Lacto
Ovo
Delivery
Breakfast
Southern Cuisine
Non-veg
Serves meat, vegan options available. Offers a few vegetarian breakfast and brunch options.
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8 Wall St (at Battery Park), Asheville, North Carolina, USA, 28801
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Last update on 12 Jan 2008 by Guest
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34 Reviews
First Review by gr8vegan
GreenBitesRDN
Points +91
Good food with some vegan options - Edit
There wasn’t a lot for vegans and it was more like the kind of thing I would make myself at home, not beautiful, just pretty basic. The vegan version of my veggie bowl meant they just leave out some of the toppings. It would be more tasty if they added vegan cheese or some type of vegan sauce (tahini?).
Read morePros: Options available, Friendly service
Cons: Service was slow, Options were limited
Guest
MaryT
Points +444
Tomato Gravy? - Edit
Would have liked more options. We were there for breakfast and I ended up putting together a few sides to get tempeh and tomato gravy, which is quite like tomato sauce, plus coleslaw. The staff was friendly but we waited quite a while for our orders even though it was not packed when we were there. There was another day where we noticed a lot of people waiting so probably best to either go early or off-times.
Read moreGuest
doctoryoder
Points +24
Highly overrated - Edit
Don’t understand how this is place rated so well. Several vegan options, but no flavor in any of them. It looked so promising but disappointed.
Read moreGuest
katymac77
Points +146
Almost but not quite - Edit
I tried the tofu scramble. It was good, but they were out of all vegan bread except GF white toast. There wasn’t vegan butter, so I added jam. It also came with grits or fries. I chose grits because I eat fries too often. They normally come with dairy-based cheese, so they were completely plain. Not great. My daughter had the roasted mushroom/veggie sandwich. It was good, but it really needed some kind of sauce. The fries were just okay. My non-veg daughter enjoyed her meal. The place was cute, and the service was friendly.
Read morePros: Cute atmosphere , The tofu scramble
Cons: The plain grits, The GF bread as the only option
Guest
Amyloumeow
Points +36
Eh - Edit
It was just ok. They were out of a lot of things.
Read moreGuest
ChrisS96
Points +88
Decent breakfast spot, but be careful ordering - Edit
We went here for breakfast and I quite liked my meal, the tofu scramble. Unfortunately the grits I got as part of the meal had cheese, as I mistakenly assumed a menu item marked vegan would fully meet that description, sides included. I asked the server after getting my food and they confirmed mine came with cheese, BUT you can order them without it. You could also get a side of potatoes instead.
Read moreIf you are eating vegan here I would be very clear and careful when ordering to avoid this. It looks from other reviews like other diners here have similar stories (like another reviewer, my toast also came with a wrapped pat of real butter, if you want to avoid that).
Pros: Good tofu scramble, Old-fashioned diner style food and atmosphere
Cons: Meals marked vegan may not be carefully made so, Verify with your server if vegan
Guest
sofiacv
Points +304
Ummm…. - Edit
Service was good. Options were clearly marked… but my vegan plate arrived with a wrapped pad of actual butter and a biscuit that was clearly not vegan…
Read moreGuest
Lyd.12.151
Points +141
So inconsistent - Edit
Sooo inconsistent! Food will be amazing then horrible honestly a 50/50 chance if it will be good or awful. Too expensive to keep trying will not go back anymore. Also unsure with the inconsistency if the food is also vegan and not made with butter. BEWARE!
Read moreGuest
vegmomma82
Points +247
Gotta visit! - Edit
Loved it! I got the grits with the veggies. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Read morePros: Several vegan options, Really tasty, Quick
Guest
victoriadorothy1
Points +488
Super friendly people, alright food - Edit
Not a whole lot of vegan options. The staff is were lovely and knowledgeable. I had the grit cake, and that itself was a bit bland, but the gravy and veggies on it were spectacular. Also super long wait.
Read morePros: Awesome staff
Cons: Long wait , Not too many vegan options
Guest
happylittlevegan
Points +1471
Nice vibe, ok food - Edit
Staff is awesome and place has a nice vibe. I felt the vegan options were a little confusing and not clear. As far as the food it was just ok.
Read moreGuest
manbo
Points +516
Favorite breakfast spot in AVL - Edit
Best tofu scramble and potatoes!
Read morePros: Great vegan options, Awesome flavors
Cons: No vegan butter for toast
Guest
jellyfith
Points +49
Staff is very nice - Edit
Tofu scramble was great, tempeh was pretty bland
Read moreGuest
IanP
Points +188
Great! - Edit
I loved the tofu scramble! Possibly one of my favorite tofu scrambles ever. Nice service and atmosphere.
Read morePros: Decent amount of options, Good service , Good food!
Guest
LesVegan
Points +151
Best tofu scramble ever. Nice staff. Delicious jams for biscuits. - Edit
I got the tofu scramble with potatoes and biscuits. It was a huge plate and so delicious. Came out steaming hot with local preserves for the biscuits. Delicious.
Read morePros: Vegan options , Cool spot , Friendly staff
Guest
NSingh
Points +81
Grits dish!! - Edit
Loved the grits dish! So many amazing yummy flavors and incredibly filling!
Read moreGuest
TanyaFairbanks
Points +78
Delicious! - Edit
While in Asheville I ate here three times. The atmosphere and food was great. My favorite dish that I had was the vegan breakfast bowl. It was superb!
Read moreGuest
VeggieKat
Points +80
Blended Review - Edit
I have been to Early Girl many times, even with my family from California, who are super health conscious, but also Omni, so they said it was a “nice Southern breakfast”. As a vegan, their options are limited, however, the adjustments are clearly stated on the menu. If you are in a hurry, or extremely hungry, this is not the place for you. Even prior to COVID restrictions, there was always a long wait time. I found my most recent visit to be very frustrating mainly because there was a 1.5 hour wait for a table for 2, and when we finally got a table, it was a table with 6 chairs. I felt ridiculous as larger parties were being turned away and left to wait longer. Once you’re seated and order, there’s also a long wait before the food is ready. First off, their coffee is terrible. They offer raw sugar and oat milk, but it does not help the coffee. If you order water, they actually put ice in it (which is strange for Asheville), but I prefer ice in my water. The tofu breakfast is very good, however, a bit oily, and it could use a little more tofu to the vegetables. They do not have vegan biscuits, but the toast is locally sourced and vegan. The organic grit cake stack is one of the most amazing dishes I have ever eaten, and it is a true work of art! I’ve lived in the south my entire life, but I despise gravy. Their tomato gravy is apparently a southern staple that I was never introduced to, and even better, they have recipes available online. Despite any of the negatives, I’d wait 1,2, even 3 hours for this dish! They’ll text you when your table is available, and there’s plenty of shopping to do while you wait.
Read morePros: Tomato Gravy!
Cons: LONG wait
Guest
eockerman10
Points +71
unreal. - Edit
So good. Everything blew my mind. They have the almond milk baileys too!
Read moreGuest
DeShieldGreene
Points +123
Wonderful dish! - Edit
I have read some less than stellar reviews here and I wonder if we dined at the same location. I had one of the best dishes I have eaten in quite awhile at Early Girl—the grit stack. Even my non-vegan husband raved about it. It is often difficult for us to agree on a restaurant so I appreciate they serve both vegan and non vegan options. We will definitely return to try the other vegan options.
Read morePros: Reasonably priced, Fresh ingredients, Vegan options
Cons: Few vegan breakfast options
Guest
Mmaynard18
Points +63
Good option! - Edit
I got the Veggie Breakfast Bowl with tempeh and it was pretty good!! It was a very healthy taste, so if you’re looking for a more indulgent option, I would not suggest. It was a perfect lunch for a hike though!
Read morePros: Vegan Coffee Cocktail
Cons: No vegan cheese
Guest
ninafarr
Points +145
Limited vegan options - Edit
Limited vegan options but still pretty good. Probably wouldn't be my first choice, however they did allow us to dine in which was great.
Read moreCons: No vegan cheese or creamer for coffee
Guest
FloridaVegans
Points +45
Not my first choice - Edit
Nothing special. Few veg options and service was mediocre. Food was not served very hot and that is a deal breaker for me. Basic veg options are granola, tofu scramble, avocado toast and a few tempeh options. My husband did Have the tofu scramble and it was actually very good if that is what you are in the mood for. Setting Is very basic. With so many amazing options in Asheville, you can decide if this is right for you. Server was nice enough but seemed new. Couldn’t make recommendations.
Read morePros: Decent tofu scramble
Cons: Food not served hot , Mediocre service , Out of many menu options
Guest
HarmonyGrace
Points +25
Nice, homey place with decent vegan options - Edit
We've been to Early GIrl many times now, especially for breakfast. We love the atmosphere and the service is usually really good. Depends on the server. Ask for Lena! She's the best. I usually order the tofu scramble. Hubby orders the same only substitutes tempeh for tofu. We are low salt, low fat, so I ask for no salt and little oil and it's always perfect. They have a vegan bread which I order with a side of avocado in place of butter. They also offer soy milk for our coffees and, if you ask for it, they will bring you Annie's ketchup (organic). We love the coffee here! It's strong, how we like it. They also have a decent veggie burger which is house made.
Read morePros: homey atmosphere, usually good service--caring & friendly, will work with you on menu items to your tastes
Cons: usually a VERY long wait for breakfast. Go early!, not very many menu items are vegan
Guest
hellojessiejo
Points +127
Not many options - Edit
This is a VERY limited place for vegans and even vegetarians. The service is mediocre at best and the food doesn't knock your socks off. If you want granola or a tofu scramble, this is your place. If you want something more creative, pick another spot.
Read moreGuest
LifeOnFireFitness
Points +55
Good Eats, Terrible Java - Edit
My husband and I both enjoyed our meals. I had a vegan tempeh sandwich that was super yummy with a side of black eyed peas. There are several vegan options on the menu and the atmosphere is sunny. Lots of primary colors and great local art on the walls. Friendly staff. The coffee was awful, in our opinion. I am spoiled from working as a barista in the past, but my husband (who is a gas station coffee guy) also thought the java was terrible. Overall, great food and would definitely go back again, but order tea instead!
Read moreHarmonyGrace
Thanks funny. My husband and I go there because we LOVE their coffee... haha! Different strokes!
Read moreGuest
Dramydc
Points +26
One of my favs - Edit
Whenever I am in town I always hit the early girl. Is it long lines and mediocre service yes, but the food is so good I am willing to over look that. Not tons of choices for vegans but Im a vegetarian and everything I have had from here is amazing. Try the vegetarian herb gravy or the veg breakfast bowl!! SOOO GOOD!
Read morePros: Delicious food, Decent prices
Cons: Long lines, so so service
Guest
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