Sacred Grounds Cafe — Restaurant in Edwardsville

DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU ARE VEGAN!! Cashier assured me they could make vegan scrambled eggs using Just egg - a product I've had many times and am very familiar with. They served me real eggs! When I pointed out that they looked 100% identical to the non- vegan scrambled eggs they were serving other customers in both texture and color, and brought to their attention that it did not taste like Just Egg but tasted like real eggs - THE CHEF LIED TO ME AND INSISTED THAT IT WAS THE VEGAN EGGS! I trusted them, and ate the eggs, and now I'm experiencing the WORST UPSET TUMMY I've had in many years -- eggs have always given me tummy issues. I even went onto a local vegan group and asked others to share their experiences at Sacred Grounds. One person shared a picture of the vegan scramble they had gotten there and it looked VERY VERY different from both what I was served and what their regular eggs look like. Another person said they've been served non-vegan items there multiple times when they've ordered vegan substitutes. VEGANS BEWARE AND STAY AWAY! AND IF YOU HAVE ALLERGIES OR SENSITIVITIES TO DAIRY OR EGGS YOU'D BE WISE TO AVOID THIS PLACE!!

Edit to add, in response to response from cafe: see, this is how I know you're full of it. My bread was TOTALLY buttered! I was actually trying to give y'all the benefit of the doubt with the bread, hoping against hope that y'all were using vegan margarine instead. The fact that in your response you claim the bread "was not buttered," and yet my toast was completely slathered in butter, just further proves that there is no possible way you are telling...

You know the vibe we’re used to — cold, transactional breakfast chains where no one looks up, no one cares, and the food is just… food.

That’s what I was expecting.

But no. I walk into this little spot in downtown Edwardsville and get hit with an actual smile. Already too much.

I told the lady it was my first time and mentioned I don’t eat eggs or meat. She didn’t even hesitate — just came back with something amazing. Like, made-with-care, actually-delicious amazing. Offensively thoughtful.

Then she gave us a student discount. In this economy? Outrageous.

And the vibe? Way too wholesome. People talking. Laughing. Being present. It felt like stepping into a time capsule — back to a world where real people connect over good food and warm service.

Totally not what I signed up for. 5 star — for making breakfast...

A Hidden Gem Worth Checking Out! This place completely blew me away. The food was not only delicious but also felt incredibly fresh and clean—like real, quality ingredients. They have an impressive variety of vegan and vegetarian options, all at budget-friendly prices, which makes it super accessible. What really stood out was the staff—they’re warm, friendly, and genuinely make you feel welcome, especially if you’re a first-time visitor.

If you’re an SIUE student, you’ll love the student discount, too! Whether you’re in town for a visit or just looking for a cozy spot to grab breakfast on the weekend, this place has that comfortable, homey vibe that’s hard to find. I’m already looking forward to coming back and exploring more of their menu. Highly recommend it—you won’t be...