A Vegan Brunch at Queen Bean Bistro: A Fresh, Flavorful Find Near the Beach

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Let me paint the scene: the cars are covered in a thick dusting of yellow pollen, my eyes are watering, my nose is somehow stuffy and running at the same time, and I am down yet another box of Benadryl.

Are allergies kicking anyone else’s butt right now? Because I don’t think I’ve seen a day this week where I haven’t coughed up a lung. How many of those do I have again? Either way, I coughed them all up. GROSS. 🤧🌼

So what’s the best way to treat yourself and escape the pollen for a bit?
A brunch trip, of course.

After many people read about my recent brunch adventures, I kept hearing the same thing:
 “You have to try Queen Bean!”

Located in Vassar Square in Ventnor City, this cozy bistro focuses on fresh, local ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have a full barista setup, it’s a BYOB spot (always a win), and according to their website, the heart of the kitchen is Chef Sal, who prioritizes high-quality local ingredients to create wholesome dishes with a little extra flair.

And let me tell you.. that flair shows.

Getting There & What to Expect

It was a quick drive to Ventnor, and there was plenty of street parking available, always a small victory at the shore, but I won’ t vouch for parking in the summer. There is a slight walk up to the boardwalk, but the bistro is right in Vassar Square. I would highly suggest making a reservation, though. The space is intimate, and it gets packed fast.

We went during brunch hours, which meant the perfect mix of breakfast and lunch crowds. Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait long, but I could easily see weekends filling up quickly.

The Drinks: Mocktail Vibes Without the Label

I was pleasantly surprised by the variety on the menu. There was fresh local produce highlighted throughout, from berry blends on French toast to colorful açaí bowls. And while I didn’t see the word “mocktail” specifically listed, there were definitely plenty of fun, alcohol-free drink options.

First up: the Bistro Blend: your choice of juice topped with sparkling water.
I chose the sweet apple version, and honestly? I’m calling it a mocktail. It was ice-cold, lightly sweet, and extra bubbly/ Everything a girl could want with a savory brunch. 🥂✨

Next came a nostalgic favorite: a glass bottle of Boylan Bottling Company black cherry soda. There is just something special about drinking soda out of a glass bottle. It feels classic. These can be hard to find, but when you do, they are GOOD. The flavor tastes real, not overly syrupy. I am now officially on the hunt for more, and rumor has it Dollar Tree sometimes carries them at a much cheaper price.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a proper brunch without a matcha.

I ordered the Purple Reign Matcha Latte, a lavender and vanilla iced matcha served in their branded Queen Bean cup. The lavender and vanilla flavors were subtle, nothing overpowering, but it was still a refreshing, pretty drink that felt just fancy enough for brunch. 💜🍵

The Food: A Vegan Brunch That Actually Fills You Up

Now, time for the main event: the food.

Missing my vegan college days, I finally decided to try something I’ve been curious about for years: Just Egg, a vegan egg substitute.

Queen Bean offers a Just Egg two-egg omelet, and I added spinach and tomato to mine.

Let me tell you, this omelet was STUFFED.

It was crispy on the outside, packed with veggies, and incredibly satisfying. I ate every last bite, which rarely happens with me and breakfast. It came with a side of rosemary-seasoned potatoes, and that detail made all the difference.

Most places just cook potatoes, toss them on the plate, and call it a day.  

These potatoes?
Sassy, flavorful, and actually worth finishing. 🥔✨

I also got a thin slice of toast with vegan butter, which rounded out the meal perfectly. It felt complete, hearty, and thoughtfully prepared.

A Classic Brunch Option for the Non-Vegans

My mom went the more traditional route and ordered the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on an everything bagel.

I don’t know where they source their bagels, but this one tasted like it had been made that very morning. Fresh, fluffy, and perfectly chewy. The egg was cooked just right: not runny, not burnt, just exactly what you want in a breakfast sandwich.

And yes, it also came with those famous Yukon rosemary potatoes.

Because apparently, they refuse to serve boring potatoes here. 😄

The Atmosphere: Cozy, Nostalgic, and Steps from the Beach

Inside the bistro, vintage photos of Ventnor “back in the day” line the walls, adding a touch of nostalgia and local charm. Between bites, you can glance out the windows and catch a beautiful view of the beach.

After we paid the bill, we took a quick stroll down the nearby boardwalk ramp to touch the sand and feel the ocean breeze.

It’s still a little too cold for swimming, or even a full boardwalk walk, in my opinion, but sometimes you just need a deep breath of salty air to reset your day. 🌊

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Brunch Spot in Ventnor City

Another excellent brunch with great company, beach views, and thoughtfully crafted dishes to start the day.

Whether you’re looking for:

  • Vegan brunch options in South Jersey

  • A cozy BYOB brunch near the beach

  • Or simply a fresh, flavorful breakfast in Ventnor City

This spot delivers.

I already can’t wait to go back.

Until Next Time,
 The Sober Party Girl

Final Sober Party Girl Score:
 10 out of 10

✅ Pros

  • 🌱 Great vegan options — The JUST Egg omelet was hearty, flavorful, and actually filling

  • 🥔 Seasoned rosemary potatoes — Not your average side… these had personality

  • 🥂 Mocktail-worthy drinks — The Bistro Blend delivered bubbly brunch vibes

  • ☕ Fun specialty beverages — Matcha, fresh juices, and classic sodas like Boylan Bottling Company

  • 🏖️ Close to the beach — Perfect excuse for a post-brunch stroll and ocean air

  • 🥗 Fresh, local ingredients — You can taste the quality

  • 👯 Cozy brunch atmosphere — Small, welcoming, and full of local charm

⚠️ Cons

  • ⏰ Small space fills up fast — Reservations are highly recommended

  • 💺 Limited seating — Not ideal for large groups without planning ahead

  • 🚗 Street parking — A win if you can find parking, but it will be tough in the summer

  • 🥶 Too chilly for full boardwalk season (for now) — But that’s Mother Nature’s fault, not theirs



Quick Info:

  • 📍 Location: Ventnor City, NJ

  • 🅿️ Parking: Street parking available

  • 🥂 BYOB: Yes

  • 🌱 Vegan Options: Yes

  • 📅 Reservations: Recommended

  • 💲 Price Range: $$

  • 🏖️ Distance to Beach: Short walk
Location: Ventnor City, NJ, USA

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