pia machita
Reviews written by pia machita
Blue Nile Cafe is the best Ethiopian place in the valley I've tried (haven't been to Tina's in Chandler). Their selection is amazing and the food is delicious. You can tell they care about their patrons and know how to cook! I highly suggest going out of your way to go here - you won't regret it! They just opened up for breakfast recently, although I haven't gone in to try it. I hear they have a tofu scramble.
Chico's is a local favorite, especially after local demos. Their California burrito is huge (and I mean huge) and can be had for around $5-6. Just make sure to ask without sour cream and cheese to make vegan (they've forgotten to take them out though in the past). They have been known to support neo-nazis though, although that doesn't seem to keep a lot of us away.
I'm not a huge fan of this place. Not only are the prices outrageous, but they don't really have any vegan options. Your basically paying for the atmosphere, which is one of the best in the Phoenix area. This place is cool just to check out, but not necessarily for the food.
Nothing beats their $2.29 falafel sandwhich (don't get the combo or dinner, just get the sandwhich). Their hummus and baba ganouj are delicious as well. This is a great place to take people from out of town, and a great place to go if you don't have a lot of money to spend.
This place isn't bad, but there are better alternatives (I highly suggest Tott's Asian Grill just next to Pei Wei in S. Tempe, and mom and pop restaurants like Thai Basil). Pei Wei is a corporate chain, so you pay for what you get.
Pretty good food, but not worth the prices (although their vegan chocolate cheesecake was fantastic - but not for $5!). I don't think this place is worth the visit. If you're looking for a really nice veg/vegan restaurant check out 'The Center' in Tempe.
Thai Basil is always packed during lunch time, so either show up early or a little bit later. Also, their dinner prices are a little bit more expensive (you have to pay $2 extra per person just to get brown rice instead of white). I highly suggest trying their eggplant dishes and the curry soup...mmmmm!
3 Roots is a great coffee bar and hangout spot, but what they're overlooked for is their food. On the menu now is their delicious tempeh Reuben. I highly recommend it. They also have veggie burgers, sandwhiches, soups, and salads. This is a family run local business and needs our support. They are awesome folks and cater to the vegetarian/vegan crowd.
Udupi is the best Indian food restaurant in town. I've never had a bad meal with them. The Chili Gobi is one of the best, and their dosas are always a treat. I would def. go out of your way to go here (they're right along bus route 72). Check for their times before going. Also, they have buffets quite a bit, and are worth it if you have the cash (or card). I recommend going both times of day (lunch/dinner).
I recommend their deep friend cauliflower! I didn't try anything else. Not the best atmosphere, but not bad.
This is a small place in downtown Phoenix. It gets pretty packed, so come early or late for lunch if you can. The veggie tempura were delicious, and the veg. sushi wasn't bad either.
Nov 7 07
If you eat here and want a cheap meal get all sides (beans/rice, guac., veggies, and tortillas). Just make sure to ask for no cheese on the beans when you order to make it vegan. This meal can be had for just around $4 and will fill you up to the brim! Their downtown Phoenix location closes at 7pm on weekday nights.