, both locals and visitors agree: The Living Room on Main is a quintessential Dunedin experience.
This beloved cafe parlays down-home dining and sincere hospitality into something truly special. It's a neighborhood nexus - the kind of place that visitors wish was in their hometown. Indeed, one can't help but feel at home at The Living Room.
The Living Room on Main has become a Dunedin icon not just for its laudable food and drink, but perhaps more so for the connections and memories made within its walls. It's a place rooted in community, fueled by familiar faces, that delivers the warmth of home right on Main Street.
So next time your travels take you down the palm-lined streets of downtown Dunedin, pop into this unassuming cafe on Main. Pull up a faded armchair, order a French Toast Flight off their eclectic menu, and settle in alongside the locals. You'll soon see why so many call this their favorite room in town.