Vegan Grill: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Vegan Grill at 1726 2nd Avenue on the Upper East Side is one of the few spots in Manhattan where you can walk in and order anything on the menu without asking a single question about ingredients. Every dish is 100% plant-based. No hidden dairy, no “may contain” disclaimers on the entrees, no cross-contamination from a shared grill with meat. The kitchen operates as a fully vegan facility, and the restaurant holds kosher certification under the International Kosher Council. That’s a strong double guarantee for anyone who takes their plant-based diet seriously.

What’s vegan and vegetarian at Vegan Grill

Everything on the menu is vegan and therefore also vegetarian. You won’t find eggs, dairy, or animal-derived ingredients in any form. The restaurant leans into American comfort food with a Mediterranean twist, so expect burgers, wraps, pasta, and breakfast plates alongside falafel, gyros, and shawarma-style platters. Meat substitutes include Beyond and Impossible proteins for burgers and sandwiches, with soy-based options for the chicken-style dishes. Even the desserts, milkshakes, and baked goods are fully plant-based.

Signature dishes to order

The Crunch Wrap is the crowd favorite, pulling a 94% approval rate on Uber Eats. It’s a stuffed, griddle-pressed wrap that delivers the kind of satisfying crunch you’d normally associate with fast food. The Corn Ribs are worth ordering as a starter, with a 95% approval rate and a preparation style that genuinely mimics the texture and caramelization of grilled ribs. For breakfast, the Pancakes and Tofu Scramble are both consistently praised in reviews. If you want something closer to a meal, the Smash Burgers use plant-based patties with vegan cheddar, pickles, and grilled onions. The “From the East” section of the menu is the sleeper pick, with kebab plates and mixed grill platters that draw on Mediterranean flavors and give the menu a personality beyond standard vegan fast casual. For dessert, the Lava Chocolate Cake and Belgian Choco Cheesecake are the top picks.

How to order

Vegan Grill is counter-service. You order at the counter, pay, and wait for your food. Seating is limited to about five or six tables, so if you’re coming with a group during peak hours, takeout or delivery might work better. The restaurant is open Sunday through Wednesday from 9am to 10pm and Thursday through Saturday from 9am to midnight, which gives you good flexibility for late dinners. Delivery is available through Uber Eats, where the location has over 1,500 ratings and a 4.7-star average. You can also order directly through the restaurant’s website at vegangrillnyc.com. No reservations are taken.

What to watch out for

Prices run higher than you might expect for fast-casual counter service. Entrees typically land in the $18 to $24 range, and some reviewers note that portion sizes don’t always feel proportional to the cost. If you’re on a budget, the Corn Ribs and house cookies offer good value. The space itself is small and utilitarian. Don’t come expecting a polished dining room. A few reviews mention occasional inconsistencies between printed prices and checkout totals, so it’s worth confirming your order total before you pay. Parking on 2nd Avenue in the 80s and 90s is tough, so plan for the subway or a cab.

Is Vegan Grill worth it?

If you live or work on the Upper East Side and eat a plant-based diet, Vegan Grill fills a real gap. The UES is not exactly overflowing with all-vegan restaurants, and having a spot open until midnight on weekends with a menu this wide is genuinely useful. The food quality holds up across the board, and the kosher certification adds an extra layer of trust that the kitchen is operating exactly as advertised. The prices sting a little, but you’re paying for the convenience of a fully plant-based kitchen with no compromises. The 4.7-star rating across 1,500-plus Uber Eats orders suggests the food travels well too. For vegetarians or vegans in the neighborhood, this one is worth a visit.