J. Selby’s: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

J. Selby’s is one of the most reliable fully vegan restaurants in the Twin Cities. Every single item on the menu is plant-based, so you don’t have to quiz the server or squint at asterisks. It opened in 2017 as St. Paul’s first plant-based restaurant and, since January 2023, has been owned by Aubry and Kale Walch of the Herbivorous Butcher, who kept the menu largely intact and leveled up the ingredients. If you’re looking for a place where you can bring a vegan and a skeptic and both leave happy, this is it.

What’s vegan and vegetarian at J. Selby’s

Everything. J. Selby’s describes itself as “all plant-based, always,” and that holds for the full menu, the baked goods, the soft serve, and the beer-and-wine list. There’s no fish option hiding in the back, no dairy-containing dessert you have to skip. The kitchen uses housemade and Herbivorous Butcher vegan meats and cheeses throughout. That means zero cross-contamination from animal products, though a heads-up if you’re avoiding gluten: the fries cook in a shared fryer, and not every item can be made gluten-free. The menu does label gluten-friendly options clearly, with “GF” for items that are already safe and “CBGF” for those that can be modified with a bun swap or component removal.

Signature dishes to order

Start with the Dirty Secret Burger. It won a PETA award for best vegan take on the Big Mac, and it earns it: two plant-based patties from the Herbivorous Butcher, special sauce, vegan cheeze, pickles, onions, and lettuce on a sesame seed bun. The Crunchwrap Supreme is another standout, crispy and satisfying in the way that makes you forget you’re eating plants. The Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are consistently praised across reviews, and the Mac and Cheese is creamy enough to convert skeptics. On the brunch side, the French toast and pancakes are fully dairy-free and egg-free. Wash any of it down with a Cookies and Cream Shake or a Root Beer Float, both made without dairy. The pastry case, built out under the Herbivorous Butcher’s ownership, adds brownies, cinnamon rolls, and cookies for a solid dessert finish.

How to order

J. Selby’s runs counter service. You order at the counter, grab a table, and your food comes out to you. Online ordering for pickup is available through Toast Tab directly on their site, and they deliver via Uber Eats and DoorDash. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so if you’re coming on a weekend, arriving early or on a weekday helps you avoid the busiest rushes. They include a 15% automatic gratuity on orders over $10 and don’t accept additional tips. If budget is a concern, ask about the Community Bowl, which is available on a pay-what-you-can basis. Gift cards (digital and physical) are also available.

What to watch out for

Hours are the main thing to plan around. J. Selby’s is closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 8pm, and open Sunday with brunch from 10am to 2pm and dinner from 2pm to 8pm. If gluten is a concern, double-check with the kitchen before ordering fries or anything labeled CBGF, since ingredient sourcing can change. Tree nuts appear in the Caesar Salad and Carrot Cake. Soy-free options are limited, so if you’re avoiding soy, email [email protected] before you go for a full allergen breakdown. Parking on N. Victoria Street is street parking only, which fills up on busy weekend brunch days. The space does not have outdoor seating.

Is J. Selby’s worth it?

Yes, especially if you want vegan comfort food done with real care. The Herbivorous Butcher’s ownership added even better ingredients and a stronger pastry program without breaking what was already working. The Dirty Secret Burger alone is worth the trip, a genuinely good burger that holds up against non-vegan competition in the same price range. The price per person runs around $20 to $30 with a drink and dessert, which is reasonable for the quality. Reviewers on Google give it 4.7 out of 5 across more than 2,600 ratings, and TripAdvisor ranks it second among all quick bites in Saint Paul. It’s the rare fully vegan spot where you don’t feel like you’re making a compromise.