Happy Cafe

After two experiences spread apart over 10 months I now feel comfortable weighing in with a review. I regret it was no more than average for me on both occasions. The combination of food, service and atmosphere were all considered.

The location is tucked away off North Hampton Blvd beside Subway in a strip. Surface parking was not an issue with plenty of availability on a weekday before noon.

As you enter the kitchen it's wide open for viewing. No hostess was present. Staff was welcoming and invited us to take a seat anywhere. The room that you first enter is a holding area when they are on wait. It has couch and few chairs and is nice. Also it was clean.

The dining room is combo of table and chairs with booth along the walls. They offer an accent wall for photo ops. There is a small bar that was busy both visits. Everything was tidy and nice background music played that was just the right volume. Menus and utensils are placed on the tables with salt, pepper and coffee creamer packages.

Both visits service was slow to start and blah once service began. I will highlight my second experience with it being most fresh. However, my initial thoughts were average after my first visit ordering the same dish. I decided they needed another look.

Our waitress after a delay got drink and food orders. It appears there was only one wait staff for the business. She also covered the bar. I ordered French toast which comes with two eggs and meat. They could not do over easy per staff as someone called out. My son got a Cody Breakfast Club. My coffee came out quickly and did not taste good.

Food was pushed out quickly which was super appreciated. Everything looked great! I requested another cup of coffee which was delivered in no time and much better.

The plate for my son was pretty good, no wow but huge! He enjoyed. My dish was completely underwhelming with French toast that was dry and unflavored even with syrup that is prepped prior to serving. Eggs better, sausage patties were great.

Checkout was timely. The price point high with tax and tip $45. I'm unsure what other see that I missed with a current 5 star composite rating. I'm 3.5 rounding down and feel good about this placement. I personally will not rush back with other options to try.

Parking: Handicap available

Kid-friendliness: High chairs

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

The food was very tasty. The pancakes came recommended and did not disappoint. They are large and coated with sugar and fruit. The server was kind, thorough and detailed in her explanations. The prices were very reasonable. The smoothies are $7.79 and well worth the price. I highly recommend this place. Jazz playing in background was nice and not too loud. The place is cleanly.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fries

Definitely will be back again! Atmosphere when you walk in was welcoming and we were seated pretty quickly on a Saturday morning.Food portions were great and tasted great too! We had the special shrimp and grits 10/10!! And my husband got the pancake meal with a side biscuit which he said was super good. Mimosas were strong and they offer a variety of special flavors along with the mimosa flight!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The Shrimp n’ Grits were phenomenal! 10 out of 10 would recommend!!!! Mrs. V was very friendly and welcoming. Definitely will be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits

The food alone was good but I also had a great time with the servers to add on with it. Came from Hawaii and don’t regret the decision one bit.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food is so so delicious!!! I highly recommend HAPPY CAFE!!!! THE WINGS ARE A 10 OUT OF 10?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great service and vibe. Food looks and taste delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Everything was great. Abby our server was fantastic and very knowledgeable about the food and friendly. Mrs. V was great also she has a great voice to sign to you for special occasions!! We’ll be back the 2 couples from Richmond Virginia and Hilton Head SC. I had the Shore drive, the ladies had Seafood grits. My brother had a pancake breakfast!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I don't understand all the positive reviews, I felt misled by these. The food was just okay but they don't even have cream or milk for coffee. This is the only restaurant I've ever been to that would give coffee and not have cream. The menu is small and unexciting. It was simply a disappointing experience.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

Absolutely loved this breakfast spot! The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home from the moment we walked in. The food was absolutely top-notch – everything tasted fresh and was cooked to perfection. This place is a must-visit. Highly recommended!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had a wonderful experience, I highly recommend a visit...

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

great experience on a saturday morning. we were nicely greeted by someone who seemed to be a manager. seated immediately (we got there right before it was totally full, small restaurant with no more than 15 tables if i had to guess and no outdoor seating).

got water and coffee then waited 10 mins or so to order since it was quite busy. put in our orders and waited another 10-15 mins before we got everything altogether (food and drinks). but we were checked up on by the same manager that greeted us twice and she was constantly checking on everyone and making sure the flow of things was moving and no one was waiting too long as well as apologizing for any waits. coming from the food service industry, i appreciated seeing that and how no one seemed super stressed or overwhelmed or unhappy.

everything was great, including the coffee, and super filling. they also had french vanilla and original coffee mate creamer on the table. genuinely no complaints. i think the only thing i would say is that the waffle sandwich looked like it was made with half a waffle (1/4 waffle for top and 1/4 for bottom) total rather than a whole waffle (two halves, one for top and one for bottom), so definitely a smaller dish. with the chicken, i thought it was the perfect meal size to not stuff me but also not leave me hungry. also liked the hashbrowns, have a unique look. and the fruit on the waffle was fresh. mimosas were also tasty but not strong, just nice to sip on.

they offer military discount of 10%. it was around $50+ before tip for two. i would recommend stopping in to support a local potentially black owned and operated business. remember to be patient, say thank you, and tip your server!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sausage, Hash Browns

Went to this wonderful Cafe on a weekday during lunch time, the service was great, staff was very attentive and my meal was AMAZING…. I had the seafood grilled cheese sandwich, it was a hit and I’ll be back soon. Thank you Happy Cafe staff your service and food was top notch.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Super friendly staff, quick service, excellent customer service, and delicious vegan sandwiches. Staff warmly welcomes you into the restaurant and they constantly come to your table to see if you need anything else.

Vegetarian options: Many vegan sandwiches, salads, and smoothies to choose from.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Vegan

Absolutely loved the service, food, and atmosphere. Totally worth your time and money. You will leave happy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5