Vegan
American
Organic
Take-out
Vegan cafe offering salads, burger and sandwiches. The interior is made to resemble a barn. Owner plans to fund and start an animal sanctuary with the funds from the restaurant. Confirmed closed, May 2020.
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- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 02 May 2020 by AlexandraPhillips
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73 Reviews
First Review by BoomersBuddy
Simcha
Points +65
Organic Vegan Is Good - Edit
but unfortunately the vision doesn't meet the reality. Probably because the food is as organic as possible, it is expensive for what you get. I was so so so excited to see a vegan restaurant finally come back to Knoxville. I am not a local, but I visit every 3-4 months and prefer to support a vegan place. I have gotten spoiled where I live not having to ask all the time "is it cooked with..." and "does it contain...?"
Read moreUnfortunately, our dining experience wasn't that great. The owner was super nice, but seemed frazzled. The girl at the cash register was so uninterested in anything going on around, glued to her phone and texting, it felt like you were interrupting her to pay the bill. The food portions were very small, the portobello sandwich practically flat, and more bun than mushroom. The sloppy joe lentil balls tasted overdone to me, and the "cheese" sauce was made from nutritional yeast, which wasn't made clear from the menu (or at least I didn't see it, that could have been my error). I like nutritional yeast, but not as a cheese substitute - never have. So that was a bit of a shock and disappointment, as was the lack of tomato sauce on the sloppy joe. The food was not presented well, and on disposable plates. There just wasn't enough for the cost.
While I wrote a review of Three Rivers Market, I essentially trashed them, but that is not the intent of this review. I see this place currently has 5 stars, and I wish I could leave that kind of review, but it would be dishonest.That was not my experience, though I really really wish it were. I hope that the cafe owners will read this and perhaps reconsider sometng or other - cost, taste, presentation, atmosphere (and actually the place is cutely dine up to looklike the inside of a barn, I did really like the casual ambience, except for the TV), and make some changes. Every town needs a vegan cafe or restaurant, but they need one that will not only be a nice place for vegans to go to,but a place vegans can take their non-vegan people and show them how delicious it can be to be vegan. Right now, unfortunately, this cafe doesn't seem to meet that mark. I do hope it changes!
Edit: I would have been willing to try this again after reading the other reviews, but they don't have Sunday hours, unfortunately.
Updated from previous review on 2017-04-02
Pros: Ambience is cute and comfortable , All Vegan
Cons: Food is expensive , Unfriendly staff except for owner, TV playing during meals
Guest
JohnEzell
Points +115
Gone but not forgotten - Edit
There was a certain type of unity there, in that they all seem to be on the same page sort of speak--working together, smiling, and even the cooks seemed to be happy to be there. These are important qualities that often are not present in most restaurants. I was served fairly quickly, even though I had arrived near closing time. The prices were also very reasonable, and the food was good. It was located in a shopping plaza, perhaps not the ideal setting for a hip, vegan restaurant, but that is of course, a personal thing. Other than that, no complaints.
Read moreGuest
carlybrown14
Points +21
Yummy food! - Edit
*I ate here before the COVID pandemic. They are currently closed*
Read moreI was so excited to go and try the Chykyn Seitan sandwich, and it did not disappoint. I got the imitation bacon and wasn’t a huge fan, but the meal was overall amazing! I am rating 4 stars instead of 5 because they were out of several menu options when I visited. I recognize that this is more common for small businesses to experience, but it can be disappointing if you have your heart set on a specific item.
Their menu changes frequently, which can be great if you love trying new things!
Pros: Totally vegan
Cons: Were out of several menu items (pre-pandemic)
Guest
veggieDefright
Points +39
Best pancakes ever - Edit
Made with almond milk, best pancakes ever
Read moreGuest
dkpanthera
Points +80
Great Sandwiches - Edit
Tried the Nashville hot and BBQ sandwiches. Both delicious. The Mac and cheez was just okay. I’d prefer a cashew based cheez sauce without daiya (or whatever) on top. Service was great. Also helps support a great cause behind the scenes at the Sanctuary. Breakfast was not being served on a Saturday morning which was lame. Only Sundays. Overall I’d still highly recommend. Lots of “homemade” vegan food.
Read moreGuest
vegan159
Points +16
Sanctuary - Edit
Great food and service.
Read moreGuest
@Kendraisoutside
Points +1105
Delightful - Edit
This place continues to improve the quality of their food and consistency.
Read morePros: Friendly staff, easy parking.
Cons: A little pricey for a "cafe"
Guest
tamalam
Points +78
Love this place, but beware they are not open Monday and Tuesday! - Edit
Last year went to the Sanctuary passing through to go home..it was incredible! We had the cauliflower wings and philly and the ranch is incredible. Was on my way to Gatlinburg this time and waited for them to open only to find out they were closed😢
Read moreGuest
BrandonRadomski
Points +30
Amazing - Edit
Highly recommend this place to everyone
Read moreGuest
Homechilidog
Points +36
Nashville Hot Sandwich - Edit
It was very good! I got a Nashville hot “chicken” sandwich with potato skins. It was right nice!
Read moreGuest
Soyboi4life
Points +22
So freaking good - Edit
We had the Nashville hot sandwich, grilled cheese burger, and fried pickles. All were amazing. Probably the best vegan comfort food I’ve had.
Read moreGuest
hashtagveganlife
Points +11
Excellent food and service - Edit
I was really surprised at how delicious the food was. The service was wonderful as well. We were greeted as soon as we walked in. Was given menus with plenty of options. Will definitely be my go to spot from now on. The atmosphere is great with great art on the walls to enjoy. All tips go towards the sanctuary.
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options. , I was able to have Mexican food.
Cons: It’s fresh so it’s a little expensive
Guest
VegMC
Points +184
Tasty veganized comfort foods - Edit
Cute ALL vegan restaurant tucked into a strip mall, they have delicious options including the Nashville hot chik’n sandwich, buffalo cauliflower (appetizer and wrap) and fried pickles. Check out the art on the walls and read up on the animal sanctuary they support: 4Them Sanctuary Inc. PS: open on Sundays (!) 12-6 pm
Read morePros: Friendly service , Clean , Tasty veganized comfort foods
Guest
caityb777
Points +16
Amazing :) - Edit
I’m honestly a very picky vegan eater. I want clean AND tasty food. Both of which were given to me. The atmosphere is great. Customer service was great. Everyone should check out the art on the walls. The seitan was different but I enjoyed it very well. The mashed potatoes and gravy are TO DIE FOR. WHATS THAT GRAVY RECIPE??? 😇😇
Read morePros: 100% vegan 🌱 😍, NON GMO!!!♥️♥️, Tasty🤤
Cons: There’s not one closer to home
Guest
Raincow
Points +53
It has sadly gone way downhill - Edit
We’ve been coming here for a couple years now. Slowly over that time the quality of the food has diminished, but on this trip it was the worst. We won’t be back. The cauliflower wings were batter deep fried and had so much grease it was an instant stomachache. The seitan chicken was so thick it was raw inside. The French fries were hard and stale, and the cupcakes at least a few days old, completely stale. We sat in front of our dirty plates until we left. Bad service to boot. So sad for the animals they support!
Read moreGuest
VeganMamaAL
Points +293
Delicious food and great service - Edit
My husband and I were traveling through Knoxville with our toddlers, I’m vegan and so are our kids so we decided to check out sanctuary. It’s a cute little place with a barn theme. The staff was very friendly when we walked in and we immediately felt welcome. There was a blonde guy who rang us up who was very nice and personable. We ordered potato skins for appetizer, 3 piece chicken fingers with a side of fries for the kids, I had the Nashville hot chicken sandwich with Mac and cheese and my husband had the “beaf” dish. Everything was very good but I was blown away by my sandwich. The sauce on it was SO delicious. The seitan chicken fingers were also amazing. If we are ever in the area again I’ll probably get the chicken fingers with the Nashville hot sauce on it. I think that would be amazing. My husband is not even vegan and really enjoyed his entree, he ate it all. I wish this place was closer to us because I’d love to order everything on the menu and try it. The only negative I will say is that I think the food was a bit overpriced compared to other vegan restaurants I’ve been to and the Mac and cheese was a bit sweet and not very cheese-like.
Read morePros: All vegan, Delicious food, Great service
Cons: Expensive
Guest
thegreengirl
Points +113
Best bean patty - Edit
I had a bean patty wrapped in romaine and it was the best bean patty I’ve ever had. It was crispy and perfectly flavored. I’m not usually a fan of ‘patties’ but this one is amazing.
Read moreGuest
rakkassan
Points +13
Sanctuary Vegan Cafe - Edit
A truly awesome restaurant. Staff, Dillon and Lucy were super friendly and welcoming. Food was phenomenal. As we are new to East TN, Dillon provided us with his picks for vegan friendly restaurants near our home in Oak Ridge. Owner and staff are passionately committed to the philosophy of veganism.
Read morePros: Great food, Friendly staff, Genuinely care
Cons: N/A
Guest
FemmeFatal
Points +64
Fab food! - Edit
Love that they offer a gf-bun, would be in heaven if the breading on the numerous fried options were gluten-free too!!
Read moreGuest
dekubabe
Points +709
all vegan, very cute self serve - Edit
loved this place, friendly staff
Read morePros: delicious breakfast , full thanksgiving feast available in November , not too pricey
Guest
Memphis_doc
Points +17
Great food, would eat again - Edit
I like the food and the mission of the restaurant. One of the two kids like the fries and the other did not but liked the wrap. I also liked the wrap and my wife liked the sandwich. I would definitely eat again.
Read moreGuest
VGsweets
Points +56
Thanks for doing what you do! - Edit
Cute and yummy spot that donates to an animal sanctuary!
Read morePros: Lots of options
Cons: No GF desserts
Guest
Buddhacat01
Points +75
Amazing selection and service - Edit
I stopped here on my way my travels from Asheville to New Orleans. This was my first time and I was amazed at the selection on the menu, had a hard time making a decision. I tried the cauliflower wings which were so delicious and spicy, it was the best I’ve had and I’ve eaten at tons of vegan restaurants. I also had two of the four types of tacos that they offer. One was an Asian chicken and another I had oyster mushrooms which was so nice to find on the menu as they are very yummy and nutritious. Everyone seem to be enjoying their meal I heard lots of praise Coming from the guests at other tables. A bonus- Customer service was great, wish I had gotten the name of the guy taking my order and delivering the plates of food. He was so personable and genuinely seem to love his job.This restaurant should be at the top of the list of Knoxville offerings. Do you try it even if you’re not vegan.
Read morePros: Selection , Taste , Service
Guest
PlantBasedJarhead
Points +36
Great food and staff - Edit
The food is excellent. It’s really nice to find a place with so many options.
Read morePros: Tons of options
Guest
CandieBobick
Points +103
Felt like I was visiting old friends! - Edit
From the moment I walked in I knew I had found my new favorite place. Great setup, cute decor, very welcoming and friendly and amazing customer service. My only regret is that I couldn't eat more! I'll definitely be back!
Read morePros: Service, Decor, Amazing food / huge menu
Guest
RovingVegans
Points +553
We come here from Asheville - Edit
What can I say about this amazing eatery that’s not already said? WE LOVE THIS PLACE. And in the land of many vegan options in Asheville, we happily make the 1:40 drive from Waynesville for some of this deliciousness.
Read moreWe love the food, the staff and the vibe here. Everything we had here was amazing. So far we tried the buffalo cauliflower, general tsp chikn, lentil meat loaf, grilled cheese sandwich, and several donuts and pastries. Finger licking good.
Guest
hdlew
Points +128
Favorite Vegan resturant - Edit
We love the environment and food so much at Sanctuary Vegan. The Philly Steak sandwiches and Buffalo Tofu fingers are my favorite.
Read morePros: Amazing environment , Amazing food , Amazing staff
Guest
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