St.Veg — Restaurant in Rockville

This is a tough one for me, since it is definitely a mixed bag. I'm a vegetarian, and don't really like going out to eat because I'm a good cook and generally find places expensive and a bit disappointing. But I'm always hopeful! I found St. Veg and the reviews are quite good, but it was a meh experience.

First, we were there for a late lunch today, and the person behind the counter literally acted like she wanted to be anywhere else. She didn't engage, she barely answered our questions ... I have no idea if that's normal for her or it was just that she was having a bad day, but it made it hard to ask questions, engage, find out anything about what to order. She basically just said "order and pay at the kiosk" when we said we were new and that was it.

So we ordered and paid ... I'd read reviews, and I kick myself because I thought the Flavor Bomb Pho sandwich was the one everyone online said was great (it's the Bahn Mi) - largely because the menu said it was their favorite sandwich. We got that, the optional tater tots (NOTE: You do NOT just get the Pho dip with the sandwich, though the menu implies you do ... neither my husband or I understood when we were ordering that you have to choose it, or a different side (all of which are extra)), and the little carrot jicama cake appetizers, and a flavored iced tea (jasmine I think). We also tipped 15%, but regret that, since I didn't realize we would receive almost no service. Food isn't brought, you go get it and it's just sort of passed over - no, "enjoy" or "ask if you need anything" or ... well ... any politeness at all.

Ambience is ... maybe 10 small tables in a tiny strip mall location. It has outdoor seating which might be nice when the weather isn't super hot (or cold), but didn't work today. So meh, with potential to be better on nice days. Service, as I said, literally terrible. Unenthusiastic, and we were clearly inconveniencing her.

The food ... while expensive (one sandwich with a $1.50 side, one side of 7 carrot fried cake things - smallish - and a lemonade - plus - regretted - tip, was almost $40), was mixed but pretty good. The fresh baguette - delicious. I'd go there and buy a bag of those, it was very good.

The Flavor Bomb sandwich (mostly mushroom with maybe bean sprouts?) was overwhelmingly sweet - we didn't taste the ingredients listed, I saw no sign of the listed chimichurri in the sandwich. And when I realized we didn't get the dipping sauce, I want up and asked, and the counter person was like "you order tater tots instead" and I was like "oh, I thought that was an optional side, I thought the sauce just came with the sandwich -- as the menu seems to state -- and she kind of shrugged ... I asked how much to get a small cup of the dipping sauce since we didn't understand, and she rang it up ... $4 ... sooo , after already being $40ish in, nope to that, when we thought it was included.

The tater tots were very good, but one rarely goes to a vegan restaurant for tater tots.

The tea tasted like a regular unsweetened iced tea at first, not good or bad just meh, but I asked if she had sweetener and she said they had agave and then after a few minutes brought us a small plastic cup of agave.

Oh, and I asked for a cup with tapwater, and it was warm, no ice, which is fine I guess, it's tapwater, but most places (esp on a 90 degree day) put ice in it.

So does the food have promise? Yes ... I would have been tempted to go back and try some other things, the indian potato/chickpea balls, the "meatloaf", the fabled bahn mi, if the service had been great - or at least the tiniest bit friendly - and the food hadn't been so hit and miss, but overall the experience was just so disappointing that I don't...

The owner fails to hold accountability and attacks all one-star ratings. For proof, sort through all one-star ratings, and view how the owner antagonizes every customer complaint. She does this on Yelp as well to showcase the type of "business owner" she is. She lacks any sort of accountability and will literally make up lies to avoid addressing the failures of their processed stale food. (Please view the owner's disrespectful response for proof of her unprofessionalism).

I had an awful experience at this restaurant and feel extremely disgusted after seeing the owner's disrespectfully antagonistic reply to my honest encounter. The main issue surrounding my visit was related to the blind menus. The prices are not listed, so customers are left with this ongoing mystery of the cost. This is not only confusing but quite odd for a fast food restaurant. In an effort to attain additional information regarding the prices, I began asking the employees for more information to help guide my order, but Max was rude the entire time. He was annoyed by my continual questions and openly showcased his unwillingness to assist me. After receiving my food, I was overly disappointed as it was poorly prepared, and the taste was insufficient. I actually left feeling really sick, as the food just rested on my chest. When I informed the employees of my experience, they became defensive and belligerent. Max raised his voice and began interrogating my reason for wanting to return the food. I was extremely taken aback and appalled at the level of service I was receiving. When I informed the owner, she was very unfriendly, arrogant, and condescending. I even tried to build conversation with her, (which isn't the customers's job), by telling her that my daughter and husband were vegans. I then asked if she was a vegan, and she rudely replied in an irritated tone that she had been one since 2005. I continued to add warmth to the situation, but she kept cutting me off, rolling her eyes, and eventually dismissed the conversation. I was humiliated by my experience because I just cannot process how businesses can openly execute inadequate levels of service without any remorse and decency.

Reply to owner: Your antagonistic response only confirms the unprofessionalism of your management. You're just upset that I posted an honest review of my experience and your failure to execute accordingly. Anytime businesses respond in this demeanor, it reveals their inability to deliver sufficient service. Maybe if you weren’t so condescending, egotistical, and dismissive, things would've went differently. I’m glad you have the “security footage” because it will evidently display the validity of my awful encounter. Your security footage will also display how aggressive Max was acting towards me when I informed him of the poor quality of the dish. Anyone reading this can see how combative you are based on your reply. You are victimizing yourself and arguing with a customer because you don’t have the decency to be fair and professional. It’s disgraceful to see how you’re gaslighting instead of holding accountability to represent the poor experience I had. Thanks for the business shoutout. I appreciate that! Rest assured, I WILL NEVER REVISIT this business again and would not recommend to others. I hope you mature to gain the ability to be honest and...

My husband has been here before multiple times (close to work), but as a newcomer, I’ve had my expectations far exceeded by St.Veg! If you’re looking for a culinary heaven where plant-based perfection meets the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, look no further than St. Veg! Nestled in the heart of Rockville, this GEM of a vegan restaurant stole my heart from the moment I stepped through the door. First and foremost, let’s talk about the coffee – absolute heaven in a cup! With the home made cashew/almond milk sweetened with dates, each sip is a symphony of rich flavors and unparalleled quality. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or simply in need of a pick-me-up, their baristas are true artists, crafting each drink with precision and care. Now, onto the food – prepare to be dazzled by a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the vibrant flavors of plant-based cuisine. From hearty organic shareables piled high with fresh toppings to innovative lunch organic bowls and plant based burgers that redefine comfort food, every dish is a testament to the chef’s skill and creativity. And the best part? You won’t find any compromises here – each bite is bursting with flavor and nourishment, leaving you feeling satisfied and energized. But it’s not just the food and coffee that make St.Veg shine – it’s the atmosphere and hospitality that make every visit feel like coming home. The cozy ambiance, friendly staff, and commitment to sustainability create a welcoming space where guests can relax, connect, and indulge in guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, a curious foodie, or simply someone who appreciates good coffee and great food, St.Veg is a must-visit destination. Trust me, once you experience the magic of this place, you’ll be counting down the minutes until your next visit. Bon appétit and cheers to St.Veg for setting the bar high and proving that plant-based dining can be an unforgettable...