DC Vegetarian — Restaurant in Portland

GLUTEN FREE PEOPLE BE CAREFUL. Giving this place 1 star because they were careless about a gluten free allergy and essentially I got poisoned by eating gluten here due to their negligence.

I came in and had a whole conversation with the cashier about what items were gluten free on the menu. My partner and I ordered and paid. We got our food and I started eating my burger. Half way through eating I (with dread) realized the bread texture of the burger was off. I went inside and asked if the bread on my burger was gluten free. It was not.

The manager came out and said she would refund me for the burger and I said “please refund my whole order” and she said “I can’t do that.” I said something like “your carelessness caused me to eat something I’m allergic to and that’s going to have health consequences for me.” She acquiesced and also basically said our kitchen isn’t gluten free so if it’s a serious allergy we can’t guarantee anything. Which is crazy because ALLL OVER the menu it says “gluten free” and like I said I had a whole conversation with the cashier and somehow they messed it up and gave me food I’m allergic to.

Then to add a cherry on top of the bad experience when the cook brought out my sandwich I said “thanks” quietly (because I was understandably upset) and as he walked back inside he turned back around and said a loud and exaggerated “YOU ARE WELCOME!” With his hands out and eyes wide. Passive aggressive much? And inconsiderate?

It was all a very unpleasant experience that ruined my day in Portland because now I have to deal with the consequences of eating gluten.

IF YOU HAVE AN ALLERGY DONT COUNT ON THIS PLACE TO RESPECT IT and make sure to check your food...

Food: The War Eagle- a BBQ soy curl sandwich. This thing was STACKED! It was delicious and I could not eat the whole thing. Italian Sub- My carnivore husband said it was the best vegan sandwich he has had. Fries- Salted and lots of pepper. They were good. Potato salad - This wasn't bad but the chunks of potatoes were so big. Also could use some more flavor, was a little plain. Kids juice & Jones Root Beer

Food prep: There was food storage in the back of the seating area. I noticed bulk bags wide open. Also 2 trays of food breakfast potatoes) sitting in the counter not covered. They were also eating (bowl of fries) behind the order counter while food was also being prepped up there(spinach). So I thought that was unsanitary. I can understand why there are reviews stating hair in the food. There was long hair down, no net, braid or ponytails. Also no gloves while prepping.

Atmosphere: Pretty basic seating area with a few pics on the wall and some plants in the windows.

Service: They take your order at the counter and bring your food to you. Other than that you do the rest yourself. If you need a refill on drinks go up to the counter, bus the tables yourself and we washed the table before we sat down because it had not been done.

Pricing: Sandwich did not come with sides. Was $44...

I’ll never get to try this place since the person who answered the phone hung up on me before I could even say anything, literally one half second after answering. More disturbing was her attitude when I called back. I can tell you for sure there was no apology. Instead, she said she always waits 2 minutes then hangs up if no one is on the other end because she wants to go back to doing her job. She certainly did not wait 2 minutes, not even 2 seconds. The website must be incorrect. The words which invite a person to feel free to call and order don’t mention that answering the phone is not part of the staffs’ job.

When I spoke loudly and immediately on the second call, she accused me of yelling at her. When I explained I did not want to be hung up on again and that my vocal chords have no middle range due to a past traumatic injury, you might think a person in the service industry would express some compassion or even a friendly interest. Apparently she has plenty of time to argue and be rude, that must be in her job description.

I am sad, as I have passed the location dozens of times and always wanted to try it. I have lost interest. It’s clear from the many reviews of great tasting food that DC Vegetarian does not need any more customers, so, I guess it’s only my...