Vegan
American
International
Organic
Take-out
This long-established vegetarian restaurant turned vegan in 2014. Daily specials. Laid back, college atmosphere in the basement of a moldering old church building on campus. Hosts live music and open mic. Open Mon-Fri 11:00am-2:00pm.
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1209 W Oregon St (at basement), Urbana, Illinois, USA, 61801
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Last update on 16 Jan 2023 by AriShifron
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20 Reviews
First Review by RonCann
Haley_Kat
Points +277
Good food and friendly staff - Edit
Had the gyros, split pea soup, and caramel apple cashew cheezecake and it was all great. Also came with my daughter in her stroller and their stairs are very steep but someone helped me bring her down and then back up when we left as well 😀 edited to add I’ve had their brunch which they do occasionally since this review. Check it out if you’re able. SO good.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-10-19
Guest
VeganLens
Points +1332
Good options - Edit
Stopped here when traveling for a cow reacue! They have good options, and it was easy to order quickly and to be on our way. (They are temporarily closed this semester.) We tried the Nachos Supreme for $10 that came loaded with veggies. They have a selection of wraps, sandwiches, a burger, and soup of the day.
Read moreGuest
rocky-
Points +93
In the Rotation - Edit
I go here constantly. I usually get the philly cheeze, but their nachos supreme and hexwraps are awesome too. Not a dessert person, but I love a rice crispy occasionally.
Read moreIt's nice having a menu you can select anything on. And having it with a hibiscus lemonade makes it so much better. Can't recommend it any higher.
Guest
Southsidechicagovegan
Points +24
Delicious vegan lunch! - Edit
We loved everything about Red Herring! The super cool casual vibe, the decor and art, the super friendly staff and the delicious vegan food!
Read moreAs always so nice to go to a restaurant and be able to order ANYTHING from the menu! We enjoyed the nachos, they were so loaded with everything and the cashew cheez was delicious! The Philly cheez steak was beyond tasty, one of my faves. The wrap was delicious and huge! Loved the corn muffins and thanks for the side of vegan butter! We took home the chocolate chip cookies and they were huge and some of the best we have ever had! Huge chunks of chips! Thanks for being so kind and making our first experience great. Can’t wait to visit again! ☮️💚🌱
Pros: Vegan nachos & more , Cool atmosphere , Friendly staff
Guest
Eileen.guest
Points +56
LOVE THIS PLACE! - Edit
Authentic, made from scratch vegan food! I love getting the gyro! It is the best! Their baked goods are to die for! Love this place! Definitely worth checking it out.
Read moreGuest
rvardys
Points +15
Very delicious - Edit
Loved the food,very delicious.
Read morePros: Super delicious , Quaint quirky atmosphere
Cons: No whole grain pita bread option , No desserts without sugar, Would like to see low glycemic dessert options
Guest
threece67
Points +42
Love Red Herring - Edit
Yummy fresh dishes all around. Love the toasty wrap and various sandwiches.
Read morePros: All vegan options, Flavorful
Cons: Not always open
Guest
mcelpie
Points +32
Scrumptious!! - Edit
Delicious food, all local produce, compostable carry out containers, they donate a lot of food to local shelters
Read morePros: Local produce, Donate meals to shelters
Cons: Only open for lunch and occasionally breakfast
Guest
augstone
Points +168
Great food, cool vibe - Edit
Loved my meal here. Had the borscht, daily soup, and the Cheezy Roots and Kale bowl, delicious. Also very good cornbread. Staff very nice. Student diner vibe which I liked, mismatched tables, chairs, and booths gave it a cool feel
Read morePros: All vegan, Lots of gluten-free options, Fresh produce
Guest
tryatreat
Points +54
Best option on campus - Edit
One of my favorite vegan restaurant in the city. Nice place for lunch, a lot of good options and they also have some special for the week. Sometimes they have live music. I love this place.
Read moreMy recommendation are:
Black Bean Burger
grilled homemade patty made of sweet potato, black beans, millet, cilantro, onions, oats, herbs & spices, served on a toasted ciabatta bun with avocado, tomato, southwest ranch and lettuce, served with a side salad of lettuce, cucumber, carrot, onion, and your choice of dressing.
Falafel Pita Sandwich
Hummus, lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, baked falafel and creamy dressing. Served in a warm pita and with El Milagro tortilla chips or fresh fruit. Vegan.
Guest
StephanieMeyer
Points +1501
🥰 - Edit
Great cheap option on campus. I don't think there's any regular set menu but I've been many times and never been disappointed. They also hold open mic night things here. Cozy atmosphere.
Read moreGuest
FoxxSau
Points +266
The Red Herring is Mecca for vegans - Edit
My absolute favorite vegan restaurant of all time. The staff is super friendly, the food is delicious and reasonably priced, the atmosphere is cozy and relaxing. They have live music sometimes, and culturally themed dinners once a week during the school year!
Read moreGuest
IraYuliantiPurnomo
Points +17
simple and lovely vegan dinner! - Edit
My first time here was on a Wednesday evening with my husband, and apparently they have change the special menu every week. It was indian and delicious! Staff also explains very well, and we had a good time!
Read moreGuest
haley_singer
Points +81
Love - Edit
Great menu options, very tasty food.
Read more10/10
Guest
KatieB
Points +431
Perfect lunch stop - Edit
Wish I'd been vegan while I went here; I would have lived in this little cafe! Very chill atmosphere, lots of seating, good-sized menu with lots of varying options. I had the falafal pita and the cole-slaw, and it was delicious, reasonably priced, and relatively quick considering I came in during the lunch rush. It wasn't super clear what the beverage options were (not written on the menu), so I had a La Croix, which is great, but I would have gone for hot tea if I'd known whether or not it was an option. They're closed for the rest of this coming week, so I'm glad I got to try it, and if I'd had luckier timing I would have come and tried a lot more over the next few days!
Read moreGuest
brooke____bear
Points +110
Good atmosphere - Edit
We came here on a Tuesday just before the lunch rush. There were a ton of choices, but the employee at the counter was happy to help us decide what to order. You can take it to go or eat it there, and we decided to eat it there. The service was fast, but while we waited, all we could hear were pots and pans clanging. That, however, was the only bad thing about our experience, because the food was really good. I took part of my hummus and curry sandwich to go, and when I accidentally spilled water on it, it still tasted really good! Basically, aside from the noisy kitchen, everything about this place is solid.
Read morePros: Inexpensive, Good atmosphere
Cons: Loud
Guest
MickinlyLanae
Points +44
Stopped here for lunch on the road - Edit
I had the chili cheeze nachos and they were amazing! They had a little kick to them which I liked. My parents had the avocado olive sandwich which they said that they would order again. The pricing is about the same as Panera, they have a pick two combo
Read moreGuest
PurpleJimmy
Points +36
loooove it - Edit
Love everything about it and everything I've tried. Wish it were open on weekends and for more dinners! Anything with the curry sauce is delicious but you really can't go wrong here.
Read moreGuest
LenaH
Points +64
Love the new menu! - Edit
I've lived in the CU area for 7 years and have seen the Red Herring go through a few rounds of management. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my meals and visits under the newest leadership.
Read moreAs someone who eats a vegan diet, I sincerely appreciate their innovative dishes and commitment to variety. There are a few staples I always look forward to ordering, like the falafel or BBQ seitan, but I almost always end up getting one of their specials, which are always delicious.
Red Herring and the Channing Murray Foundation also provide a vegan-style atmosphere committed to community and social justice -- the location and vibe of the Red Herring really embodies what they are doing with their food.
The only areas of criticism I have are that music performances aren't always appropriate for the lunch hour because people are trying to meet over lunch, or study between classes. I understand music is a big part of their venue, but perhaps save it for dinner events. Also, some portion sizes are pretty small for the price, but I'm usually okay with it because staff seem to be paid a living wage, and put a lot of time and love into their food. I'd rather spend a few extra dollars for what Red Herring serves than get a cheap, basic meal somewhere else.
Keep up the great work, Red Herring -- you are an asset to campus and our community!
Pros: Campus location great for vegan lunch!, Fantastic variety of delicious dishes, Community-supportive atmosphere
Cons: Some portions small for price, Live music during lunch too loud
Guest
RonCann
Points +13
Funky but chic - Edit
The Red Herring has been serving vegetarian food since 1976. The building it is housed in is a 100+ year old Unitarian church arts & crafts building on the national registry of historic buildings. It is a non-profit organization.
Read moreThe food is lacto-ovo with many vegan options. Expertly prepared by hand every day from as many local ingredients as are seasonally available. They are now serving dinner on Friday and Saturday from 6-9PM as well as lunches from 11Am-3PM. The second Saturday of every month is a special chef's table dinner utilizing ingredients purchased that day from the local farmer's market almost entirely.
Pros: made from scratch , local food, very affordable
Cons: service can be slow at peak lunch time
Guest
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