With a name like Next Level Burger, I definitely arrived at the new Seattle eatery with sky high expectations, not to mention a hungry belly. As a burger buff, I was eager to try this new restaurant that prided itself by taking burgers to the next level. By next level, I don’t mean a special sauce, or artisan buns. Next Level Burger kicks it up a notch or two. They are the nation’s first meatless, non GMO and 100% plant based burger joint!
I quickly found my place in line and was greeted by fresh, smiling faces from the staff. The buzz of curiosity from other plant-based burger first timers swarmed around me, and I was glad I wasn’t the only newbie. I scanned the menu again and again, sure that I had missed something from the time before, and sure enough I had. Not only do they have burgers, they have plant based hot dogs, salads, fries, tots and, dare I say it, dairy-free milkshakes. At that point, I cursed my belly for not providing enough space to try every delicious item on the menu. I finally narrowed it down to the Bleu BBQ Burger and the 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon Wheat Beer.
My Bleu BBQ Burger is a house made, umami mushroom and quinoa patty, topped with smokey tempeh bacon, blue cheese and bbq sauce. It was served on a whole wheat bun and garnished with fresh vegetables. From the first bite, my mouth was exploding with flavor. The sweet, tangy bbq sauce paired with the blue cheese and smokey tempeh bacon was perfection. I’ve never tasted anything like it before! The patty itself was hearty and delicious as well. Honestly, the flavors surprised me in the best way!
When the husband and wife team, Matt and Cierra de Gruyter, started living a plant based lifestyle, they found many limitations when it came to restaurants to enjoy as a family while still adhering to their plant based life. They wanted to offer other plant based families like theirs, a great American classic, while still providing fresh, organic and responsibly sourced food. Thus, Next Level Burger was born!
Their first location is still thriving today in Bend, Oregon! And after opening two other locations in Portland and Lake Oswego, Oregon, Matt and Cierra ventured north to open a Seattle location (and I’m so happy they did)!
Next Level Burger is now open at Roosevelt Square inside Whole Foods Market in Seattle!
Roosevelt Square (Inside Whole Foods Market)
1026B NE 64th St.
Seattle, WA 98115
Ph. (206) 319-0026
http://www.nextlevelburger.com/
