It used to be pretty tough to find a real veggie burger, made from scratch, when dining out. Sure, you could easily order one of those frozen, flavorless, mass-produced burgers made from indiscriminate ingredients that so many restaurants pass off as a veggie burger, but what's the point? Black beans are a common go-to ingredient in many of these burgers, as they are filling, taste great and are full of protein, but there are several other variations on the market. Fortunately, a handful of restaurants in the Valley know how to do right by both vegetables and those who love them, satisfying both vegetarians and carnivores alike.
Black Bean Lentil
This popular spot in Easton is well known for its award-winning burgers, especially its signature peanut butter bacon cheddar burger. But executive chef Jeremy Bialker knows his way around vegetables and grains, the restaurant's vegetarian option will keep you full for hours. Made with lentils and black beans, topped with avocado, cabbage beet slaw and Sriracha aioli and served on a seven-grain roll, you will never miss the meat. He says he's likely to tweak the burger to become completely vegan and gluten-free—right now, at press time, the black bean burger is bound by organic eggs. Oh, and you can opt for a small salad or the house fries, dusted with rosemary and sea salt. But seriously, you know you would rather have the fries, right?
Two Rivers Brewing Company | 542 Northampton St., Easton | 610.829.1131 | tworiversbrewing.com
Cornhusker & Terrapin
Lovers of burgers have many options at this fast-casual spot, ranging from beef, pork and turkey to those with game meats such as elk, ostrich and venison. But vegetarians aren't left wanting either, as there are also TWO, count 'em, two veggie options. The Cornhusker is full of black beans, corn, roasted tomatoes and whole grain, house-made barbecue sauce. It's a vegan burger with bulgur, brown rice and oats—along with apple cider vinegar. If something more traditionally “meaty” is in order, the Terrapin, with a hearty portobello mushroom, bruschetta, mozzarella and balsamic glaze, may satisfy. Choose between a white or wheat bun, or ask for it on top of greens. Save room for The Burgery Company's legendary fried pickles, or a simple order of shoestring fries, to round out the experience.
The Burgery Company | 1458 Chestnut St., Emmaus | 610.966.9900 | theburgerycompany.com
Sweet Potato Burger
If you love locally sourced, sustainable and organic food prepared in a bright and colorful space, check out NelliRae's Kitchen—local art lines the walls, the floors are wide planked. It's on the way to or from various hikes and outdoor activities near Routes 611 and 32—and also not far from Lake Nockamixon. The sweet-potato burger is undisputedly the café's most popular item. It's served on greens (and therefore gluten-free) or on a French roll, with its very own “special sauce”—it contains Sriracha, and that's all Kris Fanelli, who runs the café with Rachel Lance, can share. “We get asked for this recipe all the time. The beans help keep the burger intact and the patty itself is gluten-free and vegan,” she says. Some secrets are worth keeping. Wash it down with a juice or smoothie or save room for dessert—NelliRae's sweet treats include many vegan and gluten-free offerings.
NelliRae's Kitchen | 8826 Easton Rd., Revere | 610.847.2223 | facebook.com
Best Darn Veggie Burger
Southside Bethlehem's distillery and restaurant is of course known for its on-site spirits and inventive cocktails, but also for its great menu filled with lots of worldly flavors. Social Still's “Best Darn Veggie Burger” is actually vegan and has been on the menu since October 2016. It's a huge hit. This one is comprised of black beans, carrots, sunflower seeds and herbs, such as parsley and cilantro. The magic binder is flaxseed—which vegan eaters may know that, when mixed with water, it can mimic an egg's activity in its ability to bind ingredients together. It's topped with the vegan Just Mayo.
Social Still | 530 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem | 610.625.4585 | socialstill.com
Bean Burger
This Downtown Allentown venue is definitely a place to go with your vegetarian friends, who won't suffer or be stuck eating salad and fries—not that that's a bad thing, necessarily. Bell Hall offers a veggie burger made from black beans and topped with pepper jack cheese, roasted jalapeños and guacamole, with a spicy kick. Not into beans? The avocado melt sandwich might not count as a burger, but it does count as something vegetarian and delicious—with caramelized onions, smoked mozzarella and pepper aioli.
Bell Hall | 612 W. Hamilton St., Allentown | 610.437.1825 | bellhallallentown.com
