Vegan
American
Organic
Take-out
Fusion
Vegan cafe est. 2014 located on the Winooski River. Offers plant-based dishes with lots of to-go items. Drinks include fresh juices, smoothies, tea and coffee. Open Mon-Sun 9:30am-7:30pm.
161 Reviews
First Review by 73Iron
Shelby00
Points +463
Excellent food! - Edit
Loved this place! It's all vegan and the food was excellent. We had their Monday special - mac and cheeze, along with broccoli bites with buffalo sauce, and peanut rice which had broccoli and kale. Everything was tasty and there was a lot of food.
Read moreLocation is right on the Winooski River with seating outside for nice views.
Guest
Vegan_Bri
Points +81
5 Stars! - Edit
An amazing vegan cafe that serves fresh, delicious food. The atmosphere is very inviting and they have a great deck to eat on in the summer while looking out to the river. Finding a seat in the winter can be a little tricky but you can either wait a few minutes for a spot to open up or take it to go and eat elsewhere. We've only "had" to do takeout one time and by the time our food was out, space had opened up. The staff are all so wonderful and friendly! They always have a smile on their face and are always willing to accommodate as much as possible.
Read moreThe karma burger, falafel wrap, grilled kale salad, and dumplings are great! My husband and I really loved the nachos (and I had just discovered their wonderful grilled cheesiness) but they just changed their menu and no longer have them.
I also love their french toast which comes with this amazing ginger butter - I barely used the maple syrup because the butter was so satisfying on its own! They have awesome treats as well. The donuts are to die for, especially the sweet potato and miso donut! I know.. I was skeptical too but just try it, you wont be disappointed. I'm not sure if they are made in house or by another local company; either way, they're worth a try if they have them!
In short, my husband (who was previously not vegan for a long time while eating here) and I love Pingala! We're hoping they'll open another location someday (maybe closer to Waitsfield
Pros: Great Food, Reasonable Price, Friendly Staff
Cons: Minimal Seating in Winter
Guest
trp74
Points +49
Best vegan food in Burlington area - Edit
This place is very affordable and has excellent food. I have never had any food there that wasn't tasty and fresh. The bakery items are all pretty tasty too. All of the menu items are creative which I like also. Most of the items are no more than $10 so it's affordable. There isn't a lot of seating (except in summer when the patio is open) though but the place has a nice vibe. Don't miss this place if you come to Burlington.
Read morePros: Tasty and Fresh, Creative menu options, Affordable
Cons: Limited Seating
Guest
BostonVegan
Points +423
Wonderful vegan comfort food - Edit
We ate here twice during our short stay in the Burlington area. For breakfast one day we had the Benedict and the Scram (without the wrap). Both were really delicious. For lunch another day we had the Broccoli Bites, the Spring Rolls, and the Grilled Cheese. Again, all fit the bill as real food that tasted good and satisfied us.
Read moreOh, did I mention the baked goods? These are made by Four Sisters, a vegan baker in the area. We tried several items---donuts, scones, &c---and these were all top notch.
Wish I could try more items but I was only traveling in the area.
It's a nice atmosphere, several tables and a bunch of barstools, plus outdoor seating.
Pros: Food, Staff, Atmosphere
Guest
littlelived
Points +21
cute and tasty!! - Edit
We stopped here on our way back to montreal and it is a very cute location off the road next to the water. I had the california club with eggplant bacon which was unique and tasty!! my partner had te karma burger which was tasty each came with a side salad!! The flavor was awesome!! the salad small but good. came with pickles!! Yummy!! I had teh brownie for dessert..not my fav but good and she had maple glazed baked donut which was great!! We had a latte too!! The menu is large and has good breakfast options!!! anxious to come try them!!! would definately stop again!!
Read morePros: cute location, great food, good service
Guest
SpeedVegan
Points +79
Ambivalent - Edit
First off, the wheelchair accessibility is superb, especially the bathroom where I was actually able to wheel into the stall and shut the door with plenty of space to spare. For that, I love!
Read moreI'm moving to Burlingotn this Fall, and while visiting I decided to check this place out! Great staff, great outdoor seating, and overall great vibe.
I felt a little on the disappointed side regarding the food. The Gouda melt had little to no cashew cheese on it that I could see. I checked multiple times. I thought that that would be the main aspect of the sandwich, but it was mostly tomato, pesto, and caramelized onions. It tasted good, but I ordered it hoping for the melty cashew cheese.
The side salad fell a little short. The lettuce was wilted and on the verge of going bad, though the dressing was really nice. Overall, my meal wasn't as fulfilling as I had hoped, especially it being my first truly vegan restaurant experience.
My partner ordered the falafel wrap, which I took a bite of. It was nice, but not as seasoned as I expected. Sadly we had to leave abruptly, so I didn't get the chance to try the desserts, but from what I have read, they are the real stars.
Overall, I thought it was a very expensive meal for what I was getting. Maybe I set my expectations too high, and to be honest, I feel so bad for not being happier...
Pros: Great staff, Great Vibe, Amazing Wheelchair Accessibility
Cons: Expensive for the portion size, A cheeze melt without the cheese
Guest
cookiem
Points +5952
American-style Vegan Cafe Fare - Edit
There is nothing more I could ask for in a cafe that is all vegan American cuisine. This place reminds me of a down-to-earth cafe that happens to be all vegan. The menu is huge, considering how the place is operated - out of what appears to be a small kitchen with just a couple people working the whole show at any given time.
Read moreStill, I should say I just came here once, so maybe there is inconsistency, but I didn't see it.
There is a ton of tables outside and a bunch of places inside, seating maybe about 40 people comfortably? The place is open for easy hours for the workers/ staff, but I would have loved earlier and later hours to allow for more eating here!
The location is off the beaten track, but it is great by an old mill and the waterfront. It's somewhat secluded, so it provides more quietude.
Now, as for the menu - thank you, thank you, thank you, Pingala. Loved all your choices. The brekkie looked incredible, and I am so glad I have something to look forward to when back in Burlington!
Really though, they have a great menu - smoothies, coffee/ latte beverages, brekkie/ brunch, salads, wraps, sandwiches and appetizers. Many items are gluten-free, and as others have noted, they have gluten-free vegan bread. I was skeptical, but wow, it is good. If you have had GF vegan bread before, you probably know it can really really disappoint. I was impressed! The ELT is amazing - who know eggplant skin could be such fun in a sandwich? They love this eggplant approach, as well as tahini-based sauces - who wouldn't? There is plenty of cheesy-ness if you like that.
I do wish there were more salads and raw options in general, but, for what they have, it is excellent.
The baked goods appeared to all be gluten free - lavender chocolate cupcakes, cranberry scones, peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies and blueberry corn muffins were just half of the fresh offerings. So delicious!!! Most gluten free vegan baking leaves something to be desired, but all of the items I had from Pingala were remarkably delicious.
The prices are super fair, though everything is not organic, so that could be why the prices are rather low. Still, the food fills you up, is fresh, freshly made and tasty. I will be back!
Pros: All vegan, Vegan gluten free galore, Lattes and smoothies!
Cons: Hours are too short!, Service could be slow - staffing issue
Guest
Petesternz
Points +1447
fine - but nothing special - Edit
I share the view of many of the doubters below who found this restaurant acceptable but nothing special. I went there for lunch (not breakfast) and found the food good, but not exceptional. The sandwiches were interesting, but the one I ordered came on a pretty boring white bread (gluten free - but for me that's a minus, not a plus), and it was just tasty, not amazing. My wife's was much of the same. Service was just OK. The space is really nice down by the river. All things considered, I found better options in Burlington, even though they weren't fully vegan.
Read moreGuest
Puzzles19
Points +16
Really tasty! - Edit
We stopped for lunch while passing through Burlington. We each ordered the hash and scramble wrap with tahini sauce, dumplings to share, and a maple pumpkin sticky bun. All of the food was fantastic and the staff was friendly. It almost made me wish I lived in Burlington.
Read moreGuest
raphalla
Points +776
ok - Edit
Went there for Sunday lunch. It was kind of quiet. The cafe was small. There were only 2 tables for 2 seatings, 2 tables for 5-8 seatings (depends on how many you can squeeze in) and bar top table with 6-7 seatings. We were really lucky to have a table, since we have two young children. There were quite many selections for children. My 3 yo had burger bite. He started with the dip (came with it) with chips. There were garlic in the dip, so it tasted a bit spicy. After that, he refused to eat the rest of the meal. My 5 yo liked her cheesy sandwich though. My husband said his breakfast sandwich was tasteless while i liked my tofu rancheros. The cafe is in an industrial building right beside of the river.
Read morePros: *
Cons: *
Guest
steveveg
Points +3126
Vegan at a moderate price - Edit
Pingala offers a wide vegan menu at a moderate price. The fare is limited to breakfast, salads, sandwiches and wraps. Gluten free diners are accommodated. What we had was well done. We had a Karma Burger, ELT (eggplant bacon), and tempeh taco. Seating is a little limited, expansion is being contemplated.
Read morePros: vegan, reasonable prices, friendly service
Guest
Rose et Polo
Points +20
Perfect place! - Edit
We went to Pingala Cafe for breakfast last week-end and it was perfect! The food was delicious and the staff was really nice with us. We will definitly go back there when we will come back in Burlington. It's a must!
Read moreGuest
fredmeissner
Points +36
Great place! - Edit
We went here for lunch, and then breakfast the next day. Food was excellent, and the baked goods were pretty good considering they were gluten free...the maple donuts were a little on the dry side. Nice views of the falls on the Winooski river, and really nicely decorated inside, with lots of natural light. For breakfast I had a tempeh breakfast sandwich (awesome), and Becca had pancakes (not gluten free) that were also very good, with ginger butter (woah). The smoothies are also good. One of the best we've been to, don't miss it if you're in Burlington.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on Saturday October 11, 2014
Pros: Extensive menu, Awesome food, Welcoming environment
Cons: Portions could be bigger for the price
Guest
Deer Fields
Points +49
Vegan in Burlington...Finally - Edit
You'd think a hip town like Burlington would have been ahead of the curve but Vermont's addiction to all things dairy has held the town back. Well no more. Enter Pingala in the rejuvenating old #1 Mill street where you can do yoga then chow down.
Read moreWe had the spring rolls, taquitos, tempeh tacos and 5 gluten free desserts-- peanut butter brownie, cinnamon doughnut, chocolate chip cookie, coconut, carrot chocolate macaroon and pumpkin spice iced cupcake. Yum.
The taquitos were grilled crisp and served with their signature chipotle mayo which is hot and creamy, my favorite. The spring rolls' sauce was good and they were ample. The tacos were good too, especially on the home-style corn tortillas. And it was all gluten free! The chipotle mayo appears on several items, including a breakfast sandwich on which it seemed out of place. It is a risk to rely on one sauce too frequently.
Next time we'll try the burgers and sandwiches, and another order of taquitos.
Charles was cooking and made us feel welcome as did the server, though I prefer my servers' long hair tied back and don't appreciate him touching his hair prior to serving my food. Also one hopes that servers in a vegan restaurant know better than to tell customers they drank bone marrow while in India, and customers should know better than to assume all workers in a vegan shop are vegan.
The bathroom is clean and shared with the yoga studio, et al, and could use vegan soap instead of the toxic blend they call soap.
The atmosphere is a nice mix of the old mill feel and the new cuisine, though the tables were sticky on top.
We liked their compost and dish set up and their cool silverware holder. The outdoor seating overlooking the river improved the experience.
As long time vegans, we appreciate all vegan restaurants and this one is no exception. Thank you for being there. We will visit whenever in Burlington and wish you great success.
Pros: Good food, good value, Gluten free options, Great river location
Guest
JohnFinity
Points +6
Non-Vegetarian - Loved this place! - Edit
I brought my adult daughter who is a vegan, to treat her to dinner. Man, if I had the ability/inspiration to make meals like they do I wouldn't miss my non-veg lifestyle at all :-) They do healthy food very well. They had a taco special going on, so I tried that. That was awesome - and slightly messy to eat just like real tacos! My favorite was their Buffalo Broccoli Bites. The slightly spicy sauce and the sprinkling of black sesame - not just tasty but a visually appealing dish as well. I want to come back JUST for that dish. I want to try more stuff too. Agree with the other pros / cons others had.
Read moreThought you would like to know this place has appeal not just to vegetarian / vegan customers. There is a false judgement by non-vegetarians that anything veg has to be boring. This is a cool cross-over place too. Blessings!
Guest
MichaelTaylor
Points +84
Great little vegan restaurant! - Edit
What a great little place! Food is great, prices are reasonable and lots of parking. My favorite dish was the BBQ mushroom wrap and my wife love the tempeh tacos. Met the owner and he is a passionate young man who just wants to support veganism. Went back 3 times on my brief stay in Burlington. Highly recommended.
Read morePros: great food, friendly employees, easy parking
Cons: doesn't have a location in Baltimore!
Guest
DanaMcKeen
Points +18
Choices Galore! - Edit
So used to having maybe one option when eating out - most places don't grasp that someone may have multiple food items they do not or cannot eat. Gluten free potions as a slab of meat with some veggies or vegetarian pasta or something veggie but with cheese... Not here! Everything is vegan and almost every single item is either naturally gluten free or can be made gluten free on request. They always have a lovely selection of vegan and gluten free baked goods by the comet which is a miracle because most places might offer one or the other but almost never have something that is BOTH.
Read moreI always have a hard time deciding what to order because I'm so unaccustomed to having OPTIONS. but not only do I have a choice, every single thing I have eaten here is amazing - so I know I won't be disappointed except when my plate is empty.
Pros: Gluten Free, Delicious
Cons: Tiny, Wait Time
Guest
teal_ocean
Points +122
Great Place! - Edit
I felt like I had to wait forever to get up to Pingala. It was worth making it happen. When I walked in it was pretty busy, but people were being served quickly. The menu is fully Vegan so I was overwhelmed! I'm not actually complaining about it!
Read moreI had the ELT and buffalo broccoli. Both superb! Can't wait to try the Taquitos and grilled cheese and kale.
Pros: Clean, Choices!, Friendly staff
Cons: Busy intersection, Parking is a little wonky
Guest
Debra Winter
Points +40
Excellent breakfast - Edit
We had the pancakes and the Harvest hash and scramble wrap. The pancakes were good and the wrap was amazing. The place has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Read moreGuest
HowardPacker
Points +92
As Good as the Reviews Claim - Edit
The reviews that give this place an excellent rating are all accurate. I had the BBQ Jackfruit wrapped in a spinach tortilla. The texture of the Jackfruit was excellent, and the BBQ sauce was great. Even their coffees (I had a latte) with choices of milks (almond, soy, others) and added ingredients (chocolate, maple, others) are luxurious and delicious.
Read moreThe facility is a unit that is located in a large converted mill along a river, but it looks like it was just built yesterday. Everything is spotlessly clean, and that even includes the bathrooms. Also, they have outdoor seating overlooking the river, which was great for bringing the pooch along with me for my outing. It is an informal facility with casual dining.
I was only in town for the day, but I would absolutely dine there again to try out more items.
Pros: Great Food, Super Clean, Dog Friendly
Guest
NIBsmf
Points +1375
Considered moving to the area just for this place! - Edit
Seriously, this restaurant was so good that I really had the thought to leave my old life behind and move to Burlington to be near this place! Well, the beautiful VT country side and relaxed pace of life probably also contributed to the thought. Here's my usual breakdown of the place:
Read moreFood: 10. I was really pleased with everything I got: a maple latte, a maple doughnut, a breakfast sandwich (with a maple glazed tempeh patty, of course, because you can see that I adore maple syrup), and a side of "hash" (lots of veggies instead of just the usual potatoes). I tasted my boyfriend's maple cinnamon bun, and that was also delicious. This is rare that I say this about a place's menu, but I think everything on the menu sounded great. If I lived or worked near this place, I would try everything on the menu! One thing I really liked about the menu overall is that the items were often classic comfort foods made healthier (e.g. lots of veggies added to things plus a focus more on tempeh and tofu rather than mock meats). I wish more vegan restaurants had this balance down.
Price: 8. Pretty average for a vegan restaurant. I felt that the prices were generally reasonable. I also felt that the portions were generous compared to some places that charge the same prices.
Staff: 9. The guy at the counter was really friendly and helpful. My only complaint is that he pointed it out several times that he was the only person working at the time. While I felt for him, I'm not sure if he was looking for sympathy or what. But anyway, minor complaint.
Atmosphere: 9. I love the location in an old mill right next to a river! My only complaint about atmosphere, which is another minor complaint, is that there's little seating.
Parking was easy outside of the mill.
Pros: All vegan!, Delicious food, Balance of healthy and comfort-like food
Cons: Small staff makes for longish wait, Little seating inside
Guest
SueSveeg
Points +16
Awesomeness - Edit
Pingala Cafe & Eatery is the best all Vegan restaurant! The place is warm, friendly and hip...the food = awesomeness!!!
Read moreThe plant based food was fresh, vibrant and delicious!! It feels so good to know that there's a vegan place and not have to worry about what you are really getting!! Friends & I tried Grilled cheesiness, Pulled BBQ, Banh Mi, Warm Thai Peanut Salad, GF brownie and the Vegan/GF P'nut Butter Choco Chip Cookies are out of this universe!!
Servers are courteous, helpful and friendly. The owner, Trevor Sullivan checks in with customers to make sure thet're pleased with the food. All good....all the time!
Pros: Excellent food, Great vibe, Great prices
Cons: None
Guest
cassandramarie
Points +36
Amazing! - Edit
delicious! so many great options that will please everyone. my brother who doesn't eat vegan loved it as well! best vegan food place I have been to hands down. the location is beautiful and located at an old industrial building, very quaint and decorated comfortably. good vibes!
Read morePros: menu, atmosphere, location
Cons: none what so ever
Guest
accbouchard
Points +20
LOVE this place - Edit
A great all vegan menu with a wide selection of gluten-free options! Tried a maple almond latte, a smoothie, trail mix cookie, hummus, breakfast sandwich - all wonderful. Reasonable prices. Very friendly staff. Cozy little space with a nice mural, great river view and eclectic decor.
Read morePros: amazing food, friendly/knowledgable staff
Cons: not a lot of seating, limited hours
Guest
NaomiBill
Points +48
100% Vegan! - Edit
Love this new vegan restaurant! It is wonderfully reassuring to be able to get food somewhere where I don't have to worry about asking ingredient or preparation related questions... everything is vegan! I'm a little obsessed with the Grilled Cheesiness with avocado, check it out!!!
Read morePros: 100% Vegan, Convenient Location, Tasty Baked Goods
Guest
73Iron
Points +32
Amazing Menue - Edit
The Menue is amazing, so many options to choose from. And they are complete meals. Prices are not bad either. The Buffalo kickin is great!
Read morePros: All Vegan, Proteins, Baked Goods
Guest
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