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Vegan
American
Take-out
Breakfast
Fully vegan cafe offering a range of comfort foods such as soul plates, nachos, burgers, tacos and more. Also operates a separate food truck which can be found in the general Indianapolis area. Open Mon-Fri 8:00am-6:00pm, Sat 10:00am-6:00pm. Closed Sun.
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335 W Ninth St, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, 46202
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Last update on 09 Apr 2023 by villain
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Added by AriShifron on 05 Oct 2022
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58 Reviews
First Review by Adelgado92
clamchow
Points +1541
An option where options are scarce - Edit
I got the burger and fries. The burger was not bad, albeit a bit small. The “seasoned” fries were soggy, and were seemingly “seasoned” with no more than 5 granules of pepper. They also don’t have ketchup.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-02-28
Guest
DarrylMcGee
Points +34
Was a hidden gem, now disappointing - Edit
I left a five star review after first coming to Black Leaf Vegan, however I was there this past Monday, and based on it and my last experience last year, I would have to say I am very disappointed. This was my initial review made on HappyCow 06/10/2023:
Read more"It's a small menu, but it's amazing! Today's special was the vegan BBQ cook out and it was so good.
That staff were super nice. Do yourself a favor and stop by!"
After my last visits I am left feeling disappointed. I am from Chicago and since 2023 whenever I am in Indy I stop at Black Leaf Vegan. The first few times were amazing, the owners were there and I think one of the owners mother who was a sweetheart when they greeted my if felt like home. They have since grown, but I feel like the service and quality has dropped a bit. When I was there 2/23/25 They were out of all but one Breakfast sandwich out of the whole breakfast menu and the one person working both the register and grill, while trying to order different options he apologized and said they had been out of ingredients since last week (bagel, for the breakfast sandwich, bacon, jackfruit, etc). This was his account, his own words. After my order took the last (singular) SEC (sausage, egg & Cheese) sandwich and one basic burger, because at that point i was frustrated I couldn't get the breakfast I was hoping for, the next patron that showed up 5 minutes later was told they had no more breakfast items. The guy working the register was at least left by himself to cook and take orders for 45 (I kept a rough estimate because I was getting food to go so I could me a friend while I was in town) minutes, maybe more I don't know but we exchanged glances a few times and we both looked disappointed.
My burger was just patty messy lettuce or spinach, two little pickles, and what tasted like teriyaki sauce and the SEC seemed flattened and sad. The taste was ok, but compared to what I know they can do, it was disappointing. It felt like the made enough money to pull their love out of the business, and the food, and preparedness reflected that. I hope they improve, and I would be willing to give them another shot, maybe.
Updated from previous review on 2023-06-10
Guest
VeggieOH
Points +23
Not quite right yet - Edit
Perhaps the chef can train the young staff better. The food was ok. But not great. And with the right attention to detail it could be very good.
Read morePros: Pleasant environment
Cons: Food is just ok not great.
Guest
SHA1107
Points +504
Delicious! - Edit
Everything was so good and fresh! Would definitely recommend and return next time I am in Indy.
Read moreGuest
111artsgallery
Points +1437
Lunch after landing at the airport - Edit
About 20 min from Indianapolis international , had jerked jackfruit maple sauce and mac cheese n smoothie , jack fruit was cooked without sauce and then added sauce different but yummmie we asked no jalepena they still added it Mac cheese was melty and very good , felt like working staff didn’t really know much about food today where as at the fairgrounds we felt the staff was very much vegan. , deliscious average price and worth the trip non the less
Read morePros: All vegan , Very tasty , Fast service
Cons: Staff didn’t seem super knowledgeable , Parking is all pay
Guest
Rosemouse
Points +461
OK, but not great - Edit
We were disappointed with the quality and lack of attention to detail in the food we got from Black Leaf. We split nachos, and our cousin got fries and guacamole/chips. The fries came out almost raw, and after we sent them back they came out a little more cooked but still too raw. The nachos were OK but we have had much better.
Read morePros: Vegan
Cons: You had to dig to figure out that they have GF , Ingredients weren’t listed on in house menu , Server wasn’t very friendly
Guest
Vegtravel4
Points +325
Wish I had better food - Edit
I have no doubt that the owner/chef is really great at making vegan food, but both times I’ve come here, the food has been subpar.
Read moreVery greasy and undercooked (I saw this on other reviews as well).
Today I got the pancakes, and they were totally raw in the middle. The bagel sandwich had a big pool of oil in the center, that was pretty gross.
The people doing the cooking looked super young and confused by some of the equipment.
I think the owner outsources the day-to-day in the hands of less experienced people, and unfortunately it’s not a great restaurant.
111artsgallery
The staff seemed to not be knowledgeable or care about the food , although vegan felt very fast food don’t care , was bummer
Read moreGuest
soulveg22
Points +24
Amazing food paired with amazing people! - Edit
Was in town visiting Indianapolis from Tallahassee and stopped by the black leaf. The owners were so nice and welcomed me and offered me delicious vegan cuisine. It was so good, I had to go check out their food truck the next day! The nachos are outstanding! Derek served me “the best smoothie I’ll ever have” and although that is quite a tall order, I don’t see how it can’t compete with the best of the best smoothies. The food truck offered their vegan burger and fresh lemonade. Both amazing. The flavor’s were delightful and it was overall such a satisfying experience. If you’re looking for great vegan food accompanied by great people, check out The Black Leaf. You won’t regret it!
Read moreGuest
Karazu
Points +73
Great Spot - Edit
Ordered ahead by website. Two parts of our ordered dishes were not available, when we arrived we were offered substitutes. Sandwiches were great! Avocado toast and fries were a bit less so, but who goes to a vegan joint looking for those
Read moreGuest
stonecat
Points +1013
Delicious - Edit
Once again, my belief that the best tasting food is the messiest has been confirmed. I had the crabless cake sandwhich and Mac n chz, as well as a dragonfruit smoothie. The sandwhich was messy perfection. Everything was delicious. I wanted to try a dessert but had no room in my tummy!
Read moreGuest
eamon.layden
Points +22
Very tasty food with friendly staff - Edit
Ate here for the first time and the food was amazing!! There are a good amount of options to choose from, both food and drinks. Food was seasoned very well. The owners are friendly, too. One of them stopped in while we ate. There are also restrooms here! Definitely recommend :)
Read morePros: Seasoning of food, Restrooms available, Friendly owners
Guest
jmelton
Points +22
Food was terrible - Edit
We were really excited to try this place out after the disappointment of Three Carrots closing, but the food was extremely disappointing. Nothing was prepared from scratch, and it was very bland. The fries weren’t even all the way cooked. No idea why anyone would give this place a good review.
Read moreGuest
LaurelC
Points +118
Service and Food Exceed Expectations - Edit
First of all, the literal owner took my order and that says such good things about a business! She was so nice; she remembered my name (even when I was leaving the restaurant); and she even brought my food out to me.
Read moreThe food itself was great! You get tons of food for the amount that you pay, and I was seriously impressed with the quantity and quality of food.
Pros: Friendly atmosphere , Quantity of food, Food diversity (options)
Guest
MichaelGriffin
Points +77
Amazing food! - Edit
Located inside of the main building. The staff was extremely friendly. Food was quick to be ready. Fries where some of the best I’ve ever had and where seasoned perfectly. Bacon ranch burger was excellent, a little messy but very tasty. I do think it would be better with a chick’n Pattie vs the beef one but I’m not complaining.
Read morePros: Fries, Friendly Staff, Quick and well packaged food!
Guest
J509
Points +28
Yummy nachos - Edit
I appreciated that the staff helped me make my nacho order gluten free. The portion was huge!
Read moreGuest
KeilahKayFolkertsma
Points +28
Worth it - Edit
My cousin and I ordered delivery and he (non vegan) loved the burger. I love the crablike patty sandwich and loved the desserts. We visited in person and were lucky they had done a soul food platter and I was able to try some of the sides. The greens were delicious.
Read morePros: Friendly, All vegan , Eclectic
Guest
Masons
Points +19
Is this really the best in Indy? - Edit
Inspired by the rave reviews, we ate here while passing through Indianapolis. Service was indifferent and a little slow. We paid $40 for a jackfruit sandwich (decent), a veggie burger, and sides. Veggie burger was clearly made from a frozen patty. The famous mac n’ cheeze is merely “good,” tastes like nooch and pasta. I say give this one a pass.
Read morePros: It’s a vegan restaurant in Indianapolis
Cons: They charge for water , They want tips, but have no table service
Guest
cymbernardino
Points +24
Great food and service - Edit
Stopped by here before attending a Pacers game and they did not disappoint! Try the nachos and thank me later. Yummy!
Read morePros: Nachos, Owner is very engaging! , Service is quick
Guest
SpencerArmstrong
Points +61
Perfect lunch - Edit
If you’re looking for a flavor packed spot for a quick bite, but also an ambience to do some work and chill then this is a the spot. Very friendly staff. I left full and satisfied. If I’m back in Indy I will return!
Read morePros: Original Burger , Lemon cake, Lemonade
Guest
ShannonMarie
Points +42
Great Food Great Vibe - Edit
I had a crabless cake sandwich and it was soooo yummy. Lots of flavor. And the people and the vibe of this cool little spot just added to all of it.
Read moreGuest
rjmarciniak
Points +1061
Food was decent, limited options - Edit
I would recommend Black Leaf Vegan Cafe, but with some reservations. Their menu is good, but it is relatively small. Their food is well seasoned and tasty but the portions were small for the price. Overall it was decent but not particularly impressed.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-09-15
Guest
lalahg
Points +36
Unique flavor - Edit
Every item we ate had a unique and very tasty flavor. Excellent food, friendly staff.
Read moreGuest
GregoryWhite
Points +28
Great food, great service - Edit
We stopped here on a whim for lunch while driving from WI to FL. So glad we did. We were welcomed by the owner with a huge smile and the most friendly hello you’ll ever hear. The food was amazing. My wife ordered the Guac burger and I got the jackfruit slider with a side of sweet potato fries to share. We ended up swapping sandwiches as the sauce on the burger was a bit spicy for her tastes. Even the fries, which most places are just ordinary, were amazing. We both ended up very happy with our meal. Next time I’m passing through the Indy area during lunchtime I’ll be back for more.
Read morePros: Great service. Friendly staff, Awesome food , Reasonably priced
Guest
mauricsb
Points +133
Delicious food, great vibe, wonderful staff. - Edit
I came in 15 minutes before closing time, and they were super accommodating. I got the nachos, which the owners daughter recommended, and I loved them. 
Read morePros: Great food, Superb staff, Great atmosphere
Guest
OrenWagner
Points +20
Open early - Edit
Fast and friendly. I landed at the Indy airport and drove over here in about twenty minutes.
Read moreGuest
CarrickMcCullough
Points +180
Incredible food - Edit
I ordered the guac burger and I put my phone down the second I took a bite because it would be disrespectful to the burger to have any distractions. I enjoyed this meal immensely and everyone I talked to was so nice! The mac n cheese was delicious as well! Good vegan soul food is a blessing
Read morePros: Absolutely delicious flavor , Kind staff , Chill/casual atmosphere
Guest
Kerstinmarie
Points +22
Delish Breakfast & Friendly Folks - Edit
Had a delicious bagel sandwich for breakfast. Their pastry case looked great, but I avoided the temptation. Had a wonderful chat with an owner - I think it’s a mother/daughter team. A lovely way to start the day!
Read moreHas a small menu, but I’d prefer a few items done really well to a Cheesecake Factory book. Hope to come back for the mac & cheese
Guest
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