Cleveland Vegan
Calling all plant eaters! We have just found your new regular spot. Cleveland Vegan is perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike! With great (and extensive) food options, cute atmosphere and friendly staff members, how could you not love it?
Located in the trendy neighborhood of Lakewood, Cleveland Vegan knows where its market is. Starting out as just a catering company, the good people at Cleveland Vegan realized that a restaurant version of their service was necessary. So in November of 2014, they opened a storefront and cafe which would allow them to do both.
The cafe is a quaint little hangout, perfect for a quick bite and a chat with a friend. The walls are covered in fun, little crafts and bulletin boards; the tables are littered with flowers to keep with the upbeat, positive feel of the place. Another source of positivity comes straight from the staff. Most of the reviews rave about how kind and knowledgeable the people working are. It’s clear that good customer service is just as important as a good menu.
The menu may only be two pages, but it still features a large number of amazing dishes! Appetizers, sandwiches, soups, quesadillas, coffees, smoothies and more take up those two pages and make it difficult to choose! Many customers recommend the “Buffalo Cauliflower Dip” (w/ house garlic flatbread (sf/nf) [or fresh veggies gf]). Many say that it’s better than the real thing! Another favorite is the BBQ Tofu Tacos (omaine, sriracha slaw, pineapple salsa, radish, toasted pepitas [nf/gf option]).
The menu is split up in three sections: appetizers, soups/sides and sandwiches/entrees. So, whether you’re feeling a light snack or a full on meal, you can get it all at the Cleveland Vegan.
Some of the great appetizers besides the “Buffalo Cauliflower Dip” are the “Brussels N’ Bacon” (sweet and salty Brussels sprouts, maple, apple cider shiitake mushrooms [gf/nf]) and the “Mini S’mores French Toast” (homemade challah, graham cracker crumble, marshmallow, chocolate chips, coconut whip [+ $1 for maple syrup]).
Some notable soups and sides include: the “Cheezy Potato Hash” (sautéed onions, cheez sauce [gf]), “Pumpkin French Toast Bake” (cream cheez frosting, streusel topping, coconut whip, + $1 maple syrup) and the amazing “Classic Mac N’ Cheez Bake” (broccoli, onion, butternut squash, cashew cream, seasoned breadcrumbs [gf option]).
And lastly, the drinks! Now this isn’t your typical drink menu — there’s no alcohol to be found but it does offer some awesome coffees, teas, smoothies, superfood lattes and more! They brew local Cleveland coffeehouse Rising Star coffee which is a huge fan favorite. The superfood lattes are definitely a highlight, and a cool seasonal option. They only offer certain kinds at certain times of the year and they only come as hot beverages. Acai Berry is a top seller (acai berry powder, vanilla syrup, steamed house mylk).
Overall, this is a great place to stop if you’re in the mood for a light, quick bite to eat whether you’re a vegan or not! Stop in the cafe at the Lakewood location at 17112 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107. Call the cafe at (216) 221-0201 or visit their website here.
About Christian Reynolds
Christian is the chief reporter, editor, and webmaster at Cleveland Leader. An aspiring news anchor, his hobbies outside of investigative reporting are golf, martinis, and adventure travel. If you have a scoop on any developing story, please contact him on this page.
