Behind-the-Scenes of Cafe Lago in Lakeway

Located in the heart of Lakeway in the Lakeway Village Plaza is Cafe Lago.

You are probably a regular. And have been for years. The little cafe seems to have always existed, humbly waiting to serve you delicious Migas.

The restaurant has not changed much in the 24 years they have been open.

The current owners, cousins Carleen Rubio and Miranda Valenta, took over in 2002 (Miranda came in in 2010 after Carleen’s mother sold her share to Miranda ) after the original owners retired. They have kept the little breakfast spot in its original state … with a few menu additions.

A family affair

Carleen graduated from St. Edwards University with a degree in Communications. However, she knew she wanted to be a business owner like her aunt Josephine.

Carleen’s aunt Josephine owned the Lakeway Market, which was near Cafe Lago. Since the Lakeway Market was a family affair, Carleen’s cousin (Josephine’s daughter) Miranda also worked there.

Carleen and her mother Diana Saadeh knew they wanted to go into business for themselves, so when Cafe Lago came up for sale in 2002 they snatched it up. The restaurant was already an established part of the Lakeway community. Keeping it the same was a no-brainer.

It’s all about regulars

When asked why she thinks the restaurant is so popular, Carleen says it comes down to the neighborhood.

The cafe’s regulars are the lifeblood of the business and they keep coming back for their favorite dishes. She also jokingly adds that absolutely no one wants to drive on 620!

Not just for breakfast

If you have not been to Cafe Lago (gasp!) you are missing out on simple, delicious homemade cuisine.

Popular items include the benedicts on the weekends, migas, burritos, breakfast tacos and their fresh baked pastries.

The thing that makes Cafe Lago stand out from your run-of-the mill home cooked breakfast and lunch spot is their coffee bar. You can have your favorite espresso drink right along side grandmom-style eggs and bacon. Now that’s winning.

You will also see — and be able to purchase — art on the walls from a different artist every month.

There is a year-long waiting list for artists to showcase their goods on the walls of Cafe Lago. So when you look at the art, remember that somebody waited a long time to get the opportunity for you to see their work.

Keeping the family tradition

Cafe Lago isn’t the only restaurant the family owns.

You can also visit them at Carmela’s on Hamilton Pool Road in Dripping Springs. There you will find Carleen’s mother Diana Saadeh and sister Josephine DeLooze keeping the family tradition of business-ownership alive.

Do you have a favorite dish at Cafe Lago? Fond memories of hitting them up after church when you were a kid? Let us know in the comments below.