Pingala Cafe & Eatery

This place is too cool for school. The live music is killing it. The menu is big and I wanted to try everything. I got the grilled cheesiness with avocado on gluten free bread and it was excellent. The guy at the counter was super friendly and helped me make my selection. It’s right on the water in a very cool small space. I’d come here all the time if I lived here.

It’s tough being that one, obnoxious friend in a group of people leaving a burger joint and saying with a sigh, «Man, I wish this city had more vegan restaurants…». It appears the vegan gods in vegan Valhalla heard my cries. Pingala is the restaurant vegans (and gluten-​free-​ians) deserve.
On a snowy, gray day I walked across the street to Pingala craving their tofu rancheros. If you live in WInooski and walking distance of Pingala, I suggest you make the trip on foot. Flanked by the burbling WInooski River, a beautiful yoga sculpture jutting out into the water and «This Is Art» spraypainted on the opposite side of the river, my heart filled with joy as I reached the metal steps and (unusually) heavy door to Pingala.
Ok, take a moment. Breathe in… and out. You haven’t stepped into the nearby yoga studio but merely caught a glimpse of the all-​vegan menu Pingala has to offer. I spent my first visit agonizing over what to get for five minutes (literally).
The food is exceptional. Period. Care is given to all aspects of prep and serving. Portions are generous and colorful. Everything is fresh, colorful and crisp. The cashew cream cheese is ooey-​gooey amazing and I would order it on everything… but that would be strange.
Take a moment while you’re waiting to sidle up to the tables near the windows facing the river. Cozy up to your warm cup as you watch the river stream by. Stay a bit longer if the light is just right and it starts to snow.
Pingala Café & Eatery just gets it right. The vibe, location and menu are everything a vegan-​focused restaurant should be. Take an omnivore friend with you the next time you go and I’m sure she or he will find something to brag about.

Cute shop and lots of yummy vegan food on the menu!
My only complaints are:
1) I found the b-​fast sandwich to be a little boring and not very filling, although the sauce on it was good.
2) I wish they served breakfast the entire time they’re open!
I’ll be back to try more soon!

The five stars is because of the following: all vegan men, super gluten-​free friendly choices, down to earth attitude, parking abundance, freshness, monumental menu, reasonable prices, adorable location, nice view, and plenty of outdoor+indoor seating.
My only complaints for this American style cuisine is the hours: can you be open for more hours please??? So sad it has such a short opening window. This place is an invaluable gem. I LOVED it. I should move to Burlington just to keep eating here.
They have a delightful breakfast menu that I missed, complete with a bountiful collection of espresso/​latte drinks, smoothies and juices. Perfect! On top of that, they then have an abundant selection of salads and sandwiches — very lunch-​like menu… but, that’s what they advertise: brekkie and lunch. Boy, do they deliver… in spades.
Appetizers have some healthful choices like the delicious roasted broccoli bites with a nice creamy seed or nut-​based spicy sauce. I wanted to try the Mexi-​inspired food, like enchiladas, tacos and quesadillas, but really… the gluten-​free sandwich breads were what sold me. I always find the bread to be bland or crumbly, but they found the perfect one for their infamous ELT sandwich. Umm… who knew that you could deep fry eggplant skin and have it taste so good? Awesome. With a side salad to your sandwich, you will feel healthier.
However, it’s not really about the healthfulness here. It’s more about how happy your mouth will be in eating this all vegan, very gluten-​free friendly food. Because… after having an appetizer, drink and sandwich or salad… the gluten-​free desserts on the counter are yelling your name, not calling, y-​e-​l-​l-​i-​n-​g. So, I do like to respect my desserts. The cookies are huge, chunky mounds of deliciousness. Peanut chocolate anything is going to be good, and it is! Muffins — not too shabby… quite moist. Cake/​cupcakes — oh, yes. Who doesn’t like a good cupcake?
Note that the staff here may not be the size of other eateries. While I was here, people kept rolling into the eatery, but there were only 2 staffers. So, be patient. Good food comes to those who wait. They were really nice, though.
Also… the ingredients, if you’re wondering, are fresh, but, they are not 100% organic… really, if that were to happen, it’s cool, but customers would pay far more, and would probably not feel it justified…
All in all, I was impressed, happy and over-​satiated by my experience. I am planning my next trip to Burlington to revolve around brekkie here at Pingala… and maybe another lunch.

Down right amazing! From the people to the plants everything is amazing. Trevor and his team have amazing energy and are making waves in the plant based world. It’s not all about the «vegan» label, they make creative & intriguing dishes made from love and REAL food. Oh and the baked goods? OH.MY.GOSH. Just perfection. Never stop making cupcakes.
Their location is stellar as well. Right along the roaring Winooski River with outdoor seating and intimate seating inside. The beautiful mural is a snapshot of my fiancé and I’s homesteading future and it makes us so happy to see.
My two complaints?
— the hours, you can work ²⁴⁄₇ right?! ;)
— It takes me 2 hours to decide which dish to get because for once I can eat everything
Keep it real and eat your veggies!