Dandelion Cafe, located near the intersection of Bellaire Boulevard and Chimney Rock in a strip mall right next to Bernie’s Burger Bus, stands out as a welcome note of culinary whimsy in this straightforward suburban neighborhood.

Inside, dandelion lanterns dangle from the ceiling and brighten up the spare space. Plenty of tables line one side of the wall, with a rustic wooden counter running along the windows. Owner Sarah Liebermann wore a cheery teal gingham shirt as she greeted me from behind the counter. She explained that the concept behind Dandelion Cafe is simple – good coffee and classic cafe fare.

The menu spans a wide variety of options, boasting local purveyors such as pastries from Weights + Measures in Midtown, gelato from Frozen Cafe in Chinatown and coffee beans from Greenway Coffee.

Dandelion Cafe also offers sandwiches (like cold cuts and panini) and salads. Vegetarian options include a seared brie, pear and mushroom panini and a “veggie delight” of red peppers, asparagus and eggplant. An oven-roasted pork panini, house-made egg salad sandwich and jicama salad populate the menu as well.

Liebermann suggested that I try the chicken caprese panini ($9), which involves layers of mozzarella, basil and sliced tomato joined by hunks of cold grilled chicken meat. The basil enlivens the other ingredients’ mild flavors and brings everything together inside the warm and crusty bread.

While the panini serves as a hearty option, the superfood salad ($8.75, photo below) features plenty of lighter ingredients. Rather than served on a plate, the salad remains in its plastic tub, so it doubles as an on-the-go meal. Tufts of kale, chopped blueberries, almond slivers and candied lemon peels mingle with a slightly zesty pomegranate vinaigrette and plump clumps of quinoa. The lemon peels taste like candy.

Since Dandelion Cafe offers freshly-pressed juices as well as their coffee menu, I figured that it wouldn’t hurt to continue in the vein of (somewhat) healthy eating with the “Easy Breezy” juice ($6.50, photo above). It’s a concoction of celery, beet, carrot, pineapple and cucumber with a light foamy layer of bubbles and prominent vegetable flavors, especially through the beet and celery.

Whether you’re veering towards dessert, coffee or vegetables, Dandelion Cafe is a neat place with a versatile menu that will satisfy your craving. Welcome to the Bellaire neighborhood, Dandelion – it’s nice to see coffee shops expanding beyond the Montrose hub.

Dandelion Cafe, 5405 Bellaire Blvd., 832-988-9210, dandelionhouston.com