It was one of those lovely fall days that begs for a leisurely ride along foliage-covered roads. My friend, Faith, and I heeded this autumnal call and set off for Lewiston, planning to spend a few hours walking the village’s charming Center Street. Our growling stomachs made a food stop our first priority. We passed on some Lewiston mainstays for a lighter meal in Ashker’s Juice Bar and Cafe (there is another family-run location in Youngstown). What Ashker’s lacks in space and menu offerings, it more than makes up for in service and food quality. The small shop has a zen-like atmosphere with sage green walls and dark wooden booths and tables. There’s not a lot of room, but a party of six comfortably fit in the booths; there’s also a front patio.

The menu was simple. Wraps ($6.99), salads ($7.49) and paninis ($7.99) all offered variations of tuna, chicken, turkey, steak and veggies. Everything is made to order by owner and cook Angelo Ashker, including the whole-fruit smoothies ($3.99) and fresh blended fruit drinks ($2.99).

We had settled on a Steak and Roasted Red Pepper Salad (grilled sirloin, red onions, tomatoes, banana peppers, roasted red peppers, mixed greens and Greek dressing) and a Dijon Turkey Breast Panini (banana peppers, spinach, tomatoes, provolone cheese and honey mustard). But when the friendly server walked by with a bowl of oatmeal covered in fresh berries ($3.99), we learned we could still get breakfast. We each ordered a coffee ($1.25) and the biscuit sandwich with egg, cheese and bacon ($2.50). I added a bowl of oatmeal and Faith ordered pancakes ($2.50).

We helped ourselves to coffee and took a seat by the window where we were served. Though the biscuit sandwich was smaller than a similar version available at fast-food joints, there was no comparison in taste. An unexpected blend of smoked provolone and pepperjack cheese added a delightful flavor to the eggs and homemade biscuit.

In fact, everything at Ashker’s was of the highest quality. The buttermilk pancakes (two) were large, light and flavorful. The extra-large bowl of oatmeal with raspberries and blueberries hit the spot. We couldn’t have been more surprised that we couldn’t finish our meals.

The coffee—deep-bodied without acidity—was so delicious that we drank multiple cups as we gabbed and relaxed, blowing the time we had budgeted for shopping. We loved Ashker’s so much we didn’t care. We’ll be back.

Ashker’s is open 7 a. m. to 5 p. m. Monday through Saturday. It is handicapped-accessible.