I can't believe it took me so long to try Pirate's Bone Burgers. They opened in September 2019, and I finally made my way over a few weeks ago. Located near the Crossroads area on Main Street, it couldn't be any closer to my office. Seriously guys, I have no excuse.
Don't worry—I made up for my neglect and ordered 4 different vegan burgers and a huge boat of fries to give it the proper taste test. And then I went back the next week...and the next week.
My sister, Hannah, came with me and helped me with pictures and tasting the food. It was great to have her opinion because she actually eats meat and was just as impressed with all of the food as I was.
The restaurant itself is beautiful, so it's a great place for a photoshoot if your insta needs some sprucing up.
There are murals on the inside and outside, and the interior has so many bright colors and hanging plants. It's a fun atmosphere that makes you want to hang out and join the busy chatter during the lunch rush.
What We Ordered
We didn't know how big the burgers would be, but they are only $4.55 each, so I figured people usually get a couple of them. Hannah went for the Black Bean Burger and a cup of black coffee and put me in charge or ordering the rest.
(If you didn't know, Pirate's Bone used to be a coffee shop before they started doing vegan food, and their drink menu hasn't lost any quality since they opened the restaurant side!)
I ordered the Breakfast Burger, Classic Burger and Sriracha Chix. Let me tell you, the toppings on these burgers are so good and full of flavor that it wouldn't even matter what else they put on the bun with them. But the bacon, sausage, beef and chicken interpretations are so delicious and such a great texture as well. It's a win all around.
If you're trying to figure out why the buns are black, no, they are not burnt. Pirate's Bone bakes their slider buns with charcoal! Not only do they look super cool and trendy, but they are delicious. Trust me; you'll love it.
So let's talk about these fries. Holy potato! I didn't know French fries could be this good. They also have Guac + Fries, Cheese Fries and Loaded Fries, but I just keep ordering the Truffle Fries because I dream about them when I am not eating them. If you don't want to start a French fry addiction, maybe don't order these. It's too risky.
The Taste Test
This process was so fun. I don't know how many times I said, "I love this!" or, "Oh my God!" but the other people in the restaurant were probably wondering how one girl can get so excited about food.
In my defense, I grew up during a time when there weren't a ton of options and a "vegan burger" often meant a giant portobello mushroom on a bun with no seasoning. I couldn't believe how flavorful every bite was!
I had Hannah take a bite of all of mine so I could get her opinions too. We both agreed the Classic Burger was our favorite. That one has their House Sauce, and I was tempted to ask if I could buy a whole to-go container of it.
The Breakfast Burger was good, but since I am not a full vegan and do eat eggs, it was a little less exciting for me. If you don't eat eggs, I think it's very tasty and satisfying. I was just more focused on the other burgers!
The Sriracha Chix was super yummy but not quite as filling. I would definitely get it alongside a burger or something else because it's just one strip of chix on the bun. The guacamole and aioli made it taste so great.
I tried a bite of Hannah's Black Bean Burger, and I would say it is one of the better black bean burgers I have had at a restaurant. Black bean patties aren't typically my favorite because the vegetables they are blended with can be overpowering sometimes, but this one was very balanced. It had carrots in it, but you could taste all of the other flavors and not just carrot. Plus, there are grilled jalapeños on the burger to give it a little something extra.
So, if you can't tell from my gushing review, Pirate's Bone Burgers is really the only place you should go to on your next lunch break. You can't eat anything else until you try it. Sorry—that's the rule!
Follow Hayley Hyer @hayhyer
Pirate's Bone—the Vegan Eatery We Needed was originally published in HAYHYER