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Clean Plates Cafe & Juice Bar

4.7(48 reviews)
Unclaimed$Vegan restaurantVegan restaurant

What people love here...

Vegan Cheezesteak

Multiple reviewers—vegans and non-vegans alike—single this sandwich out as their favorite and compare it favorably to well-known regional cheesesteaks.

The BEST vegan cheezesteak I've ever had...periodt.
First time trying this vegan joint, and I have to say, that 'cheezesteak' really is delicious.

Key Themes from Reviews

Food Quality & FlavorPositive

Customers consistently praise the taste and creativity of the menu, calling it some of the best vegan food they’ve had.

"Fantastic vegan food with amazing flavor."
"Food bursting with flavor, creative new food weekly, and comfy classics served in a plant based cruelty free way."

About Clean Plates Cafe & Juice Bar

Welcome to Clean Plates Cafe & Juice Bar

Nestled in the heart of Reading, PA, Clean Plates Cafe & Juice Bar brings a fresh, plant-based dining experience to vegans and non-vegans alike. This vibrant café and juice bar has built a loyal following through its creative menu, generous portions, and unwavering commitment to flavor. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick cold-pressed juice, savoring a stacked vegan cheezesteak, or indulging in a hearty açaí bowl, Clean Plates delivers an inviting atmosphere and food that truly delights.

Bold, Flavor-Forward Vegan Cuisine

At Clean Plates Cafe & Juice Bar, each dish celebrates the endless possibilities of vegan cooking. Customers consistently rave that the “food bursts with flavor,” and it’s easy to see why. From comfy plant-based classics to inventive weekly specials, the kitchen team pours passion and creativity into every plate.

  • Signature Vegan Cheezesteak: Often hailed as “the best vegan cheezesteak I’ve ever had… periodt,” this fan favorite layers savory seitan, gooey dairy-free cheese, and sautéed peppers for a mouthwateringly authentic take on a regional classic.
  • Rotating Weekly Specials: The menu is constantly evolving, giving regulars something new to try with each visit. Many patrons note they “never have been disappointed” by the inventive weekly lineups—everything from southwest burrito bowls to Italian-inspired lasagnas finds its moment in the spotlight.

Generous Portions & Exceptional Value

One of the hallmarks of Clean Plates Cafe & Juice Bar is its commitment to abundance and affordability. “The portion sizes are HUGE,” exclaim customers, adding that “everything is very well priced.” Whether you’ve come for a nourishing entrée or a light snack, you’ll leave satisfied—and often with enough leftovers for later. Even side orders, like the famous fries, draw comments: “the only place where the side order of fries is too big for one person. It’s amazing!”

While most guests celebrate the balance of portion size and cost, a small handful feel that certain specialty items edge toward premium pricing. Yet, the overwhelming sentiment is that the quality, freshness, and sheer generosity of servings make Clean Plates a standout value in Reading’s dining scene.

Freshly Pressed Juices & Açaí Bowls

Clean Plates’ juice bar is more than an afterthought—it’s a destination in its own right.

  • Cold-Pressed Juices: Praised as “the best juices I’ve ever tasted,” each cold-pressed blend is crafted with seasonal fruits and vegetables, yielding vibrant colors and deeply refreshing flavors. Patrons often mix and match, creating their own custom flights to beat the summer heat or boost their morning routine.
  • Açaí Bowls: Brimming with ripe fruit, crunchy granola, and playful toppings, the açaí bowls here earn glowing reviews for both taste and presentation. One delighted diner shared, “my açaí bowl had more fruit than anywhere else I’ve been!” Fresh strawberry slices nestle beside creamy banana, while toasted coconut and chia seeds add texture and flair.

Warm Hospitality & Owner Passion

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a friendly team that genuinely cares about your experience. “People at Clean Plates were very friendly,” note many reviewers, and they often encounter the owner herself, whose generosity and enthusiasm leave lasting impressions. It’s not uncommon to receive a complimentary sample or extra topping—little gestures that turn first-time visitors into regulars. One customer happily recalled, “She threw in the ‘small’ amount (which was actually quite a bit) free of charge.”

While the vast majority of interactions are positive, a very small number of guests have reported less pleasant encounters. The management takes feedback to heart and continuously works to ensure every staff member reflects the café’s ethos of respect and kindness.

Inviting Atmosphere & Clean Environment

Clean Plates Cafe & Juice Bar’ s welcoming décor and impeccably maintained dining area make it a comfortable spot for solo lunches, casual meet-ups, or family outings. Customers consistently highlight the spacious seating and sparkling cleanliness: “The atmosphere is excellent! … You will not be disappointed!” Natural light floods the interior through large windows, accentuating the modern, minimalist design that complements the fresh, vibrant menu.

A Note on Service Speed

In the pursuit of made-to-order quality, some diners have experienced longer-than-expected wait times—reports of 30–45 minute waits during off-peak hours surface occasionally. The staff appreciates patrons’ patience, explaining that each meal and juice is handcrafted to ensure peak freshness. To minimize delays, try placing your order ahead for pick-up or visiting during non-peak hours.

Why Clean Plates Stands Out

Clean Plates Cafe & Juice Bar has carved its niche in Reading by combining culinary creativity with genuine hospitality. The café’s dedication to plant-based eating shines in every dish—whether it’s a familiar comfort food reimagined cruelty-free or a daring weekly creation. Generous portions, fair pricing, and standout items like the vegan cheezesteak, cold-pressed juices, and fruit-laden açaí bowls keep customers coming back. Add an inviting atmosphere, a passionate owner, and a friendly staff, and you have a dining experience that’s as nourishing for the soul as it is for the body.

Plan Your Visit

Discover the flavors and warmth of Clean Plates Cafe & Juice Bar for yourself. Conveniently located in Reading, PA, this vegan restaurant is open for dine-in, takeout, and juice-to-go. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, a curious omnivore, or simply seeking fresh, delicious food, Clean Plates promises a plant-powered feast that delights, refreshes, and inspires.

About This Business

Pets

  • Dogs allowed outside

Crowd

  • Tourists

Parking

  • Parking
  • Paid street parking

Children

  • Kids' menu
  • Good for kids

Payments

  • Credit cards

Amenities

  • Restroom

Offerings

  • Coffee
  • Quick bite
  • Comfort food
  • Small plates
  • Vegan options
  • Healthy options
  • Vegetarian options

Atmosphere

  • Cozy
  • Casual
  • Trendy

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Breakfast
  • Solo dining

Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Brunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Catering
  • Breakfast
  • Counter service

Service options

  • Dine-in
  • Takeout

Contact Information

Food Court, 35 N 6th St 1st Fl
Reading, PA 19601
United States of America
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Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars

Based on 48 reviews

Review data

5 star reviews

90%

4 star reviews

2%

3 star reviews

2%

2 star reviews

0%

1 star reviews

6%

Working Hours

Monday:
9AM-5PM
Tuesday:
9AM-5PM
Wednesday:
9AM-5PM
Thursday:
9AM-5PM
Friday:
9AM-5PM
Saturday:
10AM-4PM
Sunday:
Closed

Location Map