Meet Your New Neighbor: The Living Room adds a welcome third space to downtown
Dave, Reilly, and Ellie from The Living Room
Downtown Lemont continues to grow as a place of welcome and connection, and now, it’s home to a unique new spot where people are invited to gather like old friends: The Living Room.
We sat down with co-founder Dave Richa, Events Director Reilly Richa, and manager Julianna Perez to learn more about what inspired this cozy, community-minded café and social hub, and how they hope to shape the future of Lemont mornings.
TF: Welcome to Lemont Downtown! What inspired the vision behind The Living Room?
DR: My favorite quote from Brené Brown—“after 10,000 hours of working with people, humans have two needs: to be loved and to belong”—still resonates with me. After 32 years as a pastor, that essence of community is everything to me. My wife and I have lived and worked in Downtown Lemont since 2010. Other suburbs may blur together, but Lemont feels grounded, warm, and inviting. We wanted The Living Room to be a space that honors that, where you feel seen, welcomed, and at ease.
TF: How did you settle on the name "The Living Room"?
DR: We wanted people to feel like this is your home away from home. It’s not just a café; it’s a place to dream, work, create, and gather. Think of it as Downtown Lemont’s very own living room.
JP: Exactly. Whether you want to stay awhile or grab a quick pick-me-up, this is a place that adapts to your pace.
TF: Can you describe the atmosphere inside?
DR: The building itself speaks. It features original 1870s woodwork that gives the place a grounded, timeless feel. Julianna’s interior design and Reilly’s event sensibility have shaped it into something that feels both inviting and inspiring—lighting, layout, and details that welcome you quietly, even if it's your first visit.
Ellie and Julianna from The Living Room
TF: Yeah it’s such a naturally beautiful space! What’s on the menu, so far?
RR: You can count on classic favorites like lattes, mochas, chai, matcha, and lemonade. We’re experimenting with seasonal twists and simple joys like a lemonade stand with fresh fruit add-ins—really, any drink you’d enjoy with good company.
JP: And don’t miss our local pastries! They’ll be rotating soon as we bring more baked goods from local and nearby bakers.
TF: Yum! I’ll have to snag a few of those next time I’m there. What's next for The Living Room?
RR: We have a work-in-progress approach that includes steady favorites, but is always evolving. We want to build together with our community.
DR: Our goal is to bring new life to mornings and daytime in Lemont. Down the road, we’d love to open up the second floor as a quiet coworking or reading space.
TF: How can the community stay connected?
DR: Our hours are:
Tuesday–Friday: 9 AM – 3 PM
Saturday: 8 AM – 12 PM
Closed: Sunday & Monday
Follow along and get updates here:
Website: thelivingroomlemont.life
Instagram: @thelivingroomlemont
Stop by, grab a drink, and stay awhile—because in Lemont, there are no strangers, just friends you haven’t met yet!
