Food Bar by Otarian

food was ok nothing special about it but not bad.. the worst was seeing a cockroach on the floor... just horrible experience!!! the cashier/manager was on the phone and actually eas trying to multitask it, he was unsuccesful killing...,

How refreshing to have healthy vegetarian food in a Midtown increasingly, overwhelmingly dominated by Wendy's (located across the street) and co.

It's best described as a coöp where different eateries share a space: Chinese boba / smoothies, burgers and other lunch entrées, and desserts. Although they occupy the same counter you've got to order separately, a hassle they could surely avoid with a smart point of sale system. But it's no major inconvenience. They're still pretty new.

The food's a bit expensive for my taste, although I understand it given the high land value and relatively high-quality ingredients. Drinks run a bit expensive, but again they seem more wholesome than most.

Bespoke Burgers offers more than meatless burgers, including Indian food and lasagna.

I got the curried vegetables and mango-strawberry-banana smoothie for $5.50. The white rice I ordered wasn't as I expected, flavored with something like jasmine rather than plain. The vegetables and curry sauce were extraordinarily plain, and I wish they were spicier. It was overall a highly unpleasant entrée.

The smoothie was delightful -- fresh, cold, sweet.

Joseph at Bespoke provided delightful service, explaining the entrées and mentioning spice levels for a white guy like me.

It was moderately busy early on a Saturday afternoon, so I wouldn't expect overwhelming crowds (until the word gets out).

The crowd represents a cross-section of the city -- some in tanks, some well-dressed; some in workout gear, others in dresses. And despite stereotypes about white hipsters, half the patrons were black and another quarter Indian or Middle Eastern.

They've got a couple tables, alongside ten stools. You could fit a few more people standing. Stools are high, such that you've got to bend over to eat.

Utensils are comparable. Unfortunately they do offer bottled water. Why not compostable cups and a water dispenser?

How nice that a small shop and not Veggie Grill he brought humane food to the city.

I didn't like the vegetable dish, but I believe strongly in their mission and potential so I'm boosting the score I'd otherwise give.

UPDATE: since they changed name to Food Bar by Otarian the food quality went significantly down. Food tastes bleak and some ingredients will be served unripe (avocado e.g.). They were better as veggie burger joint. Coconut bubble tea was good though.

This affordable fast food vegetarian place offers variety of choices. You can go with wraps, sandwiches, burgers, salads or soup of the day. Their veggie burgers are on point, tex-mex especially. It's big in size, delicious and , again, affordable. I really couldn't believe some of those prices. There are variety of combos as well. Don't expect high class dishes, this is a fast food place. Your burgers will come wrapped into paper bag, McDonald's style. Taste is however on a completely different level with rich flavors and fresh ingredients. They also claim that all their ingredients are grown using sustainable energy. Staff is really pleasant, patient and helpful; kudos for them. I wish they get to live with more locations around the city.

It was pretty good! The burger was a good consistency, crisp and yummy. I am gluten-free/Celiacs, so it was nice to find a place GF in this area.

Just say NO, NO, NO. My daughter and I were elated to find a vegan restaurant near where we were staying and waited an hour for them to open. We went in and stood there for 20 minutes reading the menu and trying to decide what we were going to order. Once decided we went to the counter and were told we could not order due to some sort of complications. Why didn't they mention this when we were looking over the menu, we were the only ones in there and they definitely saw us.

I asked why we could not order and they said the manager hadn't shown up for work yet, and asked how we would pay. I said "cash". I was then told if we were using a debit or credit card we could order. I stated FIVE times "Okay, I will pay with a debit card" and they just completely ignored us.

Fed up we left but not before my teenage daughter told them how rude it was for them to not even acknowledge us.

Restaurants come and go in this city..... with this kind of service and staff, while trying to reach a niche market, I cant see them staying open for long.