DC Vegetarian - Portland Oregon
- Jon Walz
- Restaurant, Diner, Portland
- 30 May, 2023
On one of the first sunny days of the year, we decided to pay a visit to DC Vegetarian, one of Portland's longest standing vegan spots. Admittedly, I don't drop by as often as I should, considering how fantastic their food consistently is.
They're nestled in southeast Portland on Division, right next to a bustling food cart pod and brewery. This area has grown and evolved so much over the years, and it's been quite a sight seeing all the new businesses popping up.
This time around, I opted for the Cajun Po Boy, and it certainly lived up to my expectations. I fondly remembered the Chicken Salad Sub from my previous visit, which was nothing short of amazing. The Po Boy, a warm sandwich filled with seasoned soy curls, a delightful remoulade sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, was equally impressive. I passed on the cheese this time, but knowing it's an option, I might just have to revisit soon...
The Chicken Salad Sub, though a cold sandwich, left a lasting impression that I'm now craving one as I write this. Composed of the classic chicken salad ingredients such as celery, onion, veganaise, lettuce, and tomato, it was a delight. I regret not snapping a photo of this one, but I'll make sure to snap one next time. Monica chose the Steak and Cheese sub, which was absolutely divine. If you appreciate sandwiches rich with robust, meaty flavor, this is your ideal pick. It's a warm sandwich comprising seitan, grilled peppers, onion, cheese, veganaise, and a special sauce. I was lucky to snatch a bite before Monica claimed the rest.
The restaurant provides ample seating, and the ambiance is very pleasant. It boasts a 50's diner aesthetic, with abundant natural light, and the booths are spacious enough to accommodate a group of friends or a cozy date night.
For my next visit, I'm contemplating trying the Reuben, which sounds quite appetizing with its house-made seitan, sauerkraut, cheese, and thousand island dressing. I've always had a soft spot for Reubens and tend to gravitate towards them at new restaurants, if available! The menu offers a variety of side dishes and the Seitanic Chili has already piqued my interest.
The staff were very accommodating, patiently answering all our queries and providing recommendations. It's the kind of place where you feel genuinely welcomed, and you can sense that every dish on the menu is crafted with care, focusing on flavor.
I hope you liked this review and stick around for more!