Lacuna Juice and Yoga. Photo by Sara Ford

Meal options abound for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diners at the eight-month old wellness oasis.

Dont let the name fool you: Lacuna Juice and Yoga caters to more than just practicing yogis and steadfast juicers. The spaces bright cafe accommodates an expansive egg, dairy, and, meat-free lineup that gives everyone something to love.

Were not trying to be restrictive or convert people to veganism, says owner Megan Whiteside, who opened the wellness oasis with her husband Trent DeMichele in June. We just want to broaden peoples dietary horizons.

The completely organic menu, much of which is or can be made gluten-free and touts everything from soups and salads to toasts and breakfast bowls, certainly demonstrates the infinite possibilities of plant-based eating. One such prospect is the curry coconut wrap ($11). Inside its paper-thin shell (comprised of raw coconut meat and salt), layers of limey kale, tender tofu, shredded carrots, sliced jalapenos, ground shiitake mushrooms, and a miso-ginger-and-peanut butter spread work together in piquant harmony.

The brainchild of this hand-held delight and the rest of Lacunas culinary offerings is former Table 6 executive chef Carrie Shores. Shores, who sources ingredients from neighboring Altius Farms and Growers Organic, draws on her fine-dining experience and nearly lifelong veganism to lead Lacunas kitchen with minimal food loss. Were working toward zero-waste, says Shores. So I try to cross-utilize ingredients as much as possible.

That means any leftover cashews from the cafes protein-packed golden milk ($11) are incorporated into the shortbread crumble for the dulche de leche apple pie overnight oats ($6) or made into a spicy cashew ranch. The cold-press process, which makes each of Lacunas 10 juices so vitamin-rich, is also unfortunately its biggest food-waste culpritthough thats just about the juices only drawback.

In addition to ample nutrient goodness, the juices are wildly drinkable. For instance the Ruby ($11), which claims benefits such as increased energy, sings with fruity naval orange and Anjou pear while only hinting at its more polarizing components (beet, turmeric, fennel, and lemon). The grass-hued Jade ($11) delivers a tart and citrus-y herbaceousness while packing the superfood punch from greens like spinach and kale.

The yoga classes are similarly approachable, offering a gentle combination of Vinyasa, Hatha, and Katonah techniques. Yoga mats are provided by the studio (!) as well as blankets, blocks, and other props to make the practice as comfortable as possible.

In January, the cafe added gluten-free, almond flour weekend waffles (only available Saturdays and Sundays) to its menu. With vegan-made toppings like sliced bananas, caramel, and chocolate sauce, the dish is yet another reminder from Lacuna that even with dietary restrictions, theres still plenty of deliciousness to be had.

2590 Lawrence St.

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Lacuna Juice and Yoga Defeats Dietary Restrictions - 5280 | The Denver Magazine