Downbeat Diner and Lounge

This place is amazing! My boyfriend and I come here because they offer both meat and vegetarian/vegan options.  FINALLY, a place where be both can enjoy a meal.  Every time we've eaten here, there has been no left overs.  

I've tried their BLAT (vegan bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato on sourdough bread), pesto chicken (vegan chicken, pesto, lettuce, tomato, swiss cheese, onions, mayo on sourdough bread), avo sammy (avocado, lettuce, tomato, cucumber balsamic vinaigrette on whole wheat bread), the teriyaki and american burgers.  Each of those with fries are about $10 and let's just say that I have not been let down yet!

Last Saturday, my boyfriend ordered their Chunky Monkey milkshake since we've heard that they're a must try.  I don't normally drink milk shakes--it's just too sweet for my taste but my boyfriend L O V E D it.  I thought it was good but again, on the sweeter side.

This is a super cute diner with a red, black and white color theme to it.  Good food, good atmosphere and a full bar.  Seriously, can't get any better than that!

This was my second time going to this place and the first time I'm writing a review for it.  The diner is nice and cozy.  It has a rock/urban feel to it.  Prices are also reasonable.  They have a cool beer list that offers a few unique brews that you wont normally find.  They even have a unique cocktail menu as well.  Since I'm on a roll, they have a milkshake menu too!  MILKSHAKES!!!  This diner is definitely vegetarian and vegan friendly.  But, don't be afraid, carnivores, because they cater to everyone's tastebuds.  And, they stay open late!!!  The first time I went there, I had the loco moco.  They serve brown rice.  In fact, I think they only serve brown rice.  I was skeptical at first because I'm a traditionalist and expected it to be plated over a bed of white rice, but it was yummy and it didn't disappoint.  My boyfriend had it the second time around, and he loved it.  However, as much as everyone raves about the loco moco here, I strongly believe they should give a try at their Reuben.  OMG.  I love reubens and I'm really picky with where I get it from, how it's made, and everything in between.  Hands down, Downbeat's reuben is the best I've ever had.  The pastrami is amazing and the bread is beautiful.  They use marbled rye.  I opted to go with a side salad instead of fries and it was great.  I gave it four stars because the service was inconsistent.  The first time I went, we were greeted upon entering.  However, the second time, no one was around except a couple that was dining.  Maybe a few minutes passed and finally someone came around to help us.  But when we did get serviced, service was friendly.  Anyway, back to the star...  the reuben is a must-try.

My friend and I really wanted to eat at Lucky Belly but the wait was kinda long...so we went next door to try out Downbeat.  We are soo happy we did, it was such a yummy experiance!
We had the chunky monkey shake was yummers.  I had the Vegan bbq chicken sandwich and I couldn't tell it wasnt really meat...it was soo good! I loved the garlic fries too! We ended our diner meal with the apple fritters which you have to order at the beginning of your meal...try it! The batter of the fritters taste like its funnel cake....loved the caramel sauce on top! I will def be back to try more delicous vegan delights!