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Name: Detroit Vegan Soul
Address: 8029 Agnes St, Detroit, MI, 48214
Telephone: (313) 649-2759
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.25

Detroit Vegan Soul

8029 Agnes St, Detroit, MI, 48214

(313) 649-2759
Store is closed

Detroit Vegan Soul Menu

Burgers

Kid?s Burger 110g

Kid?s Cheeseburger 120g

Bacon Cheddar Burger 125g

Bacon Double Cheeseburger 250g

Big Buford® 230g

Bacon Buford® 255g

Bacon Swiss Buford® 250g

1/4 LB. Champ® 205g

1/4 LB. Champ® with Cheese 225g

1/4 LB. Bacon Cheese Champ® 235g

1/2 LB. Double Champ® 280g

1/2 LB. Double Champ® with Cheese 300g

Checkerburger® 170g

Checkerburger® with Cheese 179g

Cheese Double Cheese 190g

Chili Cheeseburger 135g

Double Chili Cheeseburger 180g

Double Decker 215g

Rallyburger® 170g

Rallyburger® with Cheese 179g

Smokehouse Buford® 265g

Triple Cheeseburger 250g

Healthy Meal suggestions for

Burgers

Kid?s Burger 110g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 28, Sodium (s): 570, Saturated Fat (ms) : 6, Calories: 280, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Kid?s Cheeseburger 120g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 29, Sodium (s): 730, Saturated Fat (ms) : 8, Calories: 320, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Bacon Cheddar Burger 125g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 29, Sodium (s): 730, Saturated Fat (ms) : 9, Calories: 370, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Bacon Double Cheeseburger 250g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 32, Sodium (s): 1340, Saturated Fat (ms) : 20, Calories: 650, Sugar (ms): 6 ]

Big Buford® 230g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 31, Sodium (s): 1090, Saturated Fat (ms) : 18, Calories: 570, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Bacon Buford® 255g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 31, Sodium (s): 1510, Saturated Fat (ms) : 21, Calories: 680, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Bacon Swiss Buford® 250g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 28, Sodium (s): 1310, Saturated Fat (ms) : 21, Calories: 660, Sugar (ms): 4 ]

1/4 LB. Champ® 205g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 32, Sodium (s): 810, Saturated Fat (ms) : 12, Calories: 490, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

1/4 LB. Champ® with Cheese 225g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 33, Sodium (s): 930, Saturated Fat (ms) : 18, Calories: 580, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

1/4 LB. Bacon Cheese Champ® 235g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 35, Sodium (s): 1230, Saturated Fat (ms) : 18, Calories: 630, Sugar (ms): 4 ]

1/2 LB. Double Champ® 280g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 30, Sodium (s): 1030, Saturated Fat (ms) : 25, Calories: 740, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

1/2 LB. Double Champ® with Cheese 300g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 34, Sodium (s): 1360, Saturated Fat (ms) : 28, Calories: 790, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Checkerburger® 170g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 32, Sodium (s): 680, Saturated Fat (ms) : 8, Calories: 390, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Checkerburger® with Cheese 179g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 33, Sodium (s): 810, Saturated Fat (ms) : 12, Calories: 420, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Cheese Double Cheese 190g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 31, Sodium (s): 1140, Saturated Fat (ms) : 17, Calories: 510, Sugar (ms): 4 ]

Chili Cheeseburger 135g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 30, Sodium (s): 620, Saturated Fat (ms) : 8, Calories: 320, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Double Chili Cheeseburger 180g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 30, Sodium (s): 760, Saturated Fat (ms) : 14, Calories: 460, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Double Decker 215g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 31, Sodium (s): 720, Saturated Fat (ms) : 13, Calories: 480, Sugar (ms): 4 ]

Rallyburger® 170g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 32, Sodium (s): 680, Saturated Fat (ms) : 8, Calories: 390, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Rallyburger® with Cheese 179g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 33, Sodium (s): 810, Saturated Fat (ms) : 12, Calories: 420, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Triple Cheeseburger 250g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 33, Sodium (s): 1450, Saturated Fat (ms) : 23, Calories: 690, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Healthy Meal suggestions for CheckersRally

Burgers

Smokehouse Buford® 265g [ Sodium (s): 1610, Calories: 650, Sugar (ms): 15 ]

Visit below restaurant in Detroit for healthy meals suggestion.

Chili’s Grill & Bar ( 5707 Southfield Fwy )

Write An Anonymous Review

A. K.

Great Food. Feels great to support a business run by black Detroit Natives (yay!) Great food, healthy options. The dessert are also delicious. Service is spectacular, even when they are busy. The agave Ginger beer was refreshing and healthy and I loved the yams and tofu catfish bites. Wonderful option in a nice location.
(5)
Abir B.

Extremely friendly and clean environment. The atmosphere is as comforting as the food. I am not vegan but if I could get my hands on food like this daily I would be in a heart beat. I had the southern fried tofu wrap 10/10.
(5)
Shanequa Y.

Clean open and cozy atmosphere. Soul Food made from Whole Food is the perfect description for this place! The spring rolls were to die for! The yams on the soul platter were heavenly! I was expecting the mac and cheese to taste bland but I was presently surprised. I am visiting on business and will definitely return to sample the great food!
(5)
Elaine P.

You must try the spinach lasagne, it is out of this world. You will not be disappointed. Loved the simple side salad with the cashew cheese Caesar dressing, loved it! The hibiscus tea is so good and refreshing. A must try is their pumpkin and vanilla cupcakes!! The wait staff is wonderful and they play the best calming music, makes for a perfect dining experience.
(5)
Tess H.

I waited to review, after my first three experiences at DVS within a month of them opening their store front. So, I went back after a long time away certain that one major thing would be fixed... Overall, DVS is "meh." The food is fine, but the kitchen is unbelievably slow. I thought that was adjusting to line cooks or something in their new space, but as they have been established in this space for awhile, I'll just accept that this is an extremely slow back of the house. Also, previously, the portions were very small, as in, I left hungry! That's wild because I assure you every time I dine out, I have leftovers. One last thing. We got chicken and waffles for brunch. Waited half an hour (we were the first people in the restaurant that morning) and when we got our plates I almost laughed out loud because those waffles were straight up from a box of van's frozen waffles!!! If you don't have a waffle iron, take the waffles off your menu? Store bought waffles is tacky. I've been vegan for 15 years and the food is tasty, but it's not worth the wait and price.
(3)
Cassandra B.

I was super psyched to try this place since I'm vegan and I LOVE soul food. We started with the fried tofu cubes with a homemade sauce which were really good. I also got the vegan fish patty sandwich, which was around $9 and good but nothing amazing. I also ordered the $14 soul plate, which I was expecting to blow me away but I found it to be really average and definitely overpriced. There was a little mediocre mac and cheese, but the rest were just beans, greens, and rice, so I'm not sure why it's so much more than the sandwiches, which were much better. I sampled my friend's lasagna, which was pretty good. The service was super friendly and I would give the place another shot if I visit Detroit again.
(3)
Jae W.

I visited DVS for the first time this past weekend and I am so glad that I did. Me and my friend were immediately greeted and seated, upon further inspection I couldn't help but realize the very cute and earthy like decor. This place has a great food selection and the pricing was perfect considering the portions. The wait time is well worth it as we were told that everything was made fresh. I would say that my green beans could have cooked little a longer, but they had a great taste so I won't complain too much. I will definitely come back to try their catfish and maybe even a cupcake. :)
(5)
Eric M.

I wish I didn't seem like such a carnivorous grinch for this review, but this seems like a perfect example of vegetarian "lowering the bar", which we all know happens all the time. Come on: was this food really that memorable? Enough to pay $6 for some vegan mac 'n cheese in a serving dish not much bigger than a typical ramekin? I'm being harsh, because, to be fair, nothing I've had here has been bad. Most of what I've had has been good--and particularly good texture-wise (which is often the vegan restaurant's Achilles heel). The mac 'n cheese is yummy. And, for only two visits, I've eaten a LOT at Vegan Soul because I had to order and order again to feel remotely satiated. And yes, I know that seitan is a bit pricey and doesn't have the fat or protein content of real meat. I'm not a total vegan philistine. But a $12 scrambler on toast should look like a main course and not an appetizer. I almost felt like the cooks went out of their way to find the smallest pieces of toast possible--like they procured German bread slices or something. The much larger combo platter is more satisfying, but at nearly $20, it darn well better be. Isn't part of the point of soul food is that it's quintessential comfort food with a southern bend that makes the most of flavor on a tight budget? Then there's that service: always friendly, always inept. Some of it probably has to do with poor communication with the back of the house, such as when you've ordered, and then, 15 minutes into waiting, the server tells you that she forgot to tell you they were out of what you ordered. But how should we respond when this happens: you're with a group, and one person gets his meal first, waits 5+ minutes to eat, finally relents and starts eating, FINISHES eating, waits 2 more minutes and then finally the other people's food comes out? Who's to blame--the chef or the wait staff? Especially when the place only seats about 25 people.... The coffee here is fantastic, and, were it not for the price and the abysmal service, I imagine--and hope some day--I would be able to double my stars. But I'm not going to be the one opting to take a group out to Vegan Soul, so who knows when that'll be.
(2)
Joe B.

Coming from a foodie that is no where near being vegan I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here. I was with my wife and family so I was able to try several items and all were very delicious. We went on a Friday evening around 6-630 and there were only a few others dining. It was really starting to fill up as we left. The collard green spring roll appetizers were amazing, so crispy and the collards were nice and smokey. The coconut fake bacon wrap was very unique and tasty. Service was great/ Two thumbs up from this non-vegetarian.
(4)
Brenna L.

So excited to go back to this place. Everything I ate there was fantastic. The catfish tofu sandwich was especially divine. I also tasted my friend's spinach lasagna, and it was great. The hibiscus punch was a lovely, sweet treat. The service was really slow, but I'm not taking a star away for that--we went the second day they were open, and the place was absolutely booming. Great stuff!
(5)
Prashant D.

This is a small but cozy place to dine. I'm a vegetarian and would never find a decent veg burger anywhere!! Had the DVS burger here and am truly blown away! It is really good. Their menu is limited but I guess that's what helps them keep better focus on quality.
(5)
Sherrie W.

Vegan food is very health!
(5)
Cee A.

This review may be biased and unfair. But, I'll share my experience anyways. My fiancee eats seafood/fish, and I'm vegan. It works for us. However, one day, he went to Captain Jays to get some fried catfish. Upon smelling this catfish, I said "Hell yea, I know a place where they have vegan catfish. I remember seeing "Detroit Vegan Soul" somewhere, and recalling they had vegan catfish (made with Tofu, of course). I looked at the menu, and I said we should go. I order the catfish/greens/vegan cheesy grits. Before I opened the box of food, I asked for hot sauce. They only had srirachi. I tilted my head and became skeptical. In the car, I opened the takeout box and saw the most neatly compiled arrangement of "soul food" I had ever seen in my entire life. The "catfish" tofu was comprised of four perfectly arranged triangles. The "greens" were carefully positioned in their portion of their fortress in the box, and the cheesy grits didn't spill out of their own fortress. I was unimpressed. This isn't soulfood. Meanwhile, my fiances's Captain Jays takeout boxes had sauce spilling everywhere, and the hot sauce we ordered was no where to be found. Srirachi does not equal hot sauce. Franks = hot sauce. Srirachi = hipsters doing hot sauce ironically. Now, I started by saying that this review may be unfair. And I meant it. I've had vegan meat substitutes that taste similar to the real thing (Field Roast sausages and burgers for example), so I was under the impression that when this place said that it had "vegan" catfish, that it would be a meat substitute that was seasoned in a way that tasted in fact like catfish. Perhaps I had the wrong expectation. Overall, I was disappointed with the food. Not because it was bad (it was decent), but because I was expecting something different. That being said, I would be ok with coming back here and trying it again. This time, with the expectation that it won't be like "Seva", but that it will be like a nice, neat, super clean, and well-managed establishment.
(3)
Uncle F.

I discovered this restaurant shortly after going vegan in December 2013. I have gotten takeout many times, and it's always excellent. When my mother passed away in 2014, I ordered a huge amount of catering for a dinner; it was perfect and my family loved it. We actually had both vegan and meat-based soul food at the dinner, and I challenged everyone to try both and decide for themselves whose food tasted better. DVS was the clear winner. I have a double whammy in that I am vegan as well as gluten-free, and DVS has plenty of delicious gluten-free items.
(5)
Fai F.

Pleasant shop, friendly staff. My niece enjoyed the "pepper steak". Her portion was very large compared to our serviceable "fried catfish" with spinach and grits. Not in love, but I like the concept and I'm a big small business Detroit fan. I would try it again if I was in the area.
(3)
Laura S.

Yummy food, very flavorful. I had the Mac and cheese, the bottom burnt but the rest was creamy. Catfish tofu sandwich was great.
(5)
Carmen D.

Just pop in today for the first time. Hit up (Inside 3rd) for lunch and drove to Detroit Vegan Soul to check it out. I decided to try a cup (soup of the day). Sorry to say the flavor could have been ok, but someone was heavy handed with the SALT!! I had to send back with an apology and I orders the mac and cheese to go instead. We ordered our after lunch dessert there instead. (1) slice of carrot cake and (1) slice of Snicker Doodle Cake. They were sinfully delish :) I'm not giving up on this place, we will be back next time for our full lunch and finish it off with your awesome cake. Tried the mac and cheese later and it had a nice flavor / firm texture / not over salty but slight oily for me. We are looking forward to visiting again in the near future. Clean / friendly staff / nice layout / great selection
(3)
Bilva G.

It's a cozy nice little local vegan place. We dined at this place on Sunday and they offer special sunday menu. Ordered stack of pan cakes and home style breakfast. Both items came delicious and we absolutely enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable on items and ingredients. They do offer some vegan deserts and we did not get a change to try those.
(5)
Chelsea H.

I finally got around to trying Detroit Vegan Soul and I'm sad I waited so long! Everything sounded good, so I ordered the Soul Platter to try a variety of sides. The sweet potatoes were delicious; perfectly cooked and perfectly sweet. The black eyed peas were probably the best I've ever eaten. The corn bread looked funny, but tasted good. The mac and cheese was okay; I'm glad that it wasn't just slathered in melted fake cheese like other places do (yuck). Though the cheese sauce was tasty, the noodles were cooked within an inch of their life. The amazing collard greens made up for the noodles being mushy. All in all, it was a great meal. I'm looking forward to coming back to try the catfish tofu & grits, which sounds awesome. The prices are a little out of my comfort zone for non-special-occasion food, and the service was a teensy bit slow, but the pleasant space and the delicious food made the experience a positive one. For a new restaurant, they're off to a great start.
(4)
J L.

Best kept secret in Detroit! I love eating here and how good the food taste. I feel great after eating here. It is a great environment for a 1 on 1 meeting with someone. Finally, they have great service! Suggestions: Catfish Sandwich
(5)
richard s.

Wow. The level of kitchen competence here is impressive. We ate off the brunch menu: chicken fried tofu nuggets--amazing. This former southern boy found the grits to be best in class. Sweet potato pancakes: OMG. Only miss was the waffles. Go here.
(5)
Kevin S.

This place is amazing...very clean, friendly, peaceful, well run, and the food is excellent. We had the catfish tofu and the philly sandwich along with a strawberry shake and all were exceptional. The location is super easy to get to and street parking was available right out front. These folks are doing a great job serving tasty food, that's also healthy! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
AJ F.

Meh. I didn't love Vegan Soul much at all, but the server was nice and the atmosphere was friendly, so I'll give it a middle of the road review. I'm also not actually vegan, so I think my expectations of soul food weren't on par with what I'm going to get in a vegan meal. I ordered the collard green spring rolls, which I expected to like, but they didn't have very much flavor to them without dipping them in the accompanying sauce. I would have done without had I known. Afterwards, I ordered the soul food platter, which consists of collard greens (well seasoned and delicious, and on par with eating greens at my grandmother's house), candied yams (standard, nothing spectacular), black eyed peas (a little bland but serviceable, if you're hungry), and mac n cheese. As a black woman with southern roots, the mac n cheese was the dealbreaker. Again, maybe it was my expectations of a food I've been eating since I was probably 3 years old, but the substitute mac was mushy, with a cheesy-ish texture but none of the flavor I'm accustomed to. I LOVE mac n cheese, to the point that even if I don't love the version that's in front of me, I'll clean the plate, but I took a few bites of this stuff and had to put the fork down. I'm sad to say it, because I wanted to love it, but I hated it. For dessert, I had their apple pie. Lots of oats taste, not the same as something stuffed with sticks of butter, but it was actually pretty good. Not something I'd come back specifically for, but I would have it again. Overall, this isn't the spot for me. I think if you love soul food and are NOT vegan, you'll leave here disappointed. I may come again to support the business trying to do its thing, but it won't be because I was blown away by the food.
(3)
Mashia K.

The restaurant has blown my mind! When I even walked up to the restaurant I couldn't help but think this place is so cute! You immediately get this calming vibe from it. The vibe you read from the outside is very close to what it was on the inside. The ambiance was stellar from the mood of my server to the set up of the restaurant. Next, the food... I ordered the sweet potato chips as an appetizer which came with a dipping sauce. Even though the chips were not as crisp as I had hoped they were still tasty. As my main dish I ordered the Seitan Pepper Steak, it was absolutely delicious! I never expected it to taste just like steak. Now we have dessert, I ordered the Gluten Free Vanilla cupcake. This was the only thing I was not impressed with. I always eat vegan gluten free cupcakes so i know the potential and this dessert did not meet the standard. It was dry and the icing was not very good(hard to explain). Lastly the audience they attract is very diverse and you could never go wrong with diversity. Overall my experience was an A-. Compared to many places similar to DVS this one wins because I felt like I belonged & the people were nice.
(5)
Laura H.

This was our first trip to Detroit. We read a great review on Detroit Vegan Soul in an article on the NY Times and made sure we were in town in time for dinner there. It was amazing. The greetings were warm and welcoming and the food was spectacular. (Those collard greens!) The owners each came over to welcome us and to make sure we were pleased. They're a sweet couple, focused on making beautiful food in a beautiful space. We cannot wait to go back. Also, we stayed at Honor & Folly in Corktown. It's an incredible space!
(5)
Morgan S.

I feel like this rating is generous. Although the food is delicious, it is seriously overshadowed by the terrible service and completely incompetent kitchen. Whoever is running this place needs some serious training, this place is terrible! We were seated and given menus right away, but after about 15 minutes of being ignored by the server that I thought was going to take care of us I went up to the counter to ask if I had to order at the counter or if someone was going to serve us. She seemed shocked by my question and said someone would get to us. A little more waiting and someone came over to ask if we wanted anything to drink, to which we replied that we were ready to order. My boyfriend ordered the coconut BLT and I ordered the Soul Platter. After waiting an hour we watched two tables and walk in carry out orders that ordered after us receive their food. When I asked our waiter what happened he replied "I don't know, it just happened". When he walked away my boyfriend told me we were not coming back again, even if the food was amazing. Our waiter did comp us a few beverages for our wait, and apologized when he realized that we were starting to lose our patience. Unfortunately the rest of the staff is not quite as nice or efficient. Now, the food. It was fantastic, really, the fact that it still tasted good after all the negativity speaks volumes. We enjoyed everything and completely cleared our plates (we were also starving, but I really do think the food was great). I have a feeling that this establishment doesn't like "outsiders" as we watched other patrons receive much better service around us. This attitude will cause them to close in an untimely fashion. If I go back again it will be to pick up a carry out order.
(2)
Angela S.

This is a cute little place with a small but delicious menu. I'm not a vegan or even a vegetarian but I love lunches here! The okra stew and the catfish sandwich are both amazing and the spinach lasagna available on Friday and Saturday is my new favorite.
(4)
Josh M.

Stopped here on our way home from Brooklyn... and now I can't stop thinking about those collard greens.
(4)
Sarah B.

Great food & good service. The collard green spring rolls are delicious! I usually cook vegan dishes at home, but I do not adhere to a strict vegan diet when I dine out. I've taken friends here who were not into the idea of vegan food and they have happily been converted. The location is small and cozy, but the bright green accents in the dining room give it a fun, vibrant feel. The bathrooms were very clean, but limited to one at a time. I would recommend this place to meat eaters and vegans alike!
(5)
Jacko B.

Nice to have another vegan restaurant option in michigan. However celiacs beware. I ordered the gluten free sweet potatoe fries and i liked them . I told one of the owners that it was nice they put in a gluten free fryer and she did not know what i was talking about. I got a feeling lots of cross contamination going on in the kitchen. If you are celiac probably best to stay away.
(3)
Tiffany T.

I recently started a fast and can have no dairy or meat and I this place is gods gift to me. The food makes me forget that I am even on a fast. Everything was great. The food is a little pricey for the portion but everything is delicious. indeed!
(4)
L N.

Small and modern place serving bold and classic food. The sweet potato chips are perfectly seasoned and to die for. I had the Italian "sausage" sub covered in vegetables that was delicious, if a tiny bit over cooked. The house made iced tea was great, as was the cole slaw, and the maple syrup cupcake to top it off was just perfect. I would recommend coming here to party's no bigger than 3 as it could get cramped, and I would love to be back to try some items I didn't get a chance to the first time around. They were out of the macaroni & cheese about midday when we got there so that's still on the list along with the smoothies, other meals & desserts and the teas! I don't eat exclusively vegan, in fact I am a huge meat & potatoes girl but this hit the spot and filled me up. Our server was incredibly friendly and quick to bring everything and the atmosphere though within limited space is fun and relaxing.
(5)
Leigh W.

I hate to be a dissenting voice, but, I was disappointed. It looks like problems with service is a common problem and that really overshadowed our experience. It took over an hour to get our order 2 smoothies, okra stew and the catfish. I can maybe understand the catfish taking longer, but smoothies and stew that I'm assuming is already made? It's really a bummer that they haven't figured out this side of things. My friend really liked the okra, the smoothies were good, the catfish, not so much. The breading was really thick and hard and didn't have much flavor. The only thing I like about the dish were the sauteed greens, those were very good. I'll give it another try - I really want to like this place!
(3)
Kate G.

Yep. The service is a little slow. So, go with a friend and enjoy each others company. That's the only negative to be said about this place. I'm a wordsmith by my own admission and I am at a complete loss for words to do this food justice. "Holy shit this is amazing" was about the best I could do. We started with the Black Eyed Pea Hummus. Right then we knew we were in for a treat. We shared the Coconut BLT. Coconut bacon? The vegan food gods have smiled upon us. Mac and Cheese so good you want to smack your mama. Potato salad that would convert any mayo lover. And then the Collard Greens. This is where I really draw a blank. I am a greens lover, and since going vegan I feared I would never enjoy them quite the same way without a little Wilbur or Babe to flavor them. Well, holy shit, they are amazing. Order two. Run, don't walk. Seriously. .
(5)
K B.

I was so excited to try DVS but really was so disappointed. I ordered the "soul platter" and literaly I felt like it was left overs that were heated up in the microwave for $14. The portion of the vegan mac and cheese was good but very small. The collard greens and yams were nothing to rave about, the corn muffin was dry and very small.
(1)
Chanell S.

I had the catfish tofu with collards and mac and cheese. Everything was perfectly seasoned and had great texture. I only wished the sides were served hotter, and not just warm. I will definitely be back to try out more of the menu!
(4)
Cha Cha J.

Today, I visited for the first time for my birthday, and I was very pleased. We were the very first customers there (they opened their doors promptly at 11 am), so we had zero problems with speed of service as some people complained. One of the owners served us and she was very nice and even stopped by our table to chat for a minute before our food arrived (however she still managed to balance the act of giving us space and tending to us, which is good because I've been to other restaurants where they are either way over the top with the talking, or compeltely forget about you). FYI, The dining space and tables are made for individual groups of two or maybe three. It was very clean-looking. It started to get pretty crowded around 12:00 with 3-4 small groups coming in at the same time, but with that crowd came another worker--a waiter I suppose. I ordered the catfish tofu sandwich w/ wedges, potato salad, okra stew, and hibiscus tea, and a slice of cinnamon coffee cake. My eyes were bigger than my belly so I had to take some home. But the food was great. I especially like the catfish tofu sandwich--everything in it made it taste good from the bread to the batter on the tofu. The potato salad is good, the okra stew is equally tasty, and the hibiscus tea is as expected. Glad I went. I'll be a regular...
(5)
Rebecca K.

Friendly staff but even better FOOD :) ANY where i can get vegan or veggie dishes i am happy but this lace is a go-to !!! Highly recommend. "gravy" and green beans = MHMMMM good stuff !! Comfort food i can actually eat.
(5)
Brittany Z.

Food and service have been spectacular every time I visit. Coconut BLT = amazing. This place will please even the biggest of meat-eaters!
(4)
Howard T.

Pretty good. Reliably good food: The potato salad is amazing, as is the greens. I just wIsh they would increase portions, expand the menu, and sell their barbecue sauce wholesale.
(4)
Shannon U.

Went back a couple weeks ago to try the Catfish Tofu Sandwich that everyone has been raving about on here. One word, three syllables...AH-MA-ZING. Just do it...vegan or not, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Jocelyn D.

Very nice small restaurant in the middle of Indian village. Very clean inside and friendly staff that made you feel welcome. Fast service. Had the vegan tofu bites that were out of this world and the okra stew that was pretty good. Ican't wait to go back!
(4)
Taft P.

First time here. The atmosphere is light and casual. Unfortunately, the service was slow. I'm not sure if that's the norm, but it was slow today. The food was pretty good. I would rate it as a 4. The menu is limited, but has a good range of selections for Sunday. Next time I'm in the area, I would try it again.
(3)
Ramon B.

If I could give this place 10 stars, I would! I loved everything about this place. From the moment you walk in, you know that this is not your average restaurant. I tell people that it's vegan by default, not by design. If you have convinced yourself that vegan food is not good, with no good flavor, you owe it to yourself to eat here with an open mind. Most items on the menu, taste as good or better than their animal filled counterparts. I was in The D. with friends for a birthday celebration and tried this place with the group. I was the only vegan and all but one in the group, found everything to be very flavorful. I will be making a trip back to The D. in the fall for a long weekend, just to try this place again. Not only did I have the most awesome server, but the owner came to our table to welcome us, once she found out that we were from out of town! I can't recommend this place enough. If you can, ask for Ryla's table, as she will take great care of you. Enjoy!
(5)
Shaheda K.

Sad to give this place a 3, but there's a BUT, I one hundred percent believe it's because I didn't come in at the right time, (Sunday brunch hours) which left me with a very limited choice, and these choices weren't exciting at all. Truthfully I had been eyeing on the menu for a while, and I so badly wanted to taste the BBQ Tofu burger, but it wasn't available. I ended up getting BBQ tofu, Mac & cheese, and the sesame broccoli, (it came with a corn bread). The best thing on my plate was the sesame broccoli, and I really felt disappointed because I was with 3 non-vegetarians, and if I didn't like it, I could only imagine how they felt about their dishes. The location is a little sketchy, parking in the back is convenient, and once you go inside it's pretty cute and cozy. The waitress was sweet but she forgot to bring my rooibos tea, but in her defense it was a little busy, so I wasn't upset by it at all. I do plan to go back so I can actually get what I wanted to.
(3)
Travis J.

I eat a lot of vegetarian and usually stay away from vegan because I love my cheeses. But I was very happily surprises here. I had a kale salad add tempeh and avocado. Had several kale salads and usually there isn't much to them but this was really good. Also ordered from the appetizer menu the fried tofu. This was amazing, and I highly recommend. One issue its not served during lunch but if you ask nicely they will do it! Service was really fast and friendly. And the neighborhood is really quite quaint once you are there.
(5)
Alyssa F.

Completely exceeded my expectations. I have eaten a lot of vegan soul food establishments in my life, and typically find the food to be very heavy, salty, and simply not something I would eat every day. This place is completely different-very fresh tasting ingredients and not oily or too salty whatsoever. I ordered the Soul Platter which for $14 included collard greens (perfectly cooked with tomatoes and onions), 2 mini corn muffins, sweet potatoes, black eyed peas, and Mac n cheese. Everything tastes incredible and the Mac n cheese was one of the best I've ever eaten. The portion was perfect, and the food didn't make me feel heavy or gross. Our waitress was lovely, and they accept all major credit cards. You must come here if you are in Detroit!
(5)
Kate T.

What a delicious spot! Location/Atmosphere: 5/5. DVS is located on a truly charming street by the Historic Indian Village. The inside is casual, comfortable, and well lit. We went in for lunch and it was pretty busy. Service: 5/5. We received prompt and kind service! Also we had a couple of special requests, and the waitress must have communicated them well because there were no mistakes. Food: 5/5. We had the fried tofu wrap and the burger, with cole slaw and redskin potatoes. We both loved our entrees! I particularly loved the burger--it was deliciously seasoned and had a lovely texture. I'd never had a millet-veggie burger before and I'm so glad I tried this one. The redskin potatoes and cole slaw were delicious, as well! Overall: So glad we went here, this will probably turn into one of my new favorite spots!
(5)
Kylie J.

Sometimes vegan food tries to imitate animal products and fails. This place doesn't. Amazing flavor that more than resembles the flavors of cheeses and meats. I am a vegan and don't like eating imitation food often, but this place is a nice treat. Portion sizes are nearly perfect and the prices are fair. Give this place a chance if you miss the taste of animal products and just want some good 'ole soul food.
(4)
Carolyn E.

First of all, what a cute little place! I love West Village, and I especially love that Detroit Vegan Soul and Craftwork are pioneers in creating a little retail space there. Also, their decor and logo are super cute; I love that Spring green color. Now, on to the rest. The service was great - everyone was super friendly even though we were ordering carryout and kind of in the way. They let us know how long things were taking and checked in with us until we got our food. There was a pleasant lunch crowd - lots of families with children, and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. Now, the FOOD! It's vegan, so of course you want to know about that. First, ORDER THE TOFU "CATFISH". It is seriously amazing. And the vegan tartar sauce tasted exactly like regular fatty tartar sauce. Exactly. I'm not kidding. I wouldn't kid about mayo tasting like mayo. Second, don't order the mac n cheese. It's not their fault. There is no such thing as good vegan cheese. Lol In addition, though the cornbread muffin tasted really good, it was a little dense. Everything else I tried was delicious, even the black eyed peas over brown rice, which I've never liked before. The smoked greens were seriously good, and that's surprising, seeing as how they weren't cooked with any meat. The yams were soft and sweet and I'd order those again. The tofu "chicken" wrap was really good, and the yam fries were yum. All in all? Go here! Even if you're just playing around with the idea of vegan food, this place will make you a believer and will give you some great ideas to take home. (Coconut bacon, what!?) I can't wait to try more of their sandwiches and their desserts.
(4)
L Y.

Everything was exceptional! Catfish sandwich, Mac&Cheese, yams, collard greens, green smoothie + yellow layered cake. The fact that this place is black-owned, health & environment conscious, and right next door to a wonderful coffee shop + mural make it THAT much better.
(5)
Miranda W.

Awesome awesome food!!! I really need to come back and write a more detailed review. The collard greens were great, I had seitan steak which was AWESOME
(5)
Sylwek G.

Fantastic food! I had the BBQ tofu sandwich today with yam chips and coleslaw, and it was excellent. I love the fact that a vegan restaurant exists in Detroit and I now have somewhere to eat that is not only healthy but very tasty!
(5)
Jocelyn M.

Let me just say I am SO pleased that I was able to visit this gem of Detroit! I was in town for a conference and was able to swing by for Sunday brunch. Boy was it worth it! The soul platter was amazing and the tofu and waffles looked mouth watering! Heads up that the dining area is a little small so it can't accommodate parties of more than 6. Vegan "soul" food is rare to find. Give this place a try. You won't regret it! Read my full review here: veganhostess.com/2015/04â€¦
(5)
Anthony S.

This place was very, very special on so many levels. It was my first trip to Detroit and I found this restaurant on Yelp. One of the six of us was vegan and we try to find a vegan restaurant for him when we go out together. I've had very, very good vegan soul food before -- in Oakland -- so I had high expectations. I was completely blown away. All of our food was incredibly flavorful and delicious. You didn't feel like you were missing out on anything by eating here. Our server was very sweet, attentive, knowledgeable and excited about the food. The atmosphere was casual, relaxed, bright and welcoming. The icing on the cake was when one of the owners came out to introduce herself and thank us for coming. It was then I learned it is locally-owned by an African American lesbian couple. Why not give it five stars then? It's a personal thing. I personally discount any review that's five stars (or one star for that matter) because no place is perfect -- or that bad. In my book, this is my highest rating and the fact that I took the time to write this review says volumes. If you are in Detroit and considering eating here, DO IT. I promise you will NOT be disappointed.
(4)
D H.

Even if your not cool, you will feel cool for eating here. Nice atmosphere, as if your in some hipster paradise. Food is prepared with love and thought, from the soul food stuff spring rolls filled with greens to the tofu catfish and grits. This place is a hidden gem, this review coming from someone who loves meat.
(4)
Mike E.

DVS doesn't spend time trying to satisfy every taste bud. They focus on doing one thing, and doing it right. I ordered the Soul Food Platter, and loved every item on the plate. The cornbread was sweet, the mac & cheese was bold, the greens were smokey, and the yams were soft and sweet. The best cornbread I've ever had, including the non-vegan kind. If you're looking for a simple vegan meal that will stick to your ribs and fill you up quick, this is the place for it. The owners really care about what they do, and the food shows it. Side note: OMG VEGAN CHEESECAKE.
(4)
Kensey W.

totally underwhelmed by this place. i've been wanting to try it for a long time since it opened and finally got a chance to come here with one vegan friend and one omnivore friend. i think we all kind of felt the same way about it. the coffee is cheap and good so it's got that going for it. i also tried the china cola, which was just like coke but without the caffeine (lame, but my own fault for wanting to try it). we started with the collard spring rolls, which were okay. they tasted exactly like they sound like they would taste. just crispy spring roll shell filled with collard greens. came with a sauce to dip but i don't really remember it. i had a brunch plate which was the tofu catfish, cheesy grits, and some cooked spinach. the greens were really salty and i didn't really like them. the grits were awful. they would have been much better if they didn't try to be cheesy. i asked the waitress what made them cheesy if they were vegan. she said it was soy cheese, so i gave it a shot, but it tasted just like daiya, which i can't stand, so i regretted that immediately. the catfish was really good! it was a little on the dry side, but i thought the flavor was really good. it did really taste like catfish or at least some kind of fried fish. i also had a bite of sweet potato pancakes. in the last two years, i've developed a terrible aversion to anything sweet potato, but i'm always trying to learn to re-like it. i'm pleased to report these cakes weren't too yammy and i could handle them okay. the space is really small but it doesn't feel cramped and there's plenty of street parking. the staff here are really nice. our waitress was nice and later i asked someone for directions to a liquor store and they were super helpful too. i think i'd not want to come back just because this is the second time i've been to a vegetarian soul food place, and while i'm always looking for good vegan cuisine, i don't think this particular type of food really lends itself well to being vegan. plus outside of the some of the brunch things, i think it's really pricey for how much i'd like it. i can see this place working for some people but it wasn't for me.
(3)
Ribec F.

Came here at lunch it was very busy service was a bit slow but worth it. I had the hibiscus tea and Caesar salad which were both really good. I was impressed with the taste of the dressing given it was vegan it tasted better than the regular stuff. My Dad ordered a whole lunch plate everything was great.
(4)
Kunal R.

Tasty food and a variety of options. It's nice to be able to order anything off the menu, but remember it's a soul food restaurant, and the menu does a good job of staying true to that. Not every dish is a home run, but they offer enough variety in pretty decent portion sizes. The cornbread muffins are delicious. The casual ambiance makes it a great Sunday afternoon lunch spot.
(4)
Misty M.

I love this place! The food is awesome and for those of us who actually grew up with soul food, this place is a treat! I plan to get carry outs from now on though. The restaurant is VERY small and is often crowded with smelly hipsters.....that's a different story though. This is a great place and its also nice that its a black owned business! Not to mention what a great idea vegan soul food is! (Also, the owners might want to work on waiting times for the food. I was okay because I know they were cooking it fresh but it does take QUITE a while for the food to come out)
(4)
Stephaine B.

DVS was pretty darn amazing. I wish we had them closer to us. The fried tofu bites were so yummy! All of the food was so yummy! Service was awesome. I can't wait to get back.
(5)
Juan S.

Wow! By far the best vegan comfort food restaurant that I have ever been to. Went there on a 1 night lay over before going to vegan friendly Toronto, but this place made a lasting impression on me and my wife. When in Detroit, if you're vegan it is a must to stop by here.
(5)
Sara F.

Is tumbled upon this place when taking my nephew to lunch and what a happy accident. I had the vegan BLT with bacon flavored shaved coconut and my nephew had BBQ tofu sandwich. He had never eaten tofu and loved it. My BLT was delicious. The service was a bit slow but the food made up for it. You definitely don't have to be vegan to appreciate this fabulous restaurant. Can't wait to go back'.
(5)
Blake I.

The reviews heightened expectations that the food here is outstanding. Well from what I experienced it isn't. The Soul Plate was ordered with black eyed peas that were unseasoned, collard greens that were overlooked and the consistency of wilted noodles, one of the driest and hardest corn muffins, and an macaroni and cheese that had a gritty consistency and odd smoked flavor. The one redeeming menu item is the catfish tofu. Well done and the only properly seasoned item. This food didn't taste fresh and I fear the greens were indeed canned. An overall waste of time venturing out of the downtown core.
(1)
Leonard D.

I just went Vegan a few months ago due to health reasons, there are no restaurants in the burbs for my wife and I to go, so we heard about this place. What a surprise, this was the best vegan food I have ever eaten. So much variety and the mac and cheese is awesome!
(5)
Karie M.

I literally couldn't stop saying "omg" as I was eating! My friend and I shared our meal. We split the Cesar Chavez Salad, the "Catfish" Tofu Fillet Sandwich and the Smothered Tempeh that's covered in mushroom gravy with mashed redskins and green beans. We also had a side of Candied Yams and Black Eyed Peas and Rice. For dessert we got a red velvet cupcake. Everything was unbelievably delicious!! It was my first time there and I will definitely be back! Probably sooner than later because I'll be having dreams about that "catfish" sandwich. The restaurant itself is very cozy, very clean and simplistically decorated. There were only two tables and some bar seats available when we got there at 8pm on a Saturday night. Our waitress was very nice! All in all a great experience!
(5)
Jae W.

I visited DVS for the first time this past weekend and I am so glad that I did. Me and my friend were immediately greeted and seated, upon further inspection I couldn't help but realize the very cute and earthy like decor. This place has a great food selection and the pricing was perfect considering the portions. The wait time is well worth it as we were told that everything was made fresh. I would say that my green beans could have cooked little a longer, but they had a great taste so I won't complain too much. I will definitely come back to try their catfish and maybe even a cupcake. :)
(5)
Eric M.

I wish I didn't seem like such a carnivorous grinch for this review, but this seems like a perfect example of vegetarian "lowering the bar", which we all know happens all the time. Come on: was this food really that memorable? Enough to pay $6 for some vegan mac 'n cheese in a serving dish not much bigger than a typical ramekin? I'm being harsh, because, to be fair, nothing I've had here has been bad. Most of what I've had has been good--and particularly good texture-wise (which is often the vegan restaurant's Achilles heel). The mac 'n cheese is yummy. And, for only two visits, I've eaten a LOT at Vegan Soul because I had to order and order again to feel remotely satiated. And yes, I know that seitan is a bit pricey and doesn't have the fat or protein content of real meat. I'm not a total vegan philistine. But a $12 scrambler on toast should look like a main course and not an appetizer. I almost felt like the cooks went out of their way to find the smallest pieces of toast possible--like they procured German bread slices or something. The much larger combo platter is more satisfying, but at nearly $20, it darn well better be. Isn't part of the point of soul food is that it's quintessential comfort food with a southern bend that makes the most of flavor on a tight budget? Then there's that service: always friendly, always inept. Some of it probably has to do with poor communication with the back of the house, such as when you've ordered, and then, 15 minutes into waiting, the server tells you that she forgot to tell you they were out of what you ordered. But how should we respond when this happens: you're with a group, and one person gets his meal first, waits 5+ minutes to eat, finally relents and starts eating, FINISHES eating, waits 2 more minutes and then finally the other people's food comes out? Who's to blame--the chef or the wait staff? Especially when the place only seats about 25 people.... The coffee here is fantastic, and, were it not for the price and the abysmal service, I imagine--and hope some day--I would be able to double my stars. But I'm not going to be the one opting to take a group out to Vegan Soul, so who knows when that'll be.
(2)
Laura S.

Yummy food, very flavorful. I had the Mac and cheese, the bottom burnt but the rest was creamy. Catfish tofu sandwich was great.
(5)
Cee A.

This review may be biased and unfair. But, I'll share my experience anyways. My fiancee eats seafood/fish, and I'm vegan. It works for us. However, one day, he went to Captain Jays to get some fried catfish. Upon smelling this catfish, I said "Hell yea, I know a place where they have vegan catfish. I remember seeing "Detroit Vegan Soul" somewhere, and recalling they had vegan catfish (made with Tofu, of course). I looked at the menu, and I said we should go. I order the catfish/greens/vegan cheesy grits. Before I opened the box of food, I asked for hot sauce. They only had srirachi. I tilted my head and became skeptical. In the car, I opened the takeout box and saw the most neatly compiled arrangement of "soul food" I had ever seen in my entire life. The "catfish" tofu was comprised of four perfectly arranged triangles. The "greens" were carefully positioned in their portion of their fortress in the box, and the cheesy grits didn't spill out of their own fortress. I was unimpressed. This isn't soulfood. Meanwhile, my fiances's Captain Jays takeout boxes had sauce spilling everywhere, and the hot sauce we ordered was no where to be found. Srirachi does not equal hot sauce. Franks = hot sauce. Srirachi = hipsters doing hot sauce ironically. Now, I started by saying that this review may be unfair. And I meant it. I've had vegan meat substitutes that taste similar to the real thing (Field Roast sausages and burgers for example), so I was under the impression that when this place said that it had "vegan" catfish, that it would be a meat substitute that was seasoned in a way that tasted in fact like catfish. Perhaps I had the wrong expectation. Overall, I was disappointed with the food. Not because it was bad (it was decent), but because I was expecting something different. That being said, I would be ok with coming back here and trying it again. This time, with the expectation that it won't be like "Seva", but that it will be like a nice, neat, super clean, and well-managed establishment.
(3)
Uncle F.

I discovered this restaurant shortly after going vegan in December 2013. I have gotten takeout many times, and it's always excellent. When my mother passed away in 2014, I ordered a huge amount of catering for a dinner; it was perfect and my family loved it. We actually had both vegan and meat-based soul food at the dinner, and I challenged everyone to try both and decide for themselves whose food tasted better. DVS was the clear winner. I have a double whammy in that I am vegan as well as gluten-free, and DVS has plenty of delicious gluten-free items.
(5)
Fai F.

Pleasant shop, friendly staff. My niece enjoyed the "pepper steak". Her portion was very large compared to our serviceable "fried catfish" with spinach and grits. Not in love, but I like the concept and I'm a big small business Detroit fan. I would try it again if I was in the area.
(3)
Joe B.

Coming from a foodie that is no where near being vegan I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here. I was with my wife and family so I was able to try several items and all were very delicious. We went on a Friday evening around 6-630 and there were only a few others dining. It was really starting to fill up as we left. The collard green spring roll appetizers were amazing, so crispy and the collards were nice and smokey. The coconut fake bacon wrap was very unique and tasty. Service was great/ Two thumbs up from this non-vegetarian.
(4)
Carmen D.

Just pop in today for the first time. Hit up (Inside 3rd) for lunch and drove to Detroit Vegan Soul to check it out. I decided to try a cup (soup of the day). Sorry to say the flavor could have been ok, but someone was heavy handed with the SALT!! I had to send back with an apology and I orders the mac and cheese to go instead. We ordered our after lunch dessert there instead. (1) slice of carrot cake and (1) slice of Snicker Doodle Cake. They were sinfully delish :) I'm not giving up on this place, we will be back next time for our full lunch and finish it off with your awesome cake. Tried the mac and cheese later and it had a nice flavor / firm texture / not over salty but slight oily for me. We are looking forward to visiting again in the near future. Clean / friendly staff / nice layout / great selection
(3)
Bilva G.

It's a cozy nice little local vegan place. We dined at this place on Sunday and they offer special sunday menu. Ordered stack of pan cakes and home style breakfast. Both items came delicious and we absolutely enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable on items and ingredients. They do offer some vegan deserts and we did not get a change to try those.
(5)
Chelsea H.

I finally got around to trying Detroit Vegan Soul and I'm sad I waited so long! Everything sounded good, so I ordered the Soul Platter to try a variety of sides. The sweet potatoes were delicious; perfectly cooked and perfectly sweet. The black eyed peas were probably the best I've ever eaten. The corn bread looked funny, but tasted good. The mac and cheese was okay; I'm glad that it wasn't just slathered in melted fake cheese like other places do (yuck). Though the cheese sauce was tasty, the noodles were cooked within an inch of their life. The amazing collard greens made up for the noodles being mushy. All in all, it was a great meal. I'm looking forward to coming back to try the catfish tofu & grits, which sounds awesome. The prices are a little out of my comfort zone for non-special-occasion food, and the service was a teensy bit slow, but the pleasant space and the delicious food made the experience a positive one. For a new restaurant, they're off to a great start.
(4)
J L.

Best kept secret in Detroit! I love eating here and how good the food taste. I feel great after eating here. It is a great environment for a 1 on 1 meeting with someone. Finally, they have great service! Suggestions: Catfish Sandwich
(5)
richard s.

Wow. The level of kitchen competence here is impressive. We ate off the brunch menu: chicken fried tofu nuggets--amazing. This former southern boy found the grits to be best in class. Sweet potato pancakes: OMG. Only miss was the waffles. Go here.
(5)
Kevin S.

This place is amazing...very clean, friendly, peaceful, well run, and the food is excellent. We had the catfish tofu and the philly sandwich along with a strawberry shake and all were exceptional. The location is super easy to get to and street parking was available right out front. These folks are doing a great job serving tasty food, that's also healthy! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
AJ F.

Meh. I didn't love Vegan Soul much at all, but the server was nice and the atmosphere was friendly, so I'll give it a middle of the road review. I'm also not actually vegan, so I think my expectations of soul food weren't on par with what I'm going to get in a vegan meal. I ordered the collard green spring rolls, which I expected to like, but they didn't have very much flavor to them without dipping them in the accompanying sauce. I would have done without had I known. Afterwards, I ordered the soul food platter, which consists of collard greens (well seasoned and delicious, and on par with eating greens at my grandmother's house), candied yams (standard, nothing spectacular), black eyed peas (a little bland but serviceable, if you're hungry), and mac n cheese. As a black woman with southern roots, the mac n cheese was the dealbreaker. Again, maybe it was my expectations of a food I've been eating since I was probably 3 years old, but the substitute mac was mushy, with a cheesy-ish texture but none of the flavor I'm accustomed to. I LOVE mac n cheese, to the point that even if I don't love the version that's in front of me, I'll clean the plate, but I took a few bites of this stuff and had to put the fork down. I'm sad to say it, because I wanted to love it, but I hated it. For dessert, I had their apple pie. Lots of oats taste, not the same as something stuffed with sticks of butter, but it was actually pretty good. Not something I'd come back specifically for, but I would have it again. Overall, this isn't the spot for me. I think if you love soul food and are NOT vegan, you'll leave here disappointed. I may come again to support the business trying to do its thing, but it won't be because I was blown away by the food.
(3)
Mashia K.

The restaurant has blown my mind! When I even walked up to the restaurant I couldn't help but think this place is so cute! You immediately get this calming vibe from it. The vibe you read from the outside is very close to what it was on the inside. The ambiance was stellar from the mood of my server to the set up of the restaurant. Next, the food... I ordered the sweet potato chips as an appetizer which came with a dipping sauce. Even though the chips were not as crisp as I had hoped they were still tasty. As my main dish I ordered the Seitan Pepper Steak, it was absolutely delicious! I never expected it to taste just like steak. Now we have dessert, I ordered the Gluten Free Vanilla cupcake. This was the only thing I was not impressed with. I always eat vegan gluten free cupcakes so i know the potential and this dessert did not meet the standard. It was dry and the icing was not very good(hard to explain). Lastly the audience they attract is very diverse and you could never go wrong with diversity. Overall my experience was an A-. Compared to many places similar to DVS this one wins because I felt like I belonged & the people were nice.
(5)
Laura H.

This was our first trip to Detroit. We read a great review on Detroit Vegan Soul in an article on the NY Times and made sure we were in town in time for dinner there. It was amazing. The greetings were warm and welcoming and the food was spectacular. (Those collard greens!) The owners each came over to welcome us and to make sure we were pleased. They're a sweet couple, focused on making beautiful food in a beautiful space. We cannot wait to go back. Also, we stayed at Honor & Folly in Corktown. It's an incredible space!
(5)
Morgan S.

I feel like this rating is generous. Although the food is delicious, it is seriously overshadowed by the terrible service and completely incompetent kitchen. Whoever is running this place needs some serious training, this place is terrible! We were seated and given menus right away, but after about 15 minutes of being ignored by the server that I thought was going to take care of us I went up to the counter to ask if I had to order at the counter or if someone was going to serve us. She seemed shocked by my question and said someone would get to us. A little more waiting and someone came over to ask if we wanted anything to drink, to which we replied that we were ready to order. My boyfriend ordered the coconut BLT and I ordered the Soul Platter. After waiting an hour we watched two tables and walk in carry out orders that ordered after us receive their food. When I asked our waiter what happened he replied "I don't know, it just happened". When he walked away my boyfriend told me we were not coming back again, even if the food was amazing. Our waiter did comp us a few beverages for our wait, and apologized when he realized that we were starting to lose our patience. Unfortunately the rest of the staff is not quite as nice or efficient. Now, the food. It was fantastic, really, the fact that it still tasted good after all the negativity speaks volumes. We enjoyed everything and completely cleared our plates (we were also starving, but I really do think the food was great). I have a feeling that this establishment doesn't like "outsiders" as we watched other patrons receive much better service around us. This attitude will cause them to close in an untimely fashion. If I go back again it will be to pick up a carry out order.
(2)
Angela S.

This is a cute little place with a small but delicious menu. I'm not a vegan or even a vegetarian but I love lunches here! The okra stew and the catfish sandwich are both amazing and the spinach lasagna available on Friday and Saturday is my new favorite.
(4)
Josh M.

Stopped here on our way home from Brooklyn... and now I can't stop thinking about those collard greens.
(4)
Sarah B.

Great food & good service. The collard green spring rolls are delicious! I usually cook vegan dishes at home, but I do not adhere to a strict vegan diet when I dine out. I've taken friends here who were not into the idea of vegan food and they have happily been converted. The location is small and cozy, but the bright green accents in the dining room give it a fun, vibrant feel. The bathrooms were very clean, but limited to one at a time. I would recommend this place to meat eaters and vegans alike!
(5)
K B.

I was so excited to try DVS but really was so disappointed. I ordered the "soul platter" and literaly I felt like it was left overs that were heated up in the microwave for $14. The portion of the vegan mac and cheese was good but very small. The collard greens and yams were nothing to rave about, the corn muffin was dry and very small.
(1)
Chanell S.

I had the catfish tofu with collards and mac and cheese. Everything was perfectly seasoned and had great texture. I only wished the sides were served hotter, and not just warm. I will definitely be back to try out more of the menu!
(4)
L N.

Small and modern place serving bold and classic food. The sweet potato chips are perfectly seasoned and to die for. I had the Italian "sausage" sub covered in vegetables that was delicious, if a tiny bit over cooked. The house made iced tea was great, as was the cole slaw, and the maple syrup cupcake to top it off was just perfect. I would recommend coming here to party's no bigger than 3 as it could get cramped, and I would love to be back to try some items I didn't get a chance to the first time around. They were out of the macaroni & cheese about midday when we got there so that's still on the list along with the smoothies, other meals & desserts and the teas! I don't eat exclusively vegan, in fact I am a huge meat & potatoes girl but this hit the spot and filled me up. Our server was incredibly friendly and quick to bring everything and the atmosphere though within limited space is fun and relaxing.
(5)
Leigh W.

I hate to be a dissenting voice, but, I was disappointed. It looks like problems with service is a common problem and that really overshadowed our experience. It took over an hour to get our order 2 smoothies, okra stew and the catfish. I can maybe understand the catfish taking longer, but smoothies and stew that I'm assuming is already made? It's really a bummer that they haven't figured out this side of things. My friend really liked the okra, the smoothies were good, the catfish, not so much. The breading was really thick and hard and didn't have much flavor. The only thing I like about the dish were the sauteed greens, those were very good. I'll give it another try - I really want to like this place!
(3)
Kate G.

Yep. The service is a little slow. So, go with a friend and enjoy each others company. That's the only negative to be said about this place. I'm a wordsmith by my own admission and I am at a complete loss for words to do this food justice. "Holy shit this is amazing" was about the best I could do. We started with the Black Eyed Pea Hummus. Right then we knew we were in for a treat. We shared the Coconut BLT. Coconut bacon? The vegan food gods have smiled upon us. Mac and Cheese so good you want to smack your mama. Potato salad that would convert any mayo lover. And then the Collard Greens. This is where I really draw a blank. I am a greens lover, and since going vegan I feared I would never enjoy them quite the same way without a little Wilbur or Babe to flavor them. Well, holy shit, they are amazing. Order two. Run, don't walk. Seriously. .
(5)
Jacko B.

Nice to have another vegan restaurant option in michigan. However celiacs beware. I ordered the gluten free sweet potatoe fries and i liked them . I told one of the owners that it was nice they put in a gluten free fryer and she did not know what i was talking about. I got a feeling lots of cross contamination going on in the kitchen. If you are celiac probably best to stay away.
(3)
Tiffany T.

I recently started a fast and can have no dairy or meat and I this place is gods gift to me. The food makes me forget that I am even on a fast. Everything was great. The food is a little pricey for the portion but everything is delicious. indeed!
(4)
Cha Cha J.

Today, I visited for the first time for my birthday, and I was very pleased. We were the very first customers there (they opened their doors promptly at 11 am), so we had zero problems with speed of service as some people complained. One of the owners served us and she was very nice and even stopped by our table to chat for a minute before our food arrived (however she still managed to balance the act of giving us space and tending to us, which is good because I've been to other restaurants where they are either way over the top with the talking, or compeltely forget about you). FYI, The dining space and tables are made for individual groups of two or maybe three. It was very clean-looking. It started to get pretty crowded around 12:00 with 3-4 small groups coming in at the same time, but with that crowd came another worker--a waiter I suppose. I ordered the catfish tofu sandwich w/ wedges, potato salad, okra stew, and hibiscus tea, and a slice of cinnamon coffee cake. My eyes were bigger than my belly so I had to take some home. But the food was great. I especially like the catfish tofu sandwich--everything in it made it taste good from the bread to the batter on the tofu. The potato salad is good, the okra stew is equally tasty, and the hibiscus tea is as expected. Glad I went. I'll be a regular...
(5)
Rebecca K.

Friendly staff but even better FOOD :) ANY where i can get vegan or veggie dishes i am happy but this lace is a go-to !!! Highly recommend. "gravy" and green beans = MHMMMM good stuff !! Comfort food i can actually eat.
(5)
Brittany Z.

Food and service have been spectacular every time I visit. Coconut BLT = amazing. This place will please even the biggest of meat-eaters!
(4)
Howard T.

Pretty good. Reliably good food: The potato salad is amazing, as is the greens. I just wIsh they would increase portions, expand the menu, and sell their barbecue sauce wholesale.
(4)
Shannon U.

Went back a couple weeks ago to try the Catfish Tofu Sandwich that everyone has been raving about on here. One word, three syllables...AH-MA-ZING. Just do it...vegan or not, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Jocelyn D.

Very nice small restaurant in the middle of Indian village. Very clean inside and friendly staff that made you feel welcome. Fast service. Had the vegan tofu bites that were out of this world and the okra stew that was pretty good. Ican't wait to go back!
(4)
Taft P.

First time here. The atmosphere is light and casual. Unfortunately, the service was slow. I'm not sure if that's the norm, but it was slow today. The food was pretty good. I would rate it as a 4. The menu is limited, but has a good range of selections for Sunday. Next time I'm in the area, I would try it again.
(3)
Amanda J.

What jerks. A group of friends an I (about 10) wanted to stop by DVS to have lunch on a Saturday at 11am. Since it's a little bit of a larger group, we decided to call ahead to let them know that we'd be stopping by tomorrow. The conversation? "I'm sorry, we can't accommodate groups larger than six". "We aren't making a reservation, we just wanted to give you a heads up." "Well, you can't come in groups larger than six." Basically, they just lost a lot of potential business, especially since many of us were really looking forward to trying it out. Many of us are vegetarian/vegan, so it would have surely created return customers. *Note: The guy I talked to said the dining area could not hold that number of people, but we could do take-out. My friend called back, and she was told that the kitchen cannot accommodate that many people at one time. So which is it? Excuses.
(1)
Mars L.

The food! Awesome. I've eaten at almost every vegetarian/vegan spot in the D and it was refreshing to finally get some soul food that is actually good... I had the veg platter and my friend had the tofu catfish. We simply nibbled off of the other's plate. The food was hot and fresh. Will definitely go back soon. The sweet tea was delicious - not bland, but not overly sweetened. The service was prompt, though I can see how the kitchen can get backed up.
(5)
Ranleigh H.

Wow. This place is good. We tired the black eyed peas humus, tofu catfish, smothered tempeh and coleslaw. Everything was fresh and yummy. A nice spot too!
(5)
Jacqueline G.

SO DELICIOUS. It's a bit pricey, but definitely worth it (especially in this area). I ate pretty much a four course meal just because everything was so tasty. And I love that they're off the beaten path.
(5)
Mark P.

We read about this restaurant in HOUR magazine and thought we would give it a try. We came in at 11:00 when they opened, and the tables filled up fast. Our selections were the okra soup, spring rolls, and soul platter. My wife and I both enjoyed the soup, as well as the rolls. We split the platter as there was enough food for two on it. Everything here was great! Service was fast, and the food was even better! We were talking with the other guest and we were all sharing what thought about our selections and what to order next visit. We wish them much success here. Can't wait for our next visit!
(5)
Desiree M.

I am neither vegan nor vegetarian, and in my ignorance, I was not sure what to expect. I went last night and had a special, which is an italian sausage sandwich with yam chips and coleslaw. It was delicious and very affordable. I ate a few of my friend's sweet potato bites. Those were very delicious too. I recommend.
(5)
Elizabeth F.

Their Coconut BLT is gross. Their kids meal price is very high for the amount of food, and not everyone wants to feed Mac-n-cheese to their kids either. The food and drinks prices are very over priced for the quality and taste.
(2)
Pablo C.

Yelp will not allow to give 0 stars. I don't know where to start with this place; everything went wrong from the moment we walked in. I understand if there is some sort of convention in town and you get backed up, both front of house and back of house, but please be honest your customers. We waited a half an hour for a seat and were the only guests waiting. Fine, but tell us that your food may take over an hour once you order. We were finally seated and ordered our food. Waiter finally says after a half hour that there was a yoga convention in town and food was taking longer than expected and your food should be out in 20 min. At this point the restaurant was only half full. So what really was the problem? The waiter finally returned 20 mins later and I asked for him to see how much longer it would be. He returns about 5 mins later and says the fryer is broken and our food will be 25 more mins and if we our willing to wait it will be free. Hell no! We were looking forward to a great experience and We were severely let down. We will never return. Good luck.
(1)
Erin H.

I ate here on a Sunday morning with three omnivores and one vegetarian. It wasn't overly busy so we got seated right away. Two of us had the "catfish" tofu, grits and sauteed spinach - and we loved them. I have a tenuous relationship with tofu, but this if the first time I have ever if had it that it almost sang. The crust on the tofu was deliciously flavorful & crusty and the tofu was firm enough and had a good texture. It did what tofu done well does - absorb the flavor. The dill tarter sauce was really divine. I normally despise dairy based tarter sauce - so this was a revelation to me! The grits were creamy and very tasty - and the spinach was tasty too. The fresh fruit was banana, kiwi, strawberry and blueberry - all fresh and good. One other friend enjoyed the oatmeal and the other liked the breakfast sandwich: Pan fried tofu, veggie sausage on cinnamon raisin toast. Three of us are tea drinkers and liked the selections offered. The service was great as well. We'll be going back again soon. We can't wait to see the neighborhood flourish.
(4)
Justin L.

Simply excellent. Came here for breakfast and got the breakfast platter. I don't like tofu but their tofu scramble was excellent. Nothing was even at or below par. Will visit again.
(5)
Angela D.

VSF make the best mock catfish sandwich I've ever had. It tasted like heaven. I ate the entire thing and was tempted to go with another but instead ordered the okra stew and soul platter. The stew was cooked to perfection and was flavor able. The only things preventing me from giving a four or five star had to do with the soul platter. The collard greens were so salty, I gagged on a bite full and had to spit it in my napkin. Perhaps less salt to start and let people eating decided if they feel like licking a block of salt. The entrees were flavor able bit cold. Being the only group in the restaurant , it should have come to our table at least lukewarm. I'd suggest heating everything to at least 140 degrees to real put some warmth into the comfort cooking. With all that being said, I love this place, the ambience , and the people. I'll keep trying , just lay off the salt pretty please ? ;)
(3)
Sara B.

Food was very tasty but it took a long time. Veggies were cold, and portions were very small for the price.
(3)
Brenna L.

So excited to go back to this place. Everything I ate there was fantastic. The catfish tofu sandwich was especially divine. I also tasted my friend's spinach lasagna, and it was great. The hibiscus punch was a lovely, sweet treat. The service was really slow, but I'm not taking a star away for that--we went the second day they were open, and the place was absolutely booming. Great stuff!
(5)
Kathy F.

We came here for lunch, hungry after a morning paddle thru Belle Isle's canals and were rewarded with the best veggie burgers we have ever had! We were also. Impressed with the friendly service and neighborhood vibe.
(5)
Emily T.

This place is a true gem! I love everything here. The staff is super friendly and I love the ambiance when dining in. Nothing compares, as Detroit Vegan Soul is the ONLY exclusively vegan restaurant in metro Detroit. Wish they had brunch on more days than just Sunday. Their tofu scramble is by far the best I've ever had!
(5)
Amanda J.

What jerks. A group of friends an I (about 10) wanted to stop by DVS to have lunch on a Saturday at 11am. Since it's a little bit of a larger group, we decided to call ahead to let them know that we'd be stopping by tomorrow. The conversation? "I'm sorry, we can't accommodate groups larger than six". "We aren't making a reservation, we just wanted to give you a heads up." "Well, you can't come in groups larger than six." Basically, they just lost a lot of potential business, especially since many of us were really looking forward to trying it out. Many of us are vegetarian/vegan, so it would have surely created return customers. *Note: The guy I talked to said the dining area could not hold that number of people, but we could do take-out. My friend called back, and she was told that the kitchen cannot accommodate that many people at one time. So which is it? Excuses.
(1)
Mars L.

The food! Awesome. I've eaten at almost every vegetarian/vegan spot in the D and it was refreshing to finally get some soul food that is actually good... I had the veg platter and my friend had the tofu catfish. We simply nibbled off of the other's plate. The food was hot and fresh. Will definitely go back soon. The sweet tea was delicious - not bland, but not overly sweetened. The service was prompt, though I can see how the kitchen can get backed up.
(5)
Ranleigh H.

Wow. This place is good. We tired the black eyed peas humus, tofu catfish, smothered tempeh and coleslaw. Everything was fresh and yummy. A nice spot too!
(5)
Jacqueline G.

SO DELICIOUS. It's a bit pricey, but definitely worth it (especially in this area). I ate pretty much a four course meal just because everything was so tasty. And I love that they're off the beaten path.
(5)
Mark P.

We read about this restaurant in HOUR magazine and thought we would give it a try. We came in at 11:00 when they opened, and the tables filled up fast. Our selections were the okra soup, spring rolls, and soul platter. My wife and I both enjoyed the soup, as well as the rolls. We split the platter as there was enough food for two on it. Everything here was great! Service was fast, and the food was even better! We were talking with the other guest and we were all sharing what thought about our selections and what to order next visit. We wish them much success here. Can't wait for our next visit!
(5)
Desiree M.

I am neither vegan nor vegetarian, and in my ignorance, I was not sure what to expect. I went last night and had a special, which is an italian sausage sandwich with yam chips and coleslaw. It was delicious and very affordable. I ate a few of my friend's sweet potato bites. Those were very delicious too. I recommend.
(5)
Elizabeth F.

Their Coconut BLT is gross. Their kids meal price is very high for the amount of food, and not everyone wants to feed Mac-n-cheese to their kids either. The food and drinks prices are very over priced for the quality and taste.
(2)
Pablo C.

Yelp will not allow to give 0 stars. I don't know where to start with this place; everything went wrong from the moment we walked in. I understand if there is some sort of convention in town and you get backed up, both front of house and back of house, but please be honest your customers. We waited a half an hour for a seat and were the only guests waiting. Fine, but tell us that your food may take over an hour once you order. We were finally seated and ordered our food. Waiter finally says after a half hour that there was a yoga convention in town and food was taking longer than expected and your food should be out in 20 min. At this point the restaurant was only half full. So what really was the problem? The waiter finally returned 20 mins later and I asked for him to see how much longer it would be. He returns about 5 mins later and says the fryer is broken and our food will be 25 more mins and if we our willing to wait it will be free. Hell no! We were looking forward to a great experience and We were severely let down. We will never return. Good luck.
(1)
Justin L.

Simply excellent. Came here for breakfast and got the breakfast platter. I don't like tofu but their tofu scramble was excellent. Nothing was even at or below par. Will visit again.
(5)
Erin H.

I ate here on a Sunday morning with three omnivores and one vegetarian. It wasn't overly busy so we got seated right away. Two of us had the "catfish" tofu, grits and sauteed spinach - and we loved them. I have a tenuous relationship with tofu, but this if the first time I have ever if had it that it almost sang. The crust on the tofu was deliciously flavorful & crusty and the tofu was firm enough and had a good texture. It did what tofu done well does - absorb the flavor. The dill tarter sauce was really divine. I normally despise dairy based tarter sauce - so this was a revelation to me! The grits were creamy and very tasty - and the spinach was tasty too. The fresh fruit was banana, kiwi, strawberry and blueberry - all fresh and good. One other friend enjoyed the oatmeal and the other liked the breakfast sandwich: Pan fried tofu, veggie sausage on cinnamon raisin toast. Three of us are tea drinkers and liked the selections offered. The service was great as well. We'll be going back again soon. We can't wait to see the neighborhood flourish.
(4)
Angela D.

VSF make the best mock catfish sandwich I've ever had. It tasted like heaven. I ate the entire thing and was tempted to go with another but instead ordered the okra stew and soul platter. The stew was cooked to perfection and was flavor able. The only things preventing me from giving a four or five star had to do with the soul platter. The collard greens were so salty, I gagged on a bite full and had to spit it in my napkin. Perhaps less salt to start and let people eating decided if they feel like licking a block of salt. The entrees were flavor able bit cold. Being the only group in the restaurant , it should have come to our table at least lukewarm. I'd suggest heating everything to at least 140 degrees to real put some warmth into the comfort cooking. With all that being said, I love this place, the ambience , and the people. I'll keep trying , just lay off the salt pretty please ? ;)
(3)
Sara B.

Food was very tasty but it took a long time. Veggies were cold, and portions were very small for the price.
(3)
Ben R.

We had an excellent Sunday brunch here. Everything was tasty and the prices were very reasonable.
(5)
Noelle G.

Just ate at DVS for the first time this weekend even though I've been dying to try it since they opened. It did not disappoint! I had the seitan pepper steak w/ mac and cheese and collard greens and added cornbread. It was superb! The mac and cheese was creamy with just enough "grease factor" to make it comfort food without being unappealing. The seitan was perfectly cooked and so tender it would've "fallen off the bone" if it were an animal flesh. My hubby had the soul platter and raved about the collard greens and mac and cheese as well. The sweet tea was excellent and we capped it off with a banana nut muffin, which was the most moist muffin we've ever had. We'd definitely go back for the fried tofu "catfish" and more mac and cheese. Loved the decor - simple and clean and uplifting and just an all around cozy little space. So glad DVS opened and hoping they thrive!
(5)
Heather P.

I was in from out of town and couldn't find many Vegan friendly restaurants. I was so so happy to find Detroit Vegan Soul. There are so many good things to say about this place. The staff are really friendly, the food is great and incredibly hearty. I ended up eating here for the last few meals I had in Detroit. It basically made my trip. Higly recommend it.
(5)
Deborah B.

Wish I could give 2 different ratings...One for the food and one for the service/wait time. We went the 2nd day they were open about 12:40pm. Breakfast is served until 2pm on Sunday, which was a bit of a disappointment, but we were very excited to try the food and really didn't care that much. Took too long to get menus, took too long to get water, which while we were there almost 2 hours, we kept having to request more of. One coffee refill for the entire time were were there...not good. Finally the food comes out, well, 1/2 of it. Granted were were a group of 10, but we waited over 35 minutes for 5 breakfast plates to come out. 1/2 way through that wait time were were told they were out of the potato option and we had to get grits, which was fine. Those of us who got our food patiently waited for the rest of the table. 5 min, 10 mi...forget it, our food is getting cold so we eat. We completely finish our food and the rest of our table is still waiting for their pancakes, yes you heard correctly, we were waiting for an hour for 5 orders of pancakes. In about 10 minute intervals the pancakes come out. Meanwhile they are serving other tables before they finish serving us. Food is good,...very good, but the kitchen needs to get themselves together and get the food out in a timely manner. We will be back to give them a second try since their catfish sandwich just made Detroit's top 10!
(3)
Joel D.

Detroit Vegan Soul was great. I am a meat eater who is vegetarian friendly. But for my personal taste, vegan is too extreme and what I've had previously has underwhelmed me. I went into this cafe skeptical but left incredibly satisfied. The soul platter was delicious- how did they make that Mac & "cheese" so tasty and creamy?? I could have sworn the collard greens had some hamhock in there the way they tasted. I hope they succeed. It's a wonderfully unique offering and the food and service were actually good.
(4)
Karey Q.

The food here is great for vegans and non-vegans alike! I love the green smoothie, tempeh burger and coconut wrap. The only thing keeping me from a five star rating is the wait time. The first time I went, the wait was really long, although there weren't many people there. The second time I went, the wait time improved somewhat, so I'm hopeful that things are improving. The staff are all very nice and the place is cute. I'm so happy to have a restaurant in the neighborhood - I hope they do well and will be coming back!
(4)
Angela W.

I have also been a long time fan of DVS since discovering their amazing food during the catering and pop-up phase. Not only is the food absolutely delicious (on top of being healthy!), but the owners and staff are incredibly kind and genuine people. This makes for an all around exceptional experience. Moreover, the turn out on the grand opening speaks only to the enthusiasm of the many people who have supported and awaited the unveiling of the storefront restaurant. Any reviewer who is critical of the experience on this day clearly had no concept of the impressive following this company has gathered on a beautiful journey. CONGRATULATIONS to Detroit Vegan Soul for opening a beautiful restaurant with incredible service and unbelievably delicious food!! I can't wait to come back soon and often!!
(5)
Mark B.

Great sides, especially the collard greens. Very creative meals. Carob cake was awesome. The food took a little while to arrive though.
(5)
Karen S.

I have been following the progress of Detroit Vegan Soul via social media and eagerly awaited the opening of a permanent location so that I could try the food. I was not disappointed. The food delivered on every level. I ordered carry out - the Soul Food platter and the Tofu Catfish dinner. The food was perfectly seasoned and cooked, the mac and cheese was the best vegan version I've eaten and rivals what I remember of dairy mac and cheese. The tofu catfish was crispy and flavorful. However, as others have noted the wait time was long. In spite of the long wait (which I believe they will improve) I will definitely return to this restaurant. It is a nice location and the food is great! I have plans to try everything on the menu.
(4)
Doug M.

The food was awesome, but the service was the worst. I'm giving it a high ranking in hopes that the kitchen will get it's act in order. I don't get what the issue was. They had 5 folks in the kitchen and I could see they were all working hard, but no food was coming out. The night we went, we were the only table that got served.(after more then an hour) Everyone else bailed due to the long wait. But, the food was so good that it was worth it! Please fix the kitchen! I want to be a regular, but I can't take that wait!
(5)
Jennifer M.

We drove from Ann Arbor to Detroit Vegan Soul on Friday night during rush hour. Once we were inside the restaurant, we quickly forgot about the traffic. The food was delicious, especially the Soul Food Platter. The macaroni and cheese was the creamiest and most authentic vegan version I have ever had. The cornbread is dense, moist and flavorful. The collards are so well seasoned they make you happy to eat your greens. The atmosphere is warm and relaxing. I especially love the orange chair in the entry and the art by a Detroit artist. All employees were kind, attentive and welcoming. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Jessica F.

First visit today and was very impressed! My friend and I arrived a bit after 11a. We decided to order carryout and head to Belle Isle because it was such beautiful day. I ordered the DVS Burger with yam fries and a house made lemonade. Carry out was ready within 10 minutes and we were on our way to the island. Opened up my carryout container (all containers and utensils were recycle/biodegradable friendly) to find a generous serving of yam fries and beautiful looking burger. Then the taste, sooooo good! The burger wasn't too heavy or too light (as some veggie burgers can be.) The toppings and condiments were so fresh and in just the right amounts (and my tastebuds are particular!) The burger wasn't dry or super crumbly either as many veggie burgers can also be. All the flavors worked very well together. The yam fries were great, not frozen and then fried so you can't taste the flavor anymore. These were cooked just right and had all the flavor a yam fry should have! The slaw was just okay, but a nice addition to round out the meal. The lemonade was good, adding some fresh mint would be a great finishing touch :) I LOVED the design and decor of the interior. Walking through the front door and foyer it almost felt like we were going back in time. Entering the main seating area is a great mix of modern and vintage. The space is open and airy, beautiful floors and simple, hip decorations. Love the front counter and window counter too. numnumnum.
(5)
Sophia B.

I've been waiting for this restaurant ever since tasting their food at the Vegan Fest. What I ate: Okra stew - soo yummy! Full of okra, black eyed peas & an excellent broth. Soul platter - vegan Mac and cheese was one of the best I've ever tasted. Black eyed peas and rice was okay, not the best thing on the platter. Greens, too salty, but my husband thought they were fantastic. (Different strokes - different folks. Candied yams, delicious. Cornbread muffin, dry but tasty. Hibiscus tea- too sweet couldn't finish. Overall - I will be coming back. There are ore menu items that I want to try.
(5)
Angela H.

I went for Sunday breakfast and had the breakfast sandwich. AMAZING. I have never had vegan breakfast patties that tasted so good. Excellent service, awesome food and a good value. I will definitely go again.
(5)
Sara G.

I was really excited to try this place! Saw the website, love the concept behind it. And there is a lot of potential. Went there on Friday. The server was very friendly and overall the service was great. My companion and I got the collard green spring rolls, tofu "catfish", and soul platter to share. The spring rolls were ok but plain. Literally just collard greens inside spring roll wrappers. The vegan mac n cheese and yams were my favorite things. Also the snicker doodle cake was quite moist and tasty. Everything else was plain and lacking flavor. Undercooked potatos and large chunks of plain brocolli did not add much to the (also rather plain) tofu "catfish" nuggets. The rice and beans were ok but didn't have much flavor and the corn bread was dry. Overall, glad I tried it and I would love to see the place succeed. I think the food could be improved though.
(3)
Jeanette H.

My husband and I had breakfast at Detroit Vegan Soul this morning and it was absolutely great!!!! I had the Catfish Tofu, Polenta Grits with SautÃ©ed Spinach and he had the Tofu Scramble. The service was great and the environment is very inviting and relaxing. I highly recommend it. Although I've dined there several times since they opened last year (the food is always absolutely wonderful), this was my first time for breakfast. Check it out, you won't be disappointed!!!
(5)
Larry P.

Delicious. Very impressed with overall experience. Wait staff was friendly, but not overly so. Simple, charming decor. The soul food platter was really yummy - especially the Mac and cheese. We drove in from Plymouth to check out this Vegan restaurant, and can't wait to go back.
(5)
Kevin T.

great staff, food was great wouldnt know it was vegan/tofu unless someone informs you. service was fast ckout was fast also
(4)
Kick M.

Excellent! Nice, clean decor and friendly staff. I had the seitan pepper steak with mac and cheese and steamed kale and everything was very good. I also would recommend the smothered tempeh and the smoky-flavored greens. The lemon poundcake is one of the best vegan desserts I've ever had. Detroit Vegan Soul is a mandatory stop and I can't wait to eat there again.
(5)
Rob D.

Every detail is thought of at this restaurant. I am vegan and travel extensively - always looking for excellent vegan restaurants. The major cities have them (NY, LA, SF, Chicago) and now we can include Detroit Vegan Soul as one of them. I took my teenager daughter, who is not vegan, and she loved it as well. Their philosophy on ingredients is right on (would like to see them source locally more if possible), the people care - and in the hospitality business when they care it usually translates into the care they put into their cooking. Wonderful, laid back vibe in the space. The understudied logo on the corners of the tables is a nice touch. I highly recommend. I am from the Detroit area and this will become a regular spot for me.
(5)
Nancy g.

I preface this by saying I have already been a fan of DVS from when they had their daily deliveries or were at a pop-up. I'm glad they have a permanent spot and think they will be a great addition to the food scene in Detroit. Though I only attended their "soft opening" with a limited menu, the Seitan Pepper Steak was delicious. Their space is very attractive. You don't have to be vegan to enjoy the food. Imagine that!
(5)
Stephanie R.

Disappointed with the wait time. Went to the Grand Opening of their restaurant in West Village today (they opened at 3pm). I came around 6pm, waited in line until 6:30pm, finally gave my order to the cashier, he advised that it would take 40 minutes to cook my carry out (2 soul food platters and a BBQ Tofu sandwich), so I patiently waited until 7:30pm. Then an announcement was made to the entire restaurant that the soul food platter was sold out and we had to choose 3 other platters instead (none of which I really wanted, but I heard were good). I really didn't want to wait wait another 40 to 50 minutes for them to prepare different meals, because I was pretty tired sitting for 1 1/2 hours, so I asked for my money back and left. I'll probably wait a while before I go back, maybe when the crowds die down a little, when soul food platters are available consistently, and their timing with preparing the meals is better. The Grand Opening atmosphere itself was nice with the DJ and the singers, but I'll have to come another time.
(3)
John L.

Excellent vegan food! I've been a vegetarian for many years and traveled extensively throughout the USA and internationally. DVS has a great atmosphere, attentive wait staff and excellent food. The cuisine is unique and delicious, for vegans and non-vegans alike. I'm definitely coming back and bringing my friends!
(5)
Alyssa M.

Food is excellent, service is great. I had the smothered tempeh and it was great and my husband loved the bbq tofu. We will definitely be back!
(5)
J D.

Awesome neighborhood spot. I had the "catfish" sandwich and was honestly expecting just fried tofu sticks in a sandwich. It tasted like a catfish sandwich though! The texture is obviously different since it's tofu and not actually fish but damn. My wife had the sampler platter (can't remember what it is called). I tried some of her greens. Very good and smoky. Detroit vegans and vegetarians : go here.
(5)
Ramon B.

If I could give this place 10 stars, I would! I loved everything about this place. From the moment you walk in, you know that this is not your average restaurant. I tell people that it's vegan by default, not by design. If you have convinced yourself that vegan food is not good, with no good flavor, you owe it to yourself to eat here with an open mind. Most items on the menu, taste as good or better than their animal filled counterparts. I was in The D. with friends for a birthday celebration and tried this place with the group. I was the only vegan and all but one in the group, found everything to be very flavorful. I will be making a trip back to The D. in the fall for a long weekend, just to try this place again. Not only did I have the most awesome server, but the owner came to our table to welcome us, once she found out that we were from out of town! I can't recommend this place enough. If you can, ask for Ryla's table, as she will take great care of you. Enjoy!
(5)
Shaheda K.

Sad to give this place a 3, but there's a BUT, I one hundred percent believe it's because I didn't come in at the right time, (Sunday brunch hours) which left me with a very limited choice, and these choices weren't exciting at all. Truthfully I had been eyeing on the menu for a while, and I so badly wanted to taste the BBQ Tofu burger, but it wasn't available. I ended up getting BBQ tofu, Mac & cheese, and the sesame broccoli, (it came with a corn bread). The best thing on my plate was the sesame broccoli, and I really felt disappointed because I was with 3 non-vegetarians, and if I didn't like it, I could only imagine how they felt about their dishes. The location is a little sketchy, parking in the back is convenient, and once you go inside it's pretty cute and cozy. The waitress was sweet but she forgot to bring my rooibos tea, but in her defense it was a little busy, so I wasn't upset by it at all. I do plan to go back so I can actually get what I wanted to.
(3)
Travis J.

I eat a lot of vegetarian and usually stay away from vegan because I love my cheeses. But I was very happily surprises here. I had a kale salad add tempeh and avocado. Had several kale salads and usually there isn't much to them but this was really good. Also ordered from the appetizer menu the fried tofu. This was amazing, and I highly recommend. One issue its not served during lunch but if you ask nicely they will do it! Service was really fast and friendly. And the neighborhood is really quite quaint once you are there.
(5)
William H.

Came here because Los Angeles has a vegan soul place, and I wanted to compare. Good, simple, clean vegan food. Plates are reasonably priced at $9 and it was flavorful and significant enough to satiate meat eaters. The choices are limited for Sunday brunch, so be aware. Service is prompt and polite.
(4)
Jason N.

Great little vegan restaurant in town, with fun atmosphere and friendly staff. I had the vegan Cesar Chavez salad with added tempeh and my lovely dinner companion had a veggie burger with coco bacon and yam chips. I would have tried a red velvet cupcake for dessert but I ate too much.
(4)
Alyssa F.

Completely exceeded my expectations. I have eaten a lot of vegan soul food establishments in my life, and typically find the food to be very heavy, salty, and simply not something I would eat every day. This place is completely different-very fresh tasting ingredients and not oily or too salty whatsoever. I ordered the Soul Platter which for $14 included collard greens (perfectly cooked with tomatoes and onions), 2 mini corn muffins, sweet potatoes, black eyed peas, and Mac n cheese. Everything tastes incredible and the Mac n cheese was one of the best I've ever eaten. The portion was perfect, and the food didn't make me feel heavy or gross. Our waitress was lovely, and they accept all major credit cards. You must come here if you are in Detroit!
(5)
Kate T.

What a delicious spot! Location/Atmosphere: 5/5. DVS is located on a truly charming street by the Historic Indian Village. The inside is casual, comfortable, and well lit. We went in for lunch and it was pretty busy. Service: 5/5. We received prompt and kind service! Also we had a couple of special requests, and the waitress must have communicated them well because there were no mistakes. Food: 5/5. We had the fried tofu wrap and the burger, with cole slaw and redskin potatoes. We both loved our entrees! I particularly loved the burger--it was deliciously seasoned and had a lovely texture. I'd never had a millet-veggie burger before and I'm so glad I tried this one. The redskin potatoes and cole slaw were delicious, as well! Overall: So glad we went here, this will probably turn into one of my new favorite spots!
(5)
Kylie J.

Sometimes vegan food tries to imitate animal products and fails. This place doesn't. Amazing flavor that more than resembles the flavors of cheeses and meats. I am a vegan and don't like eating imitation food often, but this place is a nice treat. Portion sizes are nearly perfect and the prices are fair. Give this place a chance if you miss the taste of animal products and just want some good 'ole soul food.
(4)
Carolyn E.

First of all, what a cute little place! I love West Village, and I especially love that Detroit Vegan Soul and Craftwork are pioneers in creating a little retail space there. Also, their decor and logo are super cute; I love that Spring green color. Now, on to the rest. The service was great - everyone was super friendly even though we were ordering carryout and kind of in the way. They let us know how long things were taking and checked in with us until we got our food. There was a pleasant lunch crowd - lots of families with children, and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. Now, the FOOD! It's vegan, so of course you want to know about that. First, ORDER THE TOFU "CATFISH". It is seriously amazing. And the vegan tartar sauce tasted exactly like regular fatty tartar sauce. Exactly. I'm not kidding. I wouldn't kid about mayo tasting like mayo. Second, don't order the mac n cheese. It's not their fault. There is no such thing as good vegan cheese. Lol In addition, though the cornbread muffin tasted really good, it was a little dense. Everything else I tried was delicious, even the black eyed peas over brown rice, which I've never liked before. The smoked greens were seriously good, and that's surprising, seeing as how they weren't cooked with any meat. The yams were soft and sweet and I'd order those again. The tofu "chicken" wrap was really good, and the yam fries were yum. All in all? Go here! Even if you're just playing around with the idea of vegan food, this place will make you a believer and will give you some great ideas to take home. (Coconut bacon, what!?) I can't wait to try more of their sandwiches and their desserts.
(4)
L Y.

Everything was exceptional! Catfish sandwich, Mac&Cheese, yams, collard greens, green smoothie + yellow layered cake. The fact that this place is black-owned, health & environment conscious, and right next door to a wonderful coffee shop + mural make it THAT much better.
(5)
Miranda W.

Awesome awesome food!!! I really need to come back and write a more detailed review. The collard greens were great, I had seitan steak which was AWESOME
(5)
Abir B.

Extremely friendly and clean environment. The atmosphere is as comforting as the food. I am not vegan but if I could get my hands on food like this daily I would be in a heart beat. I had the southern fried tofu wrap 10/10.
(5)
Sylwek G.

Fantastic food! I had the BBQ tofu sandwich today with yam chips and coleslaw, and it was excellent. I love the fact that a vegan restaurant exists in Detroit and I now have somewhere to eat that is not only healthy but very tasty!
(5)
A. K.

Great Food. Feels great to support a business run by black Detroit Natives (yay!) Great food, healthy options. The dessert are also delicious. Service is spectacular, even when they are busy. The agave Ginger beer was refreshing and healthy and I loved the yams and tofu catfish bites. Wonderful option in a nice location.
(5)
Jocelyn M.

Let me just say I am SO pleased that I was able to visit this gem of Detroit! I was in town for a conference and was able to swing by for Sunday brunch. Boy was it worth it! The soul platter was amazing and the tofu and waffles looked mouth watering! Heads up that the dining area is a little small so it can't accommodate parties of more than 6. Vegan "soul" food is rare to find. Give this place a try. You won't regret it! Read my full review here: veganhostess.com/2015/04â€¦
(5)
Anthony S.

This place was very, very special on so many levels. It was my first trip to Detroit and I found this restaurant on Yelp. One of the six of us was vegan and we try to find a vegan restaurant for him when we go out together. I've had very, very good vegan soul food before -- in Oakland -- so I had high expectations. I was completely blown away. All of our food was incredibly flavorful and delicious. You didn't feel like you were missing out on anything by eating here. Our server was very sweet, attentive, knowledgeable and excited about the food. The atmosphere was casual, relaxed, bright and welcoming. The icing on the cake was when one of the owners came out to introduce herself and thank us for coming. It was then I learned it is locally-owned by an African American lesbian couple. Why not give it five stars then? It's a personal thing. I personally discount any review that's five stars (or one star for that matter) because no place is perfect -- or that bad. In my book, this is my highest rating and the fact that I took the time to write this review says volumes. If you are in Detroit and considering eating here, DO IT. I promise you will NOT be disappointed.
(4)
D H.

Even if your not cool, you will feel cool for eating here. Nice atmosphere, as if your in some hipster paradise. Food is prepared with love and thought, from the soul food stuff spring rolls filled with greens to the tofu catfish and grits. This place is a hidden gem, this review coming from someone who loves meat.
(4)
Mike E.

DVS doesn't spend time trying to satisfy every taste bud. They focus on doing one thing, and doing it right. I ordered the Soul Food Platter, and loved every item on the plate. The cornbread was sweet, the mac & cheese was bold, the greens were smokey, and the yams were soft and sweet. The best cornbread I've ever had, including the non-vegan kind. If you're looking for a simple vegan meal that will stick to your ribs and fill you up quick, this is the place for it. The owners really care about what they do, and the food shows it. Side note: OMG VEGAN CHEESECAKE.
(4)
Kensey W.

totally underwhelmed by this place. i've been wanting to try it for a long time since it opened and finally got a chance to come here with one vegan friend and one omnivore friend. i think we all kind of felt the same way about it. the coffee is cheap and good so it's got that going for it. i also tried the china cola, which was just like coke but without the caffeine (lame, but my own fault for wanting to try it). we started with the collard spring rolls, which were okay. they tasted exactly like they sound like they would taste. just crispy spring roll shell filled with collard greens. came with a sauce to dip but i don't really remember it. i had a brunch plate which was the tofu catfish, cheesy grits, and some cooked spinach. the greens were really salty and i didn't really like them. the grits were awful. they would have been much better if they didn't try to be cheesy. i asked the waitress what made them cheesy if they were vegan. she said it was soy cheese, so i gave it a shot, but it tasted just like daiya, which i can't stand, so i regretted that immediately. the catfish was really good! it was a little on the dry side, but i thought the flavor was really good. it did really taste like catfish or at least some kind of fried fish. i also had a bite of sweet potato pancakes. in the last two years, i've developed a terrible aversion to anything sweet potato, but i'm always trying to learn to re-like it. i'm pleased to report these cakes weren't too yammy and i could handle them okay. the space is really small but it doesn't feel cramped and there's plenty of street parking. the staff here are really nice. our waitress was nice and later i asked someone for directions to a liquor store and they were super helpful too. i think i'd not want to come back just because this is the second time i've been to a vegetarian soul food place, and while i'm always looking for good vegan cuisine, i don't think this particular type of food really lends itself well to being vegan. plus outside of the some of the brunch things, i think it's really pricey for how much i'd like it. i can see this place working for some people but it wasn't for me.
(3)
Ribec F.

Came here at lunch it was very busy service was a bit slow but worth it. I had the hibiscus tea and Caesar salad which were both really good. I was impressed with the taste of the dressing given it was vegan it tasted better than the regular stuff. My Dad ordered a whole lunch plate everything was great.
(4)
Kunal R.

Tasty food and a variety of options. It's nice to be able to order anything off the menu, but remember it's a soul food restaurant, and the menu does a good job of staying true to that. Not every dish is a home run, but they offer enough variety in pretty decent portion sizes. The cornbread muffins are delicious. The casual ambiance makes it a great Sunday afternoon lunch spot.
(4)
Misty M.

I love this place! The food is awesome and for those of us who actually grew up with soul food, this place is a treat! I plan to get carry outs from now on though. The restaurant is VERY small and is often crowded with smelly hipsters.....that's a different story though. This is a great place and its also nice that its a black owned business! Not to mention what a great idea vegan soul food is! (Also, the owners might want to work on waiting times for the food. I was okay because I know they were cooking it fresh but it does take QUITE a while for the food to come out)
(4)
Stephaine B.

DVS was pretty darn amazing. I wish we had them closer to us. The fried tofu bites were so yummy! All of the food was so yummy! Service was awesome. I can't wait to get back.
(5)
Juan S.

Wow! By far the best vegan comfort food restaurant that I have ever been to. Went there on a 1 night lay over before going to vegan friendly Toronto, but this place made a lasting impression on me and my wife. When in Detroit, if you're vegan it is a must to stop by here.
(5)
Blake I.

The reviews heightened expectations that the food here is outstanding. Well from what I experienced it isn't. The Soul Plate was ordered with black eyed peas that were unseasoned, collard greens that were overlooked and the consistency of wilted noodles, one of the driest and hardest corn muffins, and an macaroni and cheese that had a gritty consistency and odd smoked flavor. The one redeeming menu item is the catfish tofu. Well done and the only properly seasoned item. This food didn't taste fresh and I fear the greens were indeed canned. An overall waste of time venturing out of the downtown core.
(1)
Sara F.

Is tumbled upon this place when taking my nephew to lunch and what a happy accident. I had the vegan BLT with bacon flavored shaved coconut and my nephew had BBQ tofu sandwich. He had never eaten tofu and loved it. My BLT was delicious. The service was a bit slow but the food made up for it. You definitely don't have to be vegan to appreciate this fabulous restaurant. Can't wait to go back'.
(5)
Leonard D.

I just went Vegan a few months ago due to health reasons, there are no restaurants in the burbs for my wife and I to go, so we heard about this place. What a surprise, this was the best vegan food I have ever eaten. So much variety and the mac and cheese is awesome!
(5)
Karie M.

I literally couldn't stop saying "omg" as I was eating! My friend and I shared our meal. We split the Cesar Chavez Salad, the "Catfish" Tofu Fillet Sandwich and the Smothered Tempeh that's covered in mushroom gravy with mashed redskins and green beans. We also had a side of Candied Yams and Black Eyed Peas and Rice. For dessert we got a red velvet cupcake. Everything was unbelievably delicious!! It was my first time there and I will definitely be back! Probably sooner than later because I'll be having dreams about that "catfish" sandwich. The restaurant itself is very cozy, very clean and simplistically decorated. There were only two tables and some bar seats available when we got there at 8pm on a Saturday night. Our waitress was very nice! All in all a great experience!
(5)
Kathy F.

We came here for lunch, hungry after a morning paddle thru Belle Isle's canals and were rewarded with the best veggie burgers we have ever had! We were also. Impressed with the friendly service and neighborhood vibe.
(5)
Emily T.

This place is a true gem! I love everything here. The staff is super friendly and I love the ambiance when dining in. Nothing compares, as Detroit Vegan Soul is the ONLY exclusively vegan restaurant in metro Detroit. Wish they had brunch on more days than just Sunday. Their tofu scramble is by far the best I've ever had!
(5)
Elaine P.

You must try the spinach lasagne, it is out of this world. You will not be disappointed. Loved the simple side salad with the cashew cheese Caesar dressing, loved it! The hibiscus tea is so good and refreshing. A must try is their pumpkin and vanilla cupcakes!! The wait staff is wonderful and they play the best calming music, makes for a perfect dining experience.
(5)
Shanequa Y.

Clean open and cozy atmosphere. Soul Food made from Whole Food is the perfect description for this place! The spring rolls were to die for! The yams on the soul platter were heavenly! I was expecting the mac and cheese to taste bland but I was presently surprised. I am visiting on business and will definitely return to sample the great food!
(5)
Tess H.

I waited to review, after my first three experiences at DVS within a month of them opening their store front. So, I went back after a long time away certain that one major thing would be fixed... Overall, DVS is "meh." The food is fine, but the kitchen is unbelievably slow. I thought that was adjusting to line cooks or something in their new space, but as they have been established in this space for awhile, I'll just accept that this is an extremely slow back of the house. Also, previously, the portions were very small, as in, I left hungry! That's wild because I assure you every time I dine out, I have leftovers. One last thing. We got chicken and waffles for brunch. Waited half an hour (we were the first people in the restaurant that morning) and when we got our plates I almost laughed out loud because those waffles were straight up from a box of van's frozen waffles!!! If you don't have a waffle iron, take the waffles off your menu? Store bought waffles is tacky. I've been vegan for 15 years and the food is tasty, but it's not worth the wait and price.
(3)
Cassandra B.

I was super psyched to try this place since I'm vegan and I LOVE soul food. We started with the fried tofu cubes with a homemade sauce which were really good. I also got the vegan fish patty sandwich, which was around $9 and good but nothing amazing. I also ordered the $14 soul plate, which I was expecting to blow me away but I found it to be really average and definitely overpriced. There was a little mediocre mac and cheese, but the rest were just beans, greens, and rice, so I'm not sure why it's so much more than the sandwiches, which were much better. I sampled my friend's lasagna, which was pretty good. The service was super friendly and I would give the place another shot if I visit Detroit again.
(3)
Prashant D.

This is a small but cozy place to dine. I'm a vegetarian and would never find a decent veg burger anywhere!! Had the DVS burger here and am truly blown away! It is really good. Their menu is limited but I guess that's what helps them keep better focus on quality.
(5)
Sherrie W.

Vegan food is very health!
(5)
Ben R.

We had an excellent Sunday brunch here. Everything was tasty and the prices were very reasonable.
(5)
Noelle G.

Just ate at DVS for the first time this weekend even though I've been dying to try it since they opened. It did not disappoint! I had the seitan pepper steak w/ mac and cheese and collard greens and added cornbread. It was superb! The mac and cheese was creamy with just enough "grease factor" to make it comfort food without being unappealing. The seitan was perfectly cooked and so tender it would've "fallen off the bone" if it were an animal flesh. My hubby had the soul platter and raved about the collard greens and mac and cheese as well. The sweet tea was excellent and we capped it off with a banana nut muffin, which was the most moist muffin we've ever had. We'd definitely go back for the fried tofu "catfish" and more mac and cheese. Loved the decor - simple and clean and uplifting and just an all around cozy little space. So glad DVS opened and hoping they thrive!
(5)
Heather P.

I was in from out of town and couldn't find many Vegan friendly restaurants. I was so so happy to find Detroit Vegan Soul. There are so many good things to say about this place. The staff are really friendly, the food is great and incredibly hearty. I ended up eating here for the last few meals I had in Detroit. It basically made my trip. Higly recommend it.
(5)
Sophia B.

I've been waiting for this restaurant ever since tasting their food at the Vegan Fest. What I ate: Okra stew - soo yummy! Full of okra, black eyed peas & an excellent broth. Soul platter - vegan Mac and cheese was one of the best I've ever tasted. Black eyed peas and rice was okay, not the best thing on the platter. Greens, too salty, but my husband thought they were fantastic. (Different strokes - different folks. Candied yams, delicious. Cornbread muffin, dry but tasty. Hibiscus tea- too sweet couldn't finish. Overall - I will be coming back. There are ore menu items that I want to try.
(5)
Angela H.

I went for Sunday breakfast and had the breakfast sandwich. AMAZING. I have never had vegan breakfast patties that tasted so good. Excellent service, awesome food and a good value. I will definitely go again.
(5)
Deborah B.

Wish I could give 2 different ratings...One for the food and one for the service/wait time. We went the 2nd day they were open about 12:40pm. Breakfast is served until 2pm on Sunday, which was a bit of a disappointment, but we were very excited to try the food and really didn't care that much. Took too long to get menus, took too long to get water, which while we were there almost 2 hours, we kept having to request more of. One coffee refill for the entire time were were there...not good. Finally the food comes out, well, 1/2 of it. Granted were were a group of 10, but we waited over 35 minutes for 5 breakfast plates to come out. 1/2 way through that wait time were were told they were out of the potato option and we had to get grits, which was fine. Those of us who got our food patiently waited for the rest of the table. 5 min, 10 mi...forget it, our food is getting cold so we eat. We completely finish our food and the rest of our table is still waiting for their pancakes, yes you heard correctly, we were waiting for an hour for 5 orders of pancakes. In about 10 minute intervals the pancakes come out. Meanwhile they are serving other tables before they finish serving us. Food is good,...very good, but the kitchen needs to get themselves together and get the food out in a timely manner. We will be back to give them a second try since their catfish sandwich just made Detroit's top 10!
(3)
Joel D.

Detroit Vegan Soul was great. I am a meat eater who is vegetarian friendly. But for my personal taste, vegan is too extreme and what I've had previously has underwhelmed me. I went into this cafe skeptical but left incredibly satisfied. The soul platter was delicious- how did they make that Mac & "cheese" so tasty and creamy?? I could have sworn the collard greens had some hamhock in there the way they tasted. I hope they succeed. It's a wonderfully unique offering and the food and service were actually good.
(4)
Karey Q.

The food here is great for vegans and non-vegans alike! I love the green smoothie, tempeh burger and coconut wrap. The only thing keeping me from a five star rating is the wait time. The first time I went, the wait was really long, although there weren't many people there. The second time I went, the wait time improved somewhat, so I'm hopeful that things are improving. The staff are all very nice and the place is cute. I'm so happy to have a restaurant in the neighborhood - I hope they do well and will be coming back!
(4)
Mark B.

Great sides, especially the collard greens. Very creative meals. Carob cake was awesome. The food took a little while to arrive though.
(5)
Angela W.

I have also been a long time fan of DVS since discovering their amazing food during the catering and pop-up phase. Not only is the food absolutely delicious (on top of being healthy!), but the owners and staff are incredibly kind and genuine people. This makes for an all around exceptional experience. Moreover, the turn out on the grand opening speaks only to the enthusiasm of the many people who have supported and awaited the unveiling of the storefront restaurant. Any reviewer who is critical of the experience on this day clearly had no concept of the impressive following this company has gathered on a beautiful journey. CONGRATULATIONS to Detroit Vegan Soul for opening a beautiful restaurant with incredible service and unbelievably delicious food!! I can't wait to come back soon and often!!
(5)
Karen S.

I have been following the progress of Detroit Vegan Soul via social media and eagerly awaited the opening of a permanent location so that I could try the food. I was not disappointed. The food delivered on every level. I ordered carry out - the Soul Food platter and the Tofu Catfish dinner. The food was perfectly seasoned and cooked, the mac and cheese was the best vegan version I've eaten and rivals what I remember of dairy mac and cheese. The tofu catfish was crispy and flavorful. However, as others have noted the wait time was long. In spite of the long wait (which I believe they will improve) I will definitely return to this restaurant. It is a nice location and the food is great! I have plans to try everything on the menu.
(4)
Doug M.

The food was awesome, but the service was the worst. I'm giving it a high ranking in hopes that the kitchen will get it's act in order. I don't get what the issue was. They had 5 folks in the kitchen and I could see they were all working hard, but no food was coming out. The night we went, we were the only table that got served.(after more then an hour) Everyone else bailed due to the long wait. But, the food was so good that it was worth it! Please fix the kitchen! I want to be a regular, but I can't take that wait!
(5)
Jennifer M.

We drove from Ann Arbor to Detroit Vegan Soul on Friday night during rush hour. Once we were inside the restaurant, we quickly forgot about the traffic. The food was delicious, especially the Soul Food Platter. The macaroni and cheese was the creamiest and most authentic vegan version I have ever had. The cornbread is dense, moist and flavorful. The collards are so well seasoned they make you happy to eat your greens. The atmosphere is warm and relaxing. I especially love the orange chair in the entry and the art by a Detroit artist. All employees were kind, attentive and welcoming. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Jessica F.

First visit today and was very impressed! My friend and I arrived a bit after 11a. We decided to order carryout and head to Belle Isle because it was such beautiful day. I ordered the DVS Burger with yam fries and a house made lemonade. Carry out was ready within 10 minutes and we were on our way to the island. Opened up my carryout container (all containers and utensils were recycle/biodegradable friendly) to find a generous serving of yam fries and beautiful looking burger. Then the taste, sooooo good! The burger wasn't too heavy or too light (as some veggie burgers can be.) The toppings and condiments were so fresh and in just the right amounts (and my tastebuds are particular!) The burger wasn't dry or super crumbly either as many veggie burgers can also be. All the flavors worked very well together. The yam fries were great, not frozen and then fried so you can't taste the flavor anymore. These were cooked just right and had all the flavor a yam fry should have! The slaw was just okay, but a nice addition to round out the meal. The lemonade was good, adding some fresh mint would be a great finishing touch :) I LOVED the design and decor of the interior. Walking through the front door and foyer it almost felt like we were going back in time. Entering the main seating area is a great mix of modern and vintage. The space is open and airy, beautiful floors and simple, hip decorations. Love the front counter and window counter too. numnumnum.
(5)
Sara G.

I was really excited to try this place! Saw the website, love the concept behind it. And there is a lot of potential. Went there on Friday. The server was very friendly and overall the service was great. My companion and I got the collard green spring rolls, tofu "catfish", and soul platter to share. The spring rolls were ok but plain. Literally just collard greens inside spring roll wrappers. The vegan mac n cheese and yams were my favorite things. Also the snicker doodle cake was quite moist and tasty. Everything else was plain and lacking flavor. Undercooked potatos and large chunks of plain brocolli did not add much to the (also rather plain) tofu "catfish" nuggets. The rice and beans were ok but didn't have much flavor and the corn bread was dry. Overall, glad I tried it and I would love to see the place succeed. I think the food could be improved though.
(3)
Jeanette H.

My husband and I had breakfast at Detroit Vegan Soul this morning and it was absolutely great!!!! I had the Catfish Tofu, Polenta Grits with SautÃ©ed Spinach and he had the Tofu Scramble. The service was great and the environment is very inviting and relaxing. I highly recommend it. Although I've dined there several times since they opened last year (the food is always absolutely wonderful), this was my first time for breakfast. Check it out, you won't be disappointed!!!
(5)
Larry P.

Delicious. Very impressed with overall experience. Wait staff was friendly, but not overly so. Simple, charming decor. The soul food platter was really yummy - especially the Mac and cheese. We drove in from Plymouth to check out this Vegan restaurant, and can't wait to go back.
(5)
Kevin T.

great staff, food was great wouldnt know it was vegan/tofu unless someone informs you. service was fast ckout was fast also
(4)
Kick M.

Excellent! Nice, clean decor and friendly staff. I had the seitan pepper steak with mac and cheese and steamed kale and everything was very good. I also would recommend the smothered tempeh and the smoky-flavored greens. The lemon poundcake is one of the best vegan desserts I've ever had. Detroit Vegan Soul is a mandatory stop and I can't wait to eat there again.
(5)
Rob D.

Every detail is thought of at this restaurant. I am vegan and travel extensively - always looking for excellent vegan restaurants. The major cities have them (NY, LA, SF, Chicago) and now we can include Detroit Vegan Soul as one of them. I took my teenager daughter, who is not vegan, and she loved it as well. Their philosophy on ingredients is right on (would like to see them source locally more if possible), the people care - and in the hospitality business when they care it usually translates into the care they put into their cooking. Wonderful, laid back vibe in the space. The understudied logo on the corners of the tables is a nice touch. I highly recommend. I am from the Detroit area and this will become a regular spot for me.
(5)
Nancy g.

I preface this by saying I have already been a fan of DVS from when they had their daily deliveries or were at a pop-up. I'm glad they have a permanent spot and think they will be a great addition to the food scene in Detroit. Though I only attended their "soft opening" with a limited menu, the Seitan Pepper Steak was delicious. Their space is very attractive. You don't have to be vegan to enjoy the food. Imagine that!
(5)
Stephanie R.

Disappointed with the wait time. Went to the Grand Opening of their restaurant in West Village today (they opened at 3pm). I came around 6pm, waited in line until 6:30pm, finally gave my order to the cashier, he advised that it would take 40 minutes to cook my carry out (2 soul food platters and a BBQ Tofu sandwich), so I patiently waited until 7:30pm. Then an announcement was made to the entire restaurant that the soul food platter was sold out and we had to choose 3 other platters instead (none of which I really wanted, but I heard were good). I really didn't want to wait wait another 40 to 50 minutes for them to prepare different meals, because I was pretty tired sitting for 1 1/2 hours, so I asked for my money back and left. I'll probably wait a while before I go back, maybe when the crowds die down a little, when soul food platters are available consistently, and their timing with preparing the meals is better. The Grand Opening atmosphere itself was nice with the DJ and the singers, but I'll have to come another time.
(3)
John L.

Excellent vegan food! I've been a vegetarian for many years and traveled extensively throughout the USA and internationally. DVS has a great atmosphere, attentive wait staff and excellent food. The cuisine is unique and delicious, for vegans and non-vegans alike. I'm definitely coming back and bringing my friends!
(5)
Alyssa M.

Food is excellent, service is great. I had the smothered tempeh and it was great and my husband loved the bbq tofu. We will definitely be back!
(5)
J D.

Awesome neighborhood spot. I had the "catfish" sandwich and was honestly expecting just fried tofu sticks in a sandwich. It tasted like a catfish sandwich though! The texture is obviously different since it's tofu and not actually fish but damn. My wife had the sampler platter (can't remember what it is called). I tried some of her greens. Very good and smoky. Detroit vegans and vegetarians : go here.
(5)

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Address : 8029 Agnes St
Detroit, MI, 48214
Phone (313) 649-2759
Website https://detroitvegansoul.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Detroit Vegan Soul

8029 Agnes St, Detroit, MI, 48214

Detroit Vegan Soul Menu

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