The Veggie Grill - Irvine

If you're looking for a vegetarian restaurant because meat doesn't sit well with you, check out Veggie Grill. While I wouldn’t necessarily say that meat makes me sick, I stumbled upon this place thanks to a friend’s recommendation. The dining format is simple: you order at the counter, take a seat, and place your number on your table. I couldn't fully enjoy their menu since I had my wisdom teeth extracted the day before, but the chili I tried was surprisingly good. They offer a variety of flavored sandwiches made with wheat, soy, and other meat alternatives instead of traditional beef and chicken. I definitely want to return and sample more of their offerings. It seems like a fantastic spot to grab a bite between classes at UCI.

This is a fantastic spot to eat! I highly recommend trying the Chili Yam fries; they're really delicious! -iq

I also sampled some of the other meat alternatives and was pleasantly surprised at how closely they mimic the taste of the real thing. The sweet potato fries, which you can add to your meal, were fantastic as well. They were packed with flavor and wonderfully crispy—a refreshing change from regular fries, although I must admit they can be quite filling. Overall, Veggie Grill is a fantastic spot to consider if you're vegetarian, looking for something heart-healthy, or simply want a lighter meal.

Sometimes I’m in the mood for something burger/sandwich-like and fast, but it always seems like the only options are burger or chain sandwich sites. The Veggie Grill offers a nice alternative for those who are ready to try something else and healthy. In a way it is like Carls Jr – you order at the counter, get a number then wait for your food. And the food is also almost as fast (maybe because it is faster to cook veggie stuff? . My Portobello Mushroom Burger came within 5 minutes of the order. My only disappointment was the lack of non-fake-meat options on the Burger list. The only one I could find was the Portobello mushroom. I'm not a big fan of fake meat as I know and love the taste of real meat. There's no fool. If I go to Veggie, I'd like to go to Veggie. Maybe. I'll try a salad next time. I also heard the sweet pommes (sweet potatoes are good, but they don't get – maybe next time.

I was truly impressed by the food, particularly its freshness; every dish was full of flavor. However, the Korean tacos were a bit too sweet for my liking. I'm excited to explore more menu options in the future!