Restaurant Review: Austin's Beets Cafe

Taco Plate with Tex-Mex Bloomed Wild Rice Salad

I think I was destined to go to Beets Cafe. Not only did my sister buy a Google Offer for the place, but I walked by it at least six times and then heard about it from Brendan Brazier's book Thrive Foods. My only regret is not trying it sooner.

Pros:

• Really delicious food
• Incredibly fresh ingredients
• Menu included raw versions of familiar dishes
• Food is vegan, gluten-free, and raw
• Beautiful presentation
• Many great desserts
• Fast, friendly service
  

Cons:

• Exclusively raw menu may not suite some Texas palates

Summary:

Pizza Rustica with petite Caesar Salad

I really loved eating at Beets Cafe. The food is incredibly healthy and fresh. My sister ordered the taco plate and I got the pizza rustica. We also split a wonderful chocolate cheezecake for dessert. All of the dishes were very delicious. The selection contains raw versions of familiar dishes (like those we ordered) as well as more adventures foods for raw veterans.

I have only begun experimenting with the raw vegan diet, but I have to admit that Beets has inspired me. There is definitely some appeal to not cooking (often shorter prep times) and I felt great, even after finishing my plate plus half a dessert. Like most vegan food, this fare won't leave you feeling too full or "heavy." My only word of caution is to take a friend with an open mind. If this is one of your first raw food experiences, leave the cynics at home and judge the food for yourself. My pizza may not have tasted like a traditional pizza, but it was amazing in its own right.

If you are in Austin or plan to visit, I highly recommend Beets Cafe.

Product Ratings (out of 5)

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Performance (Taste)
Presentation
Purity
Value