While there are plenty of great places to grab a cup of coffee with a friend in Arkansas, some of them stand out. If you’re like me and enjoy the vibes and ambiance of a place as much as the brew, you’ll want to check this place out.
The Hip Cafe in Fayetteville, AR is a unique coffee shop that offers everything you’d want from a coffee place. It’s a modern rustic cafe transformed from an old car wash. The menu is great, offering vegan and vegetarian options. The owner is right behind the counter, providing excellent service.
Even if you’re just passing through Fayetteville, you’ll want to give this place a visit. Keep reading to find out exactly why. Make sure to check out my list of the best restaurants in the area as well.
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Food and Coffee at Hip Cafe
Before going through the wide assortment of in-house baked goods and vegan eats, let’s talk about the coffee at Hip Cafe. From start to finish, each cup of coffee is made with care; they use only top-notch equipment and freshly ground beans so you can taste the difference in each sip.
Even though I ordered a matcha tea (which hit all the spots), I’ve heard a lot about their coffee. They source the best quality beans, and their baristas really know what they’re doing. It’s really worth visiting, if just for the coffee. Seriously, even their basic drip coffee is good. So skip that burnt coffee at chain cafes and try the real cold brews and cappuccinos at Hip Cafe.
As for the food menu, they offer vegan and vegetarian foods that don’t skimp on flavor in the least. So many people are talking about their vegan sandwiches—whether roast beef, pastrami, or Cuban. If your diet is not plant-based, there are still a few options on the menu for you as well.
The cafe makes all its sweets and baked goods in-house, meaning everything is fresh, and you can taste it. The most popular items are the vegan maple pecan sticky rolls and the chocolate orange scones.
Don’t forget to take a look at their regular line-up of cookies too!
Hospitality and Vibes
One of the best things you’ll notice about this cafe is the tremendous hospitality of the staff, especially the owner. Every server greets you with a smile, and they’re more than attentive to your needs.
Even better, the interior of the cafe is just astounding. It’s clear to see that the building was initially a car wash and gas station, so its conversion to a cafe looks so cool.
If you’ve ever visited an establishment with gaudy fake decor, you’ll appreciate the bluntness and vibes in this cafe. The atmosphere inside the cafe is so comfy, you can lay back and enjoy your coffee or breakfast wrap in peace.
It’s a great place for lunch dates as well, especially if you choose outdoor seating when the weather is nice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few common questions I hear people asking about The Hip Cafe:
Is the Entire Menu Vegan?
While many of the options at The Hip Cafe are plant-based, not all the items are vegan. Mostly I’ve noticed that they have marked what is vegan, but you should always ask if you have any dietary restrictions. I believe the staff would be happy to oblige if you have any special requests that are doable.
Do They Offer Dairy-Free Milk?
You can find an assortment of dairy-free milk, including oat milk. If you prefer regular dairy milk, that is available too. I’ve asked about the specific issue of contamination, and I’ve been assured by the servers that no vegan orders are mixed with non-vegan orders.
Is the Cafe Still a Functioning Car Wash?
Although the building was actually a gas station and car wash in the past, all that remains are the architectural elements of its previous purpose. The cafe does not have a functioning car wash, nor can you fill up your tank.
Where Is the Outdoor Area?
The outdoor areas are converted parking spaces where cars used to get serviced and washed at the carwash. On spring and summer days, I highly recommend that you take your coffee and scones outside when visiting The Hip Cafe. You can enjoy the Arkansas weather with a delicious brew.
Can I Buy the Coffee Beans?
In addition to your regular order, you can purchase coffee beans and even freshly ground coffee at the Hip Cafe. You can also find other merchandise such as hip t-shirts, fun coffee tumblers, cups, and much more. The french bulldog theme that is used with this brand is highly popular, giving the cafe iconic merchandise to sell.
Does the Cafe Offer Delivery Services?
Unfortunately, delivery services are not something that the cafe offers. Still, you can visit the cafe any time during working hours. They do offer takeaway services, which is the nearest equivalent.
Also, I have a 3-day itinerary that can help you decide what activities to do if you’re overwhelmed by everything Northwest Arkansas has to offer.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie, a sports person, a sightseer, or want to spend quality time with your kids; I have something for you. Check out the link below to learn more:
https://www.allthingsnwa.com/3-day-itinerary-northwest-arkansas
Additional Info on the Hip Cafe
Official working hours are as follows:
| Weekdays (Monday to Friday) | 7.30 am to 4 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am to 2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
If you’re looking for their social media or otherwise, these are the links:
The Address is: 2229 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville.
Similar Businesses and Cafes in the Area
While the following coffee and drink establishments are available nearby, I still believe that Hip Cafe hits the spots and checks every box. In any case, you might want to visit the following cafes:
- Puritan Coffee: An awesome cafe in Fayetteville that I had the good fortune to visit recently. In fact, I liked it so much, I did an entire review for it which you can check out here – Puritan Coffee Review.
- Jammin Java: Another coffee shop in Fayetteville offering a great brew.
- Loafin Joes: A sandwich shop like that has the same comfy vibes as the Hip cafe and great quality products.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in South Fayetteville and searching for a cup of jo or grabbing a bite to eat, The Hip Cafe has got your back. My experience in the place was phenomenal, and I highly recommend anyone (vegan or not) to visit.
Don’t ignore this recommendation even if you aren’t eating a plant-based diet; the food is still delicious, and the baristas are professionally trained.