CLOSED: Vegan Express

If you overlook the bathroom and the "B" rating by the health department and the TV that I wouldn't be under in an earthquake, it's not too bad. Only tried the "meat" loaf and the yellow curry soup. Looks like it's family run and the veggies were fresh and not overly cooked. Soup was a little tame but liked the meat loaf. Brown rice was very good. Give youself 10 points for finding the parking area that's only big enough for 4 cars (double parked) in the alley behind the restaurant.

The restaurant itself is small and nothing fancy, but the food and service are excellent! It's located next door to a Holiday Inn Express and we went there with two kids who were skeptical about vegan food. Between us four we had See Me Noodles, fish wrap, red curry, cowboy dinner, grilled potatoes, and spring rolls. All received great reviews from everyone. Oh, and the Thai ice tea and fruit smoothies were great too. This isn't the place for a fancy dinner, but it is a place for a great meal (or take-out)
Updated from previous review on Monday August 15, 2011

When I lived in LA, every time I passed by, I felt sorry for this little shack of a restaurant until my friend insisted I try it one day. I then ate there at least once a month until I left LA, I loved it so much.

The mock meat breaded chicken patties are to-die-for. Especially when you ask for the sweet/hot sauce that has a maple syrup base. Coupling the patties with the pad thai is divine!

This is always on my list when I come to LA.

We often eat here, attracted by the food and the friendliness. Weather permitting, we sit in the back outside balcony. Mystery stir fry, Thai salad, spring rolls are highly recommended! Great selection.
Updated from previous review on Sunday January 02, 2011

We never tried Vegan Express until we moved near it last Fall. We've had take-out a couple of times and while it was good, it was nothing special, just the usual vegan Thai. It's good for take-out as the place is really small and parking is bad.

I love this place! When I crave Thai food, this is the only place I trust that there won't be fish sauce. But if you're looking for great Thai, you won't get it here. What you will get is no fish sauce and wonderful vegetarian soups. The pad thai can be a little rubbery and the curry is a little bland, but the coconut milk-based soups are fabulous. I also love the soy chicken wraps - out of this world! The pancakes are pretty good but have that distinct soy taste. The tofu scramble is good.

The place is very small but cozy and the staff is extremely nice and helpful. It's actually kind of a thai-vegan restaurant so you get a mix of asian vegan as well as american. Their "chicken" nuggets are good and so is their glass noodle dish. It's a little far from where I live but I try to go there every time I'm in the Hollywood area. I'd recommend this place to anyone =)