Upon arriving to McFadden's, I'm handed a Miller Lite and a shot of Fireball by a friend of mine. As I stated in my first post, I will be honest about my Vegan trip-ups because that's how we learn. Here's the first one: I now know that Miller Lite IS vegan; +1 for Miller Lite! But, unfortunately, Fireball is NOT. According to Barnivore.com, Fireball uses real bulk sugar which can involve bone char in the bleaching process. (http://www.barnivore.com/products/10480-fireball-whisky) -1 for Fireball and my veganism. By the time we finish up at McFadden's, I'm famished so we head to the restaurant that we know is open at 2AM.
We pull into the gravel lot in Northern Liberties and walk across the street to Darling's Diner. We are seated in what feels like the middle of the dining area. We're not alone though. I guess we aren't the only ones aware of Darling's post-bar hours. I skim the menu as my eyes gravitate towards the pinnacle of American Veganism: THE VEGGIE BURGER. Growing up on frozen, pre-made fast-food my gurgling stomach is praying that this burger is vegan. The waitress returns with our drinks and confirms that the burger is in fact a vegan Boca burger. I'm in! I also order vegan chili and an extra order of fries... because you can't really have chili without fries.
FOOD:
The chili is served first and I'm lovin' it (more than McDonald's)! It's a mildly spiced chili with kidney beans, corn, peas, zucchini, tomato and more. A few more minutes go by and we're brought our meals. The burger is nothing to write home about, I've had Boca burgers many times at home, Red Robins, or other restaurants that carry them. In my moment of hunger it does it's job, but nothing beats a homemade veggie burger! Being one of my favorite "foods," the steak fries are just what my stomach wanted, but there is nothing particularly unique or exciting about them, just a good ol' french fry! There is another vegan slip in my extra order of fries though. In a side cup is some kind of creamy dressing. I don't ask what it is accepting that it will just be thrown away if I give it back to them. But for future reference, I will be sure to ask for no dipping sauces for my fries.
For a picture of the meal, check out @DriveThruVegan on Instagram
PRICE:
The total of our order came to be $33.28. Not too shabby.
Veggie Burger (2 @$9.00)
Vegan Chili (8.00)
+Tax
+Tip
VEGAN OPTIONS:
Let's look at some other vegan options available on Darling's late night menu.
Appetizers: Hummus Platter
Salads: The Darling (skip the cheese), The Greek (skip the cheese), House Salad
Sandwiches and Wraps: Veggie Mozzarella Wrap (skip the cheese)
Darling's Specialties: Fresh Fruit Cup
Breakfast Sides: Home Fries
*One other thing I have to mention to anyone visiting Darling's between 3-5AM is: DON'T PARK IN THE GRAVEL LOT! After our meal Angelique and I walked out (thankfully) to her car being raised on to a tow truck. $175 cash. Not worth it.
That concludes this blog post. Feel free to provide feedback, comments, advice, or constructive criticism in the comment section.
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