Vibrant — Restaurant in Houston

So, I know this Vibrant location just opened, and the food is indeed good... but based off of my experience here, it seems this location got off to a rocky start. I came in on Sunday, April 21, and they said food orders were taking about 20 minutes. They were busy, and I didn't have a problem waiting for 20 minutes. However, when it was over an hour without food and I saw many people who ordered after me receiving their food, I inquired to a staff member as to the status of my order (just egg tacos…). They checked, and said it got lost, and the kitchen would have to make the order right then. By the time the food came, it was approaching an hour and a half from the time I ordered, and they had ran out of the salsa that was supposed to come with the breakfast tacos. Additionally, I had ordered something from their bakery case, but the cashier disappeared after I ordered, and I waited for a few minutes to see if they would return for the bakery item. Eventually, I sat back down. When I inquired about this item too, I was asked why I didn't wait for it, and was told those items shouldn't be bussed out to tables. Seems like that should be told to the staff, not me... as I had waited at the cashier for several minutes. As I mentioned, I understand they just opened and were busy, and I am quite patient... but what didn't sit right was that I barely received an apology or attempt to make the situation right, when I had spent much more time there than initially intended. The table seated next to me overheard our food status inquiry to staff, and told us they would not have been so patient and were really shocked that we waited so long and nothing was done to remedy the situation.

Most of the staff are friendly, but there was a cashier who seemed to be not in the best mood. I've been to the Montrose location several times, and never had a problem.

I'll continue to support Vibrant at the Montrose location, but will probably give it several weeks before trying this location again. Bummer, as this location is very...

Here’s your review summarized:

I’ve been a loyal fan of Vibrant for a long time, always choosing it when my friends ask where to eat. I used to love their previous location, their menu variety, and their consistency in quality. But lately, my friends have been hesitant to go, saying the food isn’t as good anymore. I’ve always defended it, but after today, I understand their concerns.

I ordered the pesto kale bowl, which was incredible last time—bright, citrusy, well-seasoned, and full of flavor. Today, it was completely bland. Even after asking for extra pesto and lime, it lacked seasoning, and the kale was unseasoned. For the price, that’s disappointing.

I also got the orange olive oil cake, which is usually moist and perfect. Today, it felt undercooked and slightly raw. The cookie, typically soft and delicious, was stale and hard. The one highlight was the coconut lime cloud drink—absolutely amazing.

Beyond the food quality, I’ve noticed the menu has become more carb-heavy, with fewer vegetables and variety. They used to have a pad thai dish that was great, but now the options feel repetitive. Even the matcha, which I’ve raved about before, was bitter last time.

On top of that, I’ve seen feedback about staff being unfriendly, and while that hasn’t been my personal experience, it’s something to consider. I really want Vibrant to succeed because I love healthy food and appreciate what they stand for, but they need to focus on quality, consistency, and customer experience. I hope they can...

Usually get the chicken watercress salad with a decent serving size, so I expected no different when ordering Henry’s Beef Sandwich and the Sweet Potato Stir Fry. The tab was 42.21 without gratuity. Henry’s Beef Sandwich was the size of a kindergartner’s PB&J sandwich, and the flavors were subpar. The bread looked like cheap wonderbread toast. For $20, the beef better be busting out between the pieces of toast. There were probably three slices, at most, and the sandwich was less than two inches in thickness.

The sweet potato stir fry made me nauseous. The glass noodles consistency was spot on, but there was absolutely no flavor. The chicken sausage crumble felt like eating granola. Its rough texture was not a good contrast for the noodles, and pieces of it got stuck in the back of my throat and nasal airway. The butternut squash was undercooked and needed to stay in the oven for 10 more minutes.

Iced tea was pretty great, but it was such a small glass that consisted mainly of ice.

I could have purchased all of the ingredients for this meal for less than $42.21 and made it taste like a million bucks. This visit left a bad taste in my mouth. You’re really helping them pay their rent for that location, so I guess you shouldn’t expect to get your money’s worth.

Also, I understand the minimal and environmental look that they are going for, but they could have kept comfort in mind when furnishing the place. I’m not sure what hurt more, that bill or the hard...