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    Happenstance Cafe

    4.8 (51 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    HAPPENSTANCE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Happenstance Cafe

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    Molly H.

    A true hidden gem in Lawrenceville! I'm kicking myself for having not tried it sooner. I visited on a sunny spring weekend morning with a friend and we ordered at the counter and took our table number to the back patio. The patio is so charming - lots of tables and umbrellas and sunny spots! They also have some indoor seating and upstairs deck seating. Bigger than it seems from the outside! The coffee (I got an iced latte) was strong and tasty, and I absolutely loved my breakfast tacos and the amazing cinnamon roll. Theirs has to be in contention for one of the best in the city, I think. My friend tried the garden sammie on a bagel, and she really enjoyed it! The bagel/sandwich was massive, too. It's a great spot to meet someone for a coffee or a casual meal, and they seem pretty kid-friendly as well, as there were lots of parents with babies and toddlers present on the day I was there. I'd love to return for adult beverages in the evenings and lunch fare in the near future! This spot is such a breath of fresh air!

    Amanda D.

    Cute little hidden cafe on Penn Ave. Small inside, with only a few seats inside but a cute little secret garden in the back with lots of outdoor seating. They do have both food and drinks, but I only got a drink so would like to go back and try the food. Lot's of street parking nearby. I got a rose cardamom latter. I typically don't prefer floral drinks so would also like to go back and try the regular latte, however, I do appreciate the unique drink options!

    Crispy Chicken Sandwich w/ Fries
    Jeremy B.

    7/9/25 Ate List: Crispy Chicken Samdwich - 8.9 Honestly, blown away. This is such a great find. Seating options are awesome - split between multiple different spaces indoor and outdoor. All unique. Staff was very friendly. Food was delicious! This was an ideal crispy chicken sandwich. Very tasty. And the fries were wonderful as well. A place where your plate makes you more curious to explore the rest of the menu. Will absolutely be back!

    Sangria
    Angela M.

    Stopped in for a few drinks on the patio on a beautiful evening. The place is quaint and unassuming from the outside. A quick trip to the back of the restaurant there's ample patio seating. The patio is beautiful, covered with lush greenery and seats with umbrellas. It was a perfect place to enjoy some delicious cocktails. The Lavender Lizzy was fresh and well balanced. The glitter added extra pizzazz to the drink. They use PA local wines and spirits which is great. Their new Spanish sangria was a hit and perfect for summer. Service was great and everyone was so friendly.

    Glenn's Grilled Chicken Handheld
    Karen H.

    There's a charming little cafe in Lawrenceville called Happenstance Cafe that should be on your radar! They have a taproom, a lovely back patio/garden space, and a spacious second floor upstairs so it's great for groups. Their cozy atmosphere and delicious food and drinks makes this spot a neighborhood gem. I liked everything we got and especially loved my refreshing frose and indulgent fried chicken and croffles (yes, its a croissant waffle!). They also offer coffee and breakfast options!

    Breakfast Sammy on an everything bagel
    Felicia Y.

    The best part is their outdoor seating- ambiance is fantastic there and it's very very cute. The food is... quite lacking to say the least. I got the breakfast sammy on an everything bagel. It tasted like an egg, some bacon, and some tomato. Nothing special and I could've easily replicated it at home. There was such little aioli that I didn't taste it. Very disappointing The rose cardamom latte tasted like a sweetened latte that occasionally had some rose flavor. Loved the art and the fact that they don't charge extra for alt milk. I think I'd maybe go back to get a drink and sit outside in the future, but I'm not dying to go back.

    Jess N.

    Love this spot for literally anything. A place you can sit at all day into the evening to get work done, have coffee, a bite, and be around some great humans. They have easy parking and it's a great place to stop in!

    Burger
    Orrin E.

    What a cute and unassuming place. If you weren't paying attention you can easily drive right by it- but once you enter through the doors- what a pleasant surprise. Your met with lively colors and cute decor. You place your order at the front counter where they also serve coffee and cocktail specials. Take a number and pick a seat. The back garden space is delightful. Staff is friendly and the food is very good. They've got the perfect name and a solid concept. I hope they will be around for years and years to come.

    Julia H.

    Great spot right in Lawrenceville. The restaurant is super cute it feels like you are eating in your living room. Outdoor patio area would be a great spot to hangout once it gets warm!! Staff was super sweet and made me a delicious latte. Food was nice and casual with the avocado toast and grilled chicken sandwich. Loved the vibes here

    Jeannie D.

    The food was fantastic, the coffee was disappointing. My latte was barely warm and lacked flavor, it was like water and milk with a splash of coffee. Service was great, the place is adorable! Inside and outside seating. Parking wasn't too difficult. I would try again.

    Outside
    Ken L.

    The vibes are so homey and cute here. Love that they have a day time menu and a dinner menu. We came for dinner and they had awesome dishes like the pulled pork mac and chicken and croffles. They were so good! Their drinks are amazing too. They serve local wine and cocktails from local distilleries and breweries. Love the Jackworth and Love, Katie drinks. The wine was fabulous too from Papa Joe's. Loved the Sauvignon blanc and tannat. The staff is so sweet too! Their not so secret garden space is so cute and they also have an upstairs space where events are held. They have game nights and other local community events too. Definitely need to come back for brunch! Such a gem!! Can't wait till they use their pizza oven for pop ups and events in the summer.

    Pimento cheese BLT Avocado toast
    Tiffany T.

    Service was amazing, the person at the register gave us great recommendations and emphasized the specials. We got the turmeric honey latte due to the high praise and it was yummy. The front room looks cozy but also there's an upstairs and patio for more seating. Both of our choices (pimento BLT & avocado toast) were delicious. Can't wait to try more of their menu!

    Frose
    Tabitha W.

    The food? Absolutely amazing The cocktails? Refreshing with a great selection The back patio? UNREAL. This hidden gem bordering Lawrenceville and Bloomfield is a must stop spot. Their space inside is so cozy with the friendliest staff. Then as you go to the backlit patio, you're ready for a lovely dinner surrounded by soft lights and a garden with the cutest mural for pictures. If you are looking for a friendly game night or fun workspace, their upstairs has several tables you can have a larger group at, or just bring your lap top and type away! I was there for dinner, I'm so excited to go back for brunch!

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    Jillian B.

    Thank you for the visit this morning!

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    3 months ago

    Had a staff retreat there. Great service. Kind people. Really great coffee and lattes

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    1 year ago

    Had the corn beef hash. It was made fresh and was delicious! Small place with a lot of ambiance. The people serving were very nice.

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    So thankful for your glowing review. We hope to see you again soon

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