Herbivore - Divisadero
$$ - average
American, Eclectic (Varied)
Vegan food on Divisadero
Extensive vegan menu. Breakfast served from 9am-2pm daily.
- (Mostly) Organic
Added by Jesse Miner on Mar 23 03 (updated Dec 21 04)
Reviews
Herbivore is my favorite place to go for vegan brunch (served daily from 9 to 2). It's such a rare treat as a vegan to find a place where I can take part in crepes, pancakes, french toast, etc - and the ones at Herbivore are very tasty. I am also quite fond of the basil pesto scrambled tofu, which was served with a side of potatoes, and thick slices of wheat toast with a house-made fruit spread. Delicious! Lunch and dinner offer tasty treats such as gnocchi with your choice of sauce, and soup/sandwich combos. My only complaint about this place is that the portions are sometimes on the small side, leaving me wanting a bit more (although, also leaving room for dessert! The chocolate cupcakes are amazing.)
The food is good but I think it's a bit overrated. I think everyone goes here just because it's well known, not necessarily because it's amazing food. I've never had bad food here, I just think it's a bit overpriced and that I could make nearly the entire menu at home.
Do not let the mixed reviews fool you: Herbivore is a winner. My visits had found quality food, service, and atmosphere. The portions are substantial, so prices are fitting, and upon taking a bite, you will further realize the value. Every-day brunch is such a treat in the vegan scene, and Herbivore has a huge, delicious spread -with some special treats such as crêpes! The menu is so varied that anyone can find something to love and come back for again and again.
I love this restaurant (and it's sister on Valencia)! The food is creative and tasty. Ambiance is nice. I like that the food isn't about being vegan - it is about taste and texture and freshness. Of course it IS vegan, but, it is one of those restaurants where I can take my non-vegan friends to just get great food. They are always skeptical at first because they think they'll have to eat a bowl full of wheat berries or something, but they always leave impressed that a meatless meal is not less of a meal.
I usually get the seitan sandwich (which comes with a salad), a latte, and a piece of carrot cake.
Thanks to the reviews on this page, I had to go to Herbivore on my last S.F. trip. It was a great lunch and I wish I could have gone again but time did not permit. I am excited to go for brunch on my next trip since everyone raves about it. I'm sure I won't be disappointed.
Such a good breakfast was had. "Sausage" biscuit on house potatoes and a side of tempeh bacon. It was all so very good. She had a giant breakfast burrito which I got to help eat. If I lived two thousand miles closer I would go back again and again.
Yummy vegan brunch, now served every day, which gives this location a definate advantage over the one on Valencia. Enjoyed all the breakfast things I tried (southwest tofu scramble, pancakes, sausage pastry, crepes), except the pesto tofu scramble.. too mushy. Tasty sandwiches and salads too. Nice little patio out back.
I've eaten at this location and the Valencia one several times for dinner and it's good. But, the brunch at this one really sets it apart. It's so nice being able to go for a vegan brunch in this city, I'd just about accept anything, but this place actually makes it really good. I had the sausage biscuits and gravy which were really good.
Whenever I eat dinner here I get the chocolate or carrot cake for dessert. Even my non-veg friends think they have some of the best cake in the city and it's vegan. Yum!
I would like to see some specials on the dinner menu once in awhile.
It took me a while, but now I can't understand why I didn't like this all-vegan and organic-as-much-as-possible place better when I first ate here Feb. 1999 at their original Valencia St. location. It's not gourmet like Millenium, but it's inexpensive and comes with big servings. They have a fairly good selection, though I'd like to see more hearty salads and less reliance on tofu. I would enjoy going to one of their brunches (I believe only available at their newer Divisadero location - close to the Haight district), as the brunch menu sounds great with items like French Toast and crepes. They try to provide organic ingredients, but are concerned about keeping prices low. Check it out - I like the openness of the Divisadero location better. Both are informal and offer fast service. I'd rate them a 7.5 on a scale of 10.
I agree with the comment that the food is nothing special. it's sort of a typical American diner menu, with lots of grilled veggies. The sort of thing vegan cooks might make at home. I tried the chili with corn bread, lentil loaf with mashed potatoes, gravy and greens, and topped it off with blueberry pie. The pie was not too good -- not at all moist or flaky. Everything else was OK, but not exceptional. Good service, pleasant atmosphere.