Astroburger

5601 Melrose Ave. (corner of Melrose and Gower)
Hollywood, CA 90038
323-469-1924

Astroburger’s menu offers a number of veggie burger patties, faux chicken sandwiches, faux ribs, and other tasty vegetarian options. To build your dream veggie burger, just decide which type of patty you prefer, then choose from an array of scrumptious add-ons, such as fresh baked whole-wheat buns, lettuce, tomato, vegan mayonnaise, and fantastic vegan soy cheese. Astroburger’s atmosphere is reminiscent of an old-school diner and is a cool place to hang out and grab a great bite to eat.

Mr. Goodburger’s

Queen’s Plaza (Queen and Alakea streets)
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-531-5310

Six of the eight patties available at Mr. Goodburger’s are vegan. The burgers are thick and juicy and have a terrific texture. Most are named after popular cities and are designed accordingly. The San Antonio burger, for example, is topped with flavorful vegetarian chili, lettuce, and tomato and the popular Kansas City burger is sure to convert even the most hardcore carnivore with its delectable grilled mushrooms, garlic chips, lettuce, and tomato. QSR magazine, a trade publication for the quick-serve restaurant industry, named Mr. Goodburger’s its “one to watch.” Said QSR, “By acknowledging that a burger should taste, feel, and smell like a burger—not an odd-tasting, rubbery thing—Mr. Goodburger’s positions itself as a legitimate option for the meat lover seeking healthier fare.”

Follow Your Heart Café

21825 Sherman Way
Canoga Park, CA 91303
818-348-3240

This wildly popular but cozy café has a variety of vegetarian and vegan entrées, including the Follow Your Heart Burger, which is delicioius with vegan pesto on a toasted whole-wheat bun. The servers at Follow Your Heart Café are warm and helpful, and there’s a great produce store attached to the restaurant. Whether you go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll soon understand why this place is always packed. You might even find yourself sitting next to Brandy, Mike Farrell, or Kevin Eubanks—all famous Follow Your Heart regulars.

Strange Brew

227 E. Cecil St.
Springfield, OH 45503
937-322-4233

The Strange Brew Burger is a mammoth, perfectly spiced, organic patty served on a big, warm, homemade bun and topped with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, onion, and delicious vegan cheese. According to one of our judges, “It’s a sandwich that will have even the most die-hard meat-eater screaming for more. I get hungry just thinking about it.” The restaurant also offers excellent garden focaccia, tuna-free “tuna” salad, and milk-free “milkshakes.”

Lick’s

Lick’s has 25 restaurants across Canada, so it’s not really a “hometown restaurant,” but we couldn’t ignore the barrage of positive feedback from Canadians (and visiting Americans) who told us how much they love Lick’s. Lick’s Nature Burger was popular before most people knew what a veggie burger was and is so thick that you may find it difficult to fit in your mouth. It’s served on a fresh Kaiser bun with your choice of toppings such as sprouts, cucumber, green onion, and more.