Flip Side

Flip Side is a fancy hamburger joint that started in the Akron area. The first location in Central Ohio opened recently at Easton.

The decor at Flip Side is fun. There is an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients on the menu.

Despite the burger focus, Flip Side actually does have a few vegetarian menu options.

The first warning for vegetarians is that many of the fried items are fried in lard. The staff asked the kitchen and did a great job pointing out vegetarian items on the menu.

The macaroni and cheese is vegetarian. Straight macaroni noodles are dressed with a creamy white cheddar sauce that is flecked with oregano and parsley. It had a nice creaminess but was undersalted.

The veggie burger is prepared low-carb with two chickpea patties surrounding avocado, sprouts and romaine alongside house made ketchup. The patties were crispy on the outside and soft and crumbly on the inside. It is a tasty veggie burger that might benefit if it were served on a bun.

There are a couple of thick shakes on the menu. The blueberry pie shake was delicious and gave the straw fits.

The beer list at Flip Side was heavy on small brewers. The were 20 taps, as well as bottled option from Ohio producers including Great Lakes, Thirsty Dog, Rivertown, Columbus Brewing Company and Elevator.

Graffiti Burger

Graffiti Burger is a better-than-fast-food burger joint from Columbus filling the void that comes from In-and-Out Burger's unwillingness to expand eastward (and occupying the locations not currently housing Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurants). There are Graffiti Burgers in Dublin, Pickerington and Grandview, with plans to expand to Old North Columbus soon.

The Grandview location seats about 40 inside with additional patio seating. The decor is graffiti-themed and loud.

Although Graffiti Burger is a burger place, they do have a veggie burger. Granted, the veggie burger is prepared on the same grill as all the other not-veggie burgers, so easily offended vegetarians and vegans should probably pass Graffiti Burger up. However, if you're willing to suspend disbelief by ignoring what goes on behind the scenes, Graffiti Burger makes a pretty tasty veggie burger.

The menu at Graffiti Burger is pretty simple: burgers, fries and shakes. Fries come in 1/4-lb, 1/2-lb and full-pound portions. Shakes come in chocolate and vanilla.

There are ample toppings available for the veggie burger. Free toppings run the gamut from ketchup, mustard, mayo, barbecue sauce, cole slaw, tomato, grilled onions and hot peppers to cheeses that include American, cheddar, pepperjack, provolone and Swiss. Premium toppings include blue cheese, roasted red pepper, sauteed mushrooms and guacamole.

The veggie burger patty is made with a variety of vegetables and has delicious black beans throughout. It is crumbly in texture. The bun is big and soft. The standard veggie burger is topped with provolone cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato and Graffiti sauce (a spicy mayonnaise cocktail). The combo paired well with the guacamole.

The fries are thick and mildly seasoned. They were fried to a medium texture that was neither gummy nor crispy, and served with ketchup and vinegar.

The chocolate shake is malty and comes with whipped cream and a cherry. It is thick and somewhat viscous, requiring a steadfast commitment to drink.

Graffiti Burger's veggie burger is better-than-passable in quality. Prices slightly expensive, but through a variety of toppings, the quality of experience is improved upon.

Graffiti Burger