What’s Clean
The majority of the produce at Good Life Cafe is organically grown and locally sourced. Just about everything is scratch-made in house, including the bakery foods. The food served is 100% vegan, kosher, nut-free, and mostly gluten-free. The menu consists of raw and cooked foods. Fried foods, like their Buffalo Cauliflower, are cooked in rice oil.
What’s Served
Good Life Cafe offers an extensive menu that includes everything from salads, to wraps & sandwiches, power bowls & raw tacos, to house-made organic and vegan ice cream, and smoothies. They have an amazing vegan and organic bakery section offering house-made cupcakes, cookies, fruit tarts and more. Last but not least, you’ll find fresh sangria and 7 signature cocktails made with fresh-pressed juices and gin, rum, or vodka.
What I Ordered
We ordered the Blue Majik Acai Bowl, and an Eggplant Bacon Flax Wrap with sides of Asian Slaw & Grilled Zucchini. For dessert, we chose a freshly baked Blueberry Tart from the bakery display case. Everything we ordered was gluten-free. The wrap was stuffed with fresh avocado, lettuce, and tomato but the standout ingredients were the eggplant bacon and cashew mayo…quite outstanding. As for the sides, unfortunately, I found the slaw to be soggy and the zucchini overcooked. On the other hand, the Blueberry tart was divine. The GF crust with a hint of coconut flavor did not crumble apart and the blueberry fruit topping was just perfect in texture and sweetness, so delish! The acai bowl was a bit disappointing, the amount of granola was overpowering and the acai medley lacked flavor. More fresh fruit toppings would have been nice too.
The Vibe
Located in the charming downtown area of Columbia, Good Life Cafe boasts a nostalgic feel in an older building with new finishings. You’ll find a lovely outdoor seating area along the wide sidewalk in front of the cafe. Many tables are available inside, as well as bar seating. It can get a little loud in this open space with high ceilings, especially during their bustling lunch hour.
The Takeaway
What a great find in Columbia SC! Good Life Cafe is where the locals eat clean and vegan. Can’t wait for a return visit to try their breakfast, cauliflower bites, guacamole & vegan queso, sundae made with their vegan ice cream & coconut whipped cream, burrito bowl, coconut iced coffee signature cocktail…ok, maybe I need to stay in town a few more days.
