The food, the service the elegance was on point. I will eat here again bring my whole family bring all my friends. It doesn't matter this place is top-tier. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. read more

The Food Was AmazingI had chicken and waffles delicious. I had the opportunity to taste quite a few things on the menu enjoyed everything I tasted. I joined the East Oakland Senior Center (30*) Members. We were seat promptly. The service was great, the food arrived in a timely manner fresh and tasty. Definitely a jewel sitting in Jack London Square with beautiful views and bay breezes. read more

We came here once before for brunch but they didn't have their liquor license yet so no Momo's and we left. Look, a gurl needs her Momo's with brunch. Fast forward they are hooked up and we are here. Diclaimer time: I am not anywhere close to a vegan or vegetarian. I am a foodatarian in that I eat almost anything. My awesome partner, not so much, leaning vegan/vegetarian/pesco. I had the "Prey 4 Me" burger and Andrea had the Chicken Sando. Both were beyond excellent. We learned the "Prey 4 Me" burger went up against Bobby Flay on Food Network and beat his ass. First time ever. Not sure about the deeds since I don't watch that but can atest this is one fine burger even though it has no meat. So.... The results from a more carnivore than vegan.... This burger is the shiz nat hands down and I had a double. Beyond excellent. I am ready to go back, tomorrow!!! Service was excellent. We ordered via a QR code and food was delivered extremely quickly to the point I thought they messed up the order. But no, it was ours. The chef that beat out Bobby was in the kitchen the whole time kickin to out dishes left and right and talking to customers with a smile. Go figure in this day. We will be back again and again. I'm looking forward to her okra dish and a few others. read more

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So glad we finally got to try out Souley Vegan. We came in for lunch over the weekend, and there were already a good number of people in. It's largely a self-serve system, where you order via QR code at your table, and grab your own utensils and water. What we ordered: Pray 4 Me Burger (double) Chick'n Sandwich Creole Mac Seasoned Fries The food came out pretty quickly, and we dug in. Everything was hearty and satisfying, exactly what soul food should be. The creole mac was rich, with just a bit of spicy kick. I really enjoyed my chick'n sandwich. The portions were generous, and when I first saw the sandwich I didn't think I would be able to finish it in one sitting; well, I proved myself wrong, it was so good. RB enjoyed his burger, which I believe is the same famous burger that led the chef, Tamearra Dyson, to victory against Bobby Flay on the Food Network show. Speaking of the celebrity chef, she was behind the counter cooking up a storm the whole time we were there, as well as directing her staff. Huge respect for being such a hands-on chef and owner. After we finished our meal, she thanked us warmly for our patronage, and my partner told her the food was excellent, and in his words, "and this is from a hard-core carnivore!". We left full and happy, and will return. They also do a Sunday brunch with bottomless momos! The Bay Area needs more vegan restaurants like Souley! read more

Ordered from Souley Vegan through DoorDash and WOW, I absolutely loved the chicken sandwich! The texture and crispiness were seriously on point, and everything came together so well with the fluffy bun and dressing. It was such an incredibly well balanced sandwich the flavors and textures all worked perfectly together. I honestly wish I had ordered more because I finished it way too quickly . Definitely a 10/10 for me and something I would absolutely order again. So good! read more

Food was delicious however service is sllllooow! Customer service was NOT good at all. Our food took forever read more

Souley Vegan - Vegan Near Me - Oakland, California

If I could give 10 I would!!! So happy to see souley vegan open again. I had my first chicken and waffles there over 10 years ago!! so I had to come and run it back everything's made in house, chefs kiss! The chicken and waffles was so nostalgic for me, yet better than ever. I love the little waffles! I love me some brussles sprouts and was excited to try them and they were so flavorful. Whatever the white sauce is, don't skip it! I also ordered the cayenne lemonade which was sooo fire it reminded me of drinking the last of the tajin fruit cup . Staff was amazing, super kind, moving and grooving doing their thing! There's music playing which is a whole vibe. I brought my book to chill while I waited, didn't even notice the long wait until the staff apologized kindly as they served my food. Worth the wait!! Bathrooms clean, self serve water. Bartender mentioned this was their soft opening and they'll have their full menu available at the grand opening in July. Can't wait to bring my kids next time. Thank you Tamearra & team read more

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We went on a Saturday. It was quiet so we were able to seat ourselves. They have moved to a new building and the ambiance is very nice. They have a digital menu so if you want separate bills this is perfect. . I ordered the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and greens. Also ordered the Cajun white cheddar Mac and cheese. My daughter ordered the chicken and waffles. We both had the strawberry and ginger lemonade. The greens: had a little more vinegar in them for ll my liking but my daughter loved them. Mash potatoes: definitely could have used more butter, some garlic and a little pepper. They were pretty bland to me. The chicken fried steak: not bad at all just wasn't great. Cajun white cheddar Mac and cheese... Oh My Gawd... Amazing. Creamy and spicy. I love trying to copy new vegan dishes, so I will be fixing this one. I felt like the meat for both plates had already been cooked and they just warned it up. The waffles could have used some cinnamon to boost its flavor. All in all the meal was good. I would go back and try other dishes. Just because I like vegan food. And I'm learning how to cook vegan dishes read more

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It's a no. I ordered 4 different items and could only eat 2. The grits had an off putting taste to them. Not edible. The collard greens were horrid, weirdly dry and extremely salty. The black eye peas were ok and I ate those. The okra was ok as well. I will not be coming back. read more

Oh my goodness! My husband and I just had one of the best vegan meals at Souly Vegan! The vibe was super cool and laid back, and everyone working there was so friendly. They recommended some of their most popular dishes, and we're so glad we listened. We ordered the Country Steak Plate with mashed potatoes and greens, and everything was so good! The vegan steaks were crispy and fried to perfection. The mashed potatoes and greens were full of flavor, and we couldn't stop eating them. We also ordered a side of cornbread, and it was sweet, soft, and absolutely delicious. We left full and already talking about coming back. There are so many other things on the menu we want to try. Definitely a spot we'll be visiting again! read more

Souley Vegan - Country Fried Country Steak Plate - Vegan Near Me - Oakland, California

I love the new location in Jack London it's right on the corner. I love the windows and all the lights that comes in the restaurant. I really like the new set up. This is my first time at their new location. Everyone is welcoming and friendly. Love the vibe inside. I had to pray for me, burger and fries. The burger was delicious just like I remembered it from a long time ago so I'm glad that the flavor and quality is consistent overtime. The fries are pretty good too. I will definitely be back to try more of the menu. I look forward to dining in next time. read more

Souley Vegan - Pray 4 Me (Single) - Vegan Near Me - Oakland, California

Souley Vegan's back!! And better than ever! Location looks great, Chef Tamara herself is back behind the lines cooking, everyone on staff was extra kind and helpful. We got some of our old favorites--mac n cheese, potato salad, country-fried tofu, greens, plus tried the "burger that beat Bobby Flay" and a couple mini sweet potato pies. The food is genuinely better than ever. Like it used to be (from the start) one of our favorite restaurants, but I never remembered it even being this good. Last time we went they had a bunch of locations and I got the impression it had been a second since Chef Tamara was doing hands-on cooking, but she's back cooking now and the skill and attention to quality shows. They make hands down the best potato salad out of anywhere, and the best vegan mac. Just explosions of flavor all around. The country-fried tofu was just how we remembered it, and always remember to ask for their housemade hot sauce and garlic aioli. The portion sizes (especially with the combo platter) are maWe easily got twice as much food as we needed, ended up with three boxes of leftovers. read more

An excellent Vegan restaurant with soul food style dishes. We had the combo platter with bbq tofu, eye pea beans and greens. We also tried the sausage with grits. All was delicious. Service was fast and very friendly and high tech, you order through a QR code. Very easy and efficient. Cool music and the bar set up is enjoyable. In Jack London square a great treasure read more

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I MISS YOU!! This spot is literally so iconic the service is great, the layout is unique but really fun, and the food is fantastic and so memorable. It's literally been three years and I'm still thinking about it to date read more

My experience here was... a journey I absolutely did not sign up for. First off, the restaurant doesn't allow any substitutions -- not even something simple like removing an item from the plate. You get whatever they decide to put in front of you, no discussion. I ordered gator bites, seasoned fries, and cornbread. The cornbread came out hard as a cement brick, dry as the Sierra desert, and somehow not sweet at all. The fries were a flimsy, soggy a** mess that didn't even pretend to be seasoned. The vegan gator bites were good -- or maybe I was just hangry after waiting forever because the service moved at a snail's pace and communication was nonexistent. We were a group of four, but only three of us ate -- and even then, we couldn't eat together. Based on how the plates came out, it genuinely felt like they cooked each dish separately in between other customers' orders. By the time one person had food, the others were still waiting. To make matters worse, one of us is allergic to greens. Since they wouldn't allow substitutions, she politely asked for the greens to be placed on a separate plate. Simple request, right? Low and behold, the greens showed up on the same plate -- juice running straight into the other food. She even spoke to the head cook, explained the allergy, and he said, "I got you." Clearly... he did not have her. A waitress told us they would refund her food and bring out another plate -- which sounded promising -- but at that point, the trust was already gone. We sat and waited for that new plate, and nothing came. When we finally asked to speak with a manager, they sent out the head cook again instead. And to top it off, they only refunded the meal -- with zero communication about it. No explanation, no update, nothing. For the amount of money I spent in this establishment, the fact that the only edible thing was the vegan gator is wild. I don't recommend this place at all. Really I wanted to give them Zero, Zip, Nada stars. read more

Second visit but first at this new location. We went on Friday shortly after opening. The new location layout is much better than the old one. However, we were surprised that the ordering process was different. Being asked to order via phone scan and then to pay before getting our food was awkward. I wanted to try the fried okra, but they were out of them. I ordered the okra gumbo which was tasty but a little too peppery for me and it was Lukewarm. My wife ordered the F.L.O.C. for $12 on the menu but got the Gator bites for $14 instead. We inquired about the difference, but the explanation was a bit confusing. We then decided to order a dessert but found out that they were out of the lemon and coconut cakes. I think the concept is great but I'm not sure if we will return. read more

Food was fresh and delicious. I had the Gumbo which was seasoned well. I also had the kale salad with crispy tenders topped with buffalo sauce. The portions which was HUGE and the flavor is there. The owner and the staff were so attentive and kind. I love seeing the black women patronize and serve each other. I felt good about my choice to come dine here. I definitely will be back. read more

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They're back, and yes, I am crying. I did not expect to be emotional about a restaurant, but life is full of surprises. In my early twenties, back in the naughty aughties, fully vegan restaurants were rare. Not "we have options" rare, but "please choose between French fries and/or a side salad" rare. Souley Vegan felt like a beacon of hope. Real food. Comforting food. Food that tasted like someone actually wanted you to EAT. Many nights were spent next door at the now-defunct Beer Revolution, slamming Miller High Life's (the babygirl of beer), smoking pink cigarettes (RIP Camel No. 9s), and waiting while Souley Vegan food arrived like a smuggled jewel passed between friendly conspirators. Wrapped up. Still warm. Precious. It hit every single time. When it closed, it felt like losing a bright piece of the past. Walking back in now feels like an old friend returning from a long vacation, unchanged in all the ways that matter. The food is still immaculate. Get the Toasty burger. Add the mac and cheese. Get the collard greens and the yams. This is not the moment to show restraint - you deserve a treat. The cayenne lemonade kicks - tart & refreshing, the cocktails are balanced & flavorful, and the staff remains warm, kind, and effortlessly welcoming. This is a place for birthdays, bad days, date nights, and solo meals that turn everything around. They're also doing special events (yes, including Valentine's), and their Instagram is worth checking so you don't miss out. Welcome back, Souley Vegan. You've been missed. We all needed a win. read more

Souley Vegan - Lunch for one! - Vegan Near Me - Oakland, California

April 11 and April 12 they're having an all you can eat event for $35. Tickets are on sale through Eventbrite. I came yesterday at 4PM, and the seating was picnic style so you sit wherever and meet some people. Drinks are sold separately at the counter. I love the new space and can't wait for the grand opening. This was my spot when they were opened a block away. I loved the po'boys, the vegan gumbo over grits, the cakes were delectable and moist and I loved the various juices they offered, and I've brought many of my friends here. This restaurant is a treasure. The event is a buffet style, serving vegan burgers and hotdogs, both plain and barbecue. Nachos with vegan chips and all of the toppings - onions, diced bell peppers, jalapeños. Potato salad and bread pudding. It was a good turn out! I don't like hotdogs, and I never had a vegan dog, but it was delicious and full of flavor. It helped that it was vegan because I'm not really thinking about all of the animal parts that may or may not be in it. I also got the bbq vegan burger - really good. The bread pudding was delicious as well, though not what I'm accustomed to. It tasted delicious like cinnamon rolls minus the dairy filled icing. The potato salad was also flavorful. Again, can't wait for the grand opening! read more

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I love love love souley im so glad their back. It gives me another reason to come to Oak. A few months ago it hurt my heart to see that closed sign up. Now I feel like singing babyface. When can my heart beat again! This is vegan food with a soul it's rich it's tasty it warm it's inviting. It embraces you with love. Yes yes yes read more

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Souley Vegan has a new location in Jack London Square. We were told to seat ourselves and you place your order through a QR code on the table. You need to order, pay and tip for your food before you are served. We started with fried okra, gator bites-made with mushrooms. We had a side of Mac-n-cheese. We also ordered a combo plate having selected collard greens, yams and black eyed peas, the combo also comes with rice. To drink we had lemonade and strawberry ginger. My favorite was the mac-cheese and the gator bites. Overall everything was good and satisfying, but the rice was hard and crunchy. After filling up on this food, you are satisfied without feeling bloated and overstuffed. We took leftovers to go. The wait staff was attentive and helpful regarding questions and the ability to enjoy your food. With tax and 15% tip our order was $83.00 The next time I'm in the area I'll return to Souley Vegan. read more

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Happy to see they are back open and running! Food was delicious. My kid loved her burger and didn't even know it wasn't meat traveled here from San Francisco to try it again and wasn't disappointed! Love to support my people read more

Souley Vegan - Burger - Vegan Near Me - Oakland, California

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Came here for my brother's birthday. This is the best vegan spot around! Portion sizes are great, flavor is 1000/10! If you haven't been, you're missing out! We had the chikn fried steak, chikn and waffles, not so gator bites, fries, mac and blackened cauliflower. All great! read more

I was just reading my 15-year-old review of this place back when it just opened near Jack London Square. Seems like old times. I had not been back to Souley Vegan in years when I happened to be in the food court at Market & Main in Downtown Martinez recently. I saw that they had relocated here, so out of my nostalgic recollection, I decided to go for a takeout order for Jamie W and me. I thought we could split the $17 Ain't Gator Po'Boy, which turned out to be a surprising winner with battered and fried crimini mushrooms combined with their handmade vegan hot links, dill pickles, romaine lettuce and tomato and drizzled with their special. swamp sauce on a toasted bun (photo: https://yelp.to/rcEc-6fYA8). The $17 BBF Burger was less satisfying even if it did beat Bobby Flay (thus the acronym). The vegan patty was chewier than I was hoping, though the melted vegan cheese, chopped onion, dill pickles, and toasted bun worked (photo: https://yelp.to/c-meLqoNiw). The $19 Seitan Country Fried Steak was marred by the same chewiness, though the gravy helped as did the collard greens. The mashed potatoes not so much (photo: https://yelp.to/oHILywlIjb). We also ordered the $5.50 Hot Water Cornbread. It definitely reflected Southern-style authority with plenty of vegan butter (photo: https://yelp.to/rP2lEzH8TM). We treated ourselves to the $6 trio of Beignets dusted with powdered sugar (photo: https://yelp.to/oPv7WyQiNZ). No complaints on the sweets front. Glad to see Souley Vegan still churning out vegan specialties after all these years. We would definitely try the Po'Boy again because that was a truly creative vegan rendition. FOOD - 4 stars...the Po'Boy was great, the burger less so AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...just a kiosk here with shared tables SERVICE - 4 stars...friendly, pretty quick, and food was well packaged TOTAL - 4 stars...good to see a familiar business in Martinez RELATED - Exploring Martinez? Here's my collection of places I've patronized and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2x1rlsD read more

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Service was phenomenal very helpful knowledgeable of the menu, the place awesome vibes. It was very peaceful, people seem to really enjoy, the atmosphere. The food smells phenomenal , and and taste out of this world. - Must have if you love soul food read more

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A must stop if you're in Oakland! Great selection between burgers, salad or my favorite a combo platter of soul food. I ordered to go and was greeted by the friendly staff when I walked in. Food was ready and on time. Flavorful, spicy and delicious! Don't forget the lemonade! read more

This place is really a joke. The prices are insane for what you get. With there being barely any vegan restaurant left in Oakland. I'd love to support. This place will close down or move again soon I'm sure. Don't waste your time or money. read more

Souley Vegan - Beignets are now hollow Beignets (3) - Vegan Near Me - Oakland, California

What a treat! Vegan soul food!!!! Combo platter with BBQ tofu, yams, collards, Best cornbread ever! read more

Firstly I'd like to express how welcoming & vibrant the staff are! Nothing better than knowing that good energy is behind all this good food! The ambiance is very chill & tranquil, great music perfect for a Sunday! Vegan or not you should definitely check this place out! This is my 3rd time coming and my 3rd time leaving satisfied! I will be back for sureeee read more

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I used to go to their Oakland location, but made the journey out. It's a little hard to find since it's inside Market and Main. Go in, head left, then it's your immediate right. Decided to try new stuff instead of Create Your Own Combo (which honestly I wished I got that since I was craving it) Ain't Gator Po Boy - 5/5 stars - love the flavors and texture Beignets - 4/5 stars - half were perfectly cooked, half did not fluff up, taste delicious though Overall, still good, get the Create Your Own Combo read more

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The staff is so welcoming and friendly, even all of the customers are happy and in a good mood. This place is good vibes! The location is great being next to the park and there is plenty of comfortable dining space. The food is so well seasoned, so flavorful, and has great textures too. The menu items are so well thought out and executed, we started with the ain't gator bites. The crunch and seasoning was some of the best I've ever had. We also got the okra gumbo which I will absolutely order again next time I go. Generous portion size, very fresh, filled with vegetables that are perfectly cooked and SO TASTY! We also got the burger that beat Bobby Flay - also hit the spot! Looking forward to going again and bringing lots of people with me to visit Souley Vegan. read more

Love Souley Vegan...and I've followed them to every location! I've been to several special events here, and always have a great time! The food is delicious & comforting. Whatever you decide on...definitely get the black olive potato salad! Chef Tamearra & her team are amazing...taking the time to say hello, give hugs & make you feel special & welcome! Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday read more

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Updating: All these years and we still love Souley Vegan! My spouse loved the toasty burger. Macaroni and cheese was not too spicy, pleasant cajun flavor, but ruined for me by the pronounced taste of coconut milk. Collards are a touch spicy for me, but balance out with everything else. We enjoyed the black eyed peas. BBQ tofu has a fabulous smoky tangy flavor and great meaty texture. We enjoyed the Southern fried tofu too but it mostly tastes of deep fried breading. The skin-on fries are super yummy. I loved the yams, one order was enough for our household. Delightfully sweet, they don't taste floral anymore. Brussels sprouts were great, almost too well cooked but we didn't mind that , pleasantly lemony. Cornbread was pleasant, more of an herb taste than we prefer, but nicely sweet and a great texture. Mashed potatoes weren't exciting but we would still order them again, pleasant with everything else. We will absolutely be back again! read more

We stumbled on this gem a few years ago on a first date that eventually led to our wedding. We felt so comfortable here from the moment we stepped through the door, and the food is beyond delicious. The ambiance is welcoming, the service is beyond expectations with such a friendly atmosphere, and we were inspired by the food. I heartily recommend it anytime you want a whole experience with your meal. read more

I loved the old Souley Vegan and I love the new one even more! The new space is so big, bright, and airy. They have some new menu items and some old favs. I typically do not order salad at a restaurant because they tend to be overpriced and disappointing, but this kale salad was incredibly delicious. I wish I knew how to make the dressing so I could recreate it at home. My husband liked the po'boy, he said it wasn't spicy enough- I disagree and thought it was perfect. The fries were super delicious too. And the beignets were the star of the show! So warm and fluffy. And service was amazing, everything came out quickly and everyone was so nice and friendly. We'll be back. read more

Souley Vegan - Kale salad & beignets - Vegan Near Me - Oakland, California

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God, this is one of the best vegan restaurants in the Bay Area. I've been coming here since the store was just the owner cooking alone on Broadway, and I mourned their closing. I've had everything from brunch to Thanksgiving buffet here, and it's ALWAYS amazing. I'm beyond glad that they're back, and the food is just as lovely as ever. Try the country fried steak! read more

I caught sight of the proprietor on the local news station a few months back saying that they were due to reopen again in downtown Oakland...and saw that the soft-opening was on July 5..and so we made a b-line down there. The food was still amazingly delicious..and good-sized portions (we had to get doggie-bags!)...just perfectly seasoned and incredibly tasty...I haven't been there since before the pandemic...and my companion (he's a recent convert to veganism) and I weren't disappointed. I liked the communal seating.. and we met some nice folks. The only downside..and I know this was probably due to the soft-opening (I hope) was the service..which was painfully slow. I think once the kitchen gets organized and they work out the kinks, we'll be back. read more

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I just dropped in and found this gem. The portion size was great! The flavor on that vegan fried steak, amazing, Mashed potatoes and gravy on point. Greens were good, just needed a little more spice, but still really good. I need to come back and try so much more stuff! Not overly pricey like some other vegan places I have been too. This much food and what I paid for it was a great deal! read more

Souley Vegan - Vegan fried steak, Collards Greens, mashed potatoes and Hot Water Cornbread. - Vegan Near Me - Oakland, California

I've been slow getting back to Souley Vegan since they reopened but it feels so good to be back!! Oh, how I've missed their southern fried tofu. This is just a really great spot with great people and incredible food. Highly recommend. read more

Good Food very good I liked the food and the people were nice but I was not very happy