Pingala Café & Eatery

Reviews 12

VO

Voice of Reason

Horrendous experience. I call Pingala up, order a breakfast special burrito, after the guy on the line raved about it. I mention to him that I’m about 20 minutes away, after he told me it would take 10 minutes to make. When I went to pick up the food, no longer than 25 minutes after I phoned and told the worker that I was 20 minutes away, the container was cold and soggy at the bottom (paper container), but the food looked fine, so I took it. After a 5 minute drive, I take the food out of its packaging. It was so soggy on the bottom that the tortilla split and the inside fell out. The bottom of the container felt wet. Wanting to give the restaurant so many people have raved about the benefit of the doubt, I called back and asked if burritos were often sold cold, and soggy. Same man that had tried to sell me the breakfast burrito says “hmm… a burrito, that’s a weird thing to order to go,” then asks if I would be put on hold. He leaves for a minute, then returns and says, “Sorry. Do you want to order anything?” Incredulous at the awful customer service, I say, “Is that it?” and his golden response is, “Yep.” There you have it, folks. Food will be pushed on you, that will then be inedible, and no reparations will be made. Not even an offer of a $1 discount. I was willing to purchase another item, if a sincere apology or attempt at keeping business was made. Instead, I am so appalled that I wrote this experience down, as a warning to others.

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MA

Mark Stein

This place kinda has it all. Im not vegan, but my partner is, so as you can imagine there are few places we can go that have a lot of appealing choices for both of us. Also, Im a conscientious eater, and were both total food snobs. I really enjoy this place. The food is outstanding by any standard: the sweet dishes and pastries are particularly good. Its a small space, but it feels more cozy than cramped. The counter seats (in the picture) look out over the Winooski River. The decor is muted, unobtrusive funky, but the interior of the place is spotless. These folks seem to really enjoy what they are doing, and to take a lot pride in it, and I like that. And to top it all off, because its at the Chase Mill, a cool historic building its own right, it even has something rare in this town: easy, free parking! Its quiet enough to have a conversation, but they are also very accommodating to families and groups.

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KA

Kara Torres

Ive traveled internationally, and this is the best food Ive ever had! Its nourishing, flavorful, beautiful, and lovingly prepared by kind, passionate owners & staff. Ive brought several of my omnivorous friends and family members here, and theyve all loved it. It has totally revolutionized peoples ideas of what vegan food can be. Ive had at least ten things on the menu, and they were all delicious. The tofu rancheros, French toast, and E.L.T. (eggplant, lettuce, & tomato) are long-term favorites. The cozy atmosphere also makes this a wonderful place to read & have a cup of coffee on a rainy day. Skip the meal-time rush and go settle in with a smoothie or some baked goods!

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XT

Xtina

Listen up, people! You NEED to stop here! Your mouths and tummies will praise you! Ive been coming here for three years, and every time I end up spending waaay more money than Id anticipated, because the food is SO GOOD! I literally end up making two (or three) orders just to have some of everything! I recently tried the kale salad for the first time and WOW!! My two all-time favourite sandwiches are the Cali Club and ELT. I am by no means a sandwich person, but Pingalas eggplant "bacon", is honestly life changing. Get yourself some, because it will change everything you thought you knew about plant powered "meat" equivalents.

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EM

Emanuel Ormonde

I first discovered Pingala through the Happy Cow app. Now, I make it a point to stop in anytime Im in the Burlington area, especially on treks up to Montreal. During my first visit I didnt realize the menu was 100% vegan until my girlfriend, whos responsible for introducing me to veganism, pointed it out! I was stoked on the choices available and ended up ordering the Food Truck Reuben. I loved it so much, I ordered it again on my second visit. Overall, my experiences have been great and the staff is always friendly. Keep it up, Pingala!!!

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NO

Nora Holt

Ohmgahhhd that Reuben. Definitely the best vegan Reuben Ive ever had, so many flavors and the vegan cheese was kind of like goat cheese. The carrot salad was good, not crazy good but good, and would make for a nice light lunch if you dont like eating a lot of food. If you eat, like eeeat, you should get it as a side. I called my order in and it was ready in 15 minutes, everyone was super nice, and I got a macadamia nut Twinkie for the road that was delicious.

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BR

Brian Donner

We had breakfast here and had a pretty good experience. My girlfriends coconut milk latte was a bit thick, and not really the best. I had a dirty chai, and thought it was mediocre. She had some avacado toast, which was simple and a bit overpriced for what she got. My breakfast was the the rancheros, which I thought was quite good, and more fairly priced for what was served. Overall a good experience, but Id probably get coffee elsewhere.

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NA

Nathan Rasmussen

I love eating at a place that cares about the environment and the quality of the food. If you want greasy burgers, this is not your place. If you want healthy, wholesome food that is prepared with a lot of care, this is your place! I was vegan for 17 years and I know the time and dedication it takes to make awesome vegan food. This place does a wonderful job and I will come back when I visit Burlington next!

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JA

Jamie Gay

Excellent food. Not "excellent vegan, gluten-free food," just really good food. Dont bother with the BLT - its simple, but Pingala doesnt shine in simple. Go for the pulled jackfruit, anything with eggplant "bacon", and definitely pick up a peanut butter cookie. Note, youll probably leave sated rather than full, and folks with high metabolism needs will likely still be hungry after a sandwich.

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SU

Sue Mack

Its so hard to find a place to eat in the Burlington area that is vegan with reasonable prices and delicious food. This place is fantastic. Their food looks and tastes wonderful and they have a great outdoor space for eating. They are very helpful too if you are gluten free. Wish they were open for longer hours and wish their specials were every day. This place rocks!

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DU

Duane Dunston

I went here a very snowy and cold day with a friend for lunch. They had great food and very nice staff. I believe the Executive Chef and managers were having an argument in the hallway and I went to go the bathroom and they all stopped and looked at me like I was the reason for their argument. The hostess and other staff made the experience stellar though.

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JA

Jai Picard

Im from San Diego we have lots of vegan eateries and this was fine. The sandwich bread can use a little work.....or definetly a better selection. Also the best stuff on the menu is only on special days.....whats with that? Nor did Yelp tell me the best stuff was a weekend breakfast only and my second choice was only on Mondays. Kinda weird.

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