O Happy Days Cafe

2283 Lake Ave, Altadena, CA 91001, United States

O Happy Days Cafe
About the Company

Good old fashioned restaurant with hot homecooked food sitting at communal tables make with solid maple on solid maple chairs. Maple helps minder depression, a special experience. Also a grocery and supplement store.

Reviews
Review №1

I ate here about two years ago, it was like stepping into a time machine. I don't think the place has changed since the 70s. I hope it survived the fire.

Published 14 days ago

Review №2

Published 16 days ago

Review №3

Update (1/9/25): Photos show that O Happy Days was lost in the Eaton Fire. 😔 John or his close friends - If you see this, please let us know how we can help you rebuild if you're looking to do that❣️

3 years ago: Love it!

Published 4 years ago

Review №4

Devastated my childhood restaurant burned down. I hope John and friends stay safe during this horrendous time.

Published 17 days ago

Review №5

RIP to this marvelous establishment. I hope you and your family are safe and recover quickly from the fires. May God have Grace over your community. In the name of Jesus.

Published 17 days ago

Review №6

Can’t believe this business went up in flames💔

Published 17 days ago

Review №7

Out of this world🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Published 2 months ago

Review №8

Published 2 months ago

Review №9

Every time i come here to eat, feels like i eat at my grandparents place, home made quality food🍀☘️

Published 3 months ago

Review №10

Published 4 months ago

Review №11

This is an amazing hole in the wall, mom and Pop store, and health food location. They have everything! It’s clearly been around for decades, and the owners so sweet and kind. I got the soup of the day with tofu on top. It to go, along with some vegan mushroom jerky and bamboo toothbrush that I’ve been needing! I will definitely come back here! The prices were very fair, too.

Published 4 months ago

Review №12

Published 4 months ago

Review №13

Published 4 months ago

Review №14

This is an absolute gem. I love them so much. I used to come here all the time when I still lived in the area. Their food is absolutely delicious and so healthy. Their staff are so kind and hardworking. This establishment is doing God's work and I'm so happy to know they're still up and running. I loved all their soups, salads, tofu stir fry, lentil meatloaf, & sandwiches! Def recommend this place to everyone.

Published 5 months ago

Review №15

Published 7 months ago

Review №16

Love love love the vibe at this place!! its like you walk into a store from the 80's and everybody knows each other!

The food is soooo delicious and John is the best vegan chef ever! he makes his food with love and comfort. He is genuinely kind to everyone and all living beings! 💗

Published 8 months ago

Review №17

Published 3 years ago

Review №18

This food was fantastic!! Cash only so prices are more than reasonable! I have never felt so healthy while eating something so delicious I got the “ meatless meatloaf” and it was very flavorful with broccoli and lentils, I loved it, the greens were salted perfectly, and very hearty side salad was filling! I’m very happy and satisfied! ( also there was a tasty dressing to the salad that didn’t make the picture because I removed it to start eating and took picture after lol 😂)

Published 10 months ago

Review №19

I love this place!

Published 10 months ago

Review №20

Utterly charmed by this place. After eating an incredible, smoky bowl of split pea - which John (the owner) made on the spot on his gas stove behind the register - for $3.75, I bought some grocery staples and a few treats. While shopping, I marveled at the hand-packed "leftovers" stored in the wood-paneled refrigerator, on sale for a modest $1.75/portion instead of being thrown out. A business as personal and homey as Oh Happy Day is a marvel these days. I feel gratitude and respect for John and the space he's fostered. Will be back many times.

Published 10 months ago

Review №21

A truly authentic place that wishes to help others at the utmost of its mission.

Published a year ago

Review №22

O Happy Days and the owner John are staple of the Altadena community! Not to mention, the soup of the day is far and away the most affordable (and delicious) vegetarian lunch option in LA County!

Published a year ago

Review №23

Sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal. High quality mostly organic vegan food for an incredible price. Great relaxed atmosphere of a small-town grocer. Can't believe places like this still exists in LA County. Definitely a place you must stop by especially if you're going on one of the hikes at the canyon or Angeles Crest.

Published 2 years ago

Review №24

You had me at HAPPY Days……

Published a year ago

Review №25

Published a year ago

Review №26

Published a year ago

Review №27

Published a year ago

Review №28

A must go to for any vegetarian!!!

Published a year ago

Review №29

A unique and deeply appreciated community treasure deeply cherished by those who know it!
Thanks John!!

Published 7 years ago

Review №30

John, oh dear John my OH Happy Days Owner, cook, herbalist and friend. It's a place where you find quality herbs, a nice chill atmosphere where our Altadena, Pasadena folks can either sit like your at home (you know how diverse but ever so friendly we are, especially if one grew up here. Altadena is a quaint homey place, just like John's eatery and herb store. Take a look at his art, while youre there. Best advice for herbs from a one-of-a-kind person. Pick up some homemade yams, greens all vegan healthy food tonight prepared fresh daily. John is the best and so is our city!

Published a year ago

Review №31

Published a year ago

Review №32

My wife shared the story of the places owner and had to go. Had his rice and beans, they were good, but I like rice and beans.

Got a few things for the kitchen and glad to meet the man behind the story. I should say the hippy, that's what he called himself.

Published a year ago

Review №33

Very friendly a relaxed people. Excellent dishes. I have eaten there for years.

Published 2 years ago

Review №34

Published 2 years ago

Review №35

Published 2 years ago

Review №36

10/10 owner, food and ambiance! Love love love this spot!
Thanks John!!

Published 2 years ago

Review №37

No place like it. Last of the old school Real Hippie hangouts and general store.

Published 2 years ago

Review №38

John's the best!:)

Published 2 years ago

Review №39

John is one of the kindest people on the planet.

Published 2 years ago

Review №40

Man I googled this spot, never been. As soon as I walked in I felt a great atmosphere. I treated some Thai loaf with beans and salad. Omg busting with flavor and color. Great price and I'm definitely recommending it to Family and friends. I also want to come back for more. I also heard he helps the feed the less fortunate. So the place has all my support. Cheers

Published 2 years ago

Review №41

An absolute gem of a place, the kind you don’t see anymore. They’ve got a great selection of herbal supplements and health foods but also prepare very affordable and delicious vegan and vegetarian meals.

Published 2 years ago

Review №42

I make a point of heading here every time I visit this neighborhood. Daily dishes are prepared with love and care. Old-school neighborhood vibe. Great after a hike up the mountain.

Published 2 years ago

Review №43

Very friendly atmosphere John is always very helpful and offers organic produce, grains flour ... etc

Published 2 years ago

Review №44

If you like vegan hippie chow in a multicultural setting from the 1960s &1970s you will find Oh Happy Days quite authentic.
This place is one of a kind. In a world of fast paced, fast plastic, and processed food like substances John's Oh Happy Days is an oasis of genuine hand made actual FOOD.
And it's all at a price that is very reasonable. (So please use the tip jar.)
Plenty of parking in the back of the store around the corner up hill to the north via Mendocino just past the drive way to Jack in the ... Enter the store via the Cosmic Breezeway.

If you are at a loss for what to try, go for "The Usual" and you will get a batch of collard greens, stir fried tofu, rice and some salad.

The next best place to eat is of course, Milliways @ The End of the Universe. But Oh Happy Days is so much more convenient.

Published 2 years ago

Review №45

Published 2 years ago

Review №46

my daughter and I drove to Altadena from LA just 13 miles to Oh happy days Store and cafe. All vegie menu and mostly organic. this place is unique with all wooden shelving cooler amd tables. it's a very country atmosphere. there is parking in the back and a few spots in front of the store. John is the owner cook and server. my daughter says it's a very distinct home cooking with a southern flare. the next time I come in for a little extra and try "really yummy yams". It's really an entree with pinto beans and steamed greens for only $5.50 which my daughter had. I had celestial hummus made with garbonzo's and tahini plus salad and whole wheat pita bread. Again just $5.50. my granddaughter have a chance please for only a dollar and 50 cents . so a complete meal and drink for less than 7 dollars. there is some African arts and wooden sculptures. we really enjoyed our food and this will be our favorites place. before we left bought some coconut, soup broth, bulk herbs and supplements.
what a great way to eat or shop.

Published 13 years ago

Review №47

A home away from home, John is an amazing person and cook. To eat here is to taste love. Great vegan food 😋

Published 3 years ago

Review №48

This place could not possibly be better. Been here with the same owner John since ‘77! So happy to be able to visit such a gem. Very affordable and accessible delicious vegan food, many herbs and supplements. I will return every time I come through this part of town, so grateful to have found it!

Published 3 years ago

Review №49

Thank you John for donating a meal for our mural project across the street! It’s much appreciated!

Published 3 years ago

Review №50

Published 3 years ago

Review №51

Published 3 years ago

Review №52

I have first hand experience that there is mold in the cooler.I tried to help the owner make the place safer and cleaner for free.Look at the cooler before you eat there.Most of the customers don't realize how filthy the place is.I worked at restaurants my whole life.This one
doesn't follow health codes.No one that works there has been vaccinated.Alot of people volunteered to make this place a safe to eat.
I wouldn't recommend eating there.

Published 3 years ago

Review №53

Published 3 years ago

Review №54

Published 3 years ago

Review №55

Absolutely satisfying!!!

Published 3 years ago

Review №56

Home cooked hearty vegetarian meals for a great price.

Published 3 years ago

Review №57

Always great service n products here 👌

Published 3 years ago

Review №58

Reasonable prices for healthy, delicious, home cooked vegan meals. Owner is super sweet!!Everyday the menu changes. Definitely will be coming back.

Published 3 years ago

Review №59

Down home cooking, huge servings

Published 9 years ago

Review №60

It's great place lovely experience & fantastic food

Published 3 years ago

Review №61

Very good, healthy food and a very nice and homey atmosphere. Cant wait to visit again!

Published 4 years ago

Review №62

I happened to be working in the area and the parking was right right across at grocery outlet and found this place just by chance. I decided to try it with my 10 year old daughter because I saw vegan cafe and was interested. I am not a vegan but I’m a “part-time” vegan. =D

I had the vegan burrito and he added a bunch of lettuce and veggies and had this type of mustard sauce that was quite savory and incredible!

My daughter (one of the pickiest 10 year old eaters you would know) had the lentil soup of the day and she loved it! The spices were just right and very light salt (which I like).

Whenever I have vegan meals, I never feel bloated or heavy and these were hearty meals at reasonable prices. I don’t live in the area, but I definitely saved this place for future visits! Amazing!

Published 4 years ago

Review №63

Community!

Published 4 years ago

Review №64

This healthy vegetarian food cafeteria and small market is an absolute gem. Food is great and filling, and so modestly priced that I usually get a couple bags of chips and a kombucha or apple cider just to boost the bill over $10 for the very kind elderly owner/operator. Had the potato-leek roast with steamed greens and salad today. 5 stars.

Published 4 years ago

Review №65

Published 4 years ago

Review №66

Vegan food al fresco or to go.

Published 4 years ago

Review №67

Published 4 years ago

Review №68

Delicious soulful vegan food. This old man has such a gentle heart. His presence give you patience.

Published 4 years ago

Review №69

DR. JON IS AN ANGEL.

Published 4 years ago

Review №70

Good local healthy options. Can be slow at times

Published 4 years ago

Review №71

I have never eaten here, and I hate to leave a negative review to a food based business during these difficult times (especially a Vegan one!) ...
However, I caught the owner of this place trespassing on my property and stealing from me. I know it was the owner, or at the very least an employee, as the person was driving an old beat up truck with this business' sign prominently displayed. When I caught her, she just grabbed what she could from my property and ran away without saying a word. Yes, they were only avocados from my tree, which I would have been more than happy to share had she asked.... but come on, be respectful!

So keep in mind... if you're buying produce from here - you may very well be buying "produce" that was stolen from your neighbors' orchards.

Published 4 years ago

Review №72

This place is beyond words. Beautiful calm environment with loving and caring staff. I had the lasagna plate and it was excellent.

Published 4 years ago

Review №73

This is old school vegan. Good food. Great price! Friendly neighborhood place.

Published 4 years ago

Review №74

Excellent spot

Published 4 years ago

Review №75

Food made with love makes you feel loved.

Published 4 years ago

Review №76

Wonderful casual, Healthy nutritious, delicious food. The owner, John is a neighborhood treasure. All are welcome.

Published 4 years ago

Review №77

Fantastic little gem vegan and organic food and groceries!

Published 4 years ago

Review №78

I wanted to build my immune system for flu season. John , prescribed vitamin d & c and , zinc.

Published 5 years ago

Review №79

Honest Vegetarian and vegan store

Published 4 years ago

Review №80

Very good, very fresh and healthy!! Dish is filling!! Great food for the prices as well!!! I def will be back here...

Update: when u need and want to replenish ur health and soul this is the place for just that.. food is sooo insanely good!!
The prices are awesome!! 7.50 for a meal and 3.50 for a sandwich!!!!

Published 5 years ago

Review №81

Published 4 years ago

Review №82

The Best. Closest thing to an Oregon health food co-op. Dine in or out front, meet the neighborhood. Vegan and made from scratch.

Published 5 years ago

Review №83

Oh wow. I was just dreaming of o happy days food. What an absolute delight all around. The grocery is also excellent. Thank you so much happy days! I can’t wait to see you again!

Published 5 years ago

Review №84

Highly recommend checking out the humble but fantastic Oh Happy Days Cafe they have veggies, herbs, seeds, and specialty items, but mostly I go for their delicious Veggie Sandwhiches or "Outstanding Yams" meal. I always grab a beverage and/or snack I've never tried before on the way out too.
Tip: There's parking in the back from a side street on Mendocino.
Thank you for providing healthy tasty meals for a decade of my life!

Published 5 years ago

Review №85

Great food n great atmosphere! Laid back cool

Published 5 years ago

Review №86

Loved

Published 5 years ago

Review №87

I haven't been to this space in almost 12 years. The food is delicious and made with heart and soul. The owner is friendly and is the most humblest person I've ever met. I ordered 'The Usual' and it was phenomenal. Recomend it after a good walk through The Cobb Estate. If your into vegan food its fantastic. Im not a vegan but still loved the space.

Published 5 years ago

Review №88

Great customer service!

Published 5 years ago

Review №89

Published 5 years ago

Review №90

Published 5 years ago

Review №91

This place amazing if you love stories of businesses that help their communities. The owner doesn't talk about it much, but he's done everything from helping to feed people to keeping an eye open for any opportunities. Tiny sit down grocery, health supplement, Cafe.

Published 5 years ago

Review №92

Great customer service and food!

Published 5 years ago

Review №93

Published 5 years ago

Review №94

Fav place to eat in LA area for sure. Whole delicious foods, affordable, great vibes.

Published 5 years ago

Review №95

Great place to stop and reenergize after a long hike.

Published 5 years ago

Review №96

Great tasting nutritional food served up by John

Published 6 years ago

Review №97

Very welcoming

Published 6 years ago

Review №98

Published 6 years ago

Review №99

Published 6 years ago

Review №100

Oh happy days is great. Probably the last hippie health food store in LA.

Published 6 years ago

Review №101

Must come. Healthy food cooked daily. Food runs out call ahead or go a little early. This place also has vitamins, some books great information. Cozy place to read. Be friendly people who come here are extremely nice. Bring a book. I love the vegetable soup, and bean soup.. hidden gem dont pass it up. Very small this place packs in alot of health options.

Published 6 years ago

Review №102

Better prices than Whole Foods and a great small business to support!

Published 6 years ago

Review №103

Delicious REAL vegan food. Not GM'd to taste like meat, just simple organic veg, beans and rice. So tasty. Packed with nutrition. So worth the visit. I had 'The Linda'.

Published 6 years ago

Review №104

John is the man when it comes to vegan soups and food.. knowledgeable staff and friendly.

Published 6 years ago

Review №105

Published 6 years ago

Review №106

Published 6 years ago

Review №107

Quaint and inviting. If you prefer a holistic approach to prevent and/or alleviate physical ailments...this is the BEST alternative to modern medicine. Need any advice talk to "John" ...he is the grand poobah of holistic health! They also serve great vegan dishes ...my personal fave the "the noodles" 😋

Published 6 years ago

Review №108

Published 6 years ago

Review №109

Published 6 years ago

Review №110

Too many good things to say about this local gem. This is a legitimate health food store where you can find goods that other places don't sell. The ambiance is super friendly and the food is great.

Published 6 years ago

Review №111

Published 6 years ago

Review №112

Pretty good vegan food for next to nothing pricing. Don't know how John can give it away so cheap.

Published 6 years ago

Review №113

Amazing

Published 6 years ago

Review №114

Published 6 years ago

Review №115

Nice quaint store. Definitely has a cozy atmosphere to it. The store has a descent variety of organic and vegan items. Items range from groceries, dry goods, personal hygiene, soups, and supplements. Prices are reasonable.

What I really enjoy about this store is the fact that they sell food. They have a rotating menu that features soups of the day and the special of the day along with other entrees. All their food is organicically cooked. Once your meal is ready you can take it to go or sit at the tables they have inside.

Published 8 years ago

Review №116

Really a nice place people who worked there were helpful and nice✌😀

Published 6 years ago

Review №117

Published 6 years ago

Review №118

Published 6 years ago

Review №119

Awesome vegan spot with alt medicinal supplement choices

Published 6 years ago

Review №120

Love the split pea soup. Great prices.

Published 6 years ago

Review №121

Published 6 years ago

Review №122

Very awesome place to get organic food and natural ingredients. Very welcoming atmosphere and friendly service.

Published 6 years ago

Review №123

This place is the real thing. Good feelings here and natural food with integrity for sale.

Published 7 years ago

Review №124

Published 7 years ago

Review №125

Best vegan place around for a good meal that tastes good but is a great price. Also they are super nice there and really cool

Published 7 years ago

Review №126

Today I tried the soup of the day: Lentil soup
It was really good😋🥣. Looking forward to try more items from the menu!!!

Published 7 years ago

Review №127

Nice atmosphere and good vibe

Published 7 years ago

Review №128

Published 7 years ago

Review №129

Great place. Great service.
Love to shop at Happy Days.

Published 7 years ago

Review №130

Delicious, healthy and filling food, close-knit folks. All around great vibe.

Published 7 years ago

Review №131

Published 7 years ago

Review №132

Published 7 years ago

Review №133

My number one organic place in all CA

Published 7 years ago

Review №134

Great soup and other dishes

Published 7 years ago

Review №135

The Best vegan food

Published 7 years ago

Review №136

Published 7 years ago

Review №137

Published 7 years ago

Review №138

Published 7 years ago

Review №139

Such a good place super chill

Published 7 years ago

Review №140

Published 7 years ago

Review №141

I was introduced to "Oh Happy Days" by a long time friend. I had the pleasure of experiencing the brown rice, topped with split pea soup, topped with fresh carrots, zucchini, and beets, a little amino liquids, and John's magic mustard sauce drizzle. I added a bit of garlic powder and SHAZZAM!!! An imediate taste-bud plethera explosion of organic flavor gladness blastfull bliss!!! I shared this bowl with a friend, and walked out very happy & tummy satisfied.. Sweet Potato is next on the menu 👍

Published 7 years ago

Review №142

Published 7 years ago

Review №143

One of my favorite places to go for good food :)!

Published 7 years ago

Review №144

Timeless and unique establishment at a slower pace.

Published 7 years ago

Review №145

I was getting harassed in the store and the manager handled the situation really well and I'm so grateful! Wonderful staff

Published 7 years ago

Review №146

I just ate here. Fantastic is an understatement.

Published 7 years ago

Review №147

I honestly love this place, the food is delicious and the people are super nice!

Published 7 years ago

Review №148

We love Oh Happy Days! The only place to live happy! Clean, free, easy - near the Mountain. The only Mountain food!

Published 7 years ago

Review №149

Old school health food store that is a well kept secret.

Published 8 years ago

Review №150

Published 8 years ago

Review №151

Published 8 years ago

Review №152

The cook/owner is great! The food is perfect for those who have been vegitarians and vegans for a long time.

Published 8 years ago

Review №153

Great place to discover!

Published 8 years ago

Review №154

Published 8 years ago

Review №155

Love it here. It's amazing home made food. Don't come here if your in a rush.

Published 8 years ago

Review №156

Published 8 years ago

Review №157

Lentil soup topped with steamed greens served over brown rice. Sit at the communal table, listen to the two speaker only hi-fi playing classical music. Stock up on tea and dried goods.

Published 8 years ago

Review №158

Published 8 years ago

Review №159

Published 8 years ago

Review №160

Published 8 years ago

Review №161

Beautiful large vegan mostly-organic meal, carefully prepared with love... for seven bucks? Really? Okay... wow!

Published 8 years ago

Review №162

Generous portions of fantastic homemade grub at country prices.
Great service, great people, great laid-back vibes.
And, in the back of the house, Jason has walls of shelves of jars of bulk herbs!

Published 8 years ago

Review №163

Published 8 years ago

Review №164

Great food, organic, and healthy. This is a hole in the wall gem

Published 9 years ago

Review №165

Published 9 years ago

Review №166

Published 9 years ago

Review №167

My girl loves this place! Super good eats and gets ya full!!

Published 9 years ago

Review №168

️HalleluYah absolutely delightful ! Living in LA you will often pay an arm and leg for a meal but not here in Altadena ! Oh Happy Day is definitely worth the drive. A sweet escape from the busyness of LA. Tasty inexpensive food, delectable dessert, friendly people, clean environment. Overall excellent experience. After my first plate I was tempted to go back but I had to practice self control. Give them a go! You will love it !!!

Published 9 years ago

Review №169

I love this place.

Published 10 years ago

Review №170

Good vegan meals for cheap nice portions.

Published 10 years ago

Review №171

The best place in town to take your organic hippie vegetarian / vegan friends for home style healthy food ... a magnet for Altadena artists, healers, a vortex of excellent vibrations, and great greens!! Warm and friendly service. We love you John (for those of you who haven't had the privilege yet: he's the owner operator and server) !!

Published 11 years ago

Review №172

Best "home style" cafe in the upper dena area! Come fill up yer soul on community vibes!

Published 12 years ago

Review №173

this place is the best love it
go here often

Published 12 years ago

Review №174

Published 13 years ago

Company information
  • 7 photos
  • 174 reviews
  • 4.8 rating
  • Phone: +1 626-797-0383
  • Address: 2283 Lake Ave, Altadena, CA 91001, United States
  • Coordinates: 34.1850556, -118.13177309999999
Categories
  • Health food restaurant
  • Cafe
Working hours
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM–7 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM–7 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM–7 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM–7 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM–7 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
Service options
  • Outdoor seating: Yes
  • Takeaway: Yes
  • Dine-in: Yes
  • Delivery: Yes
Highlights
  • Great tea selection: Yes
Popular for
  • Lunch: Yes
  • Solo dining: Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park: Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating: Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Yes
Offerings
  • Coffee: Yes
  • Comfort food: Yes
  • Healthy options: Yes
  • Organic dishes: Yes
  • Quick bite: Yes
  • Small plates: Yes
  • Vegan options: Yes
  • Vegetarian options: Yes
Dining options
  • Lunch: Yes
  • Dinner: Yes
  • Dessert: Yes
  • Seating: Yes
Amenities
  • Toilets: Yes
Atmosphere
  • Casual: Yes
  • Cosy: Yes
  • Trendy: Yes
Crowd
  • Groups: Yes
  • University students: Yes
Payments
  • Credit cards: Yes
  • Debit cards: Yes
  • Credit cards: Yes
Children
  • Good for kids: Yes
  • High chairs: Yes
Parking
  • Free of charge street parking: Yes
  • Free parking lot: Yes
Pets
  • Dogs allowed outside: Yes