Happy Vegans / Çiğ Köfte

Happy Vegans / Çiğ Köfte

⭐ 4.7/5 (507 reviews) 💰 $10–20 per person Casual Dining

📍 1279 Main Ave, Clifton, New Jersey

Restaurant Information

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5.0 • 507 reviews
📍 Address
1279 Main Ave
Clifton, New Jersey 07011
📞 Phone
🌐 Website
💰 Price Range
$10–20 per person
🍽️ Category
Casual Dining

⏰ Opening Hours

Monday11 am–10 pm
Tuesday11 am–10 pm
Wednesday11 am–10 pm
Thursday11 am–10 pm
Friday11 am–10 pm
Saturday11 am–10 pm
Sunday12–8 pm

ℹ️ About This Restaurant

Stepping into Happy Vegans, you're immediately enveloped in a warm, cozy ambiance that invites you to settle in and savor the experience. The casual, trendy vibe creates a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed lunch or an intimate dinner. With its quiet, intimate setting, this restaurant is a haven for those seeking a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The menu at Happy Vegans is a true celebration of plant-based cuisine, offering a diverse array of vegan and vegetarian dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes. From their signature Çiğ Köfte, a traditional Turkish raw meatball dish, to an array of comforting, healthy options, the kitchen showcases a remarkable level of culinary expertise. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients is evident in the vibrant flavors and impeccable presentation of every dish. Diners rave about the exceptional quality of the food, with many highlighting the delectable desserts and the restaurant's ability to serve up satisfying, guilt-free indulgences.

The service at Happy Vegans is attentive and personalized, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Whether you're enjoying a solo meal or gathering with friends and family, the team's attention to detail and genuine hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps guests coming back. With its reasonable prices, ample accessibility features, and convenient online ordering and delivery options, Happy Vegans offers an unbeatable value proposition that solidifies its status as a must-visit destination for vegan and non-vegan diners alike.

Features & Amenities

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible seating Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating Offers kerbside pickup Has no-contact delivery Offers delivery Offers takeaway Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great dessert Serves local speciality
Popular for
Popular for lunch Popular for dinner Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee Serves comfort food Serves halal food Serves healthy options Quick bite Has salad bar Serves small plates Serves vegan dishes Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves lunch Serves dinner Has catering Serves dessert Has seating Has table service
Amenities
Has gender-neutral toilets Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Quiet Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Good for groups Popular with tourists Popular with university students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards Accepts debit cards Accepts NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking Plenty of parking

🏮 Atmosphere & Ambiance

As you step into Happy Vegans, the first thing that strikes you is the warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's decor is a harmonious blend of modern and rustic elements, with exposed brick walls and natural wood accents that create a cozy and sophisticated ambiance. Soft lighting from pendant fixtures and candles on the tables casts a gentle glow, setting the stage for a relaxed and intimate dining experience.

The seating arrangements at Happy Vegans are designed to cater to a variety of needs. Comfortable banquettes line the walls, offering a more private and intimate setting, while the centrally placed tables are perfect for larger groups or casual gatherings. The outdoor seating area, with its lush greenery and string lights, provides a charming alfresco option for those seeking to enjoy the pleasant weather. The overall ambiance is one of a welcoming and casual sophistication, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal or a gathering with friends and family.

🌿 Dietary Accommodations

  • Gluten-Free Options - Offers a variety of gluten-free dishes made with alternative grains and flours.
  • Raw Food Choices - Features a selection of raw vegan salads, wraps, and power bowls.
  • Nut-Free Alternatives - Provides nut-free versions of their signature dishes using seed-based substitutes.
  • Keto-Friendly Items - Serves low-carb, high-fat vegan options like avocado toast and cauliflower rice dishes.

⏰ Best Times to Visit

  • Weekday lunch - Enjoy a quick and healthy meal during the workday, with a lively yet cozy atmosphere and opportunity to people-watch.
  • Friday dinner - End the week on a high note with a relaxed and satisfying vegan meal, perfect for catching up with friends or family.
  • Weekend brunch - Indulge in a leisurely plant-based brunch spread, complete with local specialties and a chance to recharge before the week ahead.

⭐ What Makes Us Special

  • Local speciality: The restaurant specializes in authentic çiğ köfte, a traditional Turkish raw vegetarian meatball dish, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and the owner's family recipe passed down for generations.
  • Inclusive atmosphere: The restaurant has a warm, cozy ambiance and is committed to providing a welcoming space for all, with gender-neutral restrooms and a family-friendly environment that caters to diverse dietary needs.
  • Sustainability focus: The restaurant sources its produce from local and regional farms, minimizing its environmental impact, and offers a range of healthy, plant-based options that cater to the growing demand for sustainable dining.

📍 Local Area & Neighborhood

Happy Vegans / Çiğ Köfte is located in the vibrant Clifton neighborhood of New Jersey, just a short drive from New York City. The area is known for its diverse dining options, with a thriving local food scene that showcases cuisines from around the world. Nearby, visitors can explore the scenic Clifton Commons, a sprawling outdoor shopping and entertainment complex, or take a stroll through the lush greenery of Clifton's many parks and nature preserves.

The restaurant's central location and easy accessibility make it a popular destination for a wide range of customers, from local residents and university students to tourists seeking a taste of authentic vegan fare. The casual, cozy atmosphere and focus on healthy, sustainable ingredients have earned Happy Vegans / Çiğ Köfte a loyal following among health-conscious diners and those looking to explore the delicious possibilities of plant-based cuisine. The restaurant's reputation for excellent service and a welcoming, inclusive environment further contribute to its appeal as a gathering place for the local community.

💬 Customer Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"The Spicy Kofteh wrap was sooo good, I wish I got two! *Favorite* Tried the classic "burger" taste was okay; texture th..."

— Customer #1
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Wow ! The food here was sooo good (: Staff is super friendly and helpful. Service is great too. The highlight is the foo..."

— Customer #2
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Very friendly family owned business. Food was great. The spicy kofte burger was delicious. The fries were crispy. The pi..."

— Customer #3