Dirty V: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Dirty V is Raleigh’s only 100% vegan restaurant in Glenwood South, and it doesn’t pretend to be a health food spot. The whole point here is plant-based comfort food done right: sloppy burgers, loaded waffle fries, thick shakes, and mac and cheese that happens to have zero animal products. If you’ve been skeptical that vegan food can scratch that greasy-diner itch, Dirty V is the place that changes your mind.

What’s vegan and vegetarian at Dirty V

Everything on the menu is 100% vegan, full stop. There’s no need to ask your server about swaps or hidden dairy, because the kitchen doesn’t use any animal products at all. That includes the burgers, sandwiches, sides, shakes, and sauces. Gluten-free buns are available if you need them, and the waffle fries are naturally gluten-free. Because it’s a dedicated vegan kitchen, cross-contamination from meat or dairy isn’t a concern here.

Signature dishes to order

The burger lineup is the main event. The Naughty Cowgirl and El Sucio are standouts worth trying on your first visit. If you want something in the chicken-style lane, the Buffalo Chick’n Sandwich and Chik’n Tenders both get strong marks from regulars. The Mac Attack bowl, loaded with kimchi mac and cheese, has developed a loyal following. For sides, the Waffle Fry Trays come piled with toppings and are best eaten fresh at the restaurant rather than as takeout (the fries go soggy in transit). Save room for a shake: the strawberry shake gets mentioned constantly in reviews, and there’s an oat milk soft serve option that works as a lighter finish. On weekends, the brunch menu runs from 10am to 3pm and covers pancakes, French toast, and breakfast burritos.

How to order

Dirty V is a sit-down restaurant with dine-in service. You can also order takeout, and catering is available for events. The restaurant is in the Glenwood South district at 301 Glenwood Ave, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27603, which puts it right in the middle of one of Raleigh’s most active restaurant and bar stretches. Hours run Monday through Friday from 11am to 10pm, with weekend hours starting at 10am for brunch. The vibe is casual with a graffiti-style aesthetic, outdoor seating, and full wheelchair accessibility. You can reach them at (919) 900-0589 or check thedirtyv.com for the current menu and any updates.

What to watch out for

The pricing runs a little higher than a standard fast-casual spot, with some diners noting that a full meal with a shake can run $30 or more per person. That’s not unusual for a fully plant-based restaurant in a prime downtown location, but it’s worth knowing before you go. A handful of reviewers have mentioned occasional inconsistency in portion sizes and food quality, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re planning a group outing where expectations need to be set. For takeout specifically, get the fries at the table if you can: they don’t travel well. The Apex location that previously operated under the same name is now permanently closed, so make sure you’re heading to the Raleigh address.

Is Dirty V worth it?

Yes, especially if you want a fully vegan meal that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Dirty V scores a 95 out of 100 on our vegetarian-friendliness scale because the entire menu is vegan, the kitchen is dedicated, and there’s no risk of accidentally ordering something with hidden animal products. Non-vegan guests who’ve been dragged along by plant-based friends tend to leave pleasantly surprised. The HappyCow community gives it 4.5 stars across 48 reviews, and Google users average 4.6. It’s not the cheapest dinner in Raleigh, but for what it delivers, it’s the right call if you’re looking for vegan comfort food in downtown Raleigh.