Good Life Cafe
1614 Main St, Columbia, SC, 29201
Good Life Cafe Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Columbia for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Columbia for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Columbia for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1614 Main St
Columbia, SC, 29201 - Phone (803) 726-2310
- Website https://www.goodlifecafe.net
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 10:00pm
- Mon : 7:00 am - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Gary J.
Looked like a great menu however the inattentiveness of the male server required that we try someplace else. Apparently he's on a roll because the group of 4 ladies leaving behind us weren't impressed as well. I'm guessing this place won't last too long.
(1)Lucky F.
Have only been in Columbia for a week and have already enjoyed eating at Good Life Cafe twice. We are usually vegan with a high amount of basic raw foods but rarely do the more complex raw dishes, so a raw restaurant is a treat for us. For most people (and especially people who have never been to a raw restaurant), this is a pretty big departure from your standard menu and meal experience, but if you're ready for it, it's really great! Generally I would avoid the liquor drinks (with their house-made fresh juices) and enjoy the well-selected wines and beers if you like to imbibe. As far as food goes, I've had the tacos, burrito, manicotti, eggplant bacon wrap, and pimentoless sandwich on onion bread. The only thing I would avoid would be the pimentoless sandwich; the onion bread was too tough/thick - it was like eating those German healthy rye breads stacked on top of each other. The tacos are more like tostadas, but they're yummy, though the turmeric chease could use some more flavor. Would *highly* recommend the manicotti and probably the lasagna, (looks like it has the same sundried tomato sauce) -- super flavorful, filling, fresh options for dinner. All of the sides I've had have been solid and well-portioned for the price. I will be trying to copy that jicama "potato" salad at home! The eggplant-bacon wrap was really good too---if you aren't looking for real bacon, of course. Overall, it's high time for Columbia to have a vegan eatery that doesn't resort to cheap vegan "comfort" foods and tries to be a little upscale, too. Good Life Cafe does that. I can't wait to go back and try some of the salads -- the true test of a good raw restaurant!
(4)Rick V.
Great little vegan joint. As an omnivore, I was inspired by how well the vegan meals tasted. Recommended!
(5)Dona S.
So delighted to see this restaurant on Main St. In Columbia. The food is great; the wait staff pleasant; however, the time to be served is unbelievably long. Often when the food finally comes the kitchen has run out of something such as salad dressing so you have to wait another ten to fifteen minutes for this item. Our Sunday experience was pretty awful as there was one person working. He informed us immediately they were out of most food. I asked about several thing that he said were available and he disappeared. After fifteen minutes with nothing, two ladies at a nearby table who had been there before we arrived and still had not been able to even place an order (btw, there were five people including us in the restaurant) nodded to us when I suggested to my husband that we leave. This will not prevent my return because the food is great when you can get it but I wonder if this restaurant can survive in downtown Columbia where their business depends on people who are on their lunch hour. My husband took his assistant there on Monday and it took over an hour and a half to have lunch due to slooooow presentation of food. Try this place but be prepared to have a very leisurely brunch, lunch or dinner.
(3)Kelly N.
The good news: the food is excellent. I've had the taco salad, tacos, spring rolls, stuffed mushroom and manicotti all which were very good. The bad news: The service is just awful and personally that makes or breaks a restaurant. I know it is new but the servers seem to think its more of a Panera, Zoes type situation where you just order food and they deliver it and they are done. I've been three times hoping it would be better and it just hasn't been. The last time my boyfriend and I saw three different tables leave before a server got to them. Since this is such a unique menu offering I personally think the servers need to get to the tables really quickly and explain the whole vegan/raw concept before the customer has second thoughts and leaves. It's just really sad to me because the food truly is good, but having to wait literally 25 minutes for a check is just ridiculous. It makes me sad because I truly want this place to do well.
(2)Coco L.
This place is a place to feed your soul! When you feed your body vegan food, you are feeding your soul with kindness. My parents were adventurous with me by coming here, as they are not vegan or raw foodies. To their surprise they loved the food! The queso was a great starter and then we had the burrito, the stuffed Italian zucchini and the portions were so large we all took home half to eat for dinner. AND let me not forget the desserts- WOW!! The salted caramel cheesecake was out of this world!! The brownie was delicious too. We will be back as the food was delicious! The prices were well worth it too because it takes more time to make raw food and organic ingredients cost more as well.
(5)Michael M.
Not a vegan, but the place is great. First class staff that can roll with the punches and still portray a positive demeanor from assertive customers like myself. The food is great, and will instantly make you feel better. I see all types of people in this restaurant, and they are all treated great. Even folks who walk in and seemingly scraped together money for a smoothy. I'm not an SC native, but I've witnessed pretty disgusting treatment of individuals in this urban area. Good Life Cafe is a great place to walk out feeling good in all aspects. CPT M
(5)Aimee S.
It is hard to compare the Goodlife Cafe to conventional restaurants that use things like heat and animal products for flavor and texture but for a restaurant that uses neither GLC is terrific. The building is beautiful and recently restored. They have a fine selection of craft beers, many local, and wine. We shared tacos and the eggplant bacon wrap. The former was better than the latter and a cafe favorite. On another occasion I had the lasagne and it was excellent. It's not like eating at an Italian restaurant, again no cheese, no baking, but still very good. You will feel good about yourself after having eaten such a healthy meal.
(4)Melanie L.
This is the only place I have ever walked out of due to such poor service. Seated and then completely ignored except to get some water...the most unwelcoming place. Not coming back.
(1)David T.
Great place to eat and relax after a long day. But don't come 40 minutes before they close cause you might not get food. Waiter actually had to ask kitchen if they where still cooking before he would take our order. Weird right? Other than that food is amazing so come out and enjoy just be mindful of the time.
(4)Aaron W.
We were there today. It was towards the end of Soda City so they only had a handful of tables filled, yet had about 4-5 employees wandering around. We walked in, stood for awhile, and then a guy walked by and said sit anywhere. We weren't given menus, so we found what turned out to be take-out menus. After about 5 minutes we were given water. After 15 minutes, we were approached by someone that said she would take the order "for our server." We're still not sure what server that was supposed to be. It was a confusing process to order because she told us we had the wrong menus (could she have given us the right menus?). My wife ordered a mimosa, and we ordered food. She really wanted that mimosa, but we waited and waited, and it never came. A couple people passed by and asked if we had ordered. We said we had, and could not get another syllable out before they were gone, or we would have inquired about the missing mimosa. The only thing good is that we got water refilled after taking a couple sips. Finally we cut our losses and left. As we walked out, we noticed that the number of customers nearly equalled the number of wandering employees. The food could have been excellent. Who knows?
(1)John B.
2 vegans here. We have a love/hate relationship with Good Life Cafe. The menu items are hit or miss, and the service is almost always a miss. Some of the hits are all the desserts, the taco entree, the biscuits sausage and gravy at brunch, and the spring rolls appetizer. We're torn, because we don't have many options for dining out in Columbia, so we return semi-reluctantly and hope for good luck that day. The service has been some of the worst service I've ever had at a restaurant- extremely dull, unfriendly, unknowledgeable, slow and inaccurate. I've been served sides I didn't order just because they ran out of the ones I did order- with no explanation from the server until I addressed it. "Oh, we ran out of the kale side so that's the fruit cup instead." Things of that nature happen regularly and show that the servers aren't well-trained. I understand a fresh/raw/oragnic restaurant not wanting to OVERstock their food, but Good Life runs out of food as though they don't know brunch, dinner, and weekend rushes ever occur. I really hope enough people are vocal about these issues that management takes them into consideration. Good Life has a great vision and the potential to make it worthwhile.
(3)Erin S.
This place is wonderful!! The new location downtown is beautiful! The food is always delicious and the service is top notch. It's so exciting to see Columbia's downtown have such a progressive spot. Health food can be incredibly delicious. The eggplant bacon is incredible!
(5)Michael M.
Very interesting restaurant. Everything is raw. Everything is vegan. They have a full bar. Service was acceptable and the ambiance was somewhat classy. We have the chips and queso, it did not taste like queso but it was still good. I had the tacos and the kale salad, both of which were very good.
(3)William B.
Neat little place, my lady is a vegetarian so I try to seek out neat little spots like this. I didn't mind the food, it was actually really, really good. I was very suspicious at first, but they made it all taste delicious. It's got a great atmosphere. It's a bit pricey, but I guess it cost a lot to make such healthy stuff.
(4)Dorothy K.
I really liked my meal--tasty vegetarian food---and the outside tables are fun now that Columbia has gotten a downtown scene again. (Whoever came up with the idea of putting student housing downtown was a genius.) I was curious about all the recipes involving cashews and wish the proprietors had shared their dietary philosophy more visibly for the newcomer. I had heard it is a vegan restaurant but did not notice any signage or "pastoral lit" to that effect. On the other hand, being a bit ambiguous may attract a broader customer base. :)
(4)Simon T.
Quick note, light food folk: "Vegan" does not mean "low cal." Rich, hearty stuff here.
(4)Sherry C.
I've been wanting to come here for a long time, and I finally made it. I was at Mast General and it started to rain while I was leaving ..., so.... It was the perfect time to stop in for lunch. I'm not Vegan ... But I do like healthy food. The waitress was so great about helping me with my order. I wanted to order a wrap, but they were out of wraps. So I went for the Vegan tacos. They were not what I expected. They were delicious! The taco shell is made of flax seed .. How cool is that?? The Green Beans and Kale salad were great. It's hard to believe they can make such good food without cooking it. Maybe I could be Vegan if I had a chef. Lol. I can't wait to go back and try some other things. They have a bar also in case you want a drink. That's in addition to the healthy drinks they also sell. I'll definitely return as soon as possible!!!!
(4)Adam B. J.
Good Life is awesome for what they offer. Raw, organic, vegan meals. Nothing is cooked over a certain degree, to be considered raw. They have a full fledged Chef who really knows what they are doing. The first time we visited (the West Columbia location) I expected to hit Burger King afterwards for something good. I was blown away by what I had at Good Life. If it is your first visit get the Tacos. They are great. I like the sample platter (at the West Columbia location) cause you get to try stuff. Never had anything I didn't think was good. Due to the product the prices are fairly high (especially for a lunch). Great edition to downtown.
(4)Erika K.
I love everything I have tried here! So fresh, so healthy, so delicious! It is pricier than other local restaurants, but it's worth it for the quality of the food! Even though I'm vegan, I never thought I'd like a raw vegan menu, but this food is both flavorful and filling! So far I've had the tacos, manicotti, pizza, kale salad, and cheesecake. I can't wait to come back for more. Hopefully on a night where there is live music!
(5)Rae L.
Vegan lasagna, kale salad, and mocha cheesecake ! What more can one ask for?
(4)Megan N.
Ordered take out while in town for work - searched for a vegetarian restaurant and was delighted to find this option. I ordered the flatbread, which comes with two sides. I chose the kale salad & vegetable medley. Kale was AMAZING, great sesame dressing. The flatbread... Just ok. It was a bit too "sweet" for me.. Not sure where that came from. I would definitely try it again and order a different entree. Still highly recommend!
(4)Carmela O.
I love the idea of the place, and the location and decor are absolutely fantastic. I just didn't love the food. I got a salad that had things like vegan cheese and vegan southwest meat or something and after a certain point, it just doesn't feel like raw food anymore. I think that's the point. Raw food but in a way that isn't the traditional raw food boring salad with cucumbers. I tried really, really hard to like it. I wanted to so badly. But ultimately, I had to convince myself I was eating something else and just shove it in my mouth as quickly as possible. I would love to go back and try the juices. I love fresh juices. I will say, I really appreciated being able to buy a bottled water that wasn't in a plastic bottle.
(3)Brandy B.
I am no vegan... yet - but I've got an open mind and like trying new things. I don't care for walnuts, almonds, or cashews (allllllll of the "meats" and "cheeses" are made with one of those items I believe). I was super surprised at how much I enjoyed this!!!! It really is feel good food, I always feel a little healthier after eating here and tend to crave it quite often now. I've tried... Veggie Sandwich w. Eggplant Bacon (didn't care too much for the onion bread, flavor or texture) but the veggies were delicious and fresh. Eggplant Bacon Wrap - my fav!!! It has guacamole on it (which isn't listed on the menu) all the flavors mesh really well. Taco Salad - another one of my favorites, the "nacho cheese," "sour cream," and ground walnuts really taste like the real deal - I think anyone who's trying raw/vegan for the first time should go this route (tacos or taco salad). Zucchini noodles with Pad Thai sauce - delicious and spicyyyyy!!! The fresh pressed juices are delicious too (Asian Greens!!!!). As others have stated, it can take a while to get your food, dining in or to-go. But for me it's worth the wait!
(4)Rick T.
This place has some great German organic beers for only 3.00 in the case. I can't wait to try some food here the next time on I'm on Main st. !
(4)Leigh W.
Amazing raw food!! I've been to raw food restaurants all over the U.S. and this one never disappoints. They have numerous options on the menu, specials each day, dessert items, smoothies, and juices. Besides the rawlicious food served at GLC they also hold events (which can be viewed on their web page under the events tab) that range from cooking classes to several day retreats. If you're looking for a healthy alternative where cleaning off your plate leaves you energized instead of enervated this place will not let you down. Side note: A few times I've had slow service at first but after I was attended to I didn't have any complaints. Be patient because it's worth the wait.
(5)Greg B.
Stopped in for a drink and appetizer. Just happened to be Frothy Beard Brewery takeover night. Had some awesome flax chips and beer cheese with the Ginger pale ale...DELICIOUS!!!! We had live music and a great server. Definitely will be back.
(5)Rebecca A.
So let me start off by saying I haven't eaten the actual food yet, but I kind of want to. I have only had a smoothie, the Funky Monkey I think. The cafe is very pretty and has a great atmosphere. The prices are super high though. My smoothie was $8. Additionally, I'm pretty sure it contained figs, even though the website doesn't list them as an ingredient. I'm not a vegetarian or a vegan but it surprised me that they had figs. Some people do consider them to not be vegetarian/vegan. For those who don't know, fig pollination involves a fig wasp dying inside the fruit, which absorbs it. Some people don't know about this, especially people new to veganism. So I think maybe a warning should be advised for foods containing figs.
(4)Robert V.
We visited Banner Elk so our lab could see snow, and I went Skiing at Sugar Mountain. On the way home, we wanted to stop somewhere for lunch. I suggest the Whole Foods salad bar, but the wife was sick of it. She found this place instead, located in the heart of downtown Columbia. Parking can be tricky, you may have to circle a few times to find a spot. We ordered ahead and they had our food ready when we arrived. We sat outside at a table with our lab. The food was excellent, wife ate the Nori Wrap, I had the burger. If you're trying to eat healthy, this is the place to go.
(5)RJ A.
The juices here are great! I went one a 1 week diet of just strictly juices to cleanse my body and I felt great. The juices were delicious and the price was very comparable and actually knowing it wasn't processed it was actually a very good deal. Knowing the food is real and that the cooking techniques allowed me to get the most nutritional value for the food makes me feel the price for the food is justified. You get what you pay for, you may pay more but you get more nutritional content than you would at a normal restaurant/cafe.
(4)Michelle F.
I was visiting from out of town and was worried I wouldn't be able to find vegan restaurants in the South. This was such a delight to find! I had the tacos with the side of kale and fruit salad. I was taught to always finish your vegetables, but there were too many. I highly recommend this place. You will go away with a full and satisfied tummy!
(4)John S.
It was different for me because I like chicken, beef, and seafood so having no meat was a unique experience. The food they did bring out was huge. You better be hungry when you get here. I had a salad and my wife had wraps. I will come back to try the tacos.
(4)S. J.
4.5 stars... Rounded up to nudge people towards trying a vegan place. I got the sampler, which let me choose 3 entrees. The lasagna and stuffed mushroom had the best pesto flavor I can ever remember tasting, vegan or no. The taco was solid, but didn't blow me away like the others. Full disclosure, I try to eat vegan whenever possible - but I'd highly recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Amanda B.
Amazing raw food in downtown Columbia. They have beautiful sidewalk seating. I had the zucchini lasagna and my husband had the sprouted seed burger. We also each had one of their cold press juices, I had the Grapefruit & Spirulina which was so delicious!
(5)Gwen M.
Good food!! The kale salad was a little too salty, the corn and hummus wrap was great. the place is a bit pricey but the staff is nice
(4)Bettie B.
Excellent food!! I had the eggplant bacon wrap and it was delicious! Kale Salad and fresh fruit were my sides. Atmosphere and service superb! Highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)J B.
I have been coming to Good Life for years now. At first I was in love. But the quality and consideration have gone downhill. Service and friendliness are always excellent. No problem there. But on at least five occasions I have been shorted items, such as eggplant bacon, salsa, guacamole. I understand the restaurant runs out of produce. That's fine. Let your customers know you can't make their wrap and for god's sake don't charge them $13 for a sandwich which is mostly spinach and two pieces of eggplant bacon. I find this appalling and insulting. I'd say a third of the time I've been there this year the food has been on-point. I think the kitchen staff needs to be re-trained and just say you're out of the item if you can't make it as described in the menu.
(3)Laina O.
Can't say enough!! Delicious food, great ambiance, kind staff..and owner is amazing ! My 19 yr old and 53 yr old health conscious feasted. Please don't miss this gem.
(5)Dee A.
It's great seeing some healthier food options open up in Columbia for those times I'm not craving meat. I love vegan food. Not enough to become an actual vegan but I eat it when I can. I took a friend here for her first vegan experience and made her a fan too. This place was pretty good. It's a little pricey (smoothies were $7-8) but portions were big and filling. Service is slow so this is a place to sit and relax and not to come when you're in a hurry. There's a fridge inside where you can pick up a quart of fresh squeezed juice that varies from day to day. We sat outside and asked the server what juices were available and were told we were welcome to go inside and check for ourselves. Also, they were out of specific ingredients for both of our smoothies. They were still good and full of fruit and vegetables though. Vegan food can be tricky because sometimes I feel it tries to hard to convert non-vegans. My friend told our server she didn't like cauliflower and if there was a strong cauliflower taste in the eggless egg salad made with cauliflower instead. She was told no, it tastes just like egg salad (hindsight, not the best question, I know). It did taste just like cauliflower (which I liked) but she did not. She did love her meatless tacos though. They had a perfect seasoning on them. I had an elvis sandwich. The sweet bread is not really bread but more like those sweet Asian sesame crackers. There was dried eggplant and almond butter on it. It was sweet and filling. My favorite part was the simple kale salad that came with it. The portion was huge and it had a tangy spicy dressing. I loved it and would probably eat it by the pound if available.
(4)Steve P.
I just assume jump on a cow and gnaw its leg off! However, this place is raw vegan and it is NOM NOM NOM!!! The prices don't knock you in the head either. Not a personal fan of kale, it was like eating a lather builder for the bath. I'll be going back, but not for the kale. The sweetened tea was amazing with agave, I think as a Southerner that I have found a new sweet tea love.
(4)Jessica D.
I stopped in here on a Monday afternoon, after lunch and before dinner. I ordered the strawberry shortcake smoothie ($7.50) and it was just okay, not very much flavor. I also ordered the spring rolls ($8) and they were surprisingly very flavorful and crisp and crunchy with really good dipping sauces.
(4)Bradley W.
The food was creative and incredibly delicious!! The wait staff was knowledgeable and attentive! This is now my new favorite restaurant!!
(5)David B.
I was starving when I arrived and yet the hummus sandwich with two sides filled me up with quite a bit of leftovers to look forward to for another meal. The food is incredible, and the people are very helpful. I love this place.
(5)Emily E.
I am thrilled that they have opened a location on Main St. Their west Columbia location is nice too but far from where I live. I am not vegan but find their food delicious. I'd particularly recommend the kale salad, tacos and spring rolls. Oh and the eggplant bacon wrap is yummy too! They have a variety of fresh juices but those are a little pricy. Overall a welcome addition to Main st for those who aren't afraid to expand their palates with some colorfully healthy entrees.
(5)Emily R.
The food was tasty and there was plenty of options. Service was wonderful and they are willing to accommodate. The only downfalls were it was a bit expensive (which is justified by the fact the ingredients are organic) and the environment is hard to read. Is it a cafe or more of a restaurant? There is potential for this place!
(4)S H.
Update: We've been regularly visiting Good Life cafe as it's the only good vegan restaurant option open for breakfast on the weekends. (I'm sorry, but the grocery stores serving breakfast with a few vegan options don't count in my book. Note to the other 2 purely vegan establishments in town - step up your game! We want breakfast!) I've changed my standard order at Good Life to the tofu scramble plate that comes with a sausage biscuit, a good-sized portion of grits and a fruit cup. This plate is never the exact same but it's always filling and priced accordingly. It's one of the more expensive brunch items but I can usually skip lunch after eating it. And most days it's really good, not just "vegan good" if you know what I mean. Some days the scramble part is lacking but they mostly keep it consistently flavorful, even if the ingredients are never the same. Keep up the good work, Good Life! (And maybe add more pancakes to the pancake order so I can get those on occasion too??) Original Review: First, I love that we have an entirely vegan restaurant right in downtown Columbia. So yay to Good Life Café for that alone! I never thought I'd see the day. Second, I love that the décor is tasteful, welcoming and clean. Sometimes vegan restaurants are, shall we say, "hippie" in their décor. Lack of cohesion, a lot of messy hand-written menus and signage, overall feeling of "Is this place clean?" It makes me not want to go to those places b/c I'm really big on the ambience of a restaurant. Dining out is an experience for me! So now to the food. We went on a Saturday and were surprised they had a cooked vegan brunch. I ordered the pancakes and my husband got the sausage and gravy biscuit. I asked him if he knew what to expect because I've never liked the idea of the regular sausage and gravy dish so I couldn't see how a vegan version would be any less disgusting. Turns out it was pretty much amazing. The tempeh sausage was spicy and flavorful, the biscuit was dense (not a negative in my opinion) and the gravy was spot-on. My two pancakes were phenomenal with a hint of orange zest. I only wished they served more of them for the price. I'm only giving them 3 stars for 2 reasons: 1. I wish there were more food for the price. I've eaten at the West Columbia location a handful of times and while I found it a little pricey for lunch, I always had far more food than I was expecting. Perhaps because those meals were raw and this one was cooked? 2. I find it extremely discouraging that 80-90% of their menu is made with tree nuts. I know nuts are a big staple in vegan diets, even more so in raw vegan diets from what I can gather, but what about all of us with food allergies who so badly want to try your fancy creations?
(4)