Tasty Budz

- 161 Gramatan Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10550

In the heart of Mount Vernon, New York, lies a unique culinary gem: Tasty Budz. This establishment has quickly gained a reputation in the Westchester and greater New York region for its remarkable dual identity. It serves as an authentic West African restaurant, specializing in the rich and complex flavors of Ghanaian cuisine, while simultaneously operating as a full-service Juice shop, providing an array of invigorating and healthy beverages. This combination makes Tasty Budz a premier destination for those seeking both hearty, flavor-packed meals and refreshing, nutritious options.

The culinary vision is steered by an experienced hand—owner and Chef Lawrence Ofori, a respected Food Network “Chopped” finalist. This background ensures that every dish is prepared with culinary precision and authentic flair. Chef Ofori's cooking is deeply rooted in his Ghanaian upbringing, influenced by his grandmother, yet he skillfully integrates inspiration from other global cuisines, including Mexican, Italian, Indian, and Caribbean. This fusion is not a dilution of authenticity but an enhancement, offering patrons a taste of African culture and cuisine that is both traditional and accessible. The sheer variety means Tasty Budz transcends a single category, also functioning as a Pastry shop and Salad shop, catering to nearly every craving for lunch, dinner, or dessert.

Tasty Budz is conveniently located at 161 Gramatan Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10550, USA, making it a central and accessible spot for residents of Mount Vernon and the surrounding New York suburbs. Its location on Gramatan Avenue places it in a high-traffic area, easy to reach whether you are making a deliberate trip for authentic West African food or simply grabbing a quick, healthy smoothie.

The restaurant is set up to welcome a diverse clientele with several accessibility features and practical amenities. Patrons will find a dedicated Restroom on-site, which is also noted as a Wheelchair accessible restroom. The Atmosphere is decidedly Casual, making it a comfortable place for everyone, and is explicitly recognized as Family-friendly and Good for kids. For drivers, parking is manageable, with both Free street parking and Paid street parking options available nearby. For those who prefer to plan ahead, the establishment also Accepts reservations, a helpful service given the dedicated preparation time for many of their authentic dishes.

Understanding the fast pace of life in the New York region, Tasty Budz offers a comprehensive suite of service options focusing on convenience, flexibility, and customer satisfaction.

• Full Dining Options: The establishment supports Dine-in service, with comfortable Seating available for patrons wishing to enjoy their meal on-site for Lunch or Dinner.
• Convenient Takeaway Services: For the ultimate ease, customers can opt for Takeout, Delivery, or even Curbside pickup, allowing for minimal disruption to a busy schedule.
• Counter Service: The operational setup includes efficient Counter service, optimizing the process for Quick bite orders, especially for the juice and smoothie menu.
• Catering Services: Beyond the daily dining experience, Tasty Budz is also listed as a Catering food and drink supplier, making it a fantastic option for parties, corporate events, or gatherings where the goal is to introduce guests to unique, vibrant, and healthy flavors.
• Payment Versatility: The shop accommodates modern transactions, accepting major Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

The standout features of Tasty Budz stem directly from its exceptional and authentic menu, combined with its unique focus on both deeply satisfying comfort food and fresh, health-conscious selections. It’s a place where tradition meets wellness.

• Authentic Ghanaian Cuisine: The food is known for its rich, complex flavor profiles. Signature West African dishes include the highly-praised Jollof Rice and Chicken—described as "heavily flavored" and not to be dismissed as a side dish—and traditional Ghanaian items such as Fufu (pounded yam or plantain) with various soups, Goat Soup, and Ga Kenkey.
• Comprehensive Juice and Smoothie Menu: True to its identity as a juice shop, the menu features specialized, healthy liquid nutrition. Offerings include energizing **Protein Shakes** and a variety of freshly pressed **Juices** (e.g., **Super Green**, **Heartbeat** with beets and pineapple, and **Sunrise** with grapefruit and orange) and signature **Smoothies** like the creamy Morning Dew (almonds and banana blend) and the plant-based **Gramatan** (pineapple, kale, mango, avocado). Traditional African drinks like Sobolo (Sorrel/Hibiscus Flower Drink) and **Iced Kenkey** are also available.
• Balanced Menu Offerings: The menu successfully bridges the gap between indulgent Comfort food (like the flavorful rice and meats) and dedicated Healthy options (juices, salads, protein shakes). This balance, alongside the availability of Small plates and Dessert, makes it suitable for diverse dietary needs and dining intents.
• Consistent High-Quality Food: Despite a noted challenge with long wait times—which a customer suggested is due to the labor-intensive preparation of the meals—the consensus among reviews is that the food is "amazing," "packed with flavor, perfectly tender," and well worth the wait.
• Community Amenities: The presence of features like Sports being a highlight and the overall casual, family-friendly environment makes it a great spot for local gatherings and enjoying a relaxed, authentic meal.

For making reservations, placing catering orders, or to inquire about the menu, customers can use the following contact details:

Address: 161 Gramatan Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10550, USA
Phone: (914) 218-1459
Mobile Phone: +1 914-218-1459

Choosing Tasty Budz offers a unique and enriching dining experience rarely found elsewhere in the New York region—a convergence of world-class West African cuisine and top-tier nutritional beverages. It is a must-visit for New Yorkers seeking authentic flavor profiles and cultural experience, particularly the authentic cuisine of Ghana. The food is not simply prepared; it is an expression of culture and flavor, led by a Food Network-recognized chef.

Patrons are strongly encouraged to try the flagship dishes, particularly the Jollof Rice and Chicken, which is lauded for its rich, spicy, and satisfying complexity. For a truly adventurous and traditional West African experience, exploring options like Fufu with Goat Soup or Ga Kenkey introduces diners to staple ingredients and preparation methods that define the region's culinary landscape. This is why the restaurant is seen as bringing "great food and culture to Mount Vernon."

In addition to the main courses, the juice shop side of the business provides the perfect complement or a separate wellness stop. The Morning Dew smoothie—a creamy, indulgent treat with almonds and banana—is a popular choice to balance the spice of the main dishes. Choosing one of their freshly pressed juices, like the detoxifying Super Green or the vibrant Heartbeat, provides a fantastic way to access quick, healthy nutrition. While the service speed is a known factor, the universal agreement on the incredible quality of the food underscores the value proposition: a truly memorable and authentic meal, whether it’s a quick protein shake or a leisurely, flavorful West African dinner.

Tasty Budz

161 Gramatan Ave, Mt Vernon, NY 10550, USA