Vegan Junk Food DMV — Restaurant in Riverdale Park

Eager to try this place after seeing some solid reviews on Instagram but I was disappointed.

Vegan Junk Food is a ghost kitchen. Based on other reviews, I knew this place was located in food court-type of set-up and you have to “order from a kiosk”. What I didn’t know is other than a banner/poster with a QR code, there was little other signage to know this place operated from this food court, so it was difficult to locate as a first time customer. Someone who worked at another vendor helped me with my understanding - respect ✊🏽. The food court is a very nice venue.

I ordered through my phone using the QR code - Philly Cheez'steak Meal (comes with tots) and Krispy Cauliflower. This was a bit time consuming, so be prepared for that administrative gatekeeping - it takes a few more minutes than a kiosk. My meal cost a bit more than $36 and my receipt said it would take 15 minutes to prepare.

While waiting for my order, a facilitator-like employee came out and asked three of us if we were waiting for orders - he was very helpful but not always available as people stepped into the venue. My food was delivered before the projected 15-minute wait.

The food presented well (see the pic). Tots were still crispy after a 15-minute drive home (4 stars). The Cheez'steak had a burnt taste that I may have confused with an earthy-taste, likely due to amount of kale added to the sandwich (1 star). The cauliflower also tasted burnt. I loved the crunch it retained and the flavor had promise but I could not get past a burnt taste (2 stars).

The meal was expensive. The Cheez'steak with tots was $22. The Krispy Cauliflower was $14. I know costs are inflated in recent years but this felt exorbitant, particularly for a ghost kitchen. As a comparison, I purchased a $40 18-piece combo from Bonchon shortly before this and thought that was highway robbery (but still had leftovers).

Overall, I did not like the experience, taste, or cost. If the taste and cost improved, I bet the experience would be better - it was just new...

THIS IS HOW THEY RESPOND TO PEOPLE AFTER ADMITTING ON THE PHONE AT 11:45 THEY MADE MY ORDER 15 mins AGO 🤔 WHICH IS 30 min before pick. PICK UP WAS 12-12:30 I asked if she could remake it and she probably not. I said I'll just cancel. She replied by saying she don't care they will still get the money crazy. I posted it and this was there response. Still Rude

Well. You’re rude and disrespectful, Uber had no drivers to pick your order, we made the food one time and they took 30 mins to pick your order NOT OUR RESPONSIBILITY! You were advised to contact Uber. We also contacted Uber to have them expedite your order because we noticed it wasn’t picked up. However thank you for the publicity and the traffic you’ll be sending to our business via you’re negative attitude. Sorry you’re having a terrible week and we hope you have a better day today. GOD BLESS YOU. You will no longer be able to order from our business on all platforms. Thank you 😊

My Response to them: I posted them on social media and wrote a neg review I'm entitled to my opinion this is not harrassment.😫😂 I would like others to know how you carry yourself as a business. I would have never had a problem if I could have cancel without your smart remarks. “Saying we will get the money anyways”, that's what made me push this. Which they didn't so everyone just wait til after the time that they supposed to arrive and cancel guys. You choose the food industry and that comes with losing inventory. If you brought cold food, uncooked, nasty food, and the client wanted something else or refund you take that lost. 🤷🏽‍♀️Especially Uber Eats. I have a business and I don't speak to people that way I make solutions. Especially if I was wrong its called accountability. I even said on the phone I never blame you guys or said it was your fault. You have a better blessed day cause the way you responded is the way guilty...

Vegan Junk Food is a must!! The atmosphere is exactly what a ghost kitchen should be. I went there for a lunch date and we were a bit confused when we first arrived, because it is not its own location. We walked in and were able to choose from a variety of places to dine while waiting for our order. It was seamless and easy. Our food came in about 20 minutes and the services were so sweet.

The second time we ate there, we ordered take out and it was still amazing. The packaging is simple and it keeps your food warm. I would recommend ordering at least 20-25 minutes before you get there. Trust me, it is more than worth the wait!

We have tried the Philly cheesesteak, the impossible burger (so filling and delicious - I inhaled the burger in seconds!), the tots, the junky tots, the apple cobbler and the banana pudding, and both of the lemonades. Everything was a 10/10, zero complaints. We will definitely be returning.

Things to consider: Price: If you’re looking for a cheap and quick meal, this is not the place to go. All entrees are $15+ and $20+ for a meal. Menu: The food is creatively made so the menu is quite limited. There aren’t a ton of options, but the options that they have are filling, delicious and fun. Location: The location can be confusing if you’re going for the first time. It is located inside of a food hall with other food vendors. You must scan the QR code on the table to order your food. It’s easy once you get the hang of it though.

** Excuse the photos, it was a late night takeout type of night and I had to use the flash from inside the car. The pictures do not...