I am so not a veggie burger person. I’m a meat eater through and through, and have never met faux meat anything that I’ve liked. I’ve taken bites of hubby’s BK Veggie Burgers in a pinch, but it’s just not the same, cap’n! Ditto pretty much anything based in soy, seitan, or any other protein replacement. I can dig vegetarian dishes if it’s beans and rice or something that would taste good on its own without meat, but throw in that protein replacement and it ruins it for me.
That all changed the day I met the Northstar Cafe veggie burger. There’s just *something* about it that makes it just as good, nay better, than any other burger I’ve ever had. It even sort of LOOKS like a real burger. I’m not sure what they put in there, all I could make out for sure were the color of beets and rice – which they then grill to impart that meaty flavor, and top with all the fixings (white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion) on a huge roll. It’s not cheap at $9.60, but if there is one thing this burger is, it’s filling. It’s served with a simple side salad, and is a great dinner for one if you’re hungry. If you’re not so hungry, come prepared to share.
This was my first trip to the Clintonville Northstar (I usually go to the Short North one for breakfast from time to time) – it’s nice and roomy, plenty of parking out back and bright and airy inside. One of these days I’m going to do a full review of their breakfast/lunch offerings, but in the meantime, even if you don’t normally like veggie burgers, hie thee down to Northstar to give theirs a try. Trust me when I say you won’t be sorry.
If you’d like to go: Northstar Cafe, 4241 N. High St, Beechwold, 614.784.2233 or 951 N. High St, Short North, 614.298.9999.