Vegan
American
Organic
Take-out
Fusion

Vegan cafe est. 2014 located on the Winooski River. Offers plant-based dishes with lots of to-go items. Drinks include fresh juices, smoothies, tea and coffee. Open Mon-Wed 9:30am-3:30pm, Thu-Sun 9:30am-7:30pm.


Venue map for Pingala Cafe
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151 Reviews

First Review by 73Iron

cbrown8214

Points +46

Vegan
02 Oct 2021

Amazing Food! Great service!

After driving 16 hours from Illinois to Burlington, Vermont my husband and I were starving and Pingala has been one of the places on my vegan road trip list for a long time, so naturally we made it our first stop. He got the breakfast Crunchwrap and I got the Buffalo Mac Crunchwrap and we are so, so happy with the food. We may have to stop in at least one more time before leaving Vermont because I spotted at least three more things on that menu that I wanted to eat, but didn’t have the room for today.

Price-wise, I wouldn’t say it’s bad at all. My Crunchwrap was like $11, and some would compare that price to Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap supreme and not be cool with it, BUT Pinagla’s is substantially more filling, way more tasty, and it’s made with great ingredients, so I think it’s worth it.

Seating was a bit limited, and I’m not sure if that’s how it always is or if it’s pandemic related. They do have outdoor seating on their deck, but just be aware this might not be the kind of place you go and chill for a few hours.

The cashier at the order window was super sweet and helpful and they had someone coming around frequently to clean tables. Just all around great service!

Pros: Great menu, Great service

Cons: Limited seating

sam654321

Points +2977

Mostly Veg
27 Sep 2021

Not bad..

Place wasnt bad.
I got the Brunchwrap, Crunchwrap, chickun nuggz, and french toast bites.
....twas all so-so

GFGoldenLady

Points +2005

Vegan
12 Aug 2021

Would possibly change to three stars based on a future experience.

I was delighted by the website saying they can make all but three things gf. Only one baking item was gf so that made their blanket statement incorrect.

We ordered a gf reuben, gf Caesar salad wrap, gf Bahn mi, and a gluten buffalo broccoli wrap for my husband.

The burger and Bahn mi were served on gf bread which surprised me as gf buns are very easy to come by. It also took me by surprise since this place boast their gf options.

They do not have gf wraps, so it's just a salad. This was also very surprising to me.

The Caesar was kinda strange. The dressing was more ranch like, but the tofu and carrot was quite good.

The reuben was rather disappointing. I don't think I'd ever try it again.

The Bahn mi was by far the best item, I've never had a Bahn mi before as I've never found VGF my husband tells me it was OK but not amazing. I'd personally oder this item for sure next time. I found it flavourful and filling.

Tried a VGF peanut butter chocolate chip cookie it was good but nothing beyond what I can make at home.

Updated from previous review on 2021-08-12


Updated from previous review on 2021-08-12

Pros: Excellent filtered water , Cute spot especially outdoor area , Speaker outside to hear order

Cons: Gf options usually just mean no breads , Gf bread options quite limited (no buns/wraps)

RichBeBe

Points +771

Vegan
12 Aug 2021

Not Worth the Drive

Website talks about all the GF options, but does not mention how different the items are when GF.
Carrot Dawg served on sandwich bread that covers the dog flavor.
All wraps are served salad style, not the same as a GF wrap.
Buffalo broccoli crunchwrap was good, but not great.
It was the highlight of the meal
If I'm in the area again, I might try again, but wouldn't drive here.

Pros: Great Location

Cons: GF is available but not the same, Didn't taste the freshest

CLFORD

Points +90

Vegan
08 Aug 2021

Great Vegan Comfort Food!

The team at Pingala Cafe do a great job of making yummy, vegan “comfort food”. I enjoy going there for lunch and even my “non-vegan” friends like it too.

Pros: Yummy Vegan Comfort Food! , Lots of options.

Cons: Location is good, but want one on Church St.

MarinaDonati

Points +27

Vegan
31 Jul 2021

Best food ever

i get the breakfast sammy almost every time, my girlfriend and i went so often that they recognized us every time

woodlewis

Points +476

Vegan
30 Jul 2021

Lots of options!

I have had mixed experiences with the food, but the range of options is super exciting, and their involvement in the community is excellent. Keep an eye out for their broccoli bar, a food truck, which is to die for!

LinDoyle

Points +102

Vegan
23 Jul 2021

Pinged This One

Totally worth the bike ride and/or drive out of town! Great food and amazing location right next to the river. Haven’t ordered anything here we haven’t eaten and loved.

Updated from previous review on 2021-07-23

eravens1

Points +497

Vegan
06 Jul 2021

They have a Crunchwrap Supreme!

Two things I was obsessed with before becoming vegan were Taco Bell's crunchwrap supreme (beans instead of beef) and Mac and Cheese.
Those are the two items I ordered here, and while the vegan crunchwrap was a unique menu item in and of itself (so automatic points for that--plus it was delicious), the mac and cheese--which is almost a standard at most vegan places was quite possibly the best vegan mac and cheese I've ever had. I have to be honest that it still doesn't measure up to the real deal, but I'd happily have this as a substitute any day.

Pro tip for the crunchwrap, after the first bite, add the potato chips that come on the side (really adds the crunch).

Pros: Many vegan options; Friendly staff;, Nice outdoor seating

Cons: Maybe more vegetables/salads would be nice, (That's just nitpicking though)

palmbeachfoodie

Points +134

Herbivore
06 Jul 2021

Impressed!

Found this gem via Happy Cow app during a trip. What a great find! Fully vegan menu with things you don’t see everywhere (carrot dawgs!). Split several items with friends including Bahn Mi dawg, chili cheese dawg, nuggets (great themselves but the sauce was lacking flavor), Buffalo broccoli (yes please!) and dumplings. Plus a cookie. I’d have liked to see more beverage options that weren’t loaded with sugar, like simple flavored seltzer but the food was great. Flavorful, unique. Clean bathrooms, easy to find, plenty of outdoor seating. Friendly smiling staff. It was great and I’d definitely recommend.

Pros: All vegan, Out of the box offerings, Outdoor seating

AmandaJean

Points +741

Vegan
26 Jun 2021

Yummy Vegan Food

We checked out Pingala Cafe for the first time today and had a great time. The location is great, friendly staff and our food was ready very quickly!

We shared an order of McNuggies which were fantastic! Great texture and served with a yummy dipping sauce. We also shared a crunchwrap supreme which was very good but heavy on the lime for some reason? Maybe it was just today's batch of quacamole but it made it really hard to enjoy completely. I got the mac n cheese which was creamy and tasty but had a strong smoke flavor I dont usually expect from macaroni. My husband got the napoleon dynamite burger and said it was amazing.

All in all a great lunch and I will definitely be back next time I'm in the area!

Tommy817

Points +1351

Vegan
25 Apr 2021

Vegan on the River

Great location overlooking the Winooski river. I had the buddha boi and rooster wraps, they came with a side of potato chips. The rooster, maple sriracha tofu was excellent.


I went back a few days later and tried the crunch wrap supreme. It was amazing and definitely a must try!

JulesJo

Points +135

Vegan
11 Oct 2020

Casual and Quick

The entire menu is Vegan. Yummy food, friendly staff and great atmosphere on the river

gabandtonic

Points +3011

Vegan
29 Aug 2020

Absolutely incredible

The vegan crunch wrap was out of the world. The spring rolls were very unique and so tasty.

maseface

Points +1127

Vegan
13 Aug 2020

Ok food

I got the kimchi burger and nachos. The not avocado stuff was just ok, kind of like flavorless hummus. Their nacho cheese was just texture but not really flavor. And the chips were just as many broken chip pieces as they were whole. Burger was waaay over cooked, got really rubbery. All said though, it’s pretty ok vegan food down by a beautiful river.

Pros: Lots of vegan options

Cons: Food was not great

AvivaChill

Points +27

Vegetarian
02 Aug 2020

Pingala is a MUST when in Burlington!

Pingala was REALLY great! We got the crunch wrap supreme and dumplings and for the kids we got the French toast bites and Mcnuggies. Everything was delicious! We sat out on the porch overlooking the mills and the small waterfall and river. It’s a great atmosphere!

Vermontvegan333

Points +22

Vegan
15 Jul 2020

Best vegan food ever

Omg! Go here:) best vegan food I ever have eaten....

Pros: Tasty

Cons: None

mikewalls

Points +120

Vegan
05 Jan 2020

Healthy and deliciously Vegan

Very cozy nice atmosphere next to the river with a good porch to sit on, weather permitting. Trevor is a great host. Lisa the operations manager is s beautiful person as well. They are friendly and open. Plus they make great food. Recently expanded ample indoor seating as well. All of the staff is friendly and nice always. The cuisine is delicious, inventive and beautifully presented with adequate portions. There are many healthy and organic options. The price is good for organic local healthy vegan food as well. In addition, I love most of the regular menu items. Very nice restrooms as well. Some of the best vegan food I have ever had. And as a 11 year traveling vegan, I have been to many restaurants.

Pros: Perfect food and atmosphere

Cons: Only one location.

adventurevegan

Points +16

Vegan
31 Dec 2019

EAT HERE !!!!

Hands down some of the best vegan food I’ve ever had. EVER. Get the Crunchwrap!!

Pros: It’s amazing, It’s amazing, It’s amazing

EvaMcD

Points +107

Vegan
30 Oct 2019

PHENOMENAL

I didn’t know what I was missing out on in a rural town in Colorado. I got the crunch wrap supreme and it was life changing. Everything on the menu is vegan and I assume that everything is also incredible.

monmardom

Points +42

Vegan
07 Sep 2019

Yummy and creative dishes

I came here for breakfast and was not disappointed. I was hungry, so I ordered two dishes, which ended up being too much food for one person! I had the (not) avocado toast and the French toast puffs, both of which were excellent. It’s hard to find French toast as a vegan, too, and that dish was served with warm ginger butter, which gave them a ginger snap flavor. Highly recommend. Only disappointment was that they don’t serve decaf coffee.

Pros: All vegan

MESParis/NYC

Points +501

Vegan
02 Sep 2019

Delicious

I love the breakfast sandwich! The tofu is seasoned to perfection and the kale was just right. The staff is super friendly too. And you can’t beat the setting—right on the lake.

WLWOLFE

Points +125

Vegetarian
31 Aug 2019

Best tofu ever

My friend just moved to Vermont and found this great place with Happy Cow . Thanks

PollyPoupore

Points +32

Vegan
27 Aug 2019

Delicious and cozy!

Vegans and non-vegans in our group loved the food and the atmosphere. We actually returned to the restaurant 3 times in one weekend!!

Pros: The vegan options were plentiful. , Seating available outdoors with river views. , Portions were large and fresh!

Cons: Not a lot of indoor seating. , No real cons!!

imatikigirl

Points +523

Vegan
21 Aug 2019

Cool little spot

On a beautiful day, sit outside by the water and eat some yummy food.

Pros: Lots of great options, Delicious, Nice scenery

LindaFern

Points +52

Vegan
18 Aug 2019

Not sure what the fuss is about

Don't know how it garnered all these reviews, it's very expensive for sandwiches. I had a reuben that was so 2 skinny slices of bread and a little bit of filling, maybe a half inch tall all together, it was tasty but hardly worth $12. I ordered a grilled cheese for my son from the kids menu, he hated it, I hated, I complained and ordered him some french toast puffs, also lame and kids order is $7 for 3 puffs. We spent almost $60 for lunch for four people and we only had sandwiches with a small handful of potato chips, no drinks.

Pros: Nice view of river, Very nice staff

Cons: Expensive, small portions

tofubroad

18 Oct 2019

Root

Points +35

Vegan
29 Jul 2019

Amazing!

The rancheros was sooo good! I could not quite finish it all but it was very delicious, savory, and rich. The morning breakfast bun was a bit disappointing. I guess I was expecting a few more flavors (cinnamon?) besides just dense bread and icing.

Pros: Great vegan menu , Breakfast all day!, Nice location, outdoor seating next to the river




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