NSU is a unique and lively campus, but that doesn’t mean Sharks can’t band together and take an afternoon to explore the South Florida area — even if that just means finding a quaint place to study.
Not every vegan wants to eat salads and drink green juices every day — and if you’re looking for a place to get some flavorful and exciting plant-based food, Clovermint Cafe & Market is just the spot. This “comfort vegan” restaurant serves up rich and delicious food without making you feel obligated to eat your greens — because even vegans need some comfort food.
This cafe is neatly tucked in a small plaza just off of Griffin Road, just a short drive from campus (and on the way to the Oceanographic Campus, if you have classes there). Upon entering the market & cafe, it gives off the vibe of a lot of other vegan eateries: design-oriented, laid-back and earthy. However, the actual menu is almost more reminiscent of a classic American diner. They feature tempting dishes such as Buffalo Chik’n Mac N Cheese, Meatball Marinara Hoagie, Seitan Philly Cheesesteak, the Beyond Impossible Patty Melt and a Seitan Gyro — all served with a choice of fries or side salad — just to name a few. They also offer drinks like lattes, macchiatos and cappuccinos, with either soy or almond milk.
Unfortunately, when I visited, I went alone, which I don’t recommend — you’ll want to try everything on the menu and share food with friends. All of the options sounded great, but with the mid-range prices and large portion sizes that could very likely leave you with leftovers, it wasn’t realistic for me to order multiple items. I settled on the plant-based Shrimp Po’ Boy, mostly because I used to like them before I went vegetarian and later vegan. However, after not eating meat for about a third of my life, I was kind of shocked at how realistic it seemed. I’m not normally a fan of plant-based meats, but I didn’t dislike this one. However, when I revisit (and I plan to), I might try to branch out to something else on the menu.
While the meat-alternatives might not be every herbivore’s first pick, these dishes might bring some meat-eaters to the vegetarian side — even if just for a day. With options like the believable Impossible and Beyond burgers, even non-vegans will be sure to find something reliable and delicious.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan or a devoted omnivore, next time you’re looking for a place to Gill Out, head on over to Clovermint.
Clovermint Cafe
3433 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Tuesday – Sunday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$$$
