Veggie time!

I began exploring tasty vegetarian snacks when I was told—while eating some delicious, though not necessarily healthy, Oreos—that Oreos are vegan. I’m not vegan, but vegetarian, and I found this fact simply glorious. Oreos may be completely artificial, but this means there are no animal products. The following vegetarian snacks and desserts can be found close to campus.

Cool Harry’s

Southwest 10th and Alder

Cool Harry’s is a food cart that features fabulous frozen treats that vegetarians can enjoy. It has frozen yogurt and offers different toppings, generally fresh berries, to add for an extra price. However, it is very reasonably priced so the extras do not break the bank. The flavors of yogurt and kinds of toppings rotate so it is easy to never get the same thing twice. Plus, one is not overwhelmed with options!

Hot Lips Pizza

Southwest sixth and Hall

Hot Lips is a staple for most Portland State students, as it is right on campus and across the street from the Ondine residence hall. While the pizza is delicious and the pop made out of fruit is great to wash it all down, when you are in the mood for something smaller, their breadsticks are totally the way to go. Cheap and a good size, there are two varieties: basil and pesto or garlic. One can eat them with ranch or marinara (I prefer ranch), however, some choose to eat them in all their bare-naked glory.

Buddha Bites

Southwest fourth and Hall

The food cart Buddha Bites is very close to the Portland State campus. It features smoothies—always good for a vegetarian’s soul—for just $3, and delicious brownies (gluten-free) for only $1! It is a quick and easy way to get snacks or desserts practically on campus in between classes.

McMenamin’s Market Street Pub

1526 SW 10th Ave.

Portland State students often flock to McMenamin’s for a drink after a hard day of classes. With a location on 10th Avenue and Market Street, along with happy hour prices, it is hard to beat. But for those of us who need something in their belly, or who are underage and just want cheap food, it is the place to be. Their fresh-cut fries are some of the best fries around. They also have Cajun tots, which are absolutely amazing. During happy hour these amazing appetizers are just $2. Happy hour is daily from 3–6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close.

Jake’s Famous Crawfish

Southwest 12th and Stark

Jake’s Famous Crawfish can be a pretty pricey place—unless you go for happy hour, which unlike McMenamin’s is 21-and-over (sorry kiddos). But to those of you who are over 21, and do the whole $8 drink minimum deal (which is actually alright and the drinks are pretty tasty) you can get a whole slew of delicious appetizers. The one that is ideal for vegetarians is the $2 spinach and artichoke dip. The portion is huge; and it’s a snack one can definitely fill up on.

Food for Thought

Basement of the Smith Memorial Student Union Building

It is simple and easy place for vegetarians to go between classes because it is right on campus! Food for Thought is in the basement of Smith. It features pastries, plus breakfast and lunch items catered specially to vegetarians and vegans! The food is delicious, pretty cheap and the location is something that cannot be beat. The atmosphere itself feels like a café away from campus, so it is a great place to not only dig in for a vegetarian-friendly snack, but also to get away from campus when you cannot actually get away.