Back in the early 2000s, there was a local coffee shop I loved going to called The House of Joe. After closing due to the landlord "selling the building the coffee shop was in," The House of Joe never really reopened despite saying it found a new place. I missed those days of the local coffee shop, so when I find a new one, I must always check it out. Oceans Cafe, however, differs as it is a coffee shop located within a church (community). Ergo, it combines two things I love: coffee and God! I just had to check it out, and I am happy I did. It's worth the 30-minute trip south on I-95 to experience it. For starters, it should be stressed that Oceans Cafe's location is somewhat unique as it is located inside of Indian River Mall. That may sound like a red flag as the locals can tell you that the heyday of that mall is in the past with many of its stores closed, but it is still alive and kicking thanks to certain stores such as the AMC 20 and repurposing some of its space for other endeavors. One such endeavor is the westside of the mall being repurposed into Oceans Unite Christian Center, a large Christian church and community. Besides their church/assembly hall, they have a bookstore, radio station, playground, and even a children's center/daycare. One of those "community businesses" is their coffee shop, the Oceans Cafe. Access to the cafe is inside the mall as it has taken one of the store spaces in the Oceans Unite Christian Center part of the mall. I went with my friend Patrick and we have to say, it is a nice coffee house. It has all the decorative hallmarks of a divey coffee house back in the 2000s but with a Christ-centered flair. There are divey signs, numerous tables and chairs for congregation and hanging out, and a huge chalkboard wall that has blessings and prayers written in chalk. Ordering food is like the "cafeteria line" which most will recognized being utilized in Panera Bread. You make your orders, and if you can't get something pre-made or in the cold case, you'll get a number for staff to deliver your food to you. As for the food, the selection is extensive which includes breakfast, paninis, baked goods, salads, soups, and much more. Now here is the kicker, all the food and drinks are "pay it forward." This means you pay what you feel on your heart to pay. This is definitely good as there are people who may need a meal who can't afford such yet they still can get one. Many of the congregation, especially other Christ Followers who come, love to pay it forward. I myself paid more than the recommended, as provided via a conversion sheet by the staff, for my soup, sandwich, and smoothie. As for food, it is very good given the staff are volunteers from what I am told. Probably not the best of the best, but the cause is enough to satisfy your soul as well as your hunger. On a sidenote, the restrooms are part of the community church so they are well-maintained. Take note they are gender-neutral as I only saw two single-person restrooms and making them gender-neutral prevents a waiting line for one gender forming. I do not mind that. Ultimately, I am giving Oceans Cafe a four out of five stars which is the highest any indie business and/or restaurant can get on an initial visit. If in my subsequent visits they are consistent, I will give them their fifth star. EXTRA: Oceans Cafe is located in Indian River Mall so for the scavenger hunters out there like me, there are a large array of geocaches and Munzees to find. You might even find a painted rock too. read more

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Great place. Peaceful ... friendly ... great food. Sort of a hidden gem in vero ... in the 'oceans'' area of the mall, by playground, but open to all. read more

They have a good mission, and being able to pay what you can afford is nice. The mall that it is in is very rundown, and overall not a great walk up experience. The food is something you could probably make it home, but overall it can hit the spot if you're very hungry. The service is very nice. They do have it recommended donation amount for what you are ordering which you should abide by if you can. overall, the places very clean, and the team was nice. read more

The coffee and food is good quality and made fresh here. The customer service is phenomenal. Everything is donation-based. It's also great to be able to donate here and know my money is going to a good cause. I love the artwork and the interior design, it feels like an actual cafe not just a fast food coffee shop!! read more

I've been several times to this lovely cafe with a wonderful concept and mission. If the prices on the menu look a little on the steep side? THEY ARE ONLY AN ESTIMATION OR SUGGESTION:-) Actually, ""YOU PAY WHAT YOU THINK IS FAIR/OR CAN AFFORD""? It's Considered A Donation. That Helps The Local Community(Among Others) Surprising?? That's OK. I Was Very Surprised. Their Beverages Include. Hot & Cold Coffees, Iced Teas, Lattes, Cappuccinos, Smoothies(Incl. Protein Power Smoothies. NOW WHEY & PEA PROTEIN). Fresh salads, Sandwiches, Bowls... I love the freshly roasted Turkey Salad w/fresh veggies. Beautifully decorated. Comfortable cozy sectioned seating areas. Tables & dinning chairs section. Hand gel stations provided. Distance & masks suggested. Very clean including their restroom. No contact faucet. Recycled Paper Towels. read more

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I just go here for a coffee at the ocean . Im sure the food is good at ocean cafe. is least expensive cafe in town. It has good food options and coffee always good. The coffee is away because you pay whatever you have.. It is a amazing place at the mall. Because there's not enough things to do at mall to downtown at the mall. read more

Nice place for coffee at the mall. Next to Sears. Plenty of seating. Calming music. Perfect to relax and unwind. read more

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Just so you know. This is in the mall. Directions are spotty at best. Looked everywhere and never found it. Not great if you cant find a place to eat read more

Like a previous reviewer, we could not find it. Tried to call, got a corporate message, pressed "1" and landed in voice mail. We'd wandered around that parking too long to spend any more time on this so we went elsewhere. read more

Breathing life into the Indian River Mall in Vero Beach, is the Oceans Cafe and Social Lounge. Not affiliated with Ocean Grill along the Atlantic Ocean, this place is connected with the Oceans Unite Christian Centre. It is only a couple of months old. First visit for my son and I, William had the grilled cheese sandwich - as a kids special. Homemade potato chips, fruit juice and a tomato sauce side for dipping, the Kids Special is only $5.00. Decent portion and William ate everything. Kids menu has five different selections - including, a kids Chia bowl, whatever that is... Lunch for me included the Turkey and Brie Quesadilla. Suggested by our server/barista - Jessica - it came with cranberry and avocado. Very tasty and I ate everything as well. For my beverage, I ordered the 16 ounce latte, no pumps - just plain. Served hot, it was just what the doctor ordered. Food is made fresh as ordered, so be patient. This is not a fast food restaurant. Speaking of Jessica - she was friendly and polite and came by our table several times making inquiry whether everything was okay. Premises were clean and well kept. Parking is mall parking - no problem parking your car. Oceans Cafe serves breakfast and lunch - with kids menu as mentioned above - in addition to event and business platters. The event platter is available for "carry out" only, while the business platter is available for "dine in" and "carry out." Numerous assorted sandwiches and other tasty looking items are available on these platters. Oceans Cafe is open during mall hours - which are 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. - Monday thru Saturday and from 12 noon until 6 p.m. on Sunday. Better than the other coffee shop/cafe located in the food court of the Indian River Mall, 5 stars to Oceans Cafe and Social Lounge. I will be sure to visit again. William E. Lewis Jr. Vero Beach, Florida. read more

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Everything is delicious and the service is fantastic. The ambiance is wonderful. It is a pay it forward system so many people who are in need eat for free. read more

Best coffee shop in town! Has fast WiFi & delicious coffee. They're always updating the menu, never gets boring and ALL the food is exceptional! The staff are so friendly. read more

Oceans Cafe is hands down the best coffee shop in Vero Beach. Not only do they have amazing food and drinks, but the customer service is unlike anything you'll experience anywhere else. Oceans Cafe is truly the greatest! read more

This is by far the most beautiful coffee shop and cafe in Vero Beach! You have to try their sandwiches and lattes! Their team is always so nice and take care of everyone! read more