Gnome Café
| Address: | 109 President St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA |
| Phone: | +1 843-793-4931 |
| Site: | gnomecafe.com |
| Rating: | 4.8 |
| Working: | 7AM–3:30PM 7AM–3:30PM 7AM–3:30PM 7AM–3:30PM 7AM–3:30PM 7AM–3PM 10AM–2PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
KE
Kenneth Immer
So Gnome has been long awaited. Some vegan/vegetarian establishments have come and gone since they have been in the works to open, so the history of meatless restaurants in Charleston has not been great, and this is a real challenge in the Charleston restaurant market. This will not be a problem for Gnome. When restaurants put themselves into what seems like a small niche, they often only appeal to that small niche. Which is fine. However, it does limit their appeal. While Gnome does not appear overtly vegan, it is indeed that, but they are not simply standing on a vegan identity. Awesome food, good service, and attention to details will elevate Gnome beyond its niche appeal. So lets talk about the food. Comforting and not confronting would be a great first expression. When I had breakfast, I had the Southern Grit Bowl and cinnamon bun. While not a "cheap" breakfast, the portion size was very commensurate with the price, and I was full almost all day. Real food costs money, and real food actually keeps you full. It was executed perfectly! Creamy grits, perfectly seasoned sauteed kale, and roasted portabello mushrooms (which they dont need to call "bacon", they can stand on their own merits without needing to be apologized for by taking on that moniker), some tofu scramble, and then a sprinkling of nutritional yeast made this a hearty breakfast. (Honestly, two people could share this and be quite satisfied) I topped it with sriracha because I love to spice it up, and it was exactly what I wanted. Now I have to caution you about the cinnamon rolls... They will ruin you for cinnamon rolls the rest of your life! I have to say it was the best one I have ever had. Fluffy, and light, but rich and not-too-sweet. It was GINORMOUS, and honestly a bit pricey, but in the end, again, for real food, well worth it. If you have any reservations on vegan baking and what is possible, these are great proof that vegan baking can be even better than traditional baked goods when it is done right, and to the right recipe. (not everything can be vegan... which is fine). What is awesome is that it was served from a lovely on-the-counter-warmer that also housed some warm breakfast vegan sausage biscuits so that you can walk in there and leave quickly with a hot breakfast item if you are in a hurry. This is the type of attention to detail that will help them to be a great go-to for anyone looking for a good breakfast whether youve got time to sit down and enjoy a big grit bowl, or need a quick coffee and biscuit on the run. I washed down my breakfast with a delicious cup of Stumptown coffee, and will be back (for more cinnamon rolls) to try some more menu items soon. (and try not to eat too many cinnamon rolls....) Way to go Gnome... proper planning and mindful execution will take you a long way!
JO
Jon Sorenson
Are you a vegan who loves southern recipes like biscuits and sausage? How? Why? If so then this is your place, especially if you love coffee too because they brew freaking Stump Town. Its like a little piece of Portland right here in Chuck Town. Keep Charleston Weird, like all the other cities and so forth. It really is very good, if you dont mind paying $10.00 for a vegan burrito. And the setting is just COOL. Unfortunately its sooooo vegan that youre going to have to bring your own dairy creamer which you acquired from exploited cows. You sick bastard. The grits bowl, obviously with kale, is my favorite thing because I love health just as much as I hate myself. One of the best cups of coffee in Charleston and its conveniently located right next to MUSC and is one of the only places thats actually open first thing in the morning. Huzzah! So stop eating meat and use the savings (which can be substantial) to eat here. Youll just about break even, youll have a great and unique "southern" inspired meal (without pork), and the farm animals will be grateful.
AL
Alexis Madison
Visiting from Atlanta and we are SO glad that we tried out Gnome! We met one of the co-owners (not sure of her name) and she was oh so sweet. I had the fried seitan sandwich and my boyfriend had the taco salad along with cinnamon pancakes and cinnamon roll. We both thoroughly enjoyed our meals and the co-owner even offered to take our picture for us. I only wish I had more room in my belly so I could finish my meal and try even more! The menu was wonderful and you cant beat all day breakfast. We were amazed by all the menu choices and thought put into each dish. The restaurant itself was very clean and had a wonderful ambiance. Next time we come to Charleston we will definitely be coming back. Cant wait!
ME
Meri Crawford
Gnome cafe is absolutely amazing. Ive never been to the actual restaurant, only have had it delivered, and it has never been anything less than wonderful. The delivery is always super fast and done with a smiling face. The tofu scramble is easily the best tofu Ive ever had, and the Pad Thai salad is so good. The breakfast burrito is also to die for... Gnome is exactly what Charleston has been needing! Such a great place for vegan/vegetarian/gluten free options. This is the first google review I have ever done, and I just had to because it was so awesome. Highly recommended.
SA
Sarah Corrin Garr
I simply ADORE this place. They always have great coffee, the food is delicious (bonus - its vegan!), and the staff are always friendly and helpful. You are missing out if you havent been here yet, especially if you havent tried their baked goods. I am constantly recommending this place to friends, so do yourself a favor and visit now! My favorite menu items would be the drip coffee, the "chicken" salad wrap, the hemp sausage biscuit, and the breakfast burrito.
BR
Bradley Moore
I came here as a paying customer and was sticking around to do work. Then a worker told me I had to leave so someone else could sit there. That isnt how you treat a paying customer. I hadnt been there too long, and definitely hadnt overstayed my welcome. I wouldnt reccommend this place to anyone who needs to do any type of work as you will probably be rudely kicked out. Really shows how Gnome cafe values their customers, not at all.
CY
Cynthia Easterly
I have to say I was originally skeptical about eating here as I am not a vegan. But, My GOSH!!! This was seriously the best breakfast I have ever had! I am still craving these pancakes. And the coffee....Better than any Starbucks!!! Even my friend, who is a veggie hater and avid meat eater, was amazed and absolutely loved everything! I seriously wish we had this restaurant in Arkansas!! EAT HERE!! YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!!
GA
Gaya Mitra
Gnome is a cozy, light filled, aesthetically pleasing space where delicious vegan food is offered at a fair price, prepared and served with real love. I have celiac and have been able to enjoy sumptuous gluten free vegan options with no problem. May Gnome grow and prosper, to one day also have evening offerings and a Mount Pleasant location and, that said, this gem is already practically perfect in every way! :-)
AD
Adelaide Taylor
Cozy, homey, DELICIOUS little spot in the heart of Historic Charleston where vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores can enjoy a meal together. Their portions are very fair for what they charge -- must try the cinnamon pancakes and the breakfast burrito (that mango guac is the bomb!).Stumptown beans make for a solid cup of coffee and one can always appreciate free non-dairy creamers.
