The food was great! The ambiance was good but the server never came to check on us. We had to ask other servers to bring us things.

10/10. Fantastic food. Great service. Amazing place all together. The cauliflower bites were amazing, as was the rest of our meal.

Happy Cafe is located in the Diamond Springs Shoppes in VIrginia Beach. They are closer to the northwestern part of Virginia Beach. They aren't too far away from Northampton Blvd. Coming from I-264, you can get off at Newtown Rd. and head north to it, as the road name does change to Diamond Springs Rd. Coming in while heading northbound is easier than if you were coming in the southbound direction. One thing I noticed is that parking can get limited here when there are lots of visitors to this shopping center. My visit here was on April 17, 2026. The first thing I noticed was parking. Although this is in a shopping center, parking can be hard to find at times, especially during peak times. I was able to find one on this visit, but there wasn't much available. The Yellow signage for the name of the business on the outside helps see it pretty quickly. When my mom and I came inside, it was already busy. There was a wait to get a table, but I wasn't totally surprised at that. It would take about 15 minutes to get a table. Once we got to the table, we had a chance to look over the menu for a moment before the server came around and asked for our drink orders. Water came to the table at that time too. I decided to try their Bloody Mary for a drink and my mom did a Pepsi. The Pepsi comes in a can. I want to note that they have vegan options on their menu, so that adds to the amount of items to choose from. They have a pretty big menu covering both breakfast and lunch options. After having some time to look over the menu, we were finally ready to order. I don't do French Toast too often, so I decided to do the French Toast Meal with scrambled eggs and bacon (crispy). My mom decided to go with the Veggie Egg Scrambler, adding cheese to it. She got white toast and bacon as the sides to go with it. While waiting for the food to come, I tried the Bloody Mary. It was in a tall thin glass. The Bloody Mary was good. After about ten minutes or so, the food came out to the table and it looked really good. The server brought over syrup for my French Toast, but I told her I didn't need it, as I don't normally do lots of sugary items. As we started eating, the food was definitely hot, which is great as it came out pretty much when it was done from the kitchen. The French Toast was really good and it was a great indulgence for me. The eggs and bacon were really good too. My mom liked the Veggie Egg Scrambler too. The only minor issue was that the salt dispenser was low on salt, so it was primarily just the rice at the bottom to keep the salt from binding together. Overall, this was a great first experience outside of events. Even though it was packed, the servers were on point to check things along the way. It was only towards the end where I didn't get a chance to catch them about the salt shaker, but I did let them know when we were headed out. Prices are quite reasonable for the amount of food you get, and there was no surcharge if you use a card of some sort instead of cash to pay. If you're looking for a great locally owned breakfast/brunch/lunch spot in that area of the city, this place is worth checking out. read more

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I ordered the traditional banana pudding to go and it was really good. I love the texture of the pudding and it's not overly sweet. The container makes it perfect for easy transition. The service was great and I can't wait to return for a full brunch experience. read more

Happy Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

I recently visited Happy Cafe for their Last Friday Happy Hour and again for Saturday brunch to celebrate my birthday. First, the hospitality at Happy Cafe is top-notch. The neighborhood family diner vibes are evident the moment you walk in. During happy hour, the bartender, Tay, greeted me immediately. While at the bar I started chatting with another individual who I later found out was the owner's mother.  Her kindness really stood out, she offered to buy me a birthday drink and invited me back for brunch. Happy Hour: The atmosphere was excellent and the DJ was a great touch. For food I ordered the Bourbon Chicken Deviled Eggs; they were a 10/10- so good that I ordered more to-go. For drinks I tried the Happy Expression (Jameson coffee liqueur, espresso, and whipped cream) and the Peach Tipsy Tea (Maker's Mark, tea, and peach flavor). I would rate both about a 2.5; the Happy Expression was very chocolate-forward without an espresso taste and it was also missing the whipped cream. The Peach Tipsy Tea required extra peach flavor to balance the strength. The food menu felt a bit too limited; adding a simple stand alone sides like fries and some standard drink options such as a Rum and Coke or Vodka Cranberry would be excellent additions. Brunch: Our reservation was for 10 am and we were greeted and seated on arrival.  For my birthday they offered me a complimentary Mimosa or a donut of my choice, which I appreciated. For Brunch they had their regular breakfast menu, a brunch menu, and a verbal daily special menu. For my meal, I ordered the corn nuggets as an appetizer and one of the daily specials (banana pancakes with banana foster sauce, scrambled eggs and turkey sausage). The corn nuggets were delicious, but came out after our food, I think they would be even more enjoyable served as corn ribs. vs coin. The Pancakes were also delcious with a perfect buttery crust, and the eggs were seasoned perfectly, no salt or pepper needed. However, the complimentary Mimosa was a miss for me, as it felt more like champagne and syrup than champagne and juice. Overall, I had a lovely time and experience at Happy Cafe. My daughter's and I are looking forward to returning again for the food and making this our new breakfast spot. read more

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Went here Friday around 7 pm for their Last Friday - Happy Hour. A decent amount of people were inside, but we didn't have to wait for a table at all. There was a DJ playing (10/10) he def had a good playlist. The staff were friendly and service was pretty good throughout the night. To drink: I had a Lemon Drop, a Peach Tipsy Tea, and a Strawberry Margarita. I would give them all a (7.5/10). My favorite drink of the 3 was the strawberry margarita as far as flavor and sweetness, but it really only seemed like just the Tipsy tea had alcohol in it for real bc that's all you could taste; it def didn't taste anything of peach. Drinks really could've been better honestly. To eat: I ordered the The Last Friday : Bourbon Wings, Fries, Mozzarella Sticks, and Salmon Bites (9/10) I really enjoyed everything that came with this sampler; however, the salmon bites were more on the dry side to me. Since we were returning customers, the owner gave our table a complimentary plate of roasted veggies: Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes (10/10) very delicious. I def see myself returning again for another Happy Hour - Last Friday event. Im also very interested in trying their brunch menu one day too. My overall rate of experience : 8.5/10 read more

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I had a wonderful time at Happy Cafe for Mother's Day brunch. It's an intimate cafe with an upscale feel, would be great for a date. It was a little packed as you can imagine but it ran so smoothly that my experience was not impacted. We opted to seat at the bar to avoid a wait and was serve by our wonderful bartender Tate, who took really good care of us. The food was amazing. It was bursting with flavor and cook to perfection. We ordered from the main menu and something from the special menu of the day and were pleased with all the dishes. We were lucky to be able to dine in because I was told it is recommended to make reservations. read more

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I had the most amazing lunch at Happy Cafe ! First, you walk in and the staff is instantly family! Friendly, happy to see you, and fun! The owner's mom is really sweet , I had a great conversation with her. The decor is calm, beautiful, and I love the trees and natural beauty feel. I got the club sandwich and it was delicious. The bacon is done absolutely perfect. The portion is generous. I picked chips as my side. I also got the warm donut with strawberries and vanilla ice cream. It was sooooo good! I highly recommend this dessert. Parking is ample. It's in a cute shopping area on Diamond Springs. Easy to get in and out of. Happy Cafe! Happy life! read more

Happy Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Oooooooooo we are still Happy, the food, the service and the experience! We will be back .... Love this place!!!!! read more

Happy Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Food and service was amazing!!! Great local spot serving bfast all day!!! And the food was delicious I couldn't finish the large portion! I will definitely come back with friends and more family! Me and moms loooved it! Next time we will probably split a Cody. I'm stuffed!!!! read more

Happy Cafe - Cody Breakfast Club (Pork) - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

This was our first visit and we were pleasantly surprised. We were greeted warmly at the door and treated warmly during our entire visit. It is a very quaint spot, so there is not a lot of seating, but the seating they do have is very comfortable. We were given complimentary bread. I don't know if this happens at every visit or was just a special occasion. But it was very very good. Straight from the oven. Our drinks were well mixed and tasty. They have a bar and serve your typical alcoholic beverages. Our food arrived fairly quickly. We both ordered something very simple, a French toast breakfast. My only complaint would be the type of bread that was used for mine. It looked like two different types of breads were used on each plate. Mine looked like it was wheat and his looked like a brioche. It tasted good but a wheat bread is not something that I am used to eating for a French toast. Had my order been a brioche bread or the same bread as his, I'm sure I could've given this restaurant a five. For now it is a solid four-star review. We will definitely be going back and trying some of the other menu items. And hopefully changing our review to a 5. read more

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Happy Cafe was a pleasant surprise on Sunday morning! Great service, atmosphere and food! All staff was attentive and friendly. read more

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This place is my favorite brunch place. I love irdering the wings and waffle and macaroni and cheese. The staff is always polite and make the best recommendations. read more

Ok Happy Cafe was a nice little jewel tucked away on the side of Newtown Road!!!! The Ambiance is like you're visiting your big loving family on a holiday. Everyone was so welcoming and happy to see us. The service was phenomenal, and the food... let's just say , I plan to return soon. I had the Shrimp Macaroni and it was so delicious I tried to eat it all, but my stomach just couldn't make room. Everyone at the table rave about how much they enjoyed their selections. The prices were about what's average now with pricing going up everywhere. If you're looking for good soul food and a great atmosphere head on over you'll thank yourself for the great choice you made. read more

Great Hostess, Average Experience The best thing about Happy Café was hands-down the hostess she truly lived up to the phrase "hostess with the most!" Super friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable, she greeted us like we were stepping into her own home. She set the tone for what we hoped would be a great brunch. Unfortunately, the rest of the experience fell a little short. Service was on the slower side, and we were disappointed to learn that we couldn't start with cocktails right away because the bartender hadn't arrived yet. None of the staff seemed confident in making drinks, so one of the waitresses gave it a try. We ordered the mimosa flight, and while it looked cute, the flavors were pretty bland. The watermelon mimosa was the standout, but even that one was just okay. As for the food, it was...fine. Nothing bad, but nothing memorable either. I had the French toast, and it was just your basic, average plate nothing to rave about. My friend and I both agreed that we probably wouldn't return, especially with so many other great brunch spots nearby. They've got a great hostess and a charming vibe, but they definitely missed the mark on drinks, timing, and food quality. Here's hoping they find their stride! read more

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The spinach salad was delicious! The customer service was fantastic as always, keep up the amazing work staff! Thank you! read more

Happy Cafe - Delicious Spinach Salad - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Super excited to try out this hidden gem! We were not disappointed. It gives "family business" vibes for sure! It is a small establishment, but the food and service are wonderful. They were definitely busy on a Saturday, and you can feel it. It took a little long to get our drinks and food, but we didn't mind at all. The food was delicious and the flavors for the mimosas were fun! We will definitely be back. read more

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After seeing so many great food reviews of Happy Cafe, my friend and I decided to do breakfast there last month. We were instantly greeted by the wonderful Ms. Vanessa, who was a family member of the owner. She gladly expressed that Happy Cafe was a family owned and operated restaurant and if we needed anything, to just let her know. We wanted to start with one of their signature drinks from the menu but was told that the bartender (a family member) hadn't made it in yet so we had to stick with something simple. We decided to order two Mimosa Flights so that we could taste all of the flavors, which consisted of strawberry, blueberry, watermelon, pineapple and orange, to name a few. Unfortunately, most of the mimosas didn't have much juice and tasted just like champagne so they did remake them for us, adding in a little extra juice. My favorite was the watermelon. Our food was served fairly quickly. I decided on the Veggie Egg Scrambler with Blue's Browns (minced hash browns) and bacon. The eggs were okay but the hash browns were thick and dry. My friend ordered the French Toast, which was very good and the Fully Loaded Blue's Browns, which were a bit dry and salty to me. Overall, we had a decent experience. Unfortunately, the bartender showed around the time we finished eating so we didn't get to try any signature drinks. We arrived at 10am and barely anyone was there but by 11:30am, it was pretty packed so keep that in mind if you decide to visit! read more

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I LOVE this place. The owner, the service, the FOOD!! 10 outta 10!! My parents love it too, and my dad is a tough critic.

Service was superb - they greet you when you enter just right at the door, they give you a great welcome smile when you approach to order. I came in to order to go as I figured got places to go and I didn't want to be the last one served as they are closing in 45 minutes. It was a toss up between waffle meal or shrimp and grits. I went with the latter. The order came out within 5 to 7 minutes! Ambiance is that of a neighborhood cozy cafe. They have a cute waiting area with sofa and toss pillows. They even refilled the candy dish while I was waiting. Now the ultimate test: taste. WOW! The shrimp and grits was delicious! 6 large shrimps and the grits was creamy and the sauce was divine! Will definitely go back to try all other selections! read more

Happy Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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I must say, this spot was a good happy place to get good food and service. It's in a shopping center with many other businesses so the parking can be difficult. I went on a Saturday about 1pm and the place was still packed. Reservations are recommended as we were told, but luckily there were seating at the bar. My husband ordered the chicken and waffles, which consist of bourbon sticky wings! Omgeee so yum! I had chicken sausage, gluten free toast and loaded hash browns. It was such a simple meal but so yummy and flavorful. They also offer cocktails and it wasn't too heavy on the liquor which for me was fine. This is definitely a place I will make as my regular rotation when dining out. read more

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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 disappointed. read more

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The food was wonderful! Great customer service! The ambiance was very nice! You will leave Happy

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 options to try. read more

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The service was amazing! The food was yummy! We loved the devil eggs! The ambiance was inviting and nicely decorated! The R&B music playing while you eat, drink and socialize really set the mood for a Sunday Brunch! We enjoyed everything! We will be back! read more

This place is a gem! I had heard good things and boy were they right! We were greeted by the owner's mother who was so sweet and did 3 or 4 table touches while we were there. She suggested the chicken deviled eggs which intrigued my sister and I. Let's just say they were so good we inhaled them. I was having lunch with my sister, my niece and my daughter. The girl's food came out first and my super picky niece said they had the best fries she has ever had. My sister and I shared the "Shore Drive" and a special that was shrimp Mac n cheese. Both entrees were delicious! The restaurant is clean and they play instrumental jazz in the background which was really relaxing. We loved it and will definitely be back! P.S. Ms. Wallace was our server and she was amazing! read more

Happy Cafe - Shrimp Mac n Cheese and the Shore Drive - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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This restaurant is a true gem!!!!! Wait time can be a bit lengthy but they make up for it with EXCELLENT FOOD AND SERVICE!!!! The owner and all the staff are personable and provide top notch service!!! The owner surprised me when she remembered us from our first and only visit for my son's birthday almost a year ago!!! That says a lot!!! Thank u for providing our family with another WONDERFUL experience as we celebrated my son's graduation!!!! Can't wait to come again!!! And that BAYOU was AMAZING!!!! read more

Very cute brunch spot! From the moment we walked in, the staff treated us like VIPs--super friendly, welcoming, and on top of everything. Seriously, they've got their timing down to an art form. The menu strikes a nice balance: all the breakfast classics you crave, plus daily specials read out by your cheerful server (a nice touch!). Parents, rejoice--a dedicated kids' menu is here, and my son is still talking about the French toast sticks. Kid-approved and parent-relieving! Now let's talk about the food because, wow. The loaded hash browns? Easily the best I've ever had--flavorful, and piled with goodness. The pancakes were perfectly fluffy clouds of happiness, and the mimosa flight was a fun addition to the meal. Pro tip: they're a little on the boozy side, so maybe split them with a friend if you want more of those fruity vibes. Excellent brunch cocktail selection. I'd prefer a little more flavor to my mimosa though. Overall, this spot had great food, even better service, and a cozy vibe that makes you want to linger just a little longer. We'll definitely be back! read more

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This place is simply amazing! The food is fantastic, service is unmatched and the ambiance is a vibe! Im there at least once a month with some family, friends or for employee lunch meetings. Tomeka and her staff are professional and friendly. Go anytime of the week and you get the same treatment. We love our family at Happy Cafe! read more

Happy to see that this place is getting recognition is the best brunch spot in Virginia Beach. Obviously it's not too shabby for lunch either. read more

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Got seated right away when we walked in, food was really good and our waitress was really friendly. My mimosa took a long time to be made because the bartender was too busy talking to his friend so the waitress had to remind him to make it. The restaurant was about to close at 3pm and I kinda felt like the young ladies cleaning up the tables were trying to rush us out at 2:20pm. They had a cute wall decor with fake flowers and neon sign but wasn't able to snap a picture since a family was sitting there. Breakfast BLT is good! read more

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10's across the board! Service, amazing. Food, amazing. Atmosphere, amazing. I had the waffle sandwich and deviled eggs as an app, every single bite was delicious. Their potatoes are scrumptious. Our server was great and Ms Vee, the customer service lady is such a delight. Do yourself a favor, stop reading this and start driving to the location! You won't regret it. read more

Happy Cafe - Waffle Sandwich Blue's Browns - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Stopped here on our way to the airport and had a great experience! Fast, friendly service. Everyone enjoyed the calm, clean atmosphere. The photo of the service members on the wall was pretty cool. We had a party of 6 - 2 ordered breakfast items and 4 ordered sandwiches. Everyone loved their food! read more

The food looks like it was thrown together. That's the worst looking pancake and the scrambled eggs are overcooked. Presentation is everything and taste is more than that. read more

Excellent food and service. I highly recommend. I usually get the Cobb salad which is amazing. read more

Happy Cafe - Cobb Salad - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

You know how you ride by someplace in your neighborhood all the time and you go in one day?? Well I'm so glad that I stopped at the Happy Cafe on Diamond Springs Rd. I got the special for the day Seafood and Grits and it was delicious. The service was amazing and the owners mom is the hostess and she was fabulous. Happy Cafe read more

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Food - 5 Customer Service - 5 Vibe - 5 The only reason why I don't want to write this five star review is because I don't wanna have to wait in line wrapped around the corner if everyone figures out what a gem this is. read more

Happy Cafe - Oatmeal with fruit and fully loaded (minus cheese) Blu's browns - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

My Nan and I split you, bacon egg, and cheese waffle with chicken added, and it was probably the best sandwich I've ever eaten. Great customer service felt very welcome. We loved it. read more

Happy Cafe - Bacon, egg, and cheese waffle sandwich with added chicken - Cafes Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

The atmosphere is calming, so that you don't mind the wait time before you're seated. The staff is pleasant, efficient, and friendly. The food? You've got to experience it for yourself. I visited with a friend who bowed to the plate in honor of the flavor! read more

Family owned breakfast/ lunch establishment in the land locked side of Virginia Beach (not near the beach). We had a reservation for 1145, we didn't get sat until 1215 . But this was a Sunday, which they rarely open up for brunch on Sundays. Smaller sized menu, no sandwiches or salads more like a small breakfast portion and a specials list with hardier entrées. One of my guests had scrambled eggs, fresh fruit cup, and gluten-free toast and everything she said was delicious. My husband and I shared the gumbo grits, which were outstanding!!!! I can't tell you how creamy these grits were in the gumbo had just enough spice. There was plenty of crawfish. The shrimps were good sized, and the portion of crab was surprisingly good. I will definitely visit this cozy little gem next time I'm in the area. read more