Vegan
American
Delivery
Take-out
Bakery
Vegan bakery and diner making a range of sweets like vegan donuts, croissants, cookies, cupcakes, scones, and brownies with gluten-free and sugar-free options. Serves vegan diner food. Est. 2010 as Champs Family Bakery on Ainslie St and moved here in 2014. Reported closed January 2023.
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Last update on 29 Jan 2023 by tarayoon
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290 Reviews
First Review by andreacarioca
VeganMegantron
Points +196
Super decadent vegan comfort food. Quality ingredients. - Edit
I had the seitan wings 1/2 BBQ 1/2 Hot Sauce- which were absolutely delicious.
Read morePros: Soooo many choices. , Really decadent flavors. , Everything looked amazing especially the pancakes
Cons: Cakes And cheesecake only Wed-Sun.
Guest
JenVeg14
Points +366
Fun vegan Diner - Edit
No sign whatsoever on the outside to indicate it's vegan, so you have to know where you're going! I guess it's popular enough with local vegans they don't feel the need to advertise veg food. (I was visiting NYC.) Good food, first time I've ever had a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich and my non-veg friend said it tasted very similar to the non-veg version. Was crowded the entire time we were there. Both my non-veg dinner partners liked their food a lot too. We also got two desserts from the dessert case and loved them. There weren't quite as many choices in the case as some of the photos on here, but perhaps that was because it was end of the day. Only issue was very slow service, so thankfully we weren't in a hurry. ** UPDATE! I recently visited again and service is better / quicker. Also, prices have really increased a lot! Also, I've learned that most of the desserts such as cakes, brownies, etc are made on Wednesday, so by the weekend they run out of a lot and frankly you might be paying (a lot) for a many-days-old brownie or piece of cake. They always have ice cream though.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2018-09-13
Pros: Good food, Good dessert selection starting Wednesday
Cons: Most baked desserts are sold out by the weekend, Getting very expensive
Guest
kthomas
Points +343
A dream come true - Edit
I followed this place on instagram for the longest time and when I finally got there, my high expectations were exceeded! Soooo good, I wish I could come here every day
Read morePros: all vegan, good atmosphere, great food
Guest
Ciad
Points +1520
Goody Goodness - Edit
A good chance to gorge on real diner food. The milkshakes and mozzarella sticks are great as were the sandwiches. Just try everything.
Read morePros: Good quality diner food
Guest
allhess
Points +5756
So fun!!! - Edit
Classic atmosphere and menu. A must on your trip to NYC!
Read morePros: Vegan all the way , Friendly staff, Great menu
Guest
girasolskin
Points +13
Food is really yummy, tofu scrabble is delicious! - Edit
The wait time might be a deal breaker for a lot of people.
Read morePros: All vegan!
Cons: Very crowded , The wait time is terrible , The menu is a little confusing
Guest
jayluhx
Points +1462
Ultimate comfort food - Edit
Be prepared that if you go to this place even remotely around peak hour you’ll be waiting for an hour or more and they do not take reservations.
Read moreSmall cute atmosphere and the entire place is vegan. Don’t recommend the Mac and cheese but everything else is absolutely amazing.
The Philly cheesteak is my all time favorite- scarily realistic! 1.5 hour time limit for seating but it’s never been a problem.
Pros: Entirely vegan , Comfort food , Delicious entrees/apps
Cons: Long waits , Moderately pricey
Guest
PaulFroy
Points +337
Just, Awesome! 😎 - Edit
Loved the place! Nice diversity of people with just as diverse music playing in the background. Lovely staff with quality food. All done in a definitely diner style. A recommendation from a dear friend and one that I am happy to endorse. Check it out!
Read morePros: Diner style but clean and 100% vegan, Good tunes , Lovely staff
Cons: Small tables can be a bit cosy, There was no cake on a Monday 😦, I wanted cake
Guest
imogenmichel
Points +2693
Amazing! Wonderful food and service! - Edit
We came here for breakfast today and had the most wonderful experience both in terms of the delicious food (we had the Breakfast Slam and Benedict followed by a Cookie and a Cookie Dough Shake) and the fantastic friendly, helpful and prompt service. Definitely goes on my “must visit in NYC” list!
Read moreGuest
OscarG
Points +13
CRAPPIEST SERVICE EVER. AVOID! - Edit
This is service with a bad attitude. Officious in the extreme. Late last night, three of us arrived at this establishment. We picked it solely by virtue of its proximity to a local venue. It was nearer than the other vegan restaurant that popped up on our Google maps. After a long wait at the counter, we were seated. Our daughter called to give us the pleasant news that she could join us for dinner after all. We politely informed our waitress, a young woman with short blond hair and an exasperated look permanently chiseled into her face, that we were expecting another person. This triggered a meltdown of the entire restaurant. The waitress, followed by a manager with stern demeanor and impressive frown, decided to inflict a painful lesson on the unsuspecting, completely sober (unlike most of the clientele), and middle-age trio. With various levels of hectoring, the waitress and her handler, were told that: our daughter would not be allowed in the restaurant (this is not an exaggeration. She actually said that.). In response, I offered to have someone tackle my daughter if she stepped beyond the doorway or have her arrested. She said that our corner table, one that we had not chosen, was permitted to seat only 3 people, that if I wanted my daughter to join us, I would have to leave and finish my meal before she arrived at our table, that I could not take my leftovers and switch out with my daughter when she arrived, that we were allotted only 90 minutes to eat and exit. There were quite a few of additional Byzantine edicts that were delivered our way without the least effort to accommodate us or even make us feel even slightly welcomed. Mind you, I never raised my voice in challenge or anger, but sought to ride the waves of insanity and rudeness. I suspect that this restaurant is accustomed to a less discriminating clientele, young people who are so inebriated that they don't mind being herded and barked (at) into place and whose taste buds are easily satiated by fattening/salty food. We are no longer of that demographic, mostly because we want to eke out a few more of our diminishing years here on this earth. What is most clear is that we deserved far, far better. This place is called Champs. Losers would be more fitting. By the way, I tried giving a one-star review, but Happy Cow adds an extra star solely because this place is vegan.
Read morePros: I was there only a short time, the bodega down the street served hot tea, I can't think of anything else
Cons: Monstrous wait staff, Even worse manager, Food meant to clog your arteries.
Guest
slo0go
Points +2006
Excellent food - Edit
I love this place. It had an extensive menu, is all vegan, and serves all your diner faves. I love getting breakfast food, burgers, poutine here. I had cravings for this place when I was pregnant. Only con is they are crazy busy and packed all the time, even between mealtimes and at all hours. Otherwise a real treat. I would make a trip to Brooklyn just for Champs.
Read moreUpdate 02-03-19: prices have gone up, but food still amazing!
Pros: Excellent food, Extensive menu
Cons: Too busy and crowded, long wait times
Guest
MadeleineSc
Points +523
Best cake shake - Edit
I would order a funfetti cake shake every day if I lived close!! So thick, creamy and topped with a piece of funfetti cake. I also had the chocolate chip pancakes that had cookie dough on top. Seriously great menu with vegan diner food of your dreams. Great range of donuts sold here too.
Read moreGuest
GingerCline
Points +942
Great vegan diner - Edit
One of my favorite places in New York! Love the breakfast options and the sandwiches. Milkshakes are great. Only downside is there is usually a long wait!
Read moreGuest
AbhiS
Points +124
Okay food, but not worth the wait - Edit
Our expectations were pretty high for this place and it didn't meet the bar. Since they don't accept reservations, we had to wait a while in order to be seated (make sure your whole party is present). The staff was rude and passive aggressive when approached about when we would be seated. The service was also not great. We had to flag several folks before getting helped. I shared the mondo burger and tatertachos with friends. I thought both of them were good and filling. I also ordered the latte with oat milk which was just okay. I'd prefer getting coffee elsewhere. My friends said they enjoyed the pancakes but the hashbrowns were sub-par. In the end, I wouldn't rush to go to this restaurant.
Read morePros: Okay food, Good portions
Cons: Crowded, No reservations, long wait, Okay service
Guest
KaylenaBecker
Points +335
Good food, poor service - Edit
We had really high expectations for Champs because we had been to Screamers pizza the day before (which was amazing). The food at Champs was pretty good but if I was strapped for time in Brooklyn, I would choose Screamers every time! I shared the mondo burger, which was delicious, I especially enjoyed the spicy mayo sauce. Our group (4) shared the tatertachos which were also great, however we weren’t fans of the radishes on top, but if you’re into that I’m sure you’d love them. My friend got the pancakes and they were a huge fan, however, they also had a side of hash browns and were sadly disappointed. I would also recommend bringing your own coffee if you are going in the morning, as their’s was sub-par. The reason we would choose Screamers over Champs was because of the service. Both are very small venues, but Champs was really disorganized and although one of their House Rules is to “be nice”, the staff seemed to be really grumpy when we got there (everyone has their days, I just wanted to share my experience in case service is important to you). Overall both Screamers and Champs are great jems in Brooklyn weather you’re a local or just visiting.
Read morePros: Tatertachos, Onion rings
Cons: Small venue, Questionable service
Guest
laneli
Points +30
Holy cow - Edit
Just go here. Don't question it ✌️❤️
Read moreGuest
jujubee10
Points +21
Champs sets the bar - Edit
My favorite restaurant in bk. They’re doing it right — everything is good, can’t go wrong. My life is better because this restaurant exists !!
Read moreGuest
FernandaOliveira
Points +1210
marvelous - Edit
this is probably my favorite vegan place in nyc! every portion is great, every meal is delicious. just go for it
Read moreGuest
amazingmariella
Points +112
Delicious - Edit
When I went vegan about a year ago, the one thing I missed the most was going to diners and ordering a good old milkshake and fries. Champs Diner has solved that problem! Champs is like a normal all-american diner, but it’s delicious and all vegan! It was totally worth the hour wait. 5 stars.
Read morePros: Delicious food, Respectful wait staff
Cons: Long waits on weekends for a table
Guest
mezzzy
Points +331
Amazing diner food - Edit
American diner cuisine. Delicious and reasonably priced. Would highly recommend! Very filling portion sizes.
Read moreGuest
jfv_nyc
Points +92
My favorite! - Edit
I’m on a mission to eat everything on the menu, it’s so good
Read moreGuest
Cam
Points +2089
Terrific Diner - Edit
It's a terrific diner that served all the classics (burgers, sandwichs, all day breakfast, shakes, etc.)Perfect if you are in the mood for American food but are frustrated in regular diners.
Read moreWent there twice in two days: first time for lunch: had one of the greatest sandwich ever (a classic one but very flavorful, loved the vegan mayo!) and a to die for sunday.
Went back for breakfast: red velvet pancakes with chocolate chips and whipped cream. It was PERFECT.
I will definitively go back next time I'm in town.
Edit: I came back every year the last four years. I sometimes have been a bit disappointed by some of my choice of dishes! Too bad.
Pros: Nice Service, Great Food, Cool deco
Guest
missmanda
Points +119
Champs never disappoints - Edit
Been here twice and have been happy with the environment and the food both times. Good breakfast and lunch/dinner items! Shakes are also good but pricey.
Read morePros: All vegan options, Food is on point
Cons: Pricey
Guest
PiaAfHällström
Points +92
The best place ever - Edit
If I would live in Brooklyn I would go there like everyday. The 80’s vibes and the amazing vegan junk food. Just love it.
Read moreGuest
whenvegansfly
Points +100
Mac to die for - Edit
Best vegan macaroni and cheese I’ve ever had! Also had a cookie dough milkshake that would satisfy any craving. My boyfriend had the cheeseburger which was delicious. We can’t wait to come back! (FYI If you are going with a large party, you will only be seated if everyone is there. We could not be seated until our third person joined us.)
Read morePros: Huge menu, MACARONI N CHEESE
Cons: Small-ish dining room, $$ (but hey, it’s NYC)
Guest
nafanc
Points +1615
Great vegan diner - Edit
Awesome comfort food in a fun diner setting. The interior is attractive and welcoming, and the food is really good. Everything we had was delicious, and there are so many more delicious looking menu items to try. We’ll definitely be back.
Read moreGuest
ThatsVegayzing
Points +771
Champs Diner lives up to its name! - Edit
The infamous Champ’s Diner of Brooklyn lives up to its name!
Read moreFood *****
All the good diner food you know and love—just VEGAN! The Mac n’ Cheese is a baked masterpiece that tastes BETTER than the real thing. You’ll be craving more as soon as you finish your last forkful! 2nd dish: Double Trouble cheese burger. “Trouble” it is! Absolutely delicious but man was it hard to eat with hands. You most likely will need a fork and knife and even then it’s hard! However, the combination of seitan bacon, siracha aioli, nacho cheese, pickles, and veggie burger is to die for!!
Atmosphere ***
Located in Williamsburg close to the L train is easy for all to get to (pending the L train is working/running). The interior is very small and not a lot of seating so be prepared to wait up to 2 hours sometimes. Best bet is to go at off times to get a table. Similar to a typical small diner atmosphere.
Service ****
Quick, friendly, and waiters & waitresses are very conversational!
Price $$
Not your typical diner prices! Somewhat affordable, but not for those on a tight budget!
Pros: Vegan diner food of all sorts, Awesome service and friendly servers , Delicious food
Cons: Somewhat pricey, Very small interior
Guest
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