Souplantation is a tried and true buffet. True to their name, they have lots of soups and salads. Their clam chowder is especially popular. You’ll get your greens and eagerly go back for more. The Won Ton Chicken Happiness salad is delicious and crunchy. Souplantation is a popular spot and often gets very crowded during the lunch and dinner rush. So go early so that you have first dibs on all the food and don’t have to wait for anyone.

It’s cheap to eat there, and you can often find coupons in your mail, making it even more of a bargain. They’ve got such a variety that you could go back a couple times a month, or week, and find something new. They change their soups and salads on a weekly basis. They’ve got restaurants all over California and in many of the western states, so you can always find a location near you.

You can eat just about all you want and not have to worry too much about calories, which is great news for those who are trying to get into tip-top swimsuit season shape. If you go to their website, you can find nutritional information as well. Though don’t get too carried away, because they have excellent desserts.

Souplantation
www.souplantation.com
(626) 458-1173
2131 W Commonwealth Ave
Alhambra, CA 91803

Vegan food at its best can be found here at The Veggie Grill. Their dishes are colorful, healthy, and tasty. Their salads are incredible. They look like works of art, you’ll want to take a picture before you dig in and scarf it all down. The Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich is so delicious that it’s hard to believe that it’s not chicken. LA Mag has even named it one of the best “cheap-eats” around. As if that’s not a good enough reason, then check out their website for more info about their mouth-watering dishes.

Although it’s a cheap place to eat, they also serve beer and wine, so you can dress it up a bit. Their tomato soup is perfect for a rainy day and will take you back to your mom’s home cooking. They’ve got a tortilla soup that tastes like a tamale crossed with veggies and some spices thrown in for good luck.

Best of all, you can customize your food to make it just how you want it. Vegetarianism is becoming more and more mainstream and it’s no wonder. With places like The Veggie Grill, many meat eaters will cross over to the other side. The downside? Parking is hard to find or expensive. But, hey, this is LA, what do you expect?

The Veggie Grill
www.veggiegrill.com
(323) 822-7575
8000 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Mon-Sun 11am to 11pm

Good food, great atmosphere and they even deliver. Vees Café has it all. Small and cozy this coffee shop offers tradition coffee shop fare such as chai teas and espressos as well as food with a Mexican twist, such as their spinach tortillas and green sauce. There are also hot and cold sandwiches that you can eat with a delicious smoothie or freshly squeezed juice, even veggie juice. Their wide selection of coffee and teas guarantees that you’ll go home happy. They have loose tea leaves as well if you’re looking for something more natural. As if that’s not enough, they even have milkshakes.

It’s artsy and you might see people playing guitar or looking through their camera lens. It’s a relief to find a coffee shop that’s not geared towards yuppies or dinks. True to its artsy nature they offer vegan options as well. Want soy milk? No prob, your wish is their command. Green and down to earth, they’ve got friendly service and value their customers. They even have those punch cards that will get you a free drink.

Don’t forget dessert. After all, coffee shops are just as famous for their pastries, cookies and other sweets. Their red velvet cupcakes are absolutely divine. The only downside is that on weekends they close a bit early. Yet it’s for a good cause, they want the staff to be able to go out and party. Life doesn’t get much better than that.

Vees Café
www.veescafe.net
(323) 931-8337
5418 W Adams Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Mon-Fri 7am to 8:30pm
Sat-Sun 7am to 8pm

While bland and boring may come to mind when you think of vegan food, Flore Vegan Cuisine located at 3818 W Sunset Blvd will have you changing your mind in a heartbeat. Laid back with sidewalk seating, the staff will happily offer you suggestions on what to order if you have a tough time making up your mind. Portions are more than generous and dressing is often included for free.

Tofu is often a staple for vegans and vegetarians alike and rightly so, because by combining it with veggies and spices, you’ll get a perfect blend that creates a wonderful dish. There’s a wide variety of veggies, such as green, beets, peppers, zucchini, and whole grain rice. Their drinks may sound a bit odd, but once you try them, you’ll be going back for more. The tonic juice is a combination of fruits and veggies and is definitely a power drink. If you’re looking for something more traditional, try the PB banana smoothie. They even have desserts, try the chocolate cupcakes, they’re divine.

The staff is young, hip and very helpful. It’s got a boho feel perhaps due to the local musicians and artists that gather there to enjoy the good food and just catch up with friends. It’s just for people watching as well; you might even spot an actor or actress there. Flore Vegan Cuisine is a great place for health conscious diners to go and enjoy a tasty meal.

Flore Vegan Cuisine
www.florevegan.com
3818 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 953-0611
Mon 11am to 4pm
Tues-Fri 11am to 10pm
Sat-Sun 10am to 10pm

Located on 8738 W 3rd St, Jack n Jill’s Too offers good old fashioned southern cooking as well as terrific breakfasts and brunches. If there’s one dish that you’ve got to try while here, it’s their crepes. Sweet and tantalizing, be sure you save room at the end of your meal for one. Better yet – skip the main dish and eat dessert first. Their apple crepes are a classic and as such are super delicious, top it off with ice cream and you’ll be in heaven. They’re accommodating as well and are happy to substitute veggies instead of meat in a crepe if you ask them to do so.

The downside of Jack n Jill’s Too is the service. The wait staff seems to be pretty busy helping other customers or in the back getting the food, so don’t expect instant service. Another negative point is the fact that they microwave their muffins. A minor issue, but so much for freshly baked goods. If you order the bacon, make sure you like it very well-done, almost to the point of being burnt. If that’s not to your taste, then skip it altogether.

Price-wise, Jack n Jill’s Too is decent, especially if you consider it’s in Beverly Hills. If you want to save even more money, ask for the Groupon. Prices are mid-range, but remember this is a southern style restaurant, so portions are on the large side. Overall, a decent restaurant, dishes might be touch and go, but if you order the crepes, you’re sure to enjoy your meal.

Jack n Jill’s Too
www.jacknjillstoo.com
8738 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(310) 858-4900
Mon-Fri 8am to 10pm
Sat 9am to 10pm
Sun 9am to 5pm

Second location:
342 N Beverly Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 247-4500
Mon-Sun 8am to 5pm