CLOSED: The Green Nature Cafe

great place with tasty vegan food. very friendly staff who can easily answer all your questions about the food. really cozy place. we were told about non vegan item right away, but besides the whipped cream, everything was totally vegan. try something with their cashew cheese sauce because it's awesome, and so are the kale chips.

menu is well marked that it is vegan and asks u to tell them if u have allergies. they were very clear about it being vegan except the use of real whipped cream at the drunk bar (which is noted on the menu). its hard to find these places that have good vegan food in a really nice atmosphere that my wife doesn't have to ask about every ingredient for her egg allergy and vegan diet.

I learned the hard way today that this place is not 100% vegan despite the listings and the many signs and notes that make that claim inside and outside the establishment.

I went in and pursued the menu and decided on a Sunflower Burger. I asked specifically if it was vegan and was told the menu is 100% vegan. The burger was quite tasty and was served with a side of fresh veggies. The gluten-free bun that was made in house was really, really good and I was impressed.

When I had ordered, the server told me about a special latte they had for the day, which I declined at the time, but when i was finished decided to take one with me. This is when things went very wrong. The latte was made and delivered to me with the whipped cream I requested (because what vegan can resist the opportunity for a dollop of plant-based cream on their beverage?)

I'm grateful that I didn't take a big spoonful of the cream or a giant sip but instead just licked a little bit off the top. It didn't taste right to me, so when I went up to pay I asked what kind they used, having had both soy and rice based canned whipped "cream" before. The woman at the front responded, "regular?" "As in DAIRY???" I asked. I was then told yes. Apparently, their coffee bar is not vegan.

WHAT???

It is unconscionable to me that something like that is not made extremely clear on their menu which I looked at for some time. If it's on there and I somehow missed it, it is not very evident. I am also flabbergasted that someone would take my order after I specifically asked about vegan food and then bring me a dairy drink without checking.

I'm in the middle of a road trip and drove 600 miles after eating here this morning. Had I simply drank the latte, I would have gotten quite sick to my stomach, and I don't even have an allergy.

Shame on you, Green Nature Cafe. Folks who serve vegan food should know better.

They are only getting 2 cows because that is the lowest I am permitted to give for a fully veggie restaurant.

All item on the menu are vegan, it's great to not have to make substitutions or concessions to eat vegan. Food looks and tastes fresh. A definite home run for all vegan, vegetarian, and meat eaters alike.

I have avoided eating out because of oily fatty options. Also a lack of whole grains has been a disappointment when eating out. Not true at the green nature cafe! So amazing and the prices were terrific! Also very friendly service and other regulars. I say other regulars because me and my boyfriend (not vegan and was a little scared) are hooked!!! :D

Updated from previous review on Sunday September 22, 2013

I have been to The Green Nature Cafe twice and loved it both times. The food is unique, delicious, and very fresh. The nachos are a must for a first-timer. I love giving my business to a restaurant that caters to the way I try to live my life -- fresh, local, healthy, etc.

The only thing I don't care for is the fact that some sauces are served in throw-away containers. This is unnecessary, especially for a restaurant that seems so "conscious" in other ways.

Overall, though, I highly recommend a trip to The Green Nature Cafe if you're looking for fresh, vegan food.

I really wanted to like this restaurant--a vegan restaurant with raw options in the general Dayton area, after all! The food was just mediocre. I had the Bimbimbab and, although it was on the cooked menu, all of the veggies were raw except for the mushrooms. I had the miso sauce which was pretty good but did not do all that much to make the dish more interesting (than basically being cut up raw veggies and rice, which I could easily make at home and do more with). It would have been nice if there was some protein in this dish too (tofu or seitan, for instance). My friend had the baked falafel sandwich, which she said was cold and flavorless (with the cashew sour creme being the most flavorful thing about it). The kale chips were quite tasty, though I didn't like them as well as the other reviewer. I do think this place has a lot of promise, though, with a very friendly and attentive staff and good quality ingredients. I really hope they read this review and consider making some changes, as I know many in this area willing to make the drive to Dayton for good vegan food.

Really cool hidden jewel for vegans traveling down I-75. Worth the 10 min. departure from the highway and great ambiance.

Updated from previous review on Saturday May 11, 2013

Also wanted to add the Chai Tea was amazing and you must try the seasoned Kale Chips--out of this world. The eggless egg salad sandwich was also a win! Great vegan choices. Totally worth the trip down the road!