Restaurant Reivew
Mickey's Cafe and Organics
Mickey's Cafe and Organics provides fresh, healthy food for residents and visitors of St. Petersburg. There really isn't a lot of options in town for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diners, so it's always nice to find places which cater to those with special dietary concerns.
Mickey's is conveniently located downtown on Central Ave, nearby many other restaurants, cafes, and attractions. It's a decent choice for a quick lunch before continuing on with the rest of your day.
Food
Mickey's serves breakfast and lunch. They also offer a large selection of juiced drinks, smoothies, and coffee. For their coffee and espresso based drinks, they serve locally roasted Buddy Brew. The long list of juiced drinks and smoothies (with options like Alkaline Special, Anti Virus, and Body Cleanser), are made using 100% organic fruits and vegetables.
Breakfast includes a small menu of traditional choices like Egg sandwiches, BLTs, and fruit plates. They have a Paleo special consisting of 2 eggs and a side of meat. In addition, gluten-free wraps are available for the sandwiches.
Lunch includes many varieties of salads and wraps. Salads use 100% organic produce, which is always a great bonus when dining out. You will find all different varieties available including options such as Strawberry Fields, Jerk Chicken Salad, Greek Salad, Roasted Veggie Salad, Raw Power Salad, and Just Green Salad.
The Just Green Salad consists of romaine and spinach topped with cucumber, avocado, celery, sprouts, and green peppers. The salad was decent; lots of fresh looking avocado, however, a bit skimpy on the other veggies. More sprouts would have been nice. At $10, it was a bit overpriced for the quantity of veggies you actually received.
Salad dressings include a variety of homemade choices, including a few vegan and gluten friendly options. You will find a variety of wraps made with a base of shredded lettuce, red cabbage, and carrots. Gluten-Free brown rice wraps are available at no extra cost. Here are a few of the options you will be able to enjoy: Jerk Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad, Southwest Special, and Roasted Veggie.
The Jerk Chicken wrap with oven baked chicken and a chipotle mayonnaise dressing was great, although a side to accompany the wrap would have justified the $9 price. Perhaps a few blue corn chips or raw veggies can be added to the plate for a better presentation.
Update: As of 2023, prices have gone up. However, they do offer a number of more affordably priced lunch combo deals. One deal includes half a wrap, small salad, soup, and cookie for 16 bucks.
Dessert options include Gourmet Popsicles from a local company called Popcraft, homemade ice cream using all natural ingredients, gluten-free macaroons, and a varied selection of baked goods. In addition, vegan and gluten-free cookies are available.
Service
Service here is pretty quick; you can easily order and eat within 30 minutes or so. It's a great choice for anyone seeking a quick, healthy meal before pursuing other activities in the area. The cashier could have been a bit friendlier.
Atmosphere
The indoor dining area is a bit bland and could definitely use a few creative touches. However, the outdoor patio is great for cooler days. Pets are allowed too!
Final Remarks
Overall, Mickey's Cafe & Organics is a good choice for healthy eaters who are planning other activities in the area; I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to eat here, however, it is a decent choice if you will already be in the area.
There are lots of fresh, organic salads, wraps, and juices on the menu, so it's a great choice on a hot summer day. Prices are a bit steep and they could use a few more vegan and gluten-free friendly options on the menu.
