Pulse Cafe — Restaurant in Hadley

Having dined here several times now I can confidently declare that it has become one of my favorite restaurants in Western, MA. Everything about it is spacious beginning with the parking lot, there’s ample parking for all. Inside are large open rooms with plenty of space to comfortably sit in a socially distanced manner. The design is zen & airy and everything looks, smells and feels fresh and clean. Ordering is quick and easy. The staff is across the board, professional, friendly, attentive, engaged and genuinely seem to be invested in providing their customers with a unique and satisfying experience. One also gets the sense that everyone working here actually enjoys it, there is a palpable sense of cohesion and camaraderie that is impossible to fake and refreshing to see. Then there’s the food...from the juice bar to the pizza to the carefully curated market items Pulse is what happens when intentioned wellness meets deliciousness. The food arrives extremely fast after you’ve ordered, making it a super convenient place to go if you’re in a rush. Everything about the design of this place is well thought out, including the menu. On my most recent visit I tried the Açaí bowl and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Served in a gorgeous bowl that is somehow keep extremely cold, an açaí smoothie is artistically topped with sliced banana, coconut flakes and flax seeds...the combination of textures and flavors were so well balanced...I don’t think I spoke a word out loud until I’d finished the last spoonful. The turmeric latte is a delightful, golden, warm drink and the bite I snuck from my partner’s plant based cheeseburger was insanely good. Why this place isn’t constantly packed is beyond me. It vibrates an energy of true (not trendy) consciousness and caring that is rare and welcome. If you’ve been thinking you should check this place out, you’re right .You should. As soon as possible because eventually everyone will catch on and you might actually have to...

This is the only vegan option in the Valley. But thankfully it's a good one, run by Seventh Day Adventists. The waitstaff are cheerful and friendly, and the food is consistently well made. For the main course the menu items would be considered, I think, similar to an American style chain such as Chili's or Applebee's, perhaps. Mostly burgers and pizza, but with plant based patties, and cheeses, etc. This is probably why it seems to be popular amongst non-vegans as well. I usually get the Tex-Mex burger which comes with home fries (potatoes), and I've always gotten it with the impossible patty (there's a couple other choices, including a home made black bean version). The smoothies are probably the best in the Valley too, now that Haymarket Cafe has closed .Although too pricey for me to buy very often. Same with the desserts, probably the best option if you don't want to spend a lot is the cupcakes, and they experiment with seasonal flavors too, like the pumpkin spice, for ex. The atmosphere is very nice and spacious with the fireplace and the piano, and is always clean, bathrooms are well maintained, etc. Their pizza oven looks top notch, so I'd like to try more of the pizza items from the menu. I may update this to five stars once I've sampled more of their pizza menu options, but for now I'm giving four stars (mainly due to the menu being mostly your typical American chain restaurant style fare, although in all fairness I'm sure it's much better done at Pulse) This is your only choice if you want vegan in the valley, but luckily it's a good one.

Edit: I had only tried the Tex-Mex burger up until yesterday when I tried the Southern Comfort bowl, which was outstanding. And I saw their Buffalo Chicken pizza being brought out to somebody which looked very good, and I definitely will be trying that and other menu options too. And my earlier critique about it being American style seems ridiculous to me now, so I'm giving them the five stars that...

Pulse Café deserves a full five stars for many reasons! First, their food, prices, space and ambience is excellent. As a non-vegan/vegetarian (but does eat plant-based often), I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious their burger was! I would have never known the difference If I was not made aware ahead of time. I have made meat-alternative burgers myself but it is worth a visit to Pulse to taste the difference! The space is clean, relaxed, calming and has many different seating options. There are spots where you could have a more intimate setting and spots where you can feel connected to the patron community. Not only is the physical ambience (from lighting, decor etc.) comfortable but the staff add to the ambience with their positivity and what appears to be true teamwork. Staff seem happy to be there, happy to answer questions and look like they are enjoying each other's company. I would also like to share that, in my role as a Teacher, brought a group of middle school students on a field trip here! Pulse not only was accommodating to the needs/learning styles of middle school students but truly blew the experience out of the water! Students were not only so engaged by the incredibly knowledgeable, passionate and kind staff but were also exposed to another style of learning/skills. Students were able to cook a meal for themselves, learn the importance of plant-based nutrients and have some fun while doing it. To top it off, students were surprised with a photo booth and a gift bag (containing coupons, aprons etc.) To the Pulse Café Team, keep on sharing your light, positivity and joy with the community! Pulse Café is truly a bright spot in the...