Vegan-friendly
American
Pizza
Organic
Juice bar
Delivery
Take-out
Mexican
Fusion
Honey
Breakfast
Non-veg

Serves meat, vegan options available. Offers a mix of American and Mexican classics: burritos, tacos, pizza, burgers, weekend brunch and more. One of several outlets, this one est. 2012 is combined with KindKreme raw ice cream bar and also has a full bar. Formerly vegan but added meat, dairy, and eggs to the menu June 2024. Open Mon-Sun 9:00am-11:00pm.


Venue map for Sage Bistro and KindKreme
© OpenStreetMap contributors

147 Reviews

First Review by gr8vegan

ArtVB

Points +332

Vegan
01 Aug 2016

Decent brunch

Brunch is good. Decent selection of Mexican-inspired dishes such as Enchiladas and Huevos Rancheros. My favorite were the sweet version of the sweet potato pancakes. Service is friendly but could be more attentive. Come prepared to serve yourself (particularly coffee and water), literally.

roseyd

Points +44

Vegan
24 Jul 2016

Absolutley Delicious

Had the cauliflower steak with mushroom gravy, wasabi mashed potatoes and kale salad. We split the brownie sundae– gluten free and vegan–and also took home a gluten free soft pretzel with "nacho cheese." Everything was delicious (a really well executed meal) and the portions were large.
Also really like the whole farm/farmer decor and outdoor seating. I hope to eat here again when back in southern California.

Pros: Delicious, Healthy, Gluten free/Vegan

Cons: I can't eat here everyday

amyrrobles

Points +155

Vegan
09 Mar 2016

favORITE!

definitely a place I'll be back to because it has great staff, atmosphere, and great quality food. Calming place w wonders happening in your mouth

Pros: environment, FOOOOD, Dessert/ice cream bar!

veganzinga

Points +113

Vegan
25 Dec 2015

Why I Love EP

Sage is great. Sunny, casual vibe with really delicious food. I get the buffalo cauliflower a lot and the bowls are good too.

ReneeNButtercup

Points +1495

Vegan
21 Dec 2015

Echo Park loves Vegans

So another amazing vegan spot in Echo Park. Today I wanted to visit the Time Travel Emporium and this is 1/2 block away. C wants juice and I want a salad PERFECT!!!!

I ordered the fried Avocado salad and C gets the sunrise juice (Not sure this was the name of the juice sorry) but it was very but it was very good. The salad came and they brought us 2 plates perfect so we could share. There was an error, our fried avocado salad arrived with fried cauliflower. I called the server over and he at first tried to tell me the avo was the fried things on top, but we pointed out that it was cauliflower and btw it was cold. He promptly went to the kitchen and brought out the avocado, it was hot and yummy. The salad itself was a little expensive for the size but it was very good. I love spicy but was a little worried about the habanero lime dressing, but it had flavor but no heat?!?! Soon after delivering the Avocado, our server brought over the Buffalo dipping sauce for the cauliflower we received on our salad in order. This I was very happy we did not pay for, it was to vinegary and salty I just tried 1 dip and didn't feel the need to eat more of it. We did enjoy the cauliflower with our salad.

The décor was homey and comfortable, they do kind of squish you in. It would have been nice to not have to squeeze out of my seat and not invade the diner's space at the table next to me. But it was cozy and we were able to chat with the guy at the next table.

Pros: Good menu, Vegan, Homey

Cons: pricey, cramped

Tac0_flavored_kisses

Points +150

Vegan
12 Dec 2015

So much comfort food

Sage's Mac n cheese is the stuff vegan dreams are made of. It's so creamy and comes with broccoli and I ask for a side of their hot sauce to add on top. The spicy Brazilian Burrito is my favorite burrito in all of LA. Get it mole style. I usually go to Sage in Pasadena because it's closer but it's tiny. If you want a legit date spot or to go with a group, go to Echo Park. Two thumbs way up.

Pros: Great food, Good location , So many options

zdesigns

Points +47

Vegan
09 Dec 2015

Delicious!

Stopped in while in Pasadena last month. We had a vegetarian, a meat eater & myself a vegan. We all enjoyed our food! I had the BBQ Pulled Jackfruit sandwich. They make their own BBQ Jackfruit. It was delicious! I also had a serving of their pumpkin Kind Kreme which was tasty, not quiet pumpkin pie but it did satisfy my longing for pumpkin pie at this time of year. It's a small little café but clean with happy, friendly staff.

Pros: yummy, Kind Kreme , friendly

MonicaPancake

Points +255

Vegan
12 Oct 2015

complex and satisfying flavors

I had a ravioli dish with a sauce that clearly contained wine & had been cooked for a long period of time over low heat. As a vegan I don't often get to savor such complex and carefully composed flavors, so eating at Sage was a real treat. I also really enjoyed the complimentary salad that came with the main dish - it was simple but delicious. I ended the meal with an ice cream that included some frozen corn kernels, and which was, surprisingly, delicious. (All their odd ice cream flavors were patiently explained by a very enthusiastic and friendly waiter!) After going all out on this feast, my bill for one person came to be about $70 - not really justifiable except on special occasions.

I went on a weeknight and it was packed, and it was quite difficult to find parking, so I would recommend making a reservation (if you can) and going early.

Pros: food was mind-blowingly amazing, very friendly and knowledgeable staff, superb sauces

Cons: quite expensive, difficult to find parking

liciu

Points +32

Vegan
05 Oct 2015

LOVE!!!

Incredible options... So tasty!

weera

Points +32

Vegan
01 Jun 2015

One of my favorites

I go here again and again, it's always worth it. I love the burgers and bowls. The appetizers are also super tasty. They let you sample the vegan ice-creams and they renew the selection frequently. The service is always good. They don't serve alcohol but they let you bring your own bottle without additional fees.

Pros: Burgers, bowls, Healthy, Delicious

Veggie Army

Points +107

Vegetarian
19 May 2015

Loved everything I tried

When you find out about its cool "Farm to Table" philosophy the decor starts to make sense with water served in milk bottles, mason jar lights, wood plank tables, and white wash just about everywhere else. With such misleading simplicity, it becomes clear that it is paradox for the complexity of the food and the unique menu selections.
If you go, please try the Quinoa Corn Cakes that have a fan of avocado and spicy cream cheese dressing. Their exploration has a great payoff.
My entree was the Root Vegetable Tacos with a hard shell. Messy, but well worth it.
My friend's Heart of Palm Salad makes you realize that this restaurant strives for dishes that you can't quite find anywhere else and the $$ prices become well worth it. Our neighboring patron notices that we're reviewing the restaurant and lets us try his fried artichokes which were simple and fun "why has no thought of this before?" appetizers as he called them.
Each dish had good to great presentation that invites.
The staff all wears ironic second hand black casual clothes from their own closets giving a more hipster synergy vibe rather than dress code.
I'm looking forward to coming back again and trying some new dishes and a desert from Kind Kreme which is a conjoined vegan ice cream business in the restaurant.

Veg Out,

Veggie Army
www.VeggieArmy.com

VinayGunther

Points +155

Vegetarian
11 Apr 2015

Don't bother if you don't eat onions and garlic

I dont like leaving bad reviews for vegetarian restaurants. Its a hard business to run, and I appreciate the fact they are there. But, I have to say, I was very dissapointed with Sage. I dont eat onions or garlic, and although I am used to my choices often being restricted at vegetarian venues, in this case there was NOTHING on the menu that I could eat. Really - is it that hard to cook without onions or garlic? No, its not that hard. They could only offer me two dishes - an extremely unimaginative cook - as even in non-veg places, if the cook is creative they can do something nice for me.
They gave me an extremely ordinary kale salad, very boring. The only hot dish they could make for me was a pasta, which came with NO flavouring at all - undercooked pasta with some avocado. On request they bought a tahinii dressing which really didnt do much for it. I asked for protein, which they didnt bring out. Asking again, they brought some plain cooked tofu. Goodness, my children can make a better meal than that. My wife got a mushroom dish which looked awful - their presentation in general is not that great - and was so salty she couldnt eat it. Sorry to say, it was a bad experience. Pull up your game Sage!

Pros: Large extensive menu, Great vegan dessert range

Cons: No catering for onion/garlic free diet, No creativity in offering other options, Poor presentation, & poor responsiveness

JenniferKoukla

Points +147

Herbivore
31 Mar 2015

Yummy vegan food

I always enjoy the plethora of choices at Sage, had the Reuben sandwich and butternut squash soup, both were super tasty. Service was fast and friendly. Prices are moderate, to be expected from vegan places. Cute neighborhood. Like the outdoor patio seating at the culver city location better, but overall same quality and service, will be back

Pros: choices, taste of food, location

Cons: little noisy, lack of patio seating

Chia

Points +3635

Vegetarian
04 Jan 2015

Flavorful

I had read about this place on Happycow, and went there when it first opened and later on as well. Was just here again, and here's my Sage Organic Vegan Bistro review update.

Sage was originally opened another owner before it was sold to the current owners (Sage, KindKreme, Cafe Gratitude). I really like the original menu and food; there was variety. Since the change, the menu is more American comfort food and Mexican food. Lots of flavor but also more salty.

The space is small, and the vibe is relaxed though when it's busy it feels loud and a bit too tight. Shares the same space as KindKreme, so it's convenient to grab raw vegan ice cream for dessert.

Pros: lots of flavors, vegan ice cream, tasty tacos

Cons: uses too much salt, poor ventilation

Klean-Slate

Points +26

Vegan
01 Oct 2014

Ice cream craving? No problem.

Kindkreme has always had my best interest at heart when it comes to variety and ice cream. They start with a coconut base and experiment out with amazing flavors like; Almond Butter & Jelly, Durian, Superfood Chocolate, Dulce De Leche, Oatmeal Raisin, etc etc. The options change daily. Their menu is also filled with shakes, toppings and a banana split that I have had my eye on for a while.

Pros: Variety, Healthier Ice Cream Option, Parking

Cons: Price, Seating, Wish it was open later

Mike Weinberg

Points +259

Vegan
19 Aug 2014

Honey is not vegan, so neither is Sage!

I patronize only 100% vegan eateries, because I don't want to be around people hurting (eating) animals, I don't want to have to worry or ask about "hidden" ingredients, and I believe in using my limited dining dollars to support brave vegan restaurateurs. I've enjoyed Sage in the past, but now that I know some of their sauces include honey, I'll stay away. I've also read KindKreme's rationale about why they use "humane" honey, but the financial interest of the owners' beekeeping father-in-law makes it suspect. When Sage/KindKreme become 100% vegan, I'll return.

gabbyrox7

Points +26

Vegan
15 Jun 2014

They Can Do That With Fruits and Veggies???

Sage has everything I ever wanted in the world in one cool, collective cafe. After taking full liberty of sampling every glorious flavor of raw iceKream they offered I finally settled on a brownie Sunday adorned with maple and chocolate Kream and salted caramel topping. I was shocked that someone in this world could create something this magnificent. It was so sinfully rich and delightful that I was tempted to get another because I couldn't believe what magic just graced my lips. I then took a dive at their special of cauliflower hot wings and was pleasantly surprised at this common bar food turned veg. All in all, great sweets, eats and friendly faces.

grantxvx

Points +84

Vegan
09 May 2014

Pleasing to All Types of Vegans

We went there with healthy vegans as well as junk-food vegans. Everybody was pleased with their dishes. The food seems healthy and whole foods based, but not douchy. Nice atmosphere and we some someone famous there?

Ryan MTB

Points +477

Vegan
21 Dec 2013

Great Food

Delicious food and warm, inviting staff and atmosphere. I especially dig their hot apple cider- amazing! Other favorites: root vegetable tacos, plantains, samosas.

Pros: Delicious, Healthy, Vegan junk food too if you want it

Cons: Not completely vegan (honey)

ronitw

Points +741

Vegan
28 Nov 2013

Good Food

Had a nice dinner, I love ravioli and theirs is great. We will be back to sample more.
Word of caution: I emailed and asked whether all food was vegan, and the answer back was "Yes everything on the menu is vegan except for we have honey for tea and two of our flavors of ice cream". Fair enough. The waiters did not know this and assured me that everything was vegan.

Pros: Good food

pgnlvr22b

Points +113

Vegan
03 Aug 2013

Friendly Yum

The staff is so sweet, helpful, and accommodating. The brunch menu is delicious and you can't leave without having a milkshake. I had one with coconut milk and pumpkin pie icecream...out of this world

Pros: Friendly Staff, All Vegan, Great Food

Cons: Price, Kind Kreme uses honey

TheVeganAbroad

Points +67

Vegan
17 Jun 2013

Best brunch in LA

I love this place. Recently went for the second time after fantasizing about the Benedict Arnold I had there about a year ago. Unfortunately the Benedict Arnold is no longer on the menu, but there are still a ton of amazing dishes to be had.

On this visit I was able to try from all my friends dishes. We had: Chilliquiles, potato tacos, chia french toast, and the spinach avocado and walnut sausage florentine. Everything was amazing, except for the florentine. I wasn't a fan of the fake sausage. It was too mushy, not a fan of the consistency. The french toast was sweet and delicious but the real standout was the chilliquiles! Sooooo yummy.

The staff is really friendly and the ambiance is very bright and open. PLUS, if you're not full after all the bomb food, they have a little vegan ice cream shop right when you walk in.

I visit Sage every time I'm in LA and never regret it.

Pros: Delicious food, vegan ice cream shop!

Cons: pricey

Azbigmike

Points +68

Vegan
07 Jun 2013

amazing place

Had some incredible street tacos made out of Jackfruit.

dancingvegan

Points +854

Vegan
18 Mar 2013

Seriously & Excruciatingly Superb/Exciting Food!!

I had brunch here a couple weeks ago and was quite pleasantly surprised when I bit into my Sweet Dumplings appetizer. The taste, texture and presentation were exquisite. Then I bit into the Tex Mex Chimichanga Egg Rolls appetizer and knew I was in vegan heaven. Gourmet vegan food at its best.

Since I am a vegan baker myself and eat enough of my own delectable delights, I did not partake in KindKreme's desserts, but maybe next time.

I will tell you that it is very hard to find. I never saw a sign for Sage, but I did see a KindKreme sign and just passed it by not realizing it was in the same building. When I walked in and asked if this was Sage, the friendly counter people said it was. It is a basic & funky type of atmosphere with an up and downstairs eating area. It is very casual and hip with attentive wait staff.

No matter where you live, if you are a vegan, vegetarian or vegan/vegetarian-curious, you HAVE to go to this place!! I have been a vegan since 1997 and have never tasted such flavorful cuisine.

Bon Appetit!!


Updated from previous review on Sunday March 17, 2013

Pros: Exquisite Food, Reasonable Prices

Cons: No Evident Signage

JcRodriguez

Points +118

Vegan
14 Jan 2013

Nice

I went first time with new friends, I like it, food excellent. But one staff member was not friendly at all, kind of hurry up I'm busy... one of my friends left him a note, saying he was a bit rude. Also desserts are a bit pricey.

Pros: good food , nice vibe

Cons: one staff a bit rude, a bit noisy

calivegan46

Points +104

Vegan
31 Aug 2012

YUM

I am in love with Kind Kreme. They have a lot of yummy flavors to choose from (some contain honey) and you can get a sample to try out any flavor. My favorite flavor is probably a tie between babycakes and coconut. This kind kreme location is inside of Sage Bistro which is a convienient dessert. This is the best raw, vegan ice cream ever! It is also quite healthy!!

a woods

Points +48

Vegan
08 Aug 2012

portions are HUGE

lots of craftmanship going into this menu. the raw crackers and vegan cheese plate is THE BOMB. cheese is why it was a challenge for me to become vegan in the past. my sweetheart ordered soup and the jerk burger. the soup was a "cup"...it was enough for at least 2 people. he didn't even get to the burger..we both had to go boxes and the only complaint...we were too full to taste the raw vegan ice cream

Pros: healthy, good value, large portions

Cons: noisy, crowded




This page has been viewed 0 times.