Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Happy Gut Sanctuary

    4.9 (40 reviews)

    Happy Gut Sanctuary Photos

    Business Info

    HAPPY GUT SANCTUARY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    More like Happy Gut Sanctuary

    Recommended Reviews - Happy Gut Sanctuary

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Coco velour spring seasonal drink
    Sophie T.

    Another Rochester gem. This place is pretty unique-- a cafe devoted to kombucha, plants, vegan food, and items like tea eggs, kimchi, cold noodles, as well as limited speciality dishes and collaborations. We have tried a variety of items during our visits here, and enjoy all of their speciality and limited time drinks and foods. The tea egg is a must try. If you want to get the full experience, get a kombucha flight so you can try multiple options. Then, you can buy a whole jug of it. Staff are so kind, and service is excellent. The location is beautiful and calming, with so many plants, a trendy neon sign, and a modern feel. It would be a great place to study for anyone who likes cafes to have a lot of plants and a bright atmosphere. I also think it's cool that you can see their kombucha fermenting through the glass near the kitchen. -- @cophiescrumbs on Instagram

    Howie H.

    stopped in on a rainy sunday right before they closed. really wanted to try the flight of coffees but it was a bit late in the day for me to have coffee. after mentioning this to the barista waiting on me, he mentioned that he can use decaf beans. i was like hell to the yes! the flight comes out. ran through the flavors. my favs in order were lavender, maple, vanilla, rosemary. the coffee itself was rich and smooth. if i'm ever in the rochester area this will be a must stop.

    Outside
    Jen R.

    Sometimes places surprise you.. this place did. It's like a stunning little jewel box in the Hungerford Building/Area. They have there own entrance and a big outdoor terrace which I'm sure during warmer weather you can sit outside (yes I saw the chairs/tables of that) The inside is light, bright, plant filled. Lots of places to sit and relax, it's quiet but they play a cool selection of music. It's basically a photographers/influencers/Instagram dream to photograph. Little areas that were well thought of and the faux boxwood around makes it light and bright but the vibe is warm and cozy. Staff is pleasant and helpful and if you have no clue about the booch (Kombucha) they will help you figure out why you might like and you can sample things. I tried the Dragons Nectar it's an award winner. It's made from green tea, with notes of jasmine and wild honey. It's just the right amount of sweet, tart and effervescent. I'd for sure get it again I got an 8oz to go as I was not sure if I would get thru a bigger bottle of it. I'd like to come back and try a few other things and that's on my list of things to do. Why I never came over here is beyond me as it's in my neighborhood. I'll be frank I've taken a class at The Brainery to learn about and how to make kombucha and last time I really had any was probably late 2019. If you come here with someone or your not in your feeling for kombucha you can have tea, coffee and non-dairy drinks. They do seem to have some treats like cookies and things. Also you can take some kombucha home in different sizes. I could see people meeting here for an impromptu date, little group meeting, visiting with your friends or bringing your laptop and doing a little work in a pleasant environment. They also have some other times for sale like t-shirts and art.. maybe the plants too. I'm rambling.. before you say "Whatever it's a fad.. um Kombucha has been around since 221 b.c. In China so... Come here, relax, have a lovely drink and enjoy. I will be back. They have shared parking. Cheers!

    Megan C.

    A home away from home! Beautiful plants, delicious kombucha, welcoming staff, and an apparent commitment to supporting the artists they share space with on Main Street. Walk in to find a lovely counter for ordering, a great bar to sit and enjoy your booch, and a few different spaces for sitting or writing or just BEING. A true sanctuary. I am a kombucha novice and the team here is happy to help explain and educate if you're unsure about what you might like or dislike. I went with a decaf option as it was evening time, but I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the 8 on tap options. Rumor has it they might be expanding again so they can feature more guest taps and more of their own brews! I am looking forward to making this a regular stop for happy hour or midday work sessions. Grateful for this haven in the Hungerford and am SO glad I finally had the chance to stop by.

    Downstairs seating area
    Kat P.

    Great little place. I went just after opening and it was still pretty quiet. Will definitely be going back and trying the rest of what they offer.

    Loyalty/Rewards program!
    Allison H.

    Y'all. I cannot believe it's taken me so long to come here, especially with it being right down the street from me now. And right in the Hungerford so you could make a day of it with the open studios! It is so. lovely. Truly a sanctuary, especially in the winter. With the free wifi and chill vibes, I can definitely see myself coming here to relax or get some work done. Plenty of seating options (tables, comfy chairs/couches, and the bar), so bright, open but not echoey (and music at the right volume), filled with greenery, and obviously the drinks! We were here during Lunar New Year and, although we missed the dumplings, I was able to try a tea egg (hard boiled egg marinated in tea leaves and spices). Really flavorful and unique! They did also had a (vegan) ice cream sundae special made with local Eat Me ice cream and housemade boba for $9.75, but I don't like boba so I passed on it. The pictures looked amazing, though. You can get Eat Me as a scoop, a float, an affogato, a sandwich, or a pint as well! My partner enjoyed her brownie, which was also vegan (and she doesn't usually like vegan sweets), and her mocha (with choice of milk or milk alternative) in their adorable custom mugs. I unfortunately didn't get a picture of the brewed drinks menu, but their tea and espresso selection was excellent. They do sell handmade vegan cheeses in the cooler up front and other vegan baked goods as well. I brought in a growler to fill, so I was given a couple samples of booch (The Earl and Jarl) to help me make a decision, but decided those just weren't enough... so I had a whole flight ($9) instead. My four tastings (Keemun, Mary's Gold, Bast x Jasmine, and Nanda Devi coffee ferment - an extra $2, but worth it) were a great representation of their kombucha range, from fruity to complex and black to herbal. My partner, who is not a booch drinker, even liked the Bast and Jarl! I ended up going with the Jarl for my growler fill and seamlessly exchanged my 64 oz for a 32 oz so I can come back soon for the La Vie en Rose that will be tapped hopefully next week. All glassware is $5 and then the cost of whatever booch you want to fill it with. The staff was super attentive, patient, and helpful, answering all of my many questions about their products and processes. I wish that they had more food options so you could spend more time here, but I did see people bringing in food so that's a nice alternative. Also, don't miss the wall in the back - so many houseplants, a lovely selection of local art, and their merch for sale! They even have a "take one leave one" cuttings section! Finally, make sure you enroll in their loyalty program (one "tea leaf" for every visit you spend more than $5) as well. This was a great Sunday date spot and I/we will definitely be back!

    The outside
    Lauren C.

    If you're into kombucha, Happy Gut is a must-visit. They focus on simple but innovative recipes featuring high-quality teas. There is a rotating lineup that includes classic/unflavored kombucha, kombucha with fruit flavors, jun (made with honey instead of sugar), and medicinal elixirs. As someone who loves a tea-forward kombucha, I was pretty blown away. I loved the single-origin keemun one (a fermenty black tea with apricot notes, very lightly carbonated). I absolutely loved the juns also; the ah muzen cab was exquisite, and the chrysanthemum one was super far-out and amazing. They also have an extensive menu of coffee drinks including a latte flight (what an amazing idea!) They made me one of the most delicious cups of pour-over coffee I've ever had. I didn't have the chance to explore the food menu, but it looks great and has many vegan options.

    Ambiance!
    R B.

    Need a pick me up ? Here it is! As soon as you walk in, you are greeted with calming yet energizing visuals. Green plants, welcoming seating, lots of space / not cramped, light yet calm. The person at the counter was patient and helpful. What stood out to me was how each customer was given their full attention. The kombucha samples convinced me to walk away with more goodies than I might have otherwise. Although we didn't get food this time, the offerings looked very tempting. Will return.

    Plant wall in the back
    Lisa X.

    Absolutely love this place. What a gem. They let you sample any kombucha on tap. You can buy 32oz or 64oz growler fills. My favorite kombucha is the Chimera! It's not too sweet and not sour. What a peaceful place and it is brightly lit. They have plants all over the store and a small shelf of free plants. A very nice place to work or relax. They have toys for your little ones to play with. parking lot with ample parking spaces!

    Arvid Y.

    Cool spot in the Hungerford Building. I don't know too much about kombucha, but this seems like the spot in town for local stuff. You can see numerous pots of kombucha brewing in the back room, which is kinda cool (and odd at the sametime). If you're not a fan of kombucha (like me) there is also a variety of hot and cold teas. They also have a small food menu, with some Taiwanese influenced items like tea eggs, cold noodles and rice dishes. The staff is friendly and the space is relaxing with lots of plants and sunlight. We brought our 6 month old for a playdate of sorts with another infant and it was actually an okay venue (considering they both behaved). I thought the drinks were good. Unfortunately I was only able to try the cold noodle dish, which I liked. They ran out of rice and forgot to make my rice dish (so minus points for that) but I guess it happens. Overall, a good experience.

    Black sesame latte
    Jill P.

    Love the hipster vibes here! It has so much sitting room- 2 floors! I always get the black sesame latte when I go. Never fails! Service was nice and friendly.

    Mocha
    Viktoria P.

    Really attentive staff, amazing atmosphere, great drinks and snacky snacks. Kind of tucked away in the Hungerfore building on East, Happy Guy is a kombucha bar and plant store. Really focusing on the kombucha which can be seen being made right behind the counter. They offer a lot of vegan options if you are into that kind of thing. I had the mocha with ganache which was divine and a brownie.my partner had a flight of kombucha and they were all unique and the staff was more than willing to discuss the different options with you, and what ones they recommend. 10/10 would recommend. Probably the best kombucha bars in Rochester.

    Tea eggs
    Kathryn T.

    I so love their drinks!! I went there twice for two days in a row . I never knew about this place and it is easily overlooked if you don't look for the specific drinks. They have fresh tea eggs and I love them! It tastes a bit different from my homemade tea eggs. I like the fact that they ask customers to wear a mask when you come in before we all sit. All tables and chairs are very clean as well. I did not expect how bright in the room. I like it though. I have recommended my friends who like these drinks like me. Im looking forward to have some drinks with my girlfriends soon!

    See all

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Max K.
    217
    435
    1479

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jen R.
    297
    1123
    2611

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Megan C.
    4824
    1112
    8704

    4 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kat P.
    0
    32
    48

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of R B.
    0
    93
    83

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Happy G.

    Happy G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jan T.
    14
    112
    0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Hidden away but worth the effort. Wonderful selection of beverages. This is where I was introduced to oat milk hot chocolate.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom M.
    161
    185
    5327

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Quan Q.
    5
    60
    184

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy R.
    12
    5
    0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Love this place! The owners are so friendly & the kombucha is fantastic... They let me taste every one they had on tap. Totally recommend!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Happy Gut Sanctuary

    You might also consider

    Ugly Duck Coffee

    Ugly Duck Coffee

    4.6
    (168 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    Finally tried Ugly Duck this week and I was very happy with our experience! The staff were very…read morefriendly and helpful. I always like to look for espresso specials and we were not disappointed by the selection. My fiance got The Snug with maple syrup and molasses bitters. I was too afraid to try any drinks with bitters (I hate how it tastes in cocktails) but I took a sip of The Snug and it tasted great, I would definitely try that next time. I had the B.B.L. latte which had banana syrup, it was more on the sweet side but not overly sweet (I would avoid it if you don't enjoy a sweet palate, try a latte with bitters instead!) It was something unique to try and I was happy with my choice. There was also plenty of seating which is always a huge plus in the winter in Rochester. We had no trouble getting a table. I should also note that there was a very limited food selection here -- about 3 baked goods offered. So if you're looking for food and coffee, I would recommend looking elsewhere. Overall I would happily try out Ugly Duck again! I'm curious if they have outdoor seating in the warmer months.

    Delicious drinks and beautiful patio!…read more Ugly duck is such a nice place to grab an iced latte and sit outside in the summer! I've loved every drink that I've gotten. I'm not sure I'd consider this a good place to study, but it's a nice place to catch up with friends or take a pause outside with a good drink on a patio. The seating inside is somewhat limited, but the patio is beautiful. The buildings will provide natural shade in the afternoon. Parking can also be difficult and limited.

    Photos
    Seating in the back half of the cafe, there are about 3 or 4 more tables towards the front.
    Seating in the back half of the cafe, there are about 3 or 4 more tables towards the front.
    Ugly Duck Coffee
    Ugly Duck Coffee

    See all

    Sagra Italia

    Sagra Italia

    4.5
    (25 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Sagra is sort of a fast casual concept where you order your food at the counter, and it's brought…read moreto your table. The decor is really nice, green walls with wood and metal accents. There is a full bar and a nice menu of Italian favorites. I had the pasta al funghi, which was delicious, if not a huge portion. My husband had the eggplant cutlet sandwich. We took a la bianca pizza to go (white pizza with roasted greens and ricotta) and that was excellent. I'm glad this location was utilized after losing Fifth Frame. I will return to try other dishes! Parking is street or valet on Fri/Sat.

    The space is charming and cozy with an open kitchen concept. We were seated with menus and…read moreinstructed to order at the counter when we were ready. The staff were friendly and patient. Our app and mains arrived close together, but expected with this kind of ordering system so we did not mind. Artichoke hearts stole the show! Dainty, salty, perfectly fried and paired with a zingy lemon aioli. My mom loved the broth in the seafood dish and the quantity of seafood was appropriate for the price. My dad enjoyed the lasagne and its large portion size allowed us all to share. The Eggplant Cutlet in my dish was lackluster. The breading needed depth - oregano, salt, something more to make it worth that $7 up charge. The pasta itself was perfectly al dente and the sauce was lovely. I wish the sauce had more zing to it (but that's personal preference, not everyone is into a very lemon forward meal...although it was its namesake). The dish definitely requires an addition of some kind to make it more exciting. I would have been disappointed if I only had the pasta. I am excited to return!

    Photos
    Main dining area. Self seating and order at the bar.
    Main dining area. Self seating and order at the bar.
    Lasagna Bolognese
    Lasagna Bolognese
    Alcove in front

    See all

    Alcove in front
    Layali Coffee House

    Layali Coffee House

    4.5
    (77 reviews)
    5.0 mi

    Delicious drinks and food in this Yemeni coffee spot. The staff were very kind and patient as we…read morearrived during a busy time. Very clean cafe. Staff were pretty quick to clean up tables so there was always somewhere to sit down. The Iced Mango Matcha Latte was my favorite, where you can taste a sweet matcha flavor with a hint of mango. All of the desserts looked delicious, but what peaked my interest was the Pistachio Croissant. They warm it up for you, which allows for the croissant to have that flakey crunch to it paired with the pistachio paste.

    This is my new favorite coffeehouse in Rochester. It's so exquisite inside, quite beautiful,…read moreindeed. It looks like has gold accents dripping among a natural wood, white and tile backdrop. Whenever I drive by the parking lot is slammed. I knew this place had to be good. There is almost completely instantly a line and I felt lucky to find a table. It's simply so popular, I don't know if it's large enough. The tables are close so if you're trying to have a private conversation-you won't get it here. There is a variety of seating options. Comfy conversation chairs, a booth banquette with chairs on the other side, chairs and tables, and a bar top along the windows with outside eating for warm sunny days. The cups are a rich brown color with gold probably Arabic writing. The dessert case is filled with sumptuous fruit shaped mousse desserts. The coffee itself is beyond compare. There are boxed games. Things are delivered to your table on wooden trays. It's so elegant. I cannot say enough nice things. The staff is so friendly. I had a Nutella latte and a raspberry dessert. I asked which dessert was best, the lady at the register said the mango. Mango is not my thing but she said next best is raspberry. It's the perfect size. A hard crisp shell, creamy mousse and a perfect raspberry center. I also got a pistachio latte. Both were excellent.

    Photos
    Counter and bakery display
    Counter and bakery display
    Wall decor
    Wall decor
    The counter.

    See all

    The counter.

    Happy Gut Sanctuary - kombucha - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...