Crystals Soul Cafe

Crystals Soul Cafe

12823 Avalon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90061, United States

Vegan restaurant, Coffee shop, Juice shop, Soul food restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
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About This Place

Crystals Soul Cafe, nestled at 12823 Avalon Blvd in Los Angeles, is a radiant gem in the vegan dining scene, effortlessly blending soul food tradition with contemporary plant-based innovation. Catering to vegan, vegetarian, and health-conscious diners, this cafe offers a rich, comforting culinary experience that transcends typical expectations of vegan cuisine.

Step inside and you’re greeted by an inviting atmosphere lush with vibrant greenery and soothing humidifiers, creating a calming oasis that complements the vibrant flavors on your plate. The cozy yet energetic ambiance sets the perfect tone for savoring a menu that’s as diverse as it is satisfying.

The menu boasts standout soul bowls like the Shrimp & Sausage Gumbo, where a deeply flavorful broth is slow-cooked over three days and topped with organic rice, vegan shrimp, sausage, and a zesty Carnelian Cajun sauce—each spoonful a hearty, soulful embrace. For mushroom lovers, the Psychedelic Gumbo offers a luxurious mushroom medley in that same rich broth, full of earthy complexity. The Lasagna Bowl is a masterclass in comfort food, boasting handmade layers with velvety cashew ricotta and a perfectly balanced vinegar-ripened sauce that even non-vegans rave about.

Beverage aficionados will delight in the artisan coffee and soda offerings. Try the Organic Candied Yam Latte, where the warmth of organic espresso melts into the natural sweetness of housemade candied yam sauce, blended with creamy oat or almond milk—served hot or iced for a velvety treat. The Organic Peach Cobbler Latte brings fresh, fruity notes that pair beautifully with the café’s soulful dishes. If soda’s your pick, the selection of Poppi sodas in flavors like Orange, Doc Pop, and Strawberry Lemonade deliver crisp refreshment with a twist of natural goodness.

Crystals Soul Cafe doesn’t just serve food; it crafts an immersive taste experience that has delighted a wide range of patrons. One satisfied visitor, Unique Vance, shared how even their non-vegan family members were blown away by the truffle burger, describing it as one of the best burgers they’d ever tasted—a testament to the depth of flavor and culinary skill here. Jennifer Smith praised the lasagna, along with the friendly and welcoming owners and chefs, highlighting the strawberry crumb dessert as a must-try indulgence. Non-vegans like Vanessa C. admit they could easily embrace a vegan lifestyle given the exceptional quality and variety on offer, while Diana Y. recalls a foodie pilgrimage where Crystals stood out as the ultimate favorite among numerous vegan spots explored around LA. Even with occasional wait times due to their dedicated small kitchen, Kimmel emphasizes that the extraordinary taste of the shrimp and BBQ platter makes every minute worth it.

Every dish at Crystals Soul Cafe is thoughtfully crafted to deliver soulful satisfaction without compromise. Whether you’re a steadfast vegan, a curious omnivore, or somewhere in between, this café promises an unforgettable culinary journey rich in flavor, heart, and authenticity.

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible seating
From the business
Identifies as Black-owned
Service options
Outdoor seating Offers kerbside pickup No-contact delivery Offers delivery Offers takeaway Serves dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Serves great dessert
Popular for
Popular for breakfast Popular for lunch Popular for dinner Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee Serves comfort food Serves healthy options Serves late-night food Serves organic dishes Quick bite Serves vegan dishes Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast Serves lunch Serves dinner Catering Serves dessert Seating
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets Toilet Wi-Fi Paid Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Quiet Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards Accepts debit cards Accepts NFC mobile payments
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Plenty of parking

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Unique Vance
    1 month ago

    What a wonderful vegan restaurant! Finally Compton has an amazing option . I went here with my nonvegan brother and mom and they both loved it! Not pictured here is one of the best vegan burgers I ever tasted, the truffle burger which my brother declared was one of the best burgers he has ever had in general. The seasoning and flavor was so amazing and I will definitely be trying to replicate it at home, the fries were also amazing, just wish they were included with the burger and not as an added side. The soul plate and BBQ plate was also amazing! Lots of delicious sides. If you are looking for an amazing plant-based restaurant definitely don't miss out!

  • jennifer smith
    1 month ago

    When I say this place is amazing from when you walk into the Cafe if the beautiful plants and humidifiers don't relax you the smell of the food surly will. I walked in on a pick up order and wanted to just eat there. The lasagna is amazing the owners and chiefs are friendly and welcoming I will definitely be going back. Don't forget the dessert the strawberry crumb is so yummy...

  • Vanessa C
    2 month ago

    Let me start by saying-I’m not vegan. The chef here truly is a master!! I have vegan family members and have had vegan food before. It’s pretty good. But this place is truly special. I could easily go vegan if I had this everyday-And I love meat! The menu is so diverse and surprisingly affordable! The atmosphere is full of beautiful foliage and has great energy. This is a great choice for a healthy dinner option that actually is satisfying. The service and staff (Romeo and Faith), went above and beyond to make us welcome and tantalize our tastebuds, leaving us wanting more! I highly recommend their burger and juices. The cherry juice concoction was out of this world!! And the burger was the best I’ve had by farI can’t wait to go back again!!

  • Diana Y
    2 month ago

    When my vegan foodie friend from New York came to visit me for her first trip to California, we ate our hearts out for four days straight in vegan spots only around Long Beach and LA… and this was hands-down my favorite place out of our entire foodie tour! <3 I can’t recall what all we ordered exactly, but it was enough for four people and we took a slice of dessert as well. This place gets 10 stars for ambience! It’s lit up and all types of brightly colored lights! Just check out my photos. It even has a little fish tank. So zen. (but also hard to take pictures of my food!) the menu is a chalkboard and it is substantial. We were glad that there was a line so that we could make up our mind as to what to order. Service is very friendly. It would be a good idea to check out the menu online before you came here and decided… not while you’re hungry! We went for dinner, and there was a small line and a wait, but it was all worth it! The chef is super nice and even came out and spoke with us for a minute, and his nephew managed the front and all the customers. There are about four tables, plus a small bar table with two stools. There is no outdoor seating. My friend is vegan, but I am not, and yet I can’t wait to come back here by myself and eat ALL the things!!! one of our entrées was made of lion’s mane mushrooms and was a barbecue dish that really hit the spot. my friend also got a Poboy which she enjoyed a lot. there were other items we ordered, but the list is long. everything we had was so delicious here!!! There is a small parking lot. Come prepared with what you would like to order since there are so many things to choose from, and everything tastes good. I grew up in the south, so this vegan soul food really hit the spot for me. Come and see for yourself!

  • Kimmel
    2 month ago

    First, Let me start by saying “WOW!!” This place is one of the best vegan places I've ever been to! It's incredible! I've been here two times and I've gotten the shrimp and bbq platter, and they both were so delicious! I have no idea what they are making these meats out of but they are unbelievable! Since they are a small and short-staffed kitchen, wait times are a little long but the food is absolutely worth the wait! The atmosphere is super relaxing and it makes the whole experience much better! I also would like to add that the reviews about mean and uninviting staff are completely untrue! Both times I've been, both cashiers greeted me with the utmost kindness and apologized for any inconveniences! They even called me to say my food was ready! I understand the times we are in and people just need to have some patience! Anyway, Please come to the east coast! This is too good just to have in Cali!

  • Douglas Brew
    3 month ago

    This place is spectacular, the food, the service is in my opinion what all businesses should aspire to. Mind you when we first arrived we had to wait a bit, but that's because its on the smaller side and its not their fault and is to be expected, especially when there is delicious food involved. All of the people in the party loved and raved over the food, vegan and non-vegan alike and the kids loved the service and all of the plants surrounding us, they kept making growling noises, and saying "look I am a flower!" We will definitely be back everytime we are in town to support this small business, thank you Crystal's Soul Cafe for your delicious food and your wonderful hospitality like service!

  • Natasha
    3 month ago

    1000/10! I definitely recommend it! This was thee most flavorful vegan soul food I've had outside of cooking at home. The menu has sooo many options! I happened to visit on the day a regular was in, and he said, "You can close your eyes and pick anything, and you'll be good!" I definitely believe him. I ordered the Cajun shrimp po'boy, jambalaya mac n' cheese, rice and gravy, and a grape lime juice...came to about $43. It is a bit pricey, but it is well worth every dollar. I'm already trying to figure out how to eat here on a monthly basis because it's just. that. GOOD!

  • Emmanuel Carrera Ruedas
    3 month ago

    Look I had no idea what this place was. I thought some hole in the wall. A nice lil pop up but no, it is the most insane looking place ive ever seen. And look it is on the pricy side, i was hesitant, but look ive had a rough week and i thought is treat myself. And oh my god am i glad i did. I was able to journal, enjoy some fried chicken with mac n cheese and cornbread and the JAMBALAYA oh my GAWD. In every bite i felt the careful crafting, the rounded edges, the reach to the pallet and it made it all just magic Its been a while since food made me feel like this so from the bottom of my heart thank you, this food really felt like true soul touching food. Props to you all and praise to the chef.

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