• CLOSED: McFoster's Natural Kind Cafe

  • (10)
    4

    Closed

  • White Veg-options
Vegan-friendly
Lacto
Ovo
American
Juice bar
Beer/Wine
Non-veg

Serves meat, vegan options available. Has fish and chicken, otherwise menu is vegetarian. Many choices including fresh juices, vegan desserts, portabello burger, hummus, blackened tempeh salad, tofu scramble, different salads and sandwiches. Uses some organic and local ingredients, no refined flour or sugar. Housed in a historical building that looks like a castle. Sunday brunch available. Reported closed to HappyCow, Dec 2014.


Venue map for McFoster's Natural Kind Cafe
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10 Reviews

First Review by button

Vegan Vagabond

Points +2715

Vegan
15 Sep 2014

Losing its luster

I've been going to McFoster's for about 10 years. As Omaha has gotten more and more vegan friendly, McFoster's has pretty much stayed the same. It's not that it is not vegan friendly, it's just not that special and they don't seem to be on top of their game. The place is looking a little rundown and the menu is a bit tired. The last time I was there, they had an issue in the kitchen that prevented them from making about half the items on their menu. I was there at lunch time and the place was empty, which is likely a sign that they are struggling and that people are giving up on McFoster's. It's a shame, as they have been around forever, catering to vegans, but they have got to evolve and stay up with the times.

Faylinameir

Points +22

Mostly Veg
25 Jul 2014

has really gone downhill

I've been here several times over the past few years. When I first started going the food was amazing and the portions generous. Yes it was a bit more expensive but I was willing to pay it to support a place with vegan foods. However, lately I have gone and like another reviewer mentioned it has a strange smell and it doesn't seem clean. The cooks I have seen appear dirty and they often have their children running around playing inside the dining area. The smoothie bar is rather gross and falling apart. If you look at their vitamix blender the containers are EXTREMELY clouded and that is a breeding ground for bacteria. I also invite you to notice how poorly they clean their cups (if you sit at the bar you will notice what I mean). The food also isn't the same as it used to be. The taste is off and when I order an avocado sandwich I don't want black streaked avocado that tastes gross. The portions have shrunk considerably as well and presentation isn't what it used to be. For example: sweet potato fries, I paid I think 3 dollars for 1 small potato where you used to get a plate of them for the same price.
The good desserts are no longer sold and the specials are really hit and miss. The dressings taste watered down and the smoothies leave something to be desired.
I used to LOVE this place and now I'm really sad. I've decided to stop going for reasons mentioned. I didn't know about the owners changing but it would make sense. None of the old staff seem to work there and it appears to me its the new owners bar tending and cooking. (they are rather rude fyi I warn you)
Updated from previous review on Thursday July 24, 2014

EDIT: I say the owners do most the work because one day while sitting at the bar waiting for my to-go order the female cook and male at the bar started arguing and swear at each other about how to run the business. It was unprofessional to say the least and swearing infront of children REALLY Bothers me.

Cons: sanitation concerns, rude staff, pricy, run down, limited select of vegan foods,, not tasty anymore

skwaugh

Points +20

Vegan
05 Jun 2013

Wonderful food and staff. Great selection

We had this restaurant scoped out before we set out on a long road trip to the east coast. This restaurant was so good, we hit again on the way home to Denver. We have vegans and vegetarians in our family. There was something for everyone. We all enjoyed our food. Well worth the detour off I-80. Surprisingly the food comes out pretty quick. If we are ever back in Omaha, McFosters will be on our list.

Pros: Excellent Food and selection, Great value, Cool staff

Cons: None

Unograd09

Points +84

Vegan
27 Jan 2013

Even Better After New Management and Overhaul

Midway through last year McFosters was on the verge of going out of business. Due to some big fans of the restaurant they were given donations to help pay back taxes and stay afloat. New management took over as well. Along with new management came a complete overhaul of the interior- deep cleaning, new paint, new artwork.

My wife is vegetarian and I dabble, so we had been here plenty of times and always loved it. But with the overhaul McFosters is even better, Its brighter, cheerier inside, and the service is great! The new owners have revised the menu- reducing some of the greasier stuff (no more sour cream and chive fries, unfortunately), but also seemingly change up the daily specials a lot more. My wife's parents were sometimes hesitant to go here previously for various reasons, but they love it now.

On our last visit, Saturday Jan 19, I got the Tempeh Reuben which is awesome (even better than the Chicago Diner, if any reader has been there), my wife got the daily special which was a Portabello panini, and her parents got a Salmon dish, and the Greek salad. For non-veg eaters, her parents love the fish dishes McFosters has. For an appetizer we shared the Blue Corn Nachos which are always great- blue corn chips covered in sauteed veggies, beans, and either real or soy cheese. For dessert we shared a Peach Cobbler a la mode (Coconut Dream brand ice cream), the cobbler had cardamom and cumin which added a nice touch.

So if you haven't been to McFosters lately I highly recommend it!

Pros: Good mix of Veg and Non, Relaxing, Excellent portions- many half and full

Cons: Can be slow service if really busy

johncena0410

Points +49

Vegan
20 Nov 2011

its okay

its a very small place. but the falafel sandwich and fries is great. not my favorite but i would come back just not as my first choice. its pretty healthy though..

Pros: healthy, clean food, generous portions

Cons: small place

happycowgirl

Points +5631

Vegan
08 Apr 2011

McFoster's is a Must!

Driving cross-country on I-80, my partner and I spent the night in Omaha simply so we could try out McFoster's the next day. It was absolutely worth it! There was no one behind the counter in the small foyer area of the restaurant when we arrived, but that didn't matter. Two servers walking by spotted us and both gave us the friendliest greetings. Told us we could sit wherever we liked.

The menu selection is HUGE. Definitely something for everyone. If I lived in Omaha, I would dine here all the time. You know you are at home away from home when the first page says "Vegan Appetizers" and "Non-Vegan Appetizers".

Our waitress (blond, young, thin, beautiful)could not have been more delightful and helpful. I ordered a ginger soy smoothie which arrived in a chilled mug garnished with an orange slice. One taste and I knew we were in for a great experience at this restaurant. I had the tempeh, lettuce & tomato sandwich. I asked to add avocado (not a problem). Got it w/ sweet potato fries. It was heaven on a plate. A relatively simple sandwich, made to perfection. My partner is a reuben affectionado. Usually turkey reubens, I'm afraid. At McFoster's, he ordered the tempeh reuben w/ fries and devoured it. His only complaint was that there was not more of it.

I'd say this is more of a lunch/dinner place but if you're in the mood for breakfast they offered blueberry pancakes and a tofu scramble.

(My only critique would be that the seating area looked like it needed a deep cleaning.)

unoclay

Points +61

Vegetarian
10 Feb 2010

Great food, interesting place.

Places like this are unique. This is not high-society dining, but the personality and atmosphere are wonderful. Sort of a bar / lunchroom atmosphere. Bohemian. I ate here 2x in 2 days. Day 1: the nachos were great, the red bean burrito was kind of runny, not my style. Day 2: the smoked tomato cashew soup was awesome, and the Tempeh Rubin (with Kim Che) was delicious.
I recommend this place highly, unless you arent into character and a neighborhood feel. If you prefer a more formal dining experience, try Applebees.

Pros: Character, Many Vegetarian Options, free internet

sloweducation

Points +43

Vegan
24 Aug 2008

could this really be the best omaha has to offer?

i first want to note that mcfoster's claims on their menu to be a "vegetarian restaurant that serves chicken," something which should raise a few eyebrows. i find it rather more than lame that anyone who would care to open a primarily vegetarian restaurant and to refer to it as such would serve flesh dishes (they also serve seafood). these non-vegetarian options comprise a goodly portion of their menu, at that.

anyways, my lunch there (a dish with seitan and artichoke in some sort of creamy french-style sauce) was okay, and the artichokes were a little on the weak side. it was interesting and a fairly unusual vegan option. the brussel sprouts were surprisingly excellent, however. the servers were very friendly and prompt with the water. the prices were a little steep, considering the quality of the food itself. the decor was beyond tacky -- i was seated next to a framed set of jerry garcia stamps.

Pros: some unusual options, friendly service

Cons: unexceptional food, hippie-ish atmosphere, a little pricey

sunrize604

Points +15

Mostly Veg
16 Nov 2007

Fantastic!

I love the cuisine in this restaurant. The food is interesting, delicious, presented well, and affordable. The restaurant has a laid back atmosphere and weekend entertainment.

Pros: excellent food, healthy cuisine, good value

Cons: hippieish

button

Points +206

Vegan
03 Oct 2007

Excelent

I went here twice while I was in town, the second time I brought 5 friends, and everyone loved it. The service was good and friendly, the menu is big and diverse, with fresh juices and plenty of vegan desserts. They have wine and some interesting beers too.

Pros: Nice outdoor seating (summer!), Juce bar, Vegan Desserts




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