379071 Thu Mar 08 22:01:16 -0800 2007 50 2 Los Angeles Area 0 2368273 does astro have the best veggie burger in LA? hows fat burger's veggie burger? Thu Mar 08 22:01:16 -0800 2007 76926 AdamFoodie 1 2368278 dunno about those two, but i like the veggie burger that is served at the counter in santa monica. their burger is not an 'imitation meat' burger, rather it is a patty of beans and vegetables that forms an excellent platform for the addtions they offer-in particular the great blue cheese. Thu Mar 08 22:03:33 -0800 2007 2368273 11935 westsidegal 2 2368699 I think you either love the Counter's veggie burger or hate it....it tastes really, really odd to me. Fri Mar 09 06:10:55 -0800 2007 2368278 11626 running pig 3 2372042 probably tastes odd to you because it is not meat-like. it is not imitation meat, rather is is a vegetable patty. Sat Mar 10 00:53:25 -0800 2007 2368699 11935 westsidegal 4 2372053 So you've said. Twice :) Mr Taster ----------------------------------- Protect Chowhound Boycott Avatars! ----------------------------------- Sat Mar 10 01:15:41 -0800 2007 2372042 17579 Mr Taster 1 2368285 I had this sandwich, that kind of looked like a burger, at Porto's in Glendale today that was called the Glendale Veggie. Okay, it's not a veggie burger, by any means, but it was really good, and when I read your post, I had to tell you. I had resolved never to go to Porto's again after the last time I went (it was too crowded and crazy), but I was really happy with the Glendale Veggie sandwich today. It looks like an oversized burger, but it has thin layers of grilled vegetables, a little bit of hummus, lettuce, tomato and cheese, and homemade round bread. You can order it from the less crowded side of the restaurant, near the coffee and juice bar. Thu Mar 08 22:06:33 -0800 2007 2368273 57689 katkoupai 1 2368289 The Big Macro at M Chaya is my personal favorite.. http://mcafedechaya.com/ Thu Mar 08 22:11:51 -0800 2007 2368273 11379 Suebee 2 2369160 I second the Big Macro at M Chaya (tho' I would recommend it without the soy cheese, which is totally unnecessary and not very good because it's, uh, soy cheese). It's got a fantastic texture --perhaps because it's made with brown rice and actual veggies instead of some super processed soy protein? I don't even like veggie burgers, except for this one, which I love. www.infinitefress.blogspot.com Fri Mar 09 08:13:44 -0800 2007 2368289 70658 hungrygirl106 1 2368299 depends what kind you're looking for... newsroom cafe had a good one last time i was there. i may get flogged for saying this, but johnny rockets does a pretty decent veggie burger (the streamliner) and best w/ tillamook. completely unlike newsroom, this is a patty, not a burger of discernable healthful ingredients. Thu Mar 08 22:18:50 -0800 2007 2368273 15572 Emme 2 2369267 they use boca burgers. damn delicious and satisfies the fastfood craving, but just chain food! Fri Mar 09 08:35:19 -0800 2007 2368299 16422 kazhound 3 2370535 I don't eat veggie burgers that often, so thanks for the info... In fact, I never eat a "burger" per se because I hate sandwiches, but it's nice to know what I'm eating in my deconstruction :-) Fri Mar 09 13:26:14 -0800 2007 2369267 15572 Emme 1 2368681 I actually had a fantastic veggie burger at Houston's. Fri Mar 09 06:04:29 -0800 2007 2368273 72651 OCGirl 2 2369436 It seems as if Houston's is another veggie burger you either love or hate, probably because it is unusual. It seems to have beets in it, making it red. It is also difficult to eat with one's hands. I happen to really love this burger; my GF just doesn't. Too many places use food service packs of frozen Gardenburgers or Boca Burgers. While sometimes the toppings can make these burgers worth eating while eating out, for the most part - what's the point??? I can eat those at home. Fri Mar 09 09:14:00 -0800 2007 2368681 15851 igj 3 2369444 Yes, I don't like those boxed frozen gardenburgers. They are horrible. I'd rather eat a salad or something where I know what I'm eating. I find the frozen gardenburgers taste too processed. Fri Mar 09 09:15:37 -0800 2007 2369436 57689 katkoupai 4 2369682 Mmm I like that processed pretend meat taste. :) Fri Mar 09 10:07:43 -0800 2007 2369444 13957 slacker 2 2369542 i just have to second the houston's recommendation. the veggie burger is great! it definitely has beets and maybe some oats. it's a fork-and-knife kind of burger, but i love it. Fri Mar 09 09:36:53 -0800 2007 2368681 10383 arifa 2 2585173 Agree w/OCGirl re: Houston's. It is made with beets, brown rice and black beans and has a delicious grill taste. Love it. LA Food Show in Manhattan Beach (and opening soon in BH) has a good house-made veggie burger as well...it also comes on a whole wheat bun. Sat May 19 19:10:21 -0700 2007 2368681 98197 highendhats 3 3022228 another vote for houston's. oats, black beans, brown rice, molasses...great recipe. a hands-down favorite that i'd gladly eat every day. [no cheese on mine, thanks...but i'll take a side of hickory bbq sauce.] arifa was right, though...it's definitely a fork-and-knife deal. the bun is superfluous. Wed Oct 10 12:16:55 -0700 2007 2585173 103920 goodhealthgourmet 1 2369470 real food daily has a really good veggie burger. its red-colored (red peppers?) and tempeh-based and has a strong mushroom taste. Fri Mar 09 09:20:56 -0800 2007 2368273 69378 danapointhound 1 2369578 I like the Spicy Southwest Bean Burger at Barney's Beanery in WeHo. Fri Mar 09 09:46:22 -0800 2007 2368273 10914 PaulF 2 2371389 FYI, I believe this is the following Morningstar veggie burger: http://www.seeveggiesdifferently.com/product_detail.aspx?family=363&id=345 I get these at Whole Foods. Fri Mar 09 17:38:30 -0800 2007 2369578 59223 jhulla 3 2372396 You might be right and I don't know for sure ... but I always thought the whole thing seemed so homemade ... sort of misshapen and all. The premade ones look more perfect and uniform. But ... I'm not sure ... Sat Mar 10 08:15:05 -0800 2007 2371389 10914 PaulF 1 2369587 I prefer when a place offers black bean patties, but I'll settle for the vegetable type. The last thing I want when I order a veggie burger is a boca patty. Oddly enough, I had a pretty good black bean burger at Barney's Beanery. That might be because I was recovering the morning after a night of drinking. (Just noticed the person above feeling similarly). Fri Mar 09 09:48:14 -0800 2007 2368273 78546 graffitipassion 1 2369657 I like the veggie burger at Colony Cafe on Pico. I think it's a sort of bean, cheese mixture and is a bit spicy/southwestern. I don't care for the veggie burger at Houstons, if that gives you any reference for the taste on this. Fri Mar 09 10:02:28 -0800 2007 2368273 31669 gray 1 2370542 Another option is that at Native Foods, a more healthful, ingredient conscious burger. Fri Mar 09 13:27:00 -0800 2007 2368273 15572 Emme 2 2370821 I like two of Native Foods's burgers: 1) Bali Surf Burger. I like mine blackened, with caramelized onions and native "cheese" (a soft, cashew based cheese substitute, which is good but not really very cheesey), sub fries for slaw. That ends up a little expensive with all the add-ons, but sooo good. I'm kind of sick of it now, but it used to be my favorite. You can also get this with chili on top I think. The burger itself is a (homemade) tempeh patty. 2) Jerk Burger - a big seitan patty w/ a jerk sauce type marinade. I really like this one too. I've heard good things about their portabella / sausage burger too. Over all, for veggie burgers in LA, I think Native is a good bet, as long as you don't mind the lack of (real) cheese. I'm personally not a fan of the newer, vegetable based one which is kind of mushy and tastes too much of bbq sauce or something for my taste. Orean Health Express - I don't like their veg burgers much but the fake "chicken" burger is pretty tasty. Fri Mar 09 14:35:09 -0800 2007 2370542 59830 will47 1 2371383 Great thread. Lots of good recommendations. Three veggie burgers that I eat regularly and like: 1. Babalu (9th & Montana in Santa Monica): The veggie burger appears to be made inhouse and contains whole chickpeas. It doesn't always hold together, leading to a sloppy eating experience. But it is very tasty. I think it is only served during lunch. 2. The Counter (on Ocean Park in Santa Monica): Unclear what the substrate is. But tasty enough when topped with all the options available. 3. Swingers (on Broadway in Santa Monica): Anyone know what this is? Is it a Bocaburger or some other mass-product? I eat this because Swingers is open til 3am. Pretty good when loaded down with Tapatio. Fri Mar 09 17:35:44 -0800 2007 2368273 59223 jhulla 2 2585169 The Swingers veggie burger is good...I think it's housemade. Sat May 19 19:07:08 -0700 2007 2371383 98197 highendhats 1 2371443 In Pasadena, on Lake, there's a very health-food-ish take out place that I can't remember the name of (help here?) I picked up a burger for a friend there, whose patty was mostly made of brown rice and lentils, I believe. Being pretty skeptical about anything replacing meat, but still curious, I had a bite. It was actually quite good. Quite delicious if you were expecting not to have meat, but still not a meat replacement. Fri Mar 09 17:54:11 -0800 2007 2368273 61102 SoCalMuncher 2 2371511 Wild Oats Market? Fri Mar 09 18:13:09 -0800 2007 2371443 57689 katkoupai 3 2371521 No, it was on Lake, north of Colorado; a tiny, mostly drive-thru or eat outdoors place. Fri Mar 09 18:15:51 -0800 2007 2371511 61102 SoCalMuncher 4 2371691 I think you mean Orean's Health Express (which I mentioned above) - drive through fast food place on Lake, across from Roscoe's, and near like 5 other fast food places. There's one other "health food" take out place on Lake, but it's way up on Altadena and I don't think they have burgers. Not too bad. I think their regular rice etc. veggie burger is a little on the mushy side - I like it Ok for myself, but wouldn't recommend it to a non-vegetarian one. Vegan visitors to Orean's - be warned that while the owner is very nice and will claim that everything is vegan (and that the pancake mix having casein is the lone exception), there's a pretty long history of them lying about stuff like this. So I wouldn't guarantee that the chicken burgers, soy cheese, etc. are totally vegan. For packaged veggie burgers from the store, I really like the Amy's "California" burger (the "All American" one isn't too bad either). The first is a good balance between not too mushy and not too "fake meaty", and neither are entirely soy protein. Astro Burger's wasn't too bad. FWIW, they emailed me and claim that their buns are vegan. However no veganaise (I think they used to carry it), and I'm pretty sure they grill the veg burgers with all the meat. I had one at Brite Spot, and it was the only not totally horrible thing I've gotten from there. Fri Mar 09 19:38:59 -0800 2007 2371521 59830 will47 1 2371472 M Chaya and Native Foods do yummy burgers. and i've always loved the ones at Astro's for some reason. although they are total Boca Burgers pretty much Fri Mar 09 18:00:47 -0800 2007 2368273 14484 jessiebelle 1 2371479 I am curious: do most people who look for a veggie burger want something that tastes like beef or just for something tasty, in the midlle of the sandwich? Fri Mar 09 18:03:40 -0800 2007 2368273 61102 SoCalMuncher 2 2371692 I think it depends on the person. Folks who became veg b/c they don't like meat don't tend to like the fake meat stuff as much. People who just want a healthier or less fattening burger, or who are vegetarian for ethical reasons but miss the meat probably tend to like the meaty ones more. I mostly just look for something tasty. However, a lot of the veggie burgers that don't try to be meat-like are a little too mushy for my taste. But sometimes, a nice brown rice type patty can be just the thing I'm craving. Fri Mar 09 19:41:10 -0800 2007 2371479 59830 will47 1 2371861 I almost forgot, Hugo's has a black bean quinoa burger that's really delicious. I'm a serious carnivore, but I always crave this veggie burger. http://hugosrestaurant.com/menu-lunch-dinner.html#entrees Fri Mar 09 21:22:33 -0800 2007 2368273 11379 Suebee 1 2372056 i enjoy the nut burger at follow your heart. Sat Mar 10 01:21:14 -0800 2007 2368273 71814 nachchba 1 2373025 All the burgers at Native Foods blow any of the mushburgers I've had anywhere else. Sat Mar 10 12:52:15 -0800 2007 2368273 51539 BobBarnett 1 2373373 there is a health food store/restaurant on Slauson between Crenshaw and La Brea. they make THE BEST veggie burger in Los Angeles. it wipes M Cafe, Astor and Nativ off the table. you get the deluxe with avocado and BBQ sauce. it's heaven. i used to have it 4xs a week when i lived there. damn. i'm going there today just because you reminded me of it... Sat Mar 10 16:00:19 -0800 2007 2368273 28935 at4 2 2373932 please be sure to report back with the name please! Sat Mar 10 22:25:44 -0800 2007 2373373 11935 westsidegal 2 2374098 Maybe this one? http://www.vegparadise.com/dining511.html Sun Mar 11 03:25:42 -0700 2007 2373373 59830 will47 3 3021958 I think you're referring to: Simply Wholesome 4508 West Slauson Avenue 323-294-2144 Wed Oct 10 11:12:20 -0700 2007 2374098 120879 meatlessinla 1 3022136 Lucky Devil in Hollywood has a veggie burger on the menu that blew me away. It has something like 22 different ingredients....beets to nuts...it was so good!!! Wed Oct 10 11:50:10 -0700 2007 2368273 13378 yummyinmytummy 2 3023265 I second that! The Lucky Devil's burger won't win any votes for price ($14 or $15 even at lunch), but it's the BEST veggie burger in this town! Don't forget the toasted brioche bun... and the fact that they make them fresh each morning! Wed Oct 10 16:57:19 -0700 2007 3022136 88629 lizzyjk 1 3027503 Whole Foods sells "Sunshine Burgers" in their frozen aisle. It's made with sunflower seeds, veggies, brown rice, and herbs. Yummmmmmmmmmy Thu Oct 11 22:22:11 -0700 2007 2368273 68932 sweetnsalty 2 3030488 I'm a big fan of the Oinkster's veggie burger. I'm not vegan so I order gruyere cheese on it and wash it down with an Oinksterade. Yum. Fri Oct 12 18:31:07 -0700 2007 3027503 122314 gonzoeats 1 3144156 Fat Burger has the Boca soy patty and Astro Burger has both the original Gardenburger and Gardenburger flame grilled soy patty. I prefer the flame-grilled Gardenburger and Boca soy burger to the original Gardenburger because you're getting the taste of the burger without the meat. Some people would rather not have the taste of meat and prefer the original Gardenburger. In my opinion the flame grilled Gardenburger has the edge over the Boca, but both are good. Another good place in LA that gives you the choice of the original or flame-grilled Gardenburger is Carney's on Ventura in Studio City and on Sunset in W. Hollywood. Tue Nov 20 19:11:01 -0800 2007 2368273 143976 big_apple 1 3145486 as a long time veg. Houstons in century city has an amazing veg burger. as someone said the Maui burger at the Newsroom is brilliant. and the counter's veg. burger is great also. 25 degrees in hollywood also has an excellent one. as does BLD Wed Nov 21 09:34:34 -0800 2007 2368273 44933 skinnydave 2 3146298 Has anyone tried the vegetable burger at Barney's Gourmet Burgers? Wed Nov 21 13:57:17 -0800 2007 3145486 16747 Bria Silbert 1 3146846 I don't see any mention of my absolute favorite Big Macro whole grain brown rice & veggie burger served on wholewheat bun with lettuce, tofu, sauce and I can never resist the sweet potatoes fries at Chaya M at 7119 Melrose in Hollywood. It doesn't taste like an imitation meat burger - but even non-veg people like it. Wed Nov 21 18:07:27 -0800 2007 2368273 104925 whycook 1 3199707 Aroma Cafe in Studio City has a really tasty veggie burger, made there. They serve it with grilled onions on a really good brioche roll. Tue Dec 11 16:00:35 -0800 2007 2368273 143223 footballfoodie