Vegie Bar

Posted by: shipoo | 2 March 2011, 9.23pm

Back in the day when I was a genuine vegan, and coming from a city with almost no vegan or vegetarian restaurants to speak of, a trip to the Veggie Bar was always a delight.

On a recent trip to Melbourne I dragged my partner there twice - the second time merely for the atmosphere and good service, which is saying something about the food. To give specifics, the so called 'Zen burger' needs to take a rest; alternatively, I recommend using fresh buns (as opposed to stale ones), dollops of different spreads and/or sauces to compliment the standard salad and thick bread, and for the pi?ce de r?sistance - tofu that is neither cut to size of nor akin to the texture of a half brick. I can barely remember what I ate on trip no.2 (it/s probably best that way), needless to say (and I feel I'm starting to repeat myself here), the House Salad was tired. My intuition is more "wet" (i.e. sauces or dips to compliment the vegetables, and less chickpeas.

Go for the drinks: the carob banana smoothie was awesome (should come in 1L jugs :), as was the spinach and green apple juice (again, something which used to be non-existent in cafes Australia-wide).

I suspect something is been taken for granted here... . Vegie Bar's proprietor's need to know that they won't be gaining any converts if they don't take some of that energy that they put into hiring good-looking staff and put it into their cooking!

Food:			Visit: Thu 17 March 2011 Mealtime: lunch
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Posted by: lolly_gagger | 25 June 2010, 4.32pm

Loved it. The seating is a little crammed but it's probably due to the popularity of the place (and with good reason).

Food:			Visit: Tue 1 June 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: vamzie | 29 May 2009, 12.26pm

I have been here many many times now and going right now for lunch too :)
This is the first out and out vegetarian restaurant I had been to in Melbourne and I simply could not let go off the menu. I mean it was the first time i read a menu and said "I can Have everything in this menu".
The food is simply outstanding. It is so fresh and quality. One piece of an entree and a main, your stomach is full.
But everything here is so irrestitable that you just want to have more.
My suggestion will be that you should go in groups to have food here so that you can get a chance to try more food.
3 People - 2 Entrees, 3 Mains, 1 Desert and you will come out of Vegie Bar with your hand on the stomach and a smile on your face.

Ambience - I really never can make out how this place will look when it is empty, because a capacity of 150-200 people seating, and even when I go on a weeknight, its always full. If you are asked to wait for half and hour, dont get disappointed and hunt for another restaurant. The wait will be WORTH IT.
The also have a waiting area which I feel is so cozy and warm with a nice Bar, the waiting is also a treat here.

Food:			Visit: Fri 29 May 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: NM123 | 9 October 2008, 9.51pm

The atmosphere was very happening. It feels like a backpacker hangout, full of young people.

I found the dishes were avg. My sis had some burritos which were "alrite", but my Morroccan stew was too bland. Something I could make at home.

Of the several entrees we had, only the mushroom left some sort of impression. If you know what Indonesian gado gado is, you would know there shouldn't be broccoli in it and the peanut sauce is peanut sauce, not some kind of peanut sauce with curry flavour. I checked a friend's Singaporean noodles, it should have been seasoned with curry powder. The one he got was more like mee goreng.

The place tried to offer international dishes with a twist, which is not necessary a bad thing as long as they deliver tasty food.

Food:			Visit: Thu 9 October 2008
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Posted by: somstormen | 11 May 2008, 9.18pm

They have awesome risottos, I love the atmosphere and the set up is great for large group with the communal tables.

Food:			Visit: Sun 11 May 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: nikkers37 | 15 August 2007, 10.50pm

If the restaurant wasn't so cheap it wouldn't be able to get away with the lack of flavour in the food... its amazing how a bit of salt really makes such a difference. And where you are seated is crucial to your enjoyment; upstairs is the best spot as it's least noisy with funky decor. Not recommended for a romantic date, but for a quick, cheap meal I'd choose Vegie Bar over Grill'd any day!

Food:			Visit: Wed 15 August 2007 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: MonikaK | 14 August 2007, 5.42pm

Vegie Bar is a great place to hang out. The atmosphere is casual and friendly and the staff are helpful and attentive. Although the food is not extraordinary, it is very satisfying and well worth the small price tag. There are heaps of options to choose from and the prices just can't be beaten!

Food:			Visit: Tue 14 August 2007 Mealtime: lunch
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Posted by: NoteworthyNomad | 7 December 2006, 1.01pm

I have been to Vegie bar a number of times and, while I always have had a good dinning experience, I have never been impressed by the food. The menu is wide-ranging and has so much potential that could be realized by just adding a little salt and spice to the food. The concept of the restaurant with communal tables and shabby chic decor create a great atmosphere in which to dine and converse with friends and family.

Food:			Visit: Wed 6 December 2006 Mealtime: dinner
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