Darryl M.
Google
I left a five star review after first coming to Black Leaf Vegan, however I was there this past Monday, and based on it and my last experience last year, I would have to say I am very disappointed. This was my initial review made on HappyCow 06/10/2023:
"It's a small menu, but it's amazing! Today's special was the vegan BBQ cook out and it was so good.
That staff were super nice. Do yourself a favor and stop by!"
After my last visits I am left feeling disappointed. I am from Chicago and since 2023 whenever I am in Indy I stop at Black Leaf Vegan. The first few times were amazing, the owners were there and I think one of the owners mother who was a sweetheart when they greeted my if felt like home. They have since grown, but I feel like the service and quality has dropped a bit. When I was there 2/23/25 They were out of all but one Breakfast sandwich out of the whole breakfast menu and the one person working both the register and grill, while trying to order different options he apologized and said they had been out of ingredients since last week (bagel, for the breakfast sandwich, bacon, jackfruit, etc). This was his account, his own words. After my order took the last (singular) SEC (sausage, egg & Cheese) sandwich and one basic burger, because at that point i was frustrated I couldn't get the breakfast I was hoping for, the next patron that showed up 5 minutes later was told they had no more breakfast items. The guy working the register was at least left by himself to cook and take orders for 45 (I kept a rough estimate because I was getting food to go so I could me a friend while I was in town) minutes, maybe more I don't know but we exchanged glances a few times and we both looked disappointed.
My burger was just patty messy lettuce or spinach, two little pickles, and what tasted like teriyaki sauce and the SEC seemed flattened and sad. The taste was ok, but compared to what I know they can do, it was disappointing. It felt like the made enough money to pull their love out of the business, and the food, and preparedness reflected that. I hope they improve, and I would be willing to give them another shot, maybe.
Also for what is supposed to be a planet conscious, business I don't understand using BAD ai, vs hiring an artist within the community. Ai does so much harm, and on the board/area where this is posted it talks about supporting "vegan businesses" vs "vegan option places" because the vegan option places still provide money to animal/factory farming which is also bad for the planet.