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Best Vegetarian Burgers In Sacramento

The veggie burger is not just for vegetarians anymore. Served on a bun with all the fixins of a traditional burger, the veggie burger, when made well, is a delightful alternative to red meat. It doesn't taste at all like beef but it is savory and satisfying. Here are five places in the Sacramento area that offer a truly edible meatless delight.

Sunflower Drive-In
10344 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 967-4331
www.sunflowernaturalrestaurant.com

Any day is a great day for a nutburger. Unlike any other burger in the world, the Sunflower Drive-In offers 100-percent meatless patties made from sunflower seeds. These patties are called "nutmeat." The flavor is unique and intoxicating and enjoying the nutburger (or the nutty taco) on the patio amongst the wild wandering chickens in no danger of being eaten is as authentic an experience as can be had. Take an extra long lunch; it's well worth the time and the price can't be beat.

the-plum
The Plum Cafe and Bakery
2315 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 706-3302
www.plumcafebakery.com

The Plum Cafe is one of Sacramento's proud few vegan restaurants serving "home style comfort food with ethnic influences." All of its meals are made with local organic produce and most are gluten free. It also offers a housemade risotto and sunflower seed burger served with tempeh bacon and a special sauce. Enjoy it with some kombucha on tap and save room for a vegan baked treat like a cookie sandwich or whoopie pie.

Burgers and Brew
1409 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 442-0900
www.burgersbrew.com

Burgers and Brew specializes in two things; can you guess what they are? Besides offering traditional burgers, bison burgers and lamb burgers, this spot has several meatless burger options. The traditional veggie burger is always a good way to go, but the smoked tofu burger isn't available anywhere else. Or enjoy the portobello burger that is savory and filling.

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Tower Cafe, International Restaurant and Bakery
1518 Broadway
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 441-0222
www.towercafe.com

At Tower Cafe, the ordinary becomes the extraordinary. Each of Tower's menu items may seem standard on paper, but once served, the Tower flair takes shape. The earth burger is comprised of nuts and rice and gouda cheese for a mild, creamy flavor offset by grilled onions and spices. Or, try the East African veggie burger made of peas, sweet potato, garbanzo beans and corn. You can't find a burger like that anywhere else.

Cafe Capricho
3269 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 457-3916
www.cafecapricho.webs.com

Cafe Capricho is a Mexican restaurant that serves up a delightful veggie burger. In fact, Cafe Capricho "caters to vegetarians" and offers several other meatless options, like the red potato, Swiss chard and black bean burrito. The menu doesn't offer a lot of fancy talk, because all of the fancy is in the food at extremely reasonable prices. Once your order arrives, you can live and breathe the "not-so-typical" taste Capricho is proud to offer.

Related: Best Places For A Thoughtful Cup Of Coffee In Sacramento

Laurel Hanson is a freelance writer uncovering Sacramento's healthy food secrets in local restaurants, locavore havens, and even local foraging. Her work can be found on Examiner.com

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