Grins Vegetarian Cafe

Food here is quite tasty and I say that as someone who eats meat. Because I eat meat I don't come here every day but the food is good enough that I come back at least every week or two. It's nice that they have such a variety of sides that I barely ever see the same side twice. Food often takes a while to be ready, but it's worth the wait if you aren't in a hurry. No recycling bins anywhere inside, yet almost everything is served to you in a plastic container.

I wish I had come here more often in undergrad. I think the thought of just vegetarian food deterred me, but this place is delicious! Some of the items (like the hot tofu) are just not good, but other items are 🔥. Pictured here was their peanut butter and cinnamon apple wrap as well as their veggie burger. Both were absolutely fantastic. The secret is to know the best substitutions for the burger (get it on ciabatta with fresh mozzarella instead of whatever they would normally give). Both of these sandwiches were delicious; the wrap was sweet, soft, and savory with crunchy granola inside while the burger gave you the initial crunch from the break followed by the creaminess of the cheese and the bite from the patty. I also tried their sweet potato Mac n cheese and it was also delicious once I added a little Tabasco to it. This place is a little expensive, so your best bet is to make a friend who goes to Vandy, then ask them to use a meal swipe or flex meal on you. Also the quantity is on the small side, so be prepared to leave a little hungry if you have a larger appetite.