With over 20 years in operation, Vegie Bar is a Fitzroy institution. This grungy warehouse caters to a melting pot of people with a constantly changing menu of organic pizzas, tagines and curries that can satisfy vegans, vegetarians and the carnivorous-inclined. Add to this a great variety of biodynamic wines and you have yourself a great little restaurant that best encapsulates the Brunswick Street vibe.
It's 6pm and bustling already, although Veggie Bar manager Mark Price tells me there is never really a "slow" time. It's the sort of place you can languish for a long night of food and cocktails with friends or pop in for a quiet chai at a window seat and watch the Brunswick Street passers-by. Veggie Bar is where dreadlocks, prams and high heels can get together. It could well be the philosophy of Veggie Bar that has kept it going for over 20 years in an area that has seen businesses come and go.
Vegetarian food isn't just for vegetarians, I'm told; and with about 50 items available on the menu at any given time, I'm in no position to disagree. Most popular (and a personal favourite) is the Mexican burrito, a tortilla bread with refried kidney beans, spinach, onion, capsicum and mushroom, served with rice, topped with melted cheese, chilli, sour cream and guacamole. Another is the stuffed mushrooms, served piping hot and filled with tofu, herbed ricotta and the house relish. Also worth a go are their freshly squeezed juices and smoothies. Book ahead for groups of 8 or more, or stick yourselves on a communal table – there's always room for one more.
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