Tree Hugger Kitchen — Restaurant in Riverside

First time experience....

I was in between trips and had a few minutes, so I stopped by to try this place. No, I definitely wasn't dressed like the typical customer who might frequent a location like this.

Since I've never been there, I just sat at the table and read over the menu on the wall. I was waiting quite a while, expecting somebody to come over to take my order. Staff were chattering with each other. I saw somebody else come in, and they ordered at the counter and served themselves water.🤦‍♀️

It would've been nice to have been told that by the staff. Ugh.

I decided on chili since it would be quick to serve... and I was thankful it was served quickly. 5👍

$5 for a bowl: it was a great price, and it SOOOOOO delicious. A few different beans, different peppers, and tomatoes. DEFINITELY recommend. 5👍

$5 cornbread: I decided to order the cornbread. Meh... I wasn't that impressed. It was $5, but their reasoning is that it was a large piece. I feel it was overpriced and unnecessarily large. 👎

Typically, I would think this is a side order. Perhaps I wouldn't feel the same if it was half as large and half the price.

I had read the reviews prior to going... so I was hoping to have seen and experienced the friendly and engaging staff. Nope. They were busy talking to each other. They really didn't converse much with other diners as well. That was a bummer 👎

I'm not sure if I'd go there again. Perhaps I will take out or show up without my formal...

Delicious comfort food, all veg. Things like loaded tater tots, loaded fries, and jack fruit, and ranch burgers.

They have a pretty good barbequed jack fruit if a little on the too sweet side, the loaded tater tots dish with barbequed jack fruit is delicious.

The significant other loves their Monte Cristo, like a donut with savory filling and a jam for dipping.

The corned jack fruit is too mushy on the Reuben for my taste, personally I'd prefer a good seitan, but it is still reasonably tasty. The Reuben loaded fries are quite good though.

The burgers aren't a house made patty, but they at least use Gardein.

The peanut butter tart is absolutely amazing, no way it is healthy for you.

The service has always been very friendly.

The atmosphere is a very pleasant cafe style venue, bright, cozy but with a reasonable bit of seating for a small group and an open feel.

The location is just a little bit North of downtown and The River Market, so relatively central while keeping a good veg option accessible to the north side of KC.

Definitely worth checking out if you haven't had the chance! Probably the SO's...

Wow, just wow. This spot is fantastic. I ordered the the Double Trouble tacos as my main entree (not surprising if you follow me). The tacos were unbelievable, presenting a fantastic contrast in a soft shell taco layered with refried beans followed by a crunchy taco shell filled and standard taco toppings. It was absolutely delicious and featured a walnut chorizo, which I have not seen at a vegan spot before. It came with chips…..

PRO TIP: order a bowl of chili with the tacos to dip the chips in and to collect any taco toppings that fell out of the shells.

The chili by itself was really really good but paired even better with the chips.

Very chill atmosphere and the service was quick and seamless. Everything was awesome and I’m looking forward to this peanut butter tart for dessert!!

Update after PB tart: this is unbelievable. Chocolate and peanut butter in an Oreo-adjacent pie...