Our Story

Since 2009, Lee’s Coffee & Tea has been a staple restaurant and coffee shop in Downtown Laurel. Leottis “Lee” Barnett opened the cafe with a vision of the downtown area coming back alive. She was a visionary and consummate hostess, and there’s even a park named in her honor next to Lee’s (The Leottis Barnett Pocket Park).

In 2017, Aunt Lee passed away, and her great nephew, Dell Smith, took up her cause, adding his own unique spin to her vision. Having lived in thriving communities in the Dallas and Phoenix metropolitan areas, Dell developed a passion for specialty coffee, quality tea, and spaces where people can gather. After moving back home, he brought that passion with him.

Lee’s is not your typical coffee shop. It is also a restaurant, offering a full menu of baked goods, breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and soups. Inspired by the third-wave coffee shops of large cities, where conversation blooms and writers, artists, activists and intellectuals make their mark, we’ve made a conscious decision to slow things down. Everything is made fresh as soon as it is ordered.

So, bring your friends, books, laptops, board games, or just yourself, find one of our many tables or cozy nooks, and enjoy our laid-back atmosphere, free wi-fi, and wonderful hospitality. Come and stay awhile, y’all.