Vegan-friendly
Lacto
Ovo
American
Take-out
Southern
Non-veg
Serves meat, vegan options available. Large southern food menu, while with its usual meatstuff, also includes veg twists on traditional southern food in entrees made with seitan and tofu. Vegan choices are clearly labeled, and the staff/owners are pleased to discuss the menu at length. Reported closed November 2020.
10 Reviews
First Review by ashfnm
RachaelSera
Points +140
Delicious tea and great food - Edit
I tried the Country Fried Tofu and Gravy (best dish!), BBQ Tempeh, and Pickled Watermelon Tofu. I wanted to try the seitan, but like other reviewers recently experienced, they were out of it.
Read moreThe BBQ is spicy, so only order it if you like spicy BBQ (it was too spicy for my taste). The Watermelon Tofu was different, but not particularly exciting flavor-wise (as you can see from my pics, it's kinda just plain fried tofu with the watermelon on top).
The Mac n Cheese tasted like Daiya, even though they said it didn't have Daiya in it, so they must use similar flavoring. If you don't like Daiya, stay away!! Collards were good, but a bit salty. Rice was good but plain. Okra was good but plain. Fries were tasty. Corn succotash was my favorite side by far (it doesn't sound too exciting, but it was wonderfully flavored).
It's worth going for the housemade teas alone. They were incredible.
Service was super friendly. Will be back for sure. Hopefully they have the seitan to try, but I'd be happy with Country Fried Tofu and Corn Succotash and tea.
Pros: Lots of vegan options, Great drinks, Friendly service
Guest
MeatlessMemes
Points +42
They're Back and Better than Ever! - Edit
Southern Charm used to be one of my favorite vegan-friendly spots in Gainesville, and they've finally reopened with an even larger vegan menu. I tried the vegan Pentecostal fried chicken with mac n cheese and cornbread (all vegan of course). The cornbread was pretty average, but everything else was delicious. There's still so much I want to try- they even sell vegan wings.
Read morePros: Lots of options, Flavorful, Reasonable prices
Cons: Hard to find, Small portions
Guest
TheNightAnn
Points +640
A lot of soul. - Edit
The food here is quite good, although I wouldn't recommend the vegan mac. However, the bbq tempeh and collards where delicious. Also the lemon squal was tasty too.
Read morePros: Very flavorful, Tons of veg options, Uses separate cookware/plates for vegan dishes
Cons: Location is a bit out of the way
Guest
applebunny
Points +31
Make sure your server knows what vegan means - Edit
There are plenty of vegan/vegetarian options here. Unfortunately, they were out of the Country Fried Seitan during the my visit; but, I ordered the BBQ Black-eyed Tempeh with my two sides being the vegan mac & cheese and green beans. Tempeh is not my favorite, but it was good with their BBQ sauce. Large portion sizes. The sweet tea was spectacular as well.
Read moreMy mother ordered the Country Fried Tofu. It comes with mushroom gravy, but she said she didn't enjoy the texture. However, if you're a thick/heavy gravy person, maybe you'll enjoy it. Overall, the meal was good. 4/5. We will likely come back to try the seitan.
My only real complaint is that I had to ask multiple times about what was vegan and what wasn't. I was going to order the mashed potatoes, because the server said it was vegan. As it turns out, it contains butter.
Pros: Several vegan options, Vegan Mac & Cheese doesn't suck, Seasoned very well
Cons: Servers are not necessarily vegan.
Guest
Claudiam21
Points +16
On my top list! - Edit
This restaurant is simply great. The service is attentive and they strive to make your visit as good and comfy as possible. I have liked every single plate I have ordered and definitely recommend anyone to try it out. One of the tastiest vegan food I've had in Gainesville so far!
Read moreGuest
VeganicMom
Points +34
Delicious Down-Home Cooking - Edit
I've been 3-4 times and every time the food is amazing. The first time I went I did get annoyed a bit because I got regular mac instead of vegan after I mentioned being vegan a few times- so overemphasize. However, the food itself is so great!!! I drive completely out of my way to come here. I always get the country fried tofu because I like it so much. Tried to get the same but seitan last time and they were out. Usually also get vegan mac and greens and gobble up. Love love love they offer the organic beer (strawberry is perfect). I wish this was a chain available closer to the city I live in as I commute an hour away here for school, but glad to venture out when I'm in the area :)
Read morePros: quality flavors, nice staff, cozy atmosphere
Cons: (for me)- location is not as near UF as I would wi, out of menu item
Guest
beehivekristine
Points +86
They haven't disappointed us yet! - Edit
I really love this place. We've gone quite a few times and I've had an opportunity to try a lot of their vegan menu items, so far I've liked everything I've had. My favorite is the chicken fried tofu. It is such a decadent departure from what I normally eat, that it blows me away. My husband is a meat man, so I try to find places that will have something for both of us when we eat out. This plate does that. I love that they use separate pans and such for meat and non-meat. One of the other things I love is the vegan baked goods. The very best thing is that the service is always wonderful! My one complaint is that the mashed potatoes aren't vegan - I feel tempted to bring in a tub of Earth Balance on our next visit. Despite that, this place is fantastic!!
Read morePros: plenty of vegan options, friendly service, comfort food
Cons: small - place can get crowded, non-vegan mashed potatoes
Guest
Ammdmorrow
Points +24
Love this place, great food, great service! - Edit
Ok I am writing a food review, but I have to start with the servers- they are some of the best we have had in a long time. This is our third time going to this place and every time the servers are friendly, helpful, attentive but not overly so, such a nice change from other restaurants.
Read moreOk, now for the food. Finally, we went and the country fried seiitan was back on the menu....yay!!! It was so good. I got the sandwich and other diner got the dinner with mac n cheese side. He loved that but portion could be just a bit bigger on the side. The other items order was the BBQ tempeh sandwich, now I personally do not like tempeh, but I did try the sandwich and even I would order that. It was very good, could use a bit more sauce but it was a great sandwich none the less.
Drinks, great and free refills!
Dessert- yes they did have a dessert option, coconut cake. OMG that thing was huge and amazing. Dense, not to sweet, shared by three and still had enough. So good!!
Updated from previous review on Monday January 19, 2015
Pros: Great food, Great service, Great all around
Guest
kmilitello
Points +725
Vegan southern food!! - Edit
I want to go back. Now. The food was amazing. It was hot, fresh, and did not taste too greasy or unhealthy. The country fried tofu was (yes fried) but light and airy inside. The BBQ tofu was delicious. The vegan Mac and cheese was the best vegan mac and cheese I have ever had in my life. The okra tomatoes were shockingly good. Nothing bad to say about thus place's food. It's small inside and could be cozier, but go for a delicious, casual, cheap meal!
Read morePros: Vegan food section on menu!, Inexpensive, Amazing food
Guest
ashfnm
Points +83
Delicious, Southern, Charming - Edit
Great place in East Gainesville with an entire page of Vegan options in the menu. Pickled watermelon, bbq tempeh sandwich, vegan cakes, vegan mac'n cheese, black eyed peas, collards, etc. You will leave feeling completely stuffed.
Read morePros: nice atmosphere, friendly staff, tons of vegan options
Cons: heavy food, can be on the slow side when it's busy
Guest
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