Downtown Cincinnati is about to welcome a new culinary gem with the impending arrival of Almost V’Gan Lounge, a restaurant with a strong vegan emphasis. Anticipated to grace the Court Street Plaza in the early months of next year, Almost V’Gan Lounge aims to cater to health-conscious patrons and those adhering to alternative dietary preferences.
The dynamic duo of local entrepreneurs and co-owners, Jarvis Shaw and Sean Reed, have secured a lease for 34 E. Court St., where their vision of a vibrant vegan dining destination will come to fruition. Shaw’s personal journey of adopting a vegan diet, coupled with the limited options at other eateries, sparked the inspiration to create a hub that could satisfy various lifestyles and culinary needs.
Shaw expressed, “Everywhere I went, the only thing I could eat was salad – and it got old fast. At Almost V’Gan Lounge, you won’t have to worry about that. Everything will have a vegan pairing. So, for every item that contains meat, there will be a similar meatless option.”
Elevating the experience with a commitment to top-notch customer service and a thoughtfully crafted menu, Almost V’Gan aims to be an inclusive establishment where all guests feel welcome.
The restaurant’s offerings will extend to a full bar and bar menu, encompassing a diverse array of dishes like smoked pot roast, smoked jackfruit tacos, grilled watermelon & feta salad, grilled salmon, and grilled tofu sliders. Chef Camerron Dangerfield, recognized from appearances on the Food Network and MasterChef, has played an instrumental role in shaping the menu. Ingredients sourced locally will take precedence whenever possible. The beverage menu will also showcase vegan, non-alcoholic concoctions such as passionfruit and hibiscus lemonade, alongside blackberry mint iced tea.
Lindzie Gunnels, the commercial leasing manager at 3CDC, shared her enthusiasm for the menu’s versatility, remarking, “Whether your diet includes meat or not, you can come here knowing you’ll be able to find something to eat that isn’t boring or plain – something you can’t find elsewhere.”
Inside, Almost V’Gan Lounge will cultivate an ambiance of tranquility with its rich, warm tones, soft lighting, and wooden accents throughout. The interior will be thoughtfully divided, featuring a restaurant section with bottle service on one side and an elevated bar and lounge area on the other. A captivating outdoor dining space will also be offered. The establishment has partnered with City Studios and TriVersity Construction for the design and construction, with completion slated for early 2024.
Almost V’Gan Lounge’s impending arrival is set to contribute to the diverse culinary landscape of Downtown Cincinnati, promising a unique and enriching dining experience for all.
