Stephen Montoya
Almost 40 years ago, in 1984, manicurist and TV personality Clara Peller coined the famous catch phrase “Where’s the beef?,” in a successful ad campaign for Wendy’s. Although this rhetorical question was meant as a jab of sorts to other fast-food chains, this slogan could be used for the new plant-based eatery located at 1515 W. Magnolia Avenue named Vice Burger. However, instead of this slogan being one of negativity, it could be one of positive choice. “Where’s the beef?” actually fits this locale’s modus operandi (MO) perfectly, mainly because there is none to be found ... on purpose.
Vice Burger is the brainchild of Boulevard of Greens founder Charlsye Lewis and her husband Marcus Brunt. This quaint little 720-square-foot eatery, which was home to the Hawaiian-inspired Poke Poke, now boasts a full menu of vegan food which consists of many people’s guiltiest of cravings — bratwursts, hamburgers, and french fries. What sets this place apart though, is the guilt free feeling attendees should have after indulging on said cravings. After-all this is plant-based food, right?
“Our juicy plant-based burgers are not just another meal; they’re a flavor-packed fiesta for your taste buds,” Vice Burgers’ website states. “We’ve reinvented classic comfort food favorites and turned them into mouthwatering vegan delights that you won’t be able to resist.”
The menu consists of chicken nuggets, a Chili Vice Dog, a grilled cheese offering called the Cheesy Vice, and three options of burgers. The first burger is the signature Vice Burger, which if it wasn’t vegan could fit on any McDonald’s menu. This “guilt free” option is served on a toasted sesame seed bun with your choice of a Beyond or Impossible Patty, Vice sauce (which is a take on 1,000 Island dressing or McDonald’s secret sauce) American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and Best Maid pickles. This burger is really like a vegan Big Mac. The only thing missing is — the beef. If this isn’t enough to entice your taste buds, this new eatery has a Double Vice Burger, just double the (um) meat?
The final burger on the menu is the Smoky Bacon Vice Burger, this is what I tried on my first visit. This consists of smoky Vice Sauce, two slices of vegan bacon, and grilled onions, along with a piece of pepper jack cheese served with your choice of a Beyond or Impossible Patty, lettuce, tomato, and Best Maid Pickles. There’s even a Vice Brat, served on a butter toasted bun with a Field Roast Stadium Link, chili, shredded cheese, and chopped onions.
Besides the new menu, the new look of this eatery has a simple vibe. The interior consists of a long galley section with an order counter on the right-hand side equipped with an open drink fridge and thin plank-style bar with several bar stools on the left. The best part of this spot is the outdoor patio area on the westside of the business, which consists of several tables looking out on Magnolia Avenue. Although it was cloudy the day I stopped by, I still enjoyed my “guilt free” burger in this spot. So, if you are looking for a healthy alternative to the foods you love or you are already a vegan looking for a new spot to try out for lunch, stop by Vice Burger. Chances are you’ll be surprised no matter what your thoughts on vegan food already are.
