Orean, The Health Express
$$ - average
Info courtesy of Vegetarians in Paradise
A vegetarian fast food take-out that holds it own nestled among an array of fast food joints within a two-block area on Lake Avenue. Soy is popular here as a filling for their many tasty burgers, burritos, pizzas, chili dogs, and tacos, and they use crisp and fresh clover sprouts in their sandwiches. There are four tables outdoors for your quick meal that can be topped off with one of their popular shakes. They even serve a breakfast burrito to start your day. Vegans will want to pass on the soy cheese that contains casein.
Added by VegGuide.Org on Sep 26 03 (updated Jan 28 04)
Reviews
I really liked the place as a veggie, but it seems a lot harder to get things there now that I am a vegan. The food is excellent and all vegetarian, the only problem I have with the place is that in some ways it almost seems like they have lost sight of the "health" part of their name, their staff seems to not be sure what is even featured on the menu or what the items have in them. But very good food, and quick service, and at least the person working has always answered my many inquiries with a smile.
the food here is awesome for a vegan who wants to feel like cheating without cheating. warning on the cheese though, the first time we asked it was vegan, then it wasn't, then it was again, so who knows the truth - always double check! although the food is great, the service leaves much to be desired. we always go back 'cause the food is so good but every time we swear we won't go again 'cause someone there makes us mad. sometimes they are just too lazy to cook something and say they are out of it. so just be warned, worth a try though, definitely.
I've only been to this place once (it's so far), and it was like 3 years ago, but I love the concept. As someone else said, it's probably not the healthiest, but we REALLY need more vegan fast food restaurants like this one. Seriously - if they were around, people would go.
This place was inexpensive and fast, and there was a line of people trying to order. EXPAND!!! Preferably down south to Newport ;) We need more options for the mainstream (non-veggies) - if they saw that choosing vegan for a meal was as convenient, fast, and cheap as say Burger King, they would choose Orean because it's so much healthier.
And I have to say, it was SO GREAT to be able to drink a shake again!
Not the healthiest, but one of the most fun vegetarian places around! Classic "fast foods," served up hot and HUGE from the little Orean's hut. I have brought many omni people here to see their "double-takes" after sipping on one of Orean's SuperShakes or taking a bite from an enourmous and messy chili dog. I do not eat potatoes anywhere else -their oven version are the best! Try the teriyaki burrito, and ask for extra hand wipes!
The greatest thing about Orean is that it's directly across the street from McDonald's, Roscoe's Chicken and Waffle and Carl's Jr. We love to eat there at their outdoor tables and laugh at the poor souls walking into McDonald's. I shouldn't say that's the best thing, but it is fun.
The food is surprisingly good, for the price. The black bean burrito is delicious. Lots of options and the location is great. They also have a drive-thru.
This fast food place has become a favorite when I am down in Pasadena DJing. It is a take-out place, with several outdoor tables if you want to eat there. We love to kick back a few of the delicious hot dogs, probably some of the best I have ever tasted, and the veggie chili and chicken sandwhich are quite good as well. My friend loves the shakes and air fries too. Prices are cheap! My only complaints are the huge buns and overabundance of sprouts on many of their sandwiches.
I wish this place wasn't so far from where I live (Hollywood). I'd go there all the time. The Philly Cheesesteak has to be tasted to be believed. I LOVE Native Foods, but Orean blows their version away, and for far less money. You must go check it out.
ETA: Um, it's come to my attention that rather a lot of their options have casein or whey in them and are not vegan. Another reviewer also had a great point: This is not a health food restaurant, despite the name. That said, greasy vegan food is better for you than greasy animal-derived food.