Bite by Bite: Vegan Delight at Francis Burger Joint

Have you ever dipped your toes into the world of vegan food? I hadn’t—until now! 

Growing up, my plate was a colorful medley of fruits, vegetables, and protein. But when it came to plant-based cuisine, I was a complete novice. So, I found myself wondering: how does a fully vegan restaurant present their dishes? Would they look appetizing? Could they possibly taste like the meat-based delights I was used to? Would I enjoy it, or would I walk away feeling like I’d wasted my money? 

These swirling questions danced through my mind as I strolled towards Francis Burger Joint, a unique spot with two convenient locations: one on the Northeast side of Minneapolis and another on East Lake, near Uptown. With my niece in tow, we opted for the original joint in Northeast, perfectly positioned on our route home from work. Parking was tough but we parked on the street and made the quick jaunt to the restaurant. 

As I stepped inside, I was instantly enveloped by a cozy, bright atmosphere that felt inviting without being overly flashy. The decor was simple yet left a lasting impression. A warm greeting from the staff made us feel right at home as we settled into our seats.

Once we were comfortably seated, a friendly staff member brought us glasses of water and explained the various ordering options. You could go traditional with a paper menu and a waiter, or—being the tech-savvy folks we are—scan the QR code at our table and order straight from our phones! I loved the flexibility—whether ordering as a group or individually, it catered to everyone’s preferences.

My niece went for the Francisco Burger with fries, spicy fried brussel sprouts, and a Francis Cherry Soda. I, on the other hand, decided to indulge in a Juicy Lucy with fries, a Chipotle Pasta Salad, and a drink whimsically named “Here Comes the Sun.” 

Now, I’ll be honest: I had my reservations about the burgers. What if they turned out dry? What if the flavors fell flat? What if I could taste the absence of real meat?! 

Surprise, surprise! 

The Juicy Lucy was quite possibly one of the juiciest burgers I’ve ever devoured. It lived up to its name—this generous patty was stuffed with cheese that oozed with each bite. Layered with crisp lettuce, pickles, onions, and tomatoes, it was complemented by a subtly sweet pub sauce that brought everything together. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavor, making me think of burgers from Five Guys! 

As for the Francisco Burger, I can’t give an in-depth review since I didn’t try it, but my niece described it as a taco in burger form. With a chorizo cheeseburger patty, chipotle, cilantro, mayo, crispy fried tortilla strips, pickled jalapeños, tomato, onion, and lettuce, it sounded like a flavor fiesta! Even with this being her first vegan burger, she enjoyed it immensely. I’ll definitely have to sample that next time!

The fries that accompanied our burgers were perfectly crispy and golden, seasoned just right. I’m a sucker for some shoestring fries!

Now, let’s talk about the biggest disappointment of the evening: the Chipotle Pasta Salad. I was drawn in by a mouthwatering photo online—creamy and thick, it made my taste buds tingle with anticipation. But when it arrived, my heart sank. It was cold, dry, and had a grainy texture that didn’t do it justice. 

I know it’s called pasta salad, but I was secretly hoping for a warm, comforting dish. I mean, the photo looked so creamy! What a letdown! 

However, the evening took a delightful turn with the Spicy Fried Brussel Sprouts. And let me tell you, I usually hate brussel sprouts! But these little gems were crispy, crunchy, and wonderfully creamy with just the right kick of heat from the sauce. 

The brussel sprouts are deep-fried, yet they are tender in the middle—a perfect balance! The extra crunch from the crispy fried onions added a delightful texture, and the sweet and spicy mustard sauce was the cherry on top. Even as I write this, I can almost taste and smell them again—definitely a must-try!

Now, if only I could continue on the positive note with the drinks. Unfortunately, my drink was overwhelmingly sour! You know that feeling when you glance up at the bright sun, squinting your eyes in response? That’s how I felt with every sip! It was like the sun was trying to take me down. 

If you enjoy beverages on the sour side, this might be your jam. But for me? I’ll be skipping “Here Comes the Sun” on my next visit. The cherry soda was sweeter, though still a tad sour—not quite as intense as my drink.

In conclusion, my first vegan food experience at Francis Burger Joint turned out to be an unexpectedly delightful adventure. While not every dish was a home run, the flavors and creativity behind the offerings—especially that Juicy Lucy burger and those addictive spicy fried brussel sprouts—were truly impressive. 

This outing opened my eyes to the delicious possibilities within plant-based cuisine. If you’re curious about vegan dining or simply looking to explore new flavors, I wholeheartedly recommend checking out Francis Burger Joint. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just dipping your toes into this culinary realm, there’s something to delight everyone’s palate. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your new favorite dish! 

I know I’ll be back to try that chicken sandwich and dive deeper into their creative menu offerings. 

Until next time—happy dining! Peach out!