Six months into lockdown and many people need a break from cooking three meals a day at home. The onset of Covid-19 forced the local government to implement new rules across Los Angeles County. One of those rules prohibits dining indoors. This leaves very few meal options for our residents, and even less if you are vegan. You can eat at home, get takeout, or find a restaurant that offers outside dining.
To make this list, each establishment had to fulfill three requirements. First off, their menu had to be entirely vegan. This is especially important to me, being vegan myself. Secondly, they had to have an outside area built pre-Covid that harbors a safe yet inviting courtyard, with a staff that has good social distancing practices. Lastly, they had to have a full bar selection. With all of the bars in Los Angeles closed for the forceable future, it is good to know of a place that you can sit down and have a nice drink, in a safe environment.
Nic’s On Beverly
The first on the list is Nic’s On Beverly, located at 8265 Beverly Blvd., in Los Angeles. With the dining room closed, you must enter from the back of the building. After opening two giant metal doors, you will be standing on the top of a set of steps gazing into a magical courtyard. The center point of the courtyard is a giant tree strung with lights that provides shade for the area during the day and creates a beautiful ambiance during the evening. If you are lucky, you will be greeted by Jon the Customer Service Manager. Jon is warm and inviting. The tables are well spread out and the entire staff are gloved and masked at all times.
Nic’s serves American Fare cuisine and is opened for both brunch, and dinner by reservation only. They offer dine-in, pickup, and delivery. For brunch, I would suggest the Summer Melon as an appetizer, followed by the Breakfast Sandwich, with a glass of Champagne. For dinner there are several amazing options, but I absolutely love the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with fries, paired with Tommy’s Margarita, then followed with the Banana Split for Two. I cannot say enough good things about Nic’s On Beverly, it is a must try Los Angeles vegan establishment. When you arrive, please tell Jon that I said hello. To view their full menu and drink options please check out their website. https://www.nicsonbeverly.com.
Gracias Madre
Next on the list is Gracias Madre, located at 8905 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood. Entering from the front, you will be quickly escorted to an expansive outdoor seating area. The tables are spaced out from each other. The staff is quick, courteous, as well as gloved, and masked. Gracias Madre is a perfect people-watching location that is often visited by Hollywood elite. It is common to look around their stunning courtyard to and see actresses, actors, directors, and literary luminaries. They are open every day for lunch, dinner, and happy hour. They host brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are encouraged, but not required. Their menu consists of traditional Mexican cuisine made plant-based, all from scratch, using local organic ingredients. They have a have a full bar and are well known for their expansive Tequila selection. I recommend that you start with the Guacamole Al Molcajete with chips. For an entree, the Taco Al “Pastor” is a great choice paired with Madre’s Signature Margarita 13, followed by their decadent Rose Berry Summer Galette. For a more information on Gracias Madre please visit their website at https://www.graciasmadre.co/gm-wh-menu.
HinterhofHinterhof
The final destination on our list is Hinterhof German Kitchen and Beer Garden located at 4939 York Blvd, Los Angeles. Entering from the front of the facility, you walk through the first of two outside eating areas. There is a sign that offers a QR code to view the menu from your phone to ensure as little contact as possible. The Hinterhof is a counter service establishment allowing the patrons to order, grab their drinks, and find their seat. The outside area closest to the street is my favorite with several tables spaced out in between trees and bushes. The second area is larger, open, and has several well-spaced picnic style tables. Hinterhof’s menu is a vegan, plant-based take on traditional German dishes. They are open every day for dinner and for brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. This is a great place to grab a drink and unwind after work. They have new combos in celebration of Oktoberfest. I recommend that you get the Fet-Wurst combo. It comes with two Oktoberfest Sausages, warm Potato Salad, slow cooked Kale, German Pretzel, and a half liter of beer. For an extra five dollars you can upgrade your beer to a full liter and drink out of Das Boot. To see their full food and drink selection please visit https://hinterhofla.com.
So now you know of three different must try vegan hot spots in Los Angeles. All three restaurants are perfect for hardcore vegans, and the vegan-curious alike. Dine responsibly. Restaurants being open during the pandemic only works if guests and the restaurant staff do their part. Please limit walking away from your table, sanitize your hands, and wear a mask except while eating and drinking.
Delia Rawdon can be contacted for restaurant reviews at [email protected]
