Okay herbivores and omnivores, it's time to venture into veggie burger territory: the happy medium between grass-fed beef and straight up grass where good ingredients like ground soy beans, black beans, beets, and chickpeas gather together to give you mother nature's finest on a sesame seed bun. While our carnivorous counterparts may think they have the best of us, here are 10 veggie burgers in Metro Phoenix that beg to differ.
See also: 10 Best Cold Sandwiches in Metro Phoenix
In a perfect world, veggie burgers would never be frozen, healthy would always be synonymous with tasty, and Pomegranate Cafe would have more than one Valley location. This Ahwatukee establishment proves that going green doesn't mean giving up flavor by offering freshly made sweets and savories for breakfast and lunch, including their daily changing veggie burger. Pictured above is the cajun cannellini veggie burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cajun sauce.
For the veggie-burger lover with a late-night craving the destination is simple: Delux. This burger bar really brings it with the meat-free alternative, serving up a jam-packed patty of bell peppers, jalapenos, mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, celery, onions, rice, sunflower and sesame seeds, cashews, soy sauce, and garlic with lettuce, tomato, and sides of pico de gallo and garlic / cilantro aioli. Get it on a bun or served in a lettuce wrap, either way you won't be disappointed.
Buyer beware, the chipotle black bean burger at Pita Jungle packs a serious kick. This spicy sandwich is made in-house with black beans, bell peppers, corn, carrots, oats, garlic, cilantro, chipotle peppers, jalapeno peppers, and cranberries for a subtle sweetness. Piled onto this is chipotle hummus, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, and a side of hearty garlic potatoes. Take note, you'll need a full glass of iced water to wash down this southwestern style burger.
Don't let the name "mother earth vegetarian sandwich" fool you. This earthy entree is served griddled and greasy just like the rest of the Ingo's grub. In between two slices of toast whole wheat bread are mix of veggies, brown rice, and cashews topped with lettuce, tomato, dill pickle, and mayo. Make no doubt, there's nothing low-cal about this decadent, diner-style sandwich (but doesn't that just make it all the more delicious?).
Vegetarians harbor a not-so-secret love for the veggie burger at Hillstone -- probably because it's just as good, if not better, than the real thing. This thick-cut patty of veggies is made in-house and sealed with melted jack cheese and a layer of tangy soy glaze. Just like beef-based burgers it comes on a home-made egg bun and your choice of sides such as thin-cut french fries and freshly made tabbouleh.
Leave it to green to offer a wide a selection of beef-free burgers. From the calexico burger served with garbanzo hummus, cheddar cheese, vegan mayo, and chipotle sauce to the BBQ bacon burger topped with tempeh bacon, bbq sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and caramelized onions, it's hard to choose a favorite among these vegan varieties. That's why we play it safe and opt for the big WAC, a no-harm knock-off the famous Big Mac served on two stories of vegan burgers with lettuce, pickles, onion, cheese, and special sauce on a sesame seed bun.
Another favorite eatery among vegetarian night owls is Phoenix's Fez on Central Avenue. This late-night lunch and dinner spot puts a slight spin on the meat-free substitute by offering the Fez veggie black bean burger. It features a grilled black bean patty spiced with cumin and garlic and served on ciabatta bread with creamy goat cheese, roasted tomato, and red onion slaw. Pick your side of lemon/basil field green salad or sweet cinnamon sweet potato fries. With this burger it's best to bring a big appetite and a box to go.
We've got to hand it to guys at The Grind, they certainly know how to stack a mean burger, and the Jacole "Big Veggie Daddy" Turner is certainly no exception. This plant-based pub sandwich is piled high with tempura mushrooms, onions, jalapeños, avocado, arugula, swiss cheese, barbecue sauce and thick slices of Texas toast. Better bring out the fork and knife because, believe us when we tell you, that toothpick in the middle is no match for this signature style veggie burger.
When it comes to veggie burgers in the Valley, there's no sandwich bolder than the Beet on the Brat Burger at Bragg's Factory Diner. This colorful patty is more than just a conversation-starter, it's a game-changer for curious carnivores looking to step outside the meaty comfort zone. It's served simply with corn relish, vegan mayo, and a rather eclectic selection of sides, from ice cream à la mode to jackfruit barbacoa.
The La Bandita burger at Hopdoddy's in Scottsdale gives veggie-burger enthusiasts a reason to jump for joy. Hearty, wholesome, and a hell of a lot better for you than its ground-beef peers, the La Bandita burger comes as a black bean and corn patty topped with thick chunks of avocado, goat cheese, arugula, pesto, and chipotle mayo on a lightly seeded whole wheat bun. Order this and you won't even feel guilty for the less-than-slimming side of fries and the ice cold goblet of beer.
