Going to Boston? Go to Veggie Galaxy!

What is it that makes a diner a diner? Is it the feisty, but warm waitresses, quick with a cup of coffee and assumed familiarity? Is it the curved ceiling, the tiled floors, the classic stainless steel exterior? The cozy booths, the counter with stools that puts you right near the action at the grill? The reassuringly familiar menu? Breakfast-all-day? The wide range of customers, who mirror the diversity of America itself?    Adam, Founder of Veggie Galaxy

Having a meal at a diner is an experience that many of us remember as a childhood ritual or something people do after they’ve stayed out until 2:00 am and their body craves some sort of nutrition after consuming mass amounts of alcohol. So, when my daughter told me she wanted to go to a diner called Veggie Galaxy in Cambridge, Massachusetts recently, I hesitated momentarily. Without skipping a beat, she said “Mom, Zagat gave them a 23 and it’s vegetarian and vegan” That was all I had to hear.

Located at 450 Massachusetts Avenue in the heart of Cambridge, Veggie Galaxy is a magnet for vegetarians, vegans and even those who don’t fall into any category but who relish fresh wholesome food served in a fun, friendly environment. Walk into Veggie Galaxy and it’s almost like taking a step back in time (the booths, the round swivel counter chairs) while looking to the future (vegetarian and vegan fare). Dr. Emmett Brown having lunch with Marty McFly would blend right in with the eclectic clientele that includes professors, young professionals, students, seniors, and parents with toddlers and young children.

The menu is extensive – 11 pages devoted to breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert (vegetarian/vegan or gluten-free), beverages, bar drinks, and a kids menu so there is something for everyone. The burgers – Chipotle Black Bean or Mushroom Chick Pea – are served on a house made whole grain bun (or gluten-free bread) with a side of dressed baby arugula and either Potato Salad or Red Cabbage Slaw. Build your own burger with more than two dozen toppings.

During our visit, I ordered the Mushroom Chick Pea Burger on the Whole Grain Bun with caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes, and tempeh bacon and it was huge and fabulous. The Red Cabbage Slaw with carrots and capers was tangy, slightly sweet and truly delicious (so much so that as soon as I got home, I set upon recreating this great side dish). Not in the mood for a burger? Consider a grilled cheese made with Pepper Jack Cheese with asparagus and roasted red peppers.

All of the desserts are homemade diner classics made from scratch and 100% vegan (no butter, eggs, cream, milk, honey, cream cheese, or anything derived from an animal) including a gluten-free cake of the day. Choose from Boston Cream Pie (naturally, a favorite here), Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Cake, Chocolate Layer, Cake, Sweet Potato Carrot Cake, Pecan Pie, Lemon Layer Cake, Mile High Lemon Meringue Pie, Puddings, Fruit Pies, Chocolate Cream Pie, Banana Cream Pie and more.

Veggie Galaxy also offers a wide assortment of muffins, sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, brownies and an assortment of cookies. Breakfast is served all day which is just what you would expect at a diner and Veggie Galaxy won’t disappoint as the menu offers all the usual fare:  pancakes, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, eggs any style, home fries, potato hash, biscuits and more. 

To view all 11 pages of the menu, go to the restaurant’s website listed below. Open 7 days a week, Veggie Galaxy gives new meaning to the word diner and I couldn’t help but think the world would be such a better place with a Veggie Galaxy in every town.

Veggie Galaxy
450 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-497-1513
www.veggiegalaxy.com