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Cafe culture in the United States is likened to the modern-day public work space. Coffee and treats sit next to virtual employees as they bury their heads in emails, project plans, and PowerPoint presentations. It is common not to take the time to look up and enjoy the light hustle and bustle. The ambience. The community.
Mario Ali, owner of Cafe Belli, wanted to change that. Nestled in Central Hapeville, Cafe Belli doubles as a morning cafe with hot beverages and pastries, and a bar with gourmet cocktails in the evening.
After a trip to Europe, Ali was inspired by the duality of cafes and bars. Coffee and tea in the morning in the exact same place where you have your evening libations. Ali wanted to create a one-stop shop.
Belli offers an impressive cafe menu: lattes, cappuccinos, mocktails, and elegant teas. In the evenings, a diversified adult beverage menu including cocktails, wine, and light bites. The cocktail menu rotates every other season. Ali insists on using fresh ingredients. “We make all of our syrups and juices in house. We are ten minutes away from the Forest Park Farmers Market,” he says.
Ali goes to the market almost every day to get his ingredients on his menu. He joins his staff as they all assist with the prep work.
Ali highly recommends “The Overachiever,” a refreshing summer drink with pineapple and cilantro that can be made with or without mezcal.
Ali noted for guests to check out “House of Belli.” The space located adjacent to the cafe hosts comedy shows and live events. “We noticed that when people are coming to the cafe for a cocktail in the evening, they usually are going to a show in the city. We kept seeing that,” he says.
Ali is committed to creating an exciting atmosphere in Hapeville where people can enjoy drinks, food, and live entertainment. Patrons can soon look forward to live game shows along with musical acts.
This “no Wi-Fi” cafe is the perfect place to meet new associates, colleagues, and possibly friends. Ali reflected on his specific choice on his entrepreneurial journey, “We are going to encourage people to talk to each other,” he says.
Cafe Belli is open daily. They are located at 673 North Central Avenue, Hapeville, Georgia 30354, United States.
Cafe Hours:
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cocktail Bar Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 5 to 11 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 5 p.m. to midnight
Sunday: 5 to 11 p.m.
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