Serves meat, vegan options available. Menu is vegetarian with some fish and poultry. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices are marked. Offers breakfast, fresh salads, fruit smoothies, organic carrot and veggie juice, wheatgrass, and 2 daily soups. Spacious dining are. Order at the counter, and food is brought to your table. Open Mon-Sun 9:00am-9:00pm.
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765 S Coast Hwy 101 (at downtown), Encinitas, California, USA, 92024
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- Outdoor seating
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Last update on 23 Jan 2024 by 1995_Vegan
Update business info -
Added by Shnuddy on 26 Sep 2009
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37 Reviews
First Review by jamber79
malexander07
Points +160
New ownership - not very tasty - Edit
We used to love this place, but have been back a couple times since it was sold to new owners and each time it gets worse and worse. We won’t be back. 
Read moreGuest
HeartVeg
Points +56
Best veg options in north county SD - Edit
Many really good choices at this cafe. Soup, salads, entrees, fresh baked deserts.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-02-17
Pros: The food! Lotus salad, Avocado heaven sandwich, Vegan carrot cake muffins , Cafe Location
Guest
1995_Vegan
Points +475
So Many Choices from Brunch to Dinner - Edit
Lotus Cafe and Juice Bar is a quintessential veggies-forward health food restaurant. Being here reminds me of the way it used to be to eat vegan in the 1990s: going to a mostly vegetarian restaurant with a broad mix of domestic & international foods and a staff that really cares about the experience. The outdoor seating is welcome and the location is near so much else in Encinitas.
Read morePros: Broad menu, Brunch, Great atmosphere
Guest
sg27
Points +299
love - Edit
They have so many vegan options. They have vegan substitutes of so many foods including chicken, turkey and cheese.
Read morePros: Nice staff, Beautiful ambiance
Cons: Expensive
Guest
LinneaSoledad
Points +605
Lovely Lunch - Edit
The atmosphere is laid back with Ganesha and Lakshmi altars. We enjoyed smoothies, veg juice, veg tacos, and falafal. Everything was fresh and vibrant.
Read morePros: Great for families, Friendly, Tasty
Guest
desertchica
Points +73
Best vegan option in Encinitas - Edit
Love their Vegetarian options, the dahl, black bean enchiladas, veggie tacos, indian curry, lotus bowl my go tos. Nice ambience and decent parking choices.
Read moreGuest
Kate9791
Points +1418
Huge menu - Edit
If Happy Cow allowed 5 stars for non-v places, then this would be a 4, but since 4 is the highest rating, I gave it a 3. Solid option, just not the best. Super sweet and helpful counter help, and great variety of vegan gluten free options. Food was good, but not as fresh and flavorful as other vegan cafes so it suffers by comparison. For example, the cheese on the nachos is a processed store bought one instead of scratch made. Easy parking in the lot, and loads of outdoor seating. The lentil soup was pretty bland, but there were so many condiments available, I boosted it with nooch and braggs. I’d rather that since you can’t remove unappealing flavors.
Read moreCounter service only.
Updated from previous review on 2022-12-29
Pros: Lots of vegan options, Plenty of parking, Wonderful staff
Cons: Not the most flavorful or exciting, Menu can be confusing with the symbols
Guest
LilyValle
Points +17
So good! - Edit
I got an açaí bowl and it was so delicious and filling! Very fun vibe as well
Read moreGuest
Caroli
Points +13
Lot’s of options and a good vibe - Edit
There are lots of veggie options and the staff is really friendly. It’s a great place.
Read moreGuest
The Gay Vegans
Points +375
So many choices - Edit
We’ve been enjoying Lotus for several years and have never had a bad or close to bad experience. It’s a great place to have a relaxing meal, served by nice staff. We have loved breakfast and lunch, and their milkshakes. There is something for everyone on the menu!
Read morePros: Breakfast, Pancakes, Milkshakes
Guest
JaniceStanger
Points +183
Great vegan choices - Edit
Lotus Cafe has so many vegan choices. Their food is tasty and high quality, and with generous portions to keep you satisfied enough to swim in the ocean all afternoon. My favorite lunch place in Encinitas. Convenient location on the main street through town.
Read morePros: Tasty food, Many vegan choices, You can always find something healthy
Cons: May be long line to order, especially on weekends
Guest
cwl666
Points +1430
Great vegan options and no red meat - Edit
For an omnivore place it is about as vegan friendly as possible. Many are in themself vegan but much more can be veganized. Staff are super friendly. Nice outdoor dining during the pandemic.
Read moreGuest
Prajna
Points +5861
Good food and nice staff - Edit
Sweet place, good and friendly staff, good food.
Read morePlenty of vegan options, many gluten free.
Great green juices.
Nice breakfast pancakes.
Guest
chickpeaandlotus
Points +255
Healthy Vegan-Friendly Beach Town Cuisine - Edit
Naturally, Chickpea and Lotus had to pay a visit to the Lotus Cafe in Encinitas! Encinitas is one of our favorite coastal towns, with its hippy-chic style and laid back vibe, it's the perfect place for a day at the beach. And after the fun in the sun, working up an appetite, there's nothing like a visit to Lotus Cafe.
Read moreSpecializing in health and wellness conscious cuisine, the Lotus Cafe offers an extensive vegetarian menu that can easily be veganized. Their offerings are a diverse collection of salads, tacos, burgers, stir fries, bowls and more. Where to begin? We recommend the...
Tempeh Tacos - two massively loaded tacos, packed with ranchero tempeh, melted vegan cheese and shredded lettuce. Served with salsa and blue corn tortilla chips These are dense with flavor, the tempeh is meaty and satisfying and the melty cheese brings it all together.
Falafel Bowl - mixed greens topped with falafel, hummus and quinoa. So packed with protein and topped with a tahini ginger sauce, this is stick to your ribs, comfort-health food.
Spiritual Salad - A hearty spinach salad with artichoke hearts, olives, vegan cheese shreds and vegan bacon bits that really give it its signature smoky flavor.
Guest
drjohnsaddress
Points +294
Almost Overwhelmed by Vean Selections - Edit
This restaurant has food for every preference from meat fanciers to the non animal consuming committed. My wife and I are whole food planted based (no added oil, refined grains or refined sugar). The restaurant has the most extensive menu in Southern California for Vegan options that I have experienced. My wife had a Vegan Tofu Scramble; and I ordered Lotus Bowl. They were both outstanding. The Cilantro Chipotle Hummus with Pita appetizer was particularly well prepared. Not cheap, but an exceptional Sunday outing!
Read morePros: Multiple well prepared Vegan selections, Pleasant and helpful staff, Plenty of outside seeting
Cons: Not inexpensive, but very good quality.
Guest
jjavier543
Points +116
Good vegan options - Edit
They have really good vegan soups. They have good vegan nachos as well.
Read moreGuest
Kplant
Points +4580
So many options - Edit
Great place to take non Veg people as they can order anything they want. Though Vegan options are terrific. Huge menu. Close to the beach on the main street. Great outdoor seating.
Read morePros: Outdoor seating.
Cons: Close to train track.
Guest
johanna~Lotus Cafe
Points +48
Lots of Vegan choices; menu mostly Vegetarian - Edit
My husband and I, who are the owners of Lotus Cafe and Juice Bar, have been long-time vegetarians (26+ years). We wanted to create a place where vegans, vegetarians, and my own family (who is not vegetarian) could come and happily share a meal together.
Read moreLotus Cafe is dedicated to serving fresh, natural, healthy food at affordable prices, prepared with love, simplicity, and a joyful heart. Our ingredients are sourced with care and are always natural. We use local produce; certain things on the menu are always organic, others are as cost permits. Items that are not certified organic have been grown as cleanly as possible; (i.e. some farmers grow organically but can't afford the certification process).
We bake our vegan cupcakes in-house fresh every morning; and always have two homemade soups every day: one is always vegan, the other is always vegetarian. Everything on the menu is clearly marked with icons to note which items are vegan, strict vegetarian, vegetarian and/or gluten-free. Our menu can be previewed on our website: www.lotuscafeandjuicebar.com.
We have a wide range of offerings: soups, appetizers, a children's menu, salads with organic lettuce, and entrees. Our juice bar squeezes fresh organic carrot juice, organic veggie juice, and fresh organic wheatgrass shots. The juice bar also offers a wide selection of fruit smoothies, made with fruit juice and fruit only, and also milk shakes that can be made vegan using soy milk or almond milk and soy ice cream. We also have acai and pitaya bowls.
My favorites:
1.) Indian Curry Bowl (vegan) w/ addition of sauteed tempeh;
2.) Yogi Bliss (vegan) w/a side of avocado
We are located on South Coast Highway 101, in Old Downtown Encinitas, opposite "G" Street, in the Lumberyard.
Lotus Cafe and Juice Bar is casual and affordable; you place your order at the counter, get your table number, and on your way to your table collect your napkins, utensils, condiments, and help yourself to water at one of the two condiment counters. Pick the table of your choice, and a food runner will run your food out to you. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating.
The interior was designed with the intention of evoking healing & balance, radiant well-being & happiness for all who come... Blessings!
Updated from previous review on 2014-09-25
Pros: Healthy cuisine, affordable , excellent food
Guest
plantbasedyams
Points +68
A perfect Sunday - Edit
Came in with a friend got the vegan breakfast burrito with vegan sausage (extra salsa is a must for me). Also ended up getting buckwheat pancakes with bananas & walnuts. Vegan butter & agave for some sweetness. Grateful for this little spot & all it has to offer! Hint hint : VEGAN PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE!!!
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options & substitutes , Great condiments , Really great ambience
Guest
TBR
Points +383
Very nice food - Edit
My wife is crazy about this place. I want to try other places to eat but when in Encinitas we usually find ourselves here. However, I really like the food too. Most of the meals have a vegan option. Some of the meals are very very good (eg the vegan breakfast burrito), but some are average.
Read morePros: Delicious. Lots of vegan options. Good vibe.
Cons: They do some meat dishes.
Guest
jade.vegan
Points +2819
Fantastic breakfast! - Edit
It's so refreshing to have more than one breakfast option and for that option to be more than just avocado toast. I got a tofu scramble at a very low price and it was absolutely full of fresh veggies and the portion was very fair, and the potatoes it came with were also delicious. The staff was very helpful and we tried one of the cupcakes as well and it was delicious and HUGE! If we were local we'd definitely be regulars
Read morePros: So many options!, Easy to customize, Quick
Cons: Parking
Guest
RubyMacarthur
Points +114
Enjoy this place - Edit
Always a pleasant experience at lotus. A few more options would be nice and a slightly higher quality products for the price.
Read moreGuest
DavidKWinslow
Points +178
Vegan Options - Edit
Tofu scramble is the bomb.
Read morePros: Plenty of vegan options. , Super friendly service
Cons: None that come to mind
Guest
Laurenbdoeslife
Points +910
Great smoothie - Edit
I got a great pb & j smoothie here and drank it at the nearby dog beach. Heaven! The employees were nice and asked about veganism in LA. I saw some good looking vegan cupcakes in the front case.
Read morePros: Vegan options, Parking is good
Cons: Not fully vegan
Guest
H2OAddict
Points +686
Awesome breakfast - Edit
My fiancé found this spot while we were traveling and camping around Southern California. We stopped in for breakfast on our way to San Diego and were so happy we did! The atmosphere is that of a chic coffee house meets homey cafe. You order at the counter and then choose your own table (no host or hostess) where you place a number into the holder attached to the table. I had the vegan breakfast burrito with veggie sausage and an on-tap basil kombucha and my fiancé had the tofu scramble with veggie bacon. The veggie bacon was just okay, but everything else was excellent. The kombucha has a really nice flavor and it wasn’t too strong, which we really like. We sat on the patio under an umbrella surrounded by beautiful plants and CA sunshine. We would absolutely come back again!
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options and vegan hacks , Vegan options clearly marked, Great patio!
Guest
mirand3
Points +49
I love this place! - Edit
I’ve tried many different meals here, all have been delicious! The vegan cheese is great and there are vegan options labeled for almost every meal.
Read morePros: Large menu with vegetarian and vegan options clear, Friendly staff, Nice restaurant
Guest
Aprilanne92
Points +37
So many options - Edit
When I say options I mean almost everything on the menu could be veganized and the menu is huge! I had the mock chicken tacos without cheese sub beans and rice. I will be returning and I took a menu so I can throughly plan my next trip! Totally worth it
Read morePros: tons of options, in and outside dining
Guest
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