Where can I find the best vegan burgers?
By Autumn Coogan, our Outreach and Marketing Manager.
A juicy, mouth-watering burger is the perfect food to try in many variations! Thanks to many of our local businesses in the Capital Region, we can enjoy so many types of delicious burgers in many awesome locations!
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We took a poll, and there was an overwhelming amount of love for *Wizard Burger*. Upon entering Wizard Burger, you will know you are in the right place, because the wizard decorated it with punk rockers and gamers in mind! The mystical décor, coupled with Mario games and plants, creates a perfect place to kick off an evening of entertainment. Stop by Wizard Burger before going to a show at Empire Live, Palace Theatre or MVP Arena! The burgers match the vibe of the restaurant as they craft burgers with interesting flavor combinations. They even have gluten-free bread! Here’s the top picks at Wizard Burger based on our Instagram poll:
Orc Popper from *Wizard Burger*| Albany, NY:
This burger has many unique qualities that come together for the perfect level of savory, sweet and a little heat! It features an Impossible Burger with cream cheese, onion rings, American cheese, melba sauce and pickled jalapeños.
Pro tip: Always add bacon! MyForest bacon is farm-grown mycelium that has an amazing texture and taste! This bacon is available to the public at Honest Weight. To learn more about their yummy vegan bacon, click here!
Photo courtesy of Wizard Burger
Big Kahuna from *Wizard Burger* | Albany, NY:
Strap yourself in for a juicy and flavorful experience. Featuring grilled pineapple, an Impossible Burger, jalapeño and a sweet soy glaze, this burger will satisfy many flavor palates.
Pro tip: Get it wizard style✨ (double everything).
Photo courtesy of Wizard Burger
Impossible Burger from The Cheesecake Factory | Albany, NY:
Vegan options are popping up everywhere, even in chain restaurants. The Cheesecake Factory has added their own vegan options, including a vegan burger! This plant-based burger is a crowd favorite among chain restaurants, because it has a melted vegan cheese and The Cheesecake Factory’s special vegan sauce! The sauce is similar to a Thousand Island dressing.
Photo from thecheesecakefactory.com
Mushroom Melt from *Take Two Café* | Schenectady, NY:
This juicy Beyond Burger with house spices, grilled mushrooms, caramelized onions, house-aged cheese crumbles, and garlic mayo is incredible! This burger comes with a side of your choice: chipotle potato salad, macaroni salad, mac and cheese, chips and a pickle, side salad, or chips and salsa. The salsa is so amazing that I have heard multiple people ask them to jar it and sell it.
Pro tip: Grab a dessert from their counter and take a walk down Jay street to visit the local businesses!
Photo courtesy of Take Two Café
Vegetable or grain based burgers in the capital region!
One awesome thing about vegan burgers is that they can be so diverse. A classic hamburger style made from soy or pea protein can provide a feeling of comfort, while a traditional black bean or vegetable-based burger can provide a flavorful hearty alternative.
Another favorite spot for a local vegan burger is Herbie’s Burgers. Herbie’s Burgers has multiple locations, making them a good option when you are in several areas (Troy, Guilderland, Latham, Albany and coming soon to Schenectady). My personal favorite location is the Guilderland location, because the building was previously a Stewart’s and retains the nostalgia.
Vegan Double Cheeseburger from Herbie’s Burgers | Troy, Guilderland, Latham and Albany, NY (coming soon in Schenectady):
This delicious burger will leave you satisfied. This burger has a house-made vegan patty, cheese, Herbie’s signature nerdy sauce (a nice spicy sidekick!) and any traditional burger toppings you want, including MyForest bacon.
Pro tip: Get a vegan milkshake on the side!
Photo from order.herbiesburgers.com
Black bean burger from Loch & Quay | Albany, NY:
Black bean burger on ciabatta bread with vegan mayo, lettuce, and onion, with a side of vegan chips. This highly-rated restaurant with outdoor seating has a nice atmosphere in downtown Albany. They also have a Beyond Burger too!
Pro tip: walk across Broadway and visit the SUNY Plaza Park for great views of historical buildings
Photo courtesy of Loch & Quay
Veggie Burger from Nighthawks | Troy, NY:
Made in-house with local beans, grains & mushrooms, this veggie burger is what some describe to us as “the best I’ve ever had, hands down!”. This restaurant is known for their vintage vibe, cocktails, and brunch!
Pro tip: Since Nighthawks is open so late, it is a great spot to go before seeing a live musical performance at No Fun! Check out their event calendar to see what is happening, or pop over for a drink and music any night!
Photo from Google Maps by Yonatan Ryabinski
Black Bean Burger from Iron Gate Café | Albany, NY:
Iron Gate has a vegan house-made black bean burger with typical burger fixings, plus vegan ranch and avocado! Just two blocks from Washington Park, Iron Gate is a great place to stop after a stroll through the park that features a pond, playground, and picnic areas.
Pro tip: join the waitlist on their website before arriving!
Photo by Matthew Jones on Google Maps
Leave a comment below with any other vegan burgers you love in the capital region!