Vegan-friendly
American
Organic
Juice bar
Take-out
Catering
Fusion
All Raw
Non-veg
Serves meat, vegan options available. Raw food cafe with gluten-free and nut-free options. Previously at Leaphart Rd, West Columbia. No longer fully vegan March 2023. Relocated from 1614 Main St. Removed May 2023: Limited vegan options.
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1216 Taylor St, Columbia, South Carolina, USA, 29201
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Last update on 31 May 2023 by SAQ
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116 Reviews
First Review by HealthNut27
Jackiepalmbeach
Points +18
Not great - Edit
I’m not sure what you could do. We ordered, mushroom toast, spring rolls, buffalo cauliflower quesadilla, sweet potato burger and a confetti cupcake and not one item tasted good enough to come back.
Read morePros: The staff was great.
Cons: The sweet potato burger was disgusting. , The black beans were hard ( undercooked) , The sauce on mushroom toast made it soggy.
Guest
cwalker12858
Points +6
Terrible - Edit
My daughter I went in for a mid-afternoon lunch. We ordered the $25 charcuterie board. It was extremely disappointing. There was very little cheese. There was one complete slice of bread that was toasted for two of us to share - no crackers. There was a small amount of deli turkey or chicken. The rest was turkey bacon and some strips of meat we couldn’t identify. There was a large amount of artichoke hearts, a few slices of strawberries, some olives and two different types of jam that were very chunky and unappealing. I called one of the young men over who worked there and told him we were not pleased. He offered nothing. We each had ordered two iced coffees that were fairly good. My daughter and I left - leaving 95% of the charcuterie board uneaten - and still hungry. With tip I spent $43 in all. It was certainly way too much for what we got. I won’t go back.
Read morePros: Clean, Decorated nicely
Cons: Employees didn’t know the menu, Employees didn’t seem to care
Guest
SAQ
Points +42
Not such a good life anymore - Edit
I stopped by there today expecting a good meal. After reviewing the menu, I realized that they are no longer a vegan restaurant so I left. Some vegan options are still available, but most of the really good ones are gone. They’ve added a lot of turkey, cheese and chicken to the menu. Not such a good life for the animals that have been added to the menu. They really should change their name as they are no longer the establishment that customers expect. I guess I won’t be wearing my Good Life shirt that I bought there a few years ago anytime soon.
Read morePros: A few vegan options
Cons: No longer a haven for the vegan community
Guest
inv_r72
Points +46
Re-review from 2021 - Edit
This place was my favorite restaurant for years. Not many other places nearby could match the quality or consistency of this establishment and their delicious food. I have been here at least thirty times because they have never disappointed, until now.
Read moreAs of April 2023, they have added dairy and meat options in an attempt to be more “inclusive”, though I’m sure most meat-eaters shouldn’t have a problem with eating plants only for ONE meal.
I believe it’s a move to get more business because the restaurant hasn’t been doing well, but that’s just my speculation. I would have rather had them close down and go out peacefully instead of taking this move that has betrayed the vegan community and our morals.
As of 2023, Good Life Cafe is dead to me, and many others who wanted an all-vegan experience in Columbia. For now, A Peace of Soul and the Reizod Vegan Experience shall carry on.
Cons: Added non-vegan options
Guest
D1017
Points +28
a strange experience - Edit
found out upon arrival that they are no longer vegan. found that most of the workers were not sure what dishes were available to be made vegan. a dish with the word chicken in it had a V next to it and upon asking they said the menus were wrong. people i was with got same dishes with different ingredients than one another. the açaí bowl took so long to come out and when it did it was soupy. the noodles in my pesto bowl seemed to have been sitting there for awhile. they were stiff. the food overall tasted good but the rest of the experience just was a very strange experience all around it was off putting. idk. probably wouldn’t return unless i heard things have turned around significantly. bummer. go back to being vegan when all the reviews were spectacular because whatever you’re doing now ain’t it.
Read moreGuest
SaveTheKiwiBird
Points +74
Most of vegan menu is gone. - Edit
Very disappointed to see the new menu which has removed most of the vegan options and contains a lot of meat and dairy now. This was the one place in Columbia we could sit down in a nice atmosphere and order from a fully vegan menu. We used to make special trips to eat here, but now that most of the meals we liked are gone, there would be no point. It’s a huge loss for the vegan community of Columbia. I hope a smart entrepreneur who has the moral compass to want to make the world a better place for animals and the environment fills the vegan void that has been left behind by Good Life.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-04-18
Guest
DarcyDavis
Points +407
Hit or miss - Edit
Has plentiful vegan options but has been a hit or miss in terms of flavor. I liked the buffalo cauliflower bites but not always consistent. Pricey on some items too.
Read morePros: Vegan options
Cons: Expensive
Guest
ElizabethReynolds
Points +62
Money, hungry business - Edit
Used to love eating here. But the quality has gone down and as of March they are no longer vegan. They are pescatarian. They posted on their Instagram that they are doing this to be inclusive. Ridiculous.
Read moreCons: Used to be vegan now they’re not
Guest
Claire1818
Points +46
Delicious food! - Edit
What a great find in downtown Columbia! Friendly server and chill atmosphere. Food was interesting and delicious!
Read moreGuest
calm_chaos3
Points +47
Good healthy food - Edit
I ordered the Reuben wrap. It was hot and tasty. Although it didn't have much saurkraut, so request extra if you like. I chose mac and cheese as a side and did not like it. It wasn't cheesy tasting to me. I would definitely try this place again and try other items. There was lots to choose from.
Read moreThey are moving to a new location nearby on Taylor St. in April. And sadly they won't be fully vegan anymore but will still have vegan options.
Pros: Lots of vegan options and variety, Healthy, Nice atmosphere
Cons: Street parking
calm_chaos3
Not April. Not sure when the new location will be open.
Read moreGuest
D15B7
Points +108
Excellent, healthy food, spectacular service, wonderful location. - Edit
The Entree I had (eggplant wrap) was unique and tasty (and I felt great after eating it, a properly healthy dish I think), and the service was impeccable. I really enjoyed their outdoor seating.
Read moreI did find the vegan Sausage side to be particularly dry, and overly one-note (that note being sort of a fennel-y/black-pepper flavor). But even if I wouldn't get it again it was still enjoyable as a small side.
Updated from previous review on 2022-04-16
Pros: Healthy, Service, Outdoor Seating
Guest
AndrewVoss
Points +134
Great food and atmosphere - Edit
I’ve been here many times and one of my favorite things is the eggplant “bacon” wrap. The buffalo cauliflower quesadilla is also worth mentioning! 😊 #Veganuary
Read morePros: Cozy atmosphere
Guest
TiaStreeterHutchins
Points +3018
Love this place!! - Edit
Everything we’ve gotten here has been amazing. Got the biscuits & gravy- just so so but everything elae has been amazing.
Read moreTaco mac & cheez was awesome!!
Vegan chilli was great too!!!
Kale salad was one of the best I’ve ever had!!! Love everything!!
Updated from previous review on 2022-04-29
Guest
DalyaShingiti
Points +514
Amazing food, service and charming ambiance. Worth a few tries! - Edit
We tried the sweet potato burger, burrito bowl, stuffed portobello mushrooms, Buffalo chicken wrap, unicorn latte and banana chocolate smoothie.
Read moreALL was delicious and presented well, except for the avocado toast with disappointing amount of avocado and semi dead micro greens.
Will go back to try more of their bomb menu! #Veganuary
Updated from previous review on 2023-01-10
Pros: Great menu
Guest
AllyKnight
Points +164
Delicious & Healthy - Edit
This cute spot seems to be located on a hip street. We got here less than 45 minutes before closing, so not everything was available on the menu, but the staff was still very friendly and we had a great experience. My Eggplant "Bacon" Wrap was absolutely delicious, as was the super flavorful Mediterranean Wrap. The Asian Noodle Salad was good, and quite generous in size, though I felt like I needed a giant bowl to be able to mix and eat it without making a mess. (1st world problems.) They had a large variety of ready to eat food in a fridge/freezer so if you're in a hurry you can grab something really quickly to go. Hope to come back here again to try more things!
Read morePros: Vegan, Healthy, Flavorful
Guest
taraSenta
Points +18
Wow! - Edit
What an amazing all vegan menu. They even have refreshing cocktails. I would eat here daily if I lived nearby.
Read moreGuest
Gmiasanthrop
Points +36
Modern & tasty - Edit
Restaurant with a modern atmosphere, a good selection and very friendly staff. The food was good to very good (spring rolls were really delicious) so surely not the last visit!
Read moreGuest
SherrieInSC
Points +26
Good for a mixed crowd - Edit
Omni hubs and I stopped by one rainy afternoon and other people were still there enjoying a late lunch. We both ordered chili (leftovers were even better the next day) , hubs had the sweet potato bean burger (he really liked it), and I had the kale salad. We grabbed a cupcake for our daughter to enjoy later and she refused to share, so I don't know first-hand how it was. She did enjoy it. We will go back again.
Read morePros: Lots of options , Stuff for omnivores , Desserts
Cons: A little slow
Guest
KerryRK
Points +28
Not on their game. - Edit
Waiter forgot about me after I ordered my drink. I had to flag him down. My food came out incorrectly and the wrap was cold. The bathroom was dirty. And the food just wasn’t very good unfortunately
Read moreGuest
downtownNick
Points +551
Back as Advertised - Edit
Must try if you are in Columbia.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-09-27
Guest
brieskis
Points +154
Yummy food with friendly staff - Edit
Nice, casual place with very friendly staff. Delicious food that travels well if taking to-go. Reasonable prices. Lots of variety. Calming environment with indoor and outdoor eating. Lots of grab and go options. Lots of desserts. Great menu.
Read morePros: All vegan. Lots of yummy food. , Relaxing casual environment. , Friendly staff.
Guest
YesseniaNavarro
Points +159
Variety of vegan options - Edit
Restaurant has a nice vibe. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Food is fresh upon ordering. I loved the grab and go items as well as homemade vinegar/tea. I had the raw sushi with a delicious homemade sauce. In addition, I had the Parmesan burger with sweet potato fries which was very good.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-06-13
Guest
Yourveganfriend
Points +44
Would leave 1 star if I could. - Edit
I hate wasting food but couldn’t make myself or my family finish our meals. I’ve never been so disappointed in a restaurant. I had an açaí bowl that was an unusual brown color( I don’t believe had açaí or even berries in it at all) it tasted like unripe banana blended with water & was very slimy like unripe bananas would be. I never leave bad reviews either but this just blows my mind. The rest of my family had toast, biscuits+gravy & pancakes. Pancakes we’re the only thing that was just at least a normal ok flavor. How do you mess up avocado toast? We are vegan and not super picky I swear. There is just something not right about this place. I hope they get it together 😢
Read moreGuest
tnheather
Points +40
Meh - Edit
We always eat vegan when traveling due to my daughter’s severe dairy and egg allergy. The food here was just ok. We had biscuits and gravy- it was lukewarm. We also had breakfast bowls. They were a little bland. My daughter was uncomfortable because our server wasn’t super knowledgeable or friendly. We asked about the cakes and whether they were made in house. She said she didn’t know about the cake except that they were vegan. The cakes were okay but nothing special. The best thing I had was a pink iced latte. It was delicious!
Read moreWe won’t stop here on our next trip and will instead try one of the other vegan restaurants in town.
Pros: Large menu selection , Pink Iced Latte
Cons: Not good service, Breakfast food was bland
Guest
VitaminCheryl
Points +24
Nachos and kale salad - Edit
Nacho toppings were delicious - loved the “cheese”. Unfortunately, like many restaurants, the technique for building the plate is not ideal. Basically it was a mountain of chips with ingredients on top. So when you get toward the bottom of the plate, the chips are completely dry. I would recommend layering the ingredients. Otherwise, delicious lunch on my drive through Columbia! The vibe inside was friendly and fun.
Read moreGuest
carolinavegan
Points +337
Very Good - Edit
We had the vegan waffle, biscuits and sausage gravy, grits, and two coffees and everything was really good. The waffle was very big, but definitely get a side or two if you get the biscuits and gravy. My only wish is that they had more hot savory breakfast options, but that is just my preference 😅 We went on a weekday so they might have more options on the weekends. Overall, I would definitely recommend for a quick stop!
Read moreGuest
maidenthesouth
Points +404
Disappointing - Edit
This was once a place that I was proud to recommend, but I’m not sure what happened in the past couple of years.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-03-25
Guest
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