Handy Diner

I didnt even want my food after ordering it. The cook had band-aids on his hands....and cooked with no gloves. The other cook had basically no teeth and also cooked with no gloves and continually touched his face. I mean, I'm completely grossed out. I just can't.

This place is pretty hard to find partly because there is no real signage. We have been twice and both times one of us went in to see if it was really open and still Handy Diner.
The food though is why we've been back. My husband got the Chickpea Steak both times and on this recent visit I got the chiles rellenos. I was surprised the Rellenos didn't have cheeze inside, but had a rice blend of sorts. It was good, not fantastic & just not what I was expecting. The menu could give better descriptions of the food. It came with a side of scrambled tofu as does the Chickpea Steak. Everything is covered in gravy and/or salsa verde. Big portions.
On our latest trip my little one got a side of mashed potatoes, no gravy. I thought they were delicious, speckled with chives, though a bit lumpy. I think the lumps just shows me they are real potatoes, not instant.
My little one didn't care for the chives, she's a picky eater and I think it was more of a visual thing then taste. Even for a hole in the wall kind of place, I really hope Handy puts some money into a decent sign outside and give some more descriptions on the menu.

Even well after the correct (presumably) 8 AM time on their Facebook page, it wasn't open, so sadly I had to forego breakfast there.

Update, I did return and the food was ok, nothing spectacular. It's well located for where I have to go however so I may be back to try something else.

Updated from previous review on 2016-10-05

Handy diner is just the kind of place plant based eaters should support…and will be happy they did!

A small run operation, taking measured risks in opening up a wholly vegan restaurant in an area with sparse vegan eateries. As the other reviewers have noted, the cuisine is excellent, generous portions, and friendly staff/owners.

For those visiting and staying in downtown Denver, it’s a easy 25 min or so walk. The signature dish, Chickpea fried steak is a winner as is the Verde sauce bean and potato chimichanga (not deep fried). The carrot bacon strips were very creative and delicious.

For lunch we ordered a portobello burger and a chickpea dish (essentially vegan country fried steak) with sides of tofu scramble and potatoes. I also grabbed an order of french toast to go. All three dishes were fantastic! The place was funky and the service was top notch. It was certainly busy and we were happy to see that. Oh yeah, the prices were very reasonable too!

We ate breakfast. It was excellent. Very small restaurant and the atmosphere was a bit interesting, but food was fabulous! We had the chickpea steak meal, burrito with questions, and pancake meals. The scramble they use was great. Highly recommended! Great value!!

Handy Diner is a great local treasure of scrumptious vegan comfort food and relaxed, friendly hipness.

The "Deadpool" chimichanga with jackfruit and faux carne asada is ridiculously tasty.

Come support this awesome, locally-owned business. There's ample free parking in the lot and it's right across from the light rail (30th and Downing station).

Enjoy!

This is some of the best vegan food I've ever had. Definitely a slightly hidden gem that I'm glad my husband and I came across. Don't pass up a chance to try this place out.

do you like pancakes? get over to Handy Diner and have the best vegan pancakes ever. so impressed with how good they were.

It's a bit hard to find (around the corner from an alley) - and is by no means nice inside - but this hole-in-the-wall has damn good vegan food. GO.

Myself and wife went for lunch and had the best vegan food! We had Chili cheese fries, BLT Sandwich, Grilled cheese sandwich and special desert Turtle Brownie Sundae. Food was amazing and staff were attentive and friendly. Plenty of parking available. We had heard so many good reviews and had to try this place and decided to drive from Lone Tree. We loved the experience and will be back for more. Carrot Bacon tastes great!