Bar Boulevard Review
By Katherine Jackson
When you think vegan restaurant you probably don’t think about a hot, gooey Philly cheesesteak on a pretzel roll. You probably don’t think about a classic, comforting tuna melt of soft, tangy sourdough. You probably don’t think about the crispiest, most irresistible house made onion rings you’ve ever had. You probably don’t think about those things when you think vegan restaurant, but maybe you should.
Angel Alonzo and Steven The Vegan (yes, really!) have changed the game when it comes to healthy, plant-based foods. Bar Boulevard is the perfect fusion of classic, down-home tavern, comfort food diner, and new wave health food, all rolled into one delicious package that will satisfy even the most picky of eaters. I am not a vegan, I am not even a vegetarian, I am certainly a carnivore, and I will admit to being skeptical when I walked in the door. But all that skepticism vanished when I bit into the most perfect Philly cheesesteak I have ever had. It wasn’t just good for being vegan, it was honestly, truly the tastiest, most indulgent bar sandwich! These two chefs took something classic and recognizable, they took something iconic and purely American, and delivered to me a new and improved version. A saucy, gooey, melty mix of seasoned tofu, peppers, and onions, with a vegan cheese sauce that instantly made me feel at home in their restaurant, and at ease with the idea of trying anything else they wanted to throw at me. It was so good, I ordered a second one to take home. Half of it didn’t make it through the car ride, it was THAT good.
From the protein pancakes to the raw Pad Thai, Angel and Steven are working hard to redefine what it means to be a vegan. They completely raised the bar when it comes to healthy food, because it is no longer enough for it to be good for you, it needs to actually taste good too, and Bar Boulevard accomplishes this in the best possible way. The ambience is homey, yet modern. The outdoor dining area is welcoming and beautiful. The bartenders are scientists, working hard to whip up the most primo, organic cocktails you’ve ever tried, and it all comes together in this perfect, resolute expression of what a restaurant should be, vegan or otherwise. They include everyone, exclude no one, and are the ideal entry point for curious newcomers who wonder what the vegan world has to offer. Give Bar Boulevard a chance, you won’t be disappointed.
