Veggie Grill: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Veggie Grill is one of the easiest calls you’ll make as a vegetarian or vegan dining out in Seattle. Every single item on the menu is 100% plant-based. There’s no hidden dairy, no “just ask for no meat” workaround, no cross-referencing a footnote. You walk in, you order whatever sounds good, and it’s vegan. That’s the whole point.

What’s vegan and vegetarian at Veggie Grill

Everything. Veggie Grill has operated on an animal-free supply chain since it opened in Irvine, California in 2006. That means no meat, no dairy, no eggs, and no animal products of any kind across the entire menu. The chain sources organic vegetables, non-GMO ingredients, and responsibly sourced proteins. Since Next Level Burger acquired Veggie Grill in 2024, the combined company describes itself as the largest wholly owned plant-based restaurant company in North America. A unified menu launched in 2025 brought the best dishes from both brands together.

Signature dishes to order

The burgers are the headliner. The American ChzBurger and the Maverick are crowd favorites, built with plant-based proteins and house-made sauces that hold up against any conventional fast casual burger. If you want something a little more filling, the Kimchi Steak Bowl layers plant-based steak with rice and pickled vegetables in a way that actually satisfies. The Beyond Steak Filet on the protein plate is worth ordering if you want to see what plant-based beef has become in 2025.

On the lighter side, the All Hale Kale salad and the Far East Thai bowl are reliable. The Crispy Cauliflower appetizer tends to disappear fast if you’re ordering for a group. For dessert, the house-made Chocolate Cake is legitimately good and not in a “good for vegan” way. It’s just good cake.

How to order

Veggie Grill runs a counter-service model. You order at the counter, grab a number, and they bring your food out. It moves quickly for a sit-down meal, usually well under 15 minutes during a normal lunch rush. The VG Rewards app lets you order ahead and skip the line entirely, which is handy if you’re grabbing lunch near the University Village location.

Gluten-free items are clearly marked throughout the menu with a GF label. Many dishes also offer a gluten-free option (GFO) so you can swap components. If gluten is a concern, the house-made soups (Moroccan Lentil and Three Bean Chili) are both labeled GF and a safe bet. Ask the staff about shared prep surfaces if you have a severe sensitivity.

What to watch out for

Prices run a bit higher than you’d expect for fast casual. A burger, a side, and a drink will land around $20-$25 per person before tip. That’s the trade-off for fresh, organic ingredients and a fully plant-based operation. It’s more than a drive-through, less than a sit-down restaurant.

The Seattle University Village location hours are consistent (10:30am to 9pm daily), but hours can vary slightly by location so it’s worth checking the website before you go. Veggie Grill has contracted from its peak footprint after closing 12 locations in 2023, so confirm your specific location is still open if you’re not near one of the established spots in California, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Massachusetts, or New York.

Is Veggie Grill worth it?

Yes, and it’s not close. Veggie Grill fills a gap that very few restaurants do: a place where you don’t have to think about what you can and can’t order. The menu is broad enough that you won’t feel stuck, the food is genuinely tasty rather than just technically compliant, and the chain has nearly two decades of experience making plant-based food that appeals to people who don’t identify as vegan.

VegNews readers voted it their favorite vegan chain three years running (2016, 2017, 2018), and Forbes named it one of the 25 Most Innovative Consumer Brands in 2016. The TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice recognition reflects a consistent track record. If you’re in Seattle and want a reliable, fully plant-based meal with no guesswork, Veggie Grill is the answer.