Downtown on E. Beaver Ave, students and townies can find a new quaint cafe that is not necessarily your average State College eatery. On the block in between Panera Bread and Rita’s, Cafe Verve is the first fully established vegan cafe to open in the streets of downtown State College.
Do not be fooled, however, vegan or not, this cafe has tons of options to offer that are not just any ordinary health foods. Not only is it a fully-functioning coffee shop, but Cafe Verve also offers several different types of smoothies, smoothie bowls, homemade baked goods and a full breakfast and lunch menu. From breakfasts as light as oatmeal, to ones on the heavier side like breakfast burritos and power bowls, Verve seems to have a myriad of choices that will fuel you through your day. Verve even has those go-to comfort foods like french fries and mac and cheese— vegan ingredients, of course.
Not only does Verve take pride in their wide variety of treats, but they are very spending-friendly as well. To the average college student, eating out very much becomes a luxury that is not taken for granted due to the dried out bank accounts and empty wallets. At Verve, the most ‘expensive’ item on the menu totals out to a whopping eight dollars. So every once in awhile, Verve could be your go-to ‘treat yourself’ splurge without even feeling that guilty about it due to their healthy options and reasonable pricing. Cheap and delicious vegan food is not always an easy find.
Penn State junior, and vegan, Jenna Peters was super excited to talk about the convenience and affordability of Verve.
“Meat and dairy alternatives can sometimes be expensive at the grocery store, but at Verve everything is so affordable and delicious. The cafe also proves that vegans and vegetarians can still eat things like burgers, mac and cheese and cupcakes!”
Vegetarians and vegans alike all over the State College area are raving about their newfound hotspot.
Penn State sophomore, and recent vegan, Ana Wyckoff said, “It’s so great to be able to have a place that is fully vegan in State College since it is hard to find good vegan food around here. I also love that it is promoting the message and awareness of veganism. Many of my friends who aren’t even vegan have tried Verve and really enjoyed it.”
Vegan or not, don’t hesitate to try out Cafe Verve and support their strong efforts to maintain and promote healthier lifestyles through natural ingredients.
Cafe Verve is open seven days a weeks, operating from 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays.
