Happy Cafe — Restaurant in Virginia Beach

After two experiences spread apart over 10 months I now feel comfortable weighing in with a review. I regret it was no more than average for me on both occasions. The combination of food, service and atmosphere were all considered.

The location is tucked away off North Hampton Blvd beside Subway in a strip. Surface parking was not an issue with plenty of availability on a weekday before noon.

As you enter the kitchen it's wide open for viewing. No hostess was present. Staff was welcoming and invited us to take a seat anywhere. The room that you first enter is a holding area when they are on wait. It has couch and few chairs and is nice. Also it was clean.

The dining room is combo of table and chairs with booth along the walls. They offer an accent wall for photo ops. There is a small bar that was busy both visits. Everything was tidy and nice background music played that was just the right volume. Menus and utensils are placed on the tables with salt, pepper and coffee creamer packages.

Both visits service was slow to start and blah once service began. I will highlight my second experience with it being most fresh. However, my initial thoughts were average after my first visit ordering the same dish. I decided they needed another look.

Our waitress after a delay got drink and food orders. It appears there was only one wait staff for the business. She also covered the bar. I ordered French toast which comes with two eggs and meat. They could not do over easy per staff as someone called out. My son got a Cody Breakfast Club. My coffee came out quickly and did not taste good.

Food was pushed out quickly which was super appreciated. Everything looked great! I requested another cup of coffee which was delivered in no time and much better.

The plate for my son was pretty good, no wow but huge! He enjoyed. My dish was completely underwhelming with French toast that was dry and unflavored even with syrup that is prepped prior to serving. Eggs better, sausage patties were great.

Checkout was timely. The price point high with tax and tip $45. I'm unsure what other see that I missed with a current 5 star composite rating. I'm 3.5 rounding down and feel good about this placement. I personally will not rush back with other...

100% THRILLED over this sweet spot!

My friend and I were visiting VA Beach for a couple of days and when I posted a picture of the beach on my Facebook page, a friend reached out and said we MUST go to the Happy Cafe. It's not particularly close to the ocean front, but it is, for the most part, on the way back to Richmond. We decided to check it out.

The Happy Cafe is located in a little strip mall, kind of ordinary looking on the outside. Once you step in you notice the attention to the welcoming detail. Every item is placed with intention. The feel is fluid, cohesive, calm. The slow jazz playing on the sound system is unique for a breakfast/lunch cafe and these guys pull it off flawlessly. Any hint of stress, GONE! The entire staff was welcoming...everyone in sight spoke to us as we entered and "hosted" to our table.

Our waitress was super friendly and efficient. The menu is varied and eclectic. Even though I went in knowing what I was going to have based on a photo online, I had a tough time deciding. I did order what I originally wanted, Avocado Toast. My friend ordered the Grilled Peanut Butter and Jelly. The kitchen had our lunch to our table in a jiffy.

OMG!! The fanciest Avacado Toast EVER. Topped with spinach, cherry tomatoes and a drizzling of Balsamic. Soooo tasty! The gooey, drippy grilled PB&J was equally as delicious (friend let me take a bite!)

I must mention the restroom...sparkling clean, intentional attention to detail, just like the rest of the space. Hand lotions...one for women, one for men. "High End" if you will....

We didn't consider the deserts while at the table...we just forgot. BUT... warm, decorated, dreamy looking donuts are displayed on the front counter. We stood there for a minute debating...We had no more room and tossed around the calorie and sugar aspect a bit before we sadly declined. Sad, sad walk to the car as we said no to that Graduate Donut and all it's yummy looking friends. We might have to go back just for a donut.

If you are visiting or living in the VA Beach area, please do yourself a favor and go have a meal at the Happy Cafe. You won't be...

Hey I was asked to find a Breakfast place to eat. I saw a Black Owned restaurant just being curious. My homeboy mad picky so I was taking a chance. We walk in and the place was totally on point. The waitress was very attentive and she made us feel at home. The food Came Hot and the pancakes was Top 5 on my all time list. That little crunch on the edges was popping. The customers was diverse. The music was melodic. The decor was pleasant and she pays attention to detail. The bathroom was clean and was decorated real nice no bad smells. The kitchen is wide open and you can see the cooks. That means they stand buy they cooking skills and they extra clean. I do have a problem with the opening time. 10am misses a lot of potential customers in the area. They should open a 7am to catch the working crowd. If she opens another location I would consider investing. My waitress she from SC like my family so I will be biased towards her when I come back. The owner of this place has a skillset that is admired. I hope to meet and learn from her one day. I will be back and I am bringing a crew. Also I felt some kinda way seeing the hashbrowns. Not whaT I expected. It's they way. I like a crust on my hashbrowns so I won't ever get that. Dude ran through his so they must be good. Portions was good. Slightly higher food prices but I felt that was covered in the service quality. If you like Yolks on US in Ptown. This is in that category perhaps better. I don't give many reviews but I had to this time. It felt good to see a business get it Right. I don't know these people so I ain't no paid blogger brotha. I just like good food. Maybe I should do more reviews 🤔. Peace Happy Cafe. Yall got...