For anyone searching for the Next Level Veggie Grill Portland vegan menu, the first thing to know is that this is not a restaurant with a small collection of plant-based alternatives. The Hawthorne location serves an entirely vegan menu, spanning burgers, crispy chik’n sandwiches, burritos, tacos, bowls, salads, sides, desserts, and shakes.
Located at 4121 SE Hawthorne Blvd. in Portland's Sunnyside area, the restaurant has become particularly associated with vegan comfort food: burgers with smash-style patties, loaded sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and indulgent shakes. At the same time, the current menu is considerably broader than a burger-only concept.
Publicly available reviews reveal a generally positive picture, particularly around burgers, chik’n sandwiches, onion rings, fries, shakes, and the range of choices. More recent feedback is somewhat more mixed about the expanded menu, with some diners praising the additional variety while others feel that certain newer or non-burger items are less consistent.
That distinction matters when deciding what to order.
This guide examines what reviewers repeatedly mention, which dishes stand out, what the dining experience is like, and what prospective diners should know before visiting.
Overview of Next Level Veggie Grill in Portland
Next Level Veggie Grill is a fully vegan, fast-casual restaurant on SE Hawthorne Boulevard. The Portland location is described by the restaurant as its original location, and it now serves the company's All American Vegan Menu.
The concept sits somewhere between a traditional burger restaurant and a broad plant-based comfort-food chain. Burgers remain an important part of the identity, but the current menu extends well beyond them. Diners can choose from crispy chik'n, vegan steak, tofu, tempeh, bowls, wraps, burritos, tacos, salads, shareable appetizers, desserts, and plant-based shakes.
The restaurant also emphasizes organic ingredients in many menu descriptions, along with non-GMO and plant-based ingredients.
That breadth is one of the most frequently noted characteristics in reviews. Some diners arrive expecting a straightforward vegan burger restaurant and are surprised by how many other categories are available. Recent reviewers have specifically mentioned being impressed by the variety of salads, wraps, tacos, appetizers, milkshakes, and other choices.
For someone researching vegan dining in Portland, that makes Next Level Veggie Grill particularly useful for groups with different cravings. One person can order a classic burger while another chooses a bowl, burrito, salad, or sandwich without anyone needing to find a separate restaurant.
The trade-off is that the expanded menu has generated more divided opinions than the restaurant's classic burger-and-shake identity.
Is Next Level Veggie Grill Fully Vegan?
Yes. The Portland location is presented as a 100% vegan restaurant, so diners do not have to navigate a mixed vegan/non-vegan kitchen simply to find plant-based food.
That is one of its clearest advantages for vegan diners. The menu is built around plant-based versions of familiar American comfort foods, while also incorporating bowls, tacos, salads, and other globally influenced flavors.
The restaurant's menu also identifies several items as gluten-free or gluten-free optional. However, a gluten-free designation should not automatically be interpreted as a guarantee of zero cross-contact. Anyone with celiac disease or a serious allergy should confirm current preparation procedures directly with the restaurant.
What Is Next Level Veggie Grill Known For?
Next Level Veggie Grill is best known for vegan burgers, crispy chik'n sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and plant-based shakes.
That reputation is strongly reflected in public reviews. Multiple diners praise the burgers, while chik'n sandwiches receive particularly enthusiastic feedback in several reviews. Onion rings and shakes also appear repeatedly among positive comments.
The restaurant's burger selection ranges from relatively classic options to more elaborate combinations. The current menu includes the American ChzBurger, Beyond Classic ChzBurger, Maverick Burger, Steakhouse Burger, Ghost Pepper Popper Burger, Signature Veggie Burger, and Chipotle Black Bean Burger.
That means "vegan burger" does not necessarily mean one particular style here. The menu covers smash-style burgers, Beyond-based burgers, a quinoa-and-mushroom veggie patty, and a black bean option.
For first-time visitors, the classic burger-and-side combination remains the safest representation of what reviewers most consistently associate with the restaurant.
What to Order at Next Level Veggie Grill
Choosing from the current Next Level Veggie Grill menu can be surprisingly difficult because the selection is extensive. Review patterns suggest several strong starting points.
1. Chik’n Bacon Ranch
The Chik’n Bacon Ranch is one of the clearest standouts in the review history.
The current sandwich combines a crispy chik'n filet with organic tempeh bacon, smoked Gouda-style vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato, and creamy ranch on a toasted pretzel bun.
Several reviewers specifically call out the chik'n sandwich category, and the Chik’n Bacon Ranch has also been singled out by diners who were regular customers before the menu expanded. While one recent reviewer felt the item was not as good as it had been previously, that criticism actually reinforces an important point: this is an item with a substantial following and a recognizable place in the restaurant's history.
For someone visiting specifically for a vegan chicken sandwich, it is one of the most logical menu choices.
2. American ChzBurger
The American ChzBurger is another strong choice for anyone searching for the classic Next Level experience.
It features a house-seasoned smash patty, tempeh bacon, dill pickles, vegan cheese, and a choice of sauce on a brioche bun.
Reviewers repeatedly praise the restaurant's burgers, and older as well as newer feedback points to the American-style burger as a dependable representation of the concept.
It is also a useful choice for diners who want something familiar rather than one of the restaurant's more experimental combinations.
3. Signature Veggie Burger
The Signature Veggie Burger provides a different experience from the restaurant's more conventional faux-meat burgers.
The current version uses a house-made organic quinoa and mushroom patty with avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion, a choice of cheese, and roasted garlic thyme mayo on a whole-wheat bun.
A Tripadvisor reviewer specifically described this burger positively, while broader reviews continue to identify the restaurant's burgers as a major strength.
For diners who prefer a vegetable- and grain-based patty instead of a meat-style substitute, this is one of the most relevant options on the menu.
4. Cali Tempeh Power Bowl
The Cali Tempeh Power Bowl is a good counterpoint to the burger-heavy reputation.
It combines organic quinoa, glazed tempeh, power greens, mango-lemon vinaigrette, avocado, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, spiced pepita seeds, and a sesame gochu drizzle.
A recent reviewer specifically praised the Cali tempeh bowl after ordering it for delivery, describing it as very good. Other reviewers have also emphasized that the menu is much larger than expected for a restaurant commonly associated with burgers.
This is worth considering when the goal is a substantial plant-based meal without ordering a sandwich.
5. Crispy Chik’n Sandwich
The standard Crispy Chik’n Sandwich is another sensible first order for visitors interested in the restaurant's plant-based fast-food approach.
It features a crispy chik'n filet with dill pickles, lettuce, tomato, and lemon-herb mayo on a brioche bun.
Reviews repeatedly praise the restaurant's chicken-style sandwiches, with one Google reviewer specifically choosing a chicken sandwich as their favorite part of a larger meal.
The menu also includes Santa Fe and Buffalo variations, but the classic Crispy Chik’n Sandwich offers the simplest way to evaluate the category.
Other Menu Items Worth Considering
The burger and chik'n categories receive the strongest recurring praise, but several other items appear in recent reviews or stand out because of the current menu.
Crispy Golden Fries have received particularly positive comments, including a recent reviewer who described them as both fluffy and crispy. Fries have also been a recurring part of favorable burger meals.
Seasoned Onion Rings are another frequently praised side. Multiple reviews describe them as crispy, making them one of the more reliable additions for anyone building a traditional burger-and-fries meal.
Fresh Summer Rolls are a lighter alternative. They contain crispy tofu, mango, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and fresh herbs wrapped in rice paper and served with peanut sauce. Recent feedback was positive overall, although one diner felt the mango was unnecessary.
Steak Asada Burrito is among the more substantial non-burger options. It combines vegan carne asada-style steak, rice, ranchero beans, pepper jack-style cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, pepper crema, and guacamole. A recent Google reviewer liked the guacamole but felt the overall burrito could have used more flavor.
Shakes remain a notable part of the restaurant's appeal. Reviewers frequently mention them, and the menu includes flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, orange cream, cookies and cream, peanut butter cup, mint chocolate chip, and chocolate chip cookie dough. One reviewer specifically lamented the discontinuation of a coffee shake, while others continue to praise the shake selection.
What Are the Best Vegan Dishes at Next Level Veggie Grill?
There is no single objectively "best" dish, but the review pattern points toward a practical shortlist.
For a first visit, the Chik’n Bacon Ranch and American ChzBurger are strong choices because they represent the restaurant's most frequently praised comfort-food categories.
For something less burger-centric, the Cali Tempeh Power Bowl has received recent positive feedback and offers a substantially different meal.
For a classic side, Seasoned Onion Rings and Crispy Golden Fries are repeatedly mentioned favorably.
For dessert or an indulgent drink, the plant-based shakes have a strong following.
The most important caveat is that reviews are not universally consistent. A few diners have reported disappointing meals, particularly with newer menu categories or specific dishes. That makes it more useful to think in terms of recurring strengths rather than assuming every item on the menu performs equally well.
Atmosphere and Dining Experience
The Portland location has a casual, fast-casual atmosphere rather than the feel of a formal restaurant.
Reviewers describe a relatively compact interior with multiple seating configurations, including bar-style seating and tables. Outdoor seating is also mentioned positively in reviews.
The location's setting is practical rather than destination-dining formal. It is on Hawthorne Boulevard, with the restaurant describing itself as being close to shopping, vintage stores, coffee shops, and other neighborhood businesses.
Parking is an unusual advantage for a restaurant in a busy Portland commercial corridor. Multiple reviewers mention the parking lot, although some note that it can fill up.
The ordering experience is also worth knowing about. Reviews describe a self-service digital ordering setup, with diners able to order from a large screen, while human assistance is available as well. Food is then brought to the table.
Several diners describe the staff as friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, particularly when substitutions or dietary questions are involved. At the same time, service feedback is not completely uniform. A small number of reviews report disappointing experiences, and one review criticized the handling and condition of a specific order.
The broad pattern is therefore positive, but not flawless.
Is Next Level Veggie Grill Good for Families and Groups?
The menu makes the restaurant relatively adaptable for groups.
A party can order burgers, chik'n sandwiches, tacos, burritos, bowls, salads, sides, desserts, and shakes without needing to compromise on the fact that the entire menu is vegan.
The children's menu also includes familiar choices such as a kid-sized burger, teriyaki bowl, mac and cheese, tenders, and quesadilla.
For families or mixed-preference groups, the variety may be one of the restaurant's biggest practical strengths. It is easier to accommodate different appetites when the menu covers both indulgent comfort food and more vegetable- and grain-focused meals.
Practical Information for Visiting Next Level Veggie Grill Portland
Location
Next Level Veggie Grill is located at:
4121 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214
The address is in Portland's Sunnyside area along the Hawthorne corridor.
The restaurant describes the location as its original location and notes that it is close to shopping, vintage stores, coffee shops, and other businesses along Hawthorne Boulevard.
Hours
The restaurant's current location information lists these hours:
- Sunday: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Monday: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Tuesday: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Wednesday: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Thursday: 11 a.m.–midnight
- Friday: 11 a.m.–midnight
- Saturday: 11 a.m.–midnight
Because restaurant hours can change, particularly around holidays or operational changes, diners should verify the schedule before traveling.
Parking and Seating
Free parking is available in the lot in front of the restaurant, according to the restaurant's current location information. Reviewers also mention outdoor seating.
The interior is casual and relatively compact, so this is better understood as a fast-casual meal than a long, formal dining experience.
Reservations
Next Level Veggie Grill operates primarily as a counter-service, fast-casual restaurant, and reservations are not presented as a central part of the dining experience.
For most visitors, ordering and finding a table is likely to be more relevant than planning a traditional reservation. Larger groups should still check directly with the restaurant if they need specific seating arrangements.
Ordering and Delivery
Takeout and delivery are available, and several recent reviewers have described ordering through delivery platforms.
For delivery, keep in mind that dishes that depend on crisp textures—such as fries, onion rings, or crispy sandwiches—can naturally eat differently after travel than they do immediately after preparation.
Dietary Considerations
The biggest dietary advantage is straightforward: the restaurant is fully vegan.
The menu also includes multiple items marked gluten-free or gluten-free optional, including selected bowls, sides, tacos, and other dishes. The availability of gluten-free choices makes the restaurant potentially useful for diners avoiding gluten.
However, dietary labels are not a substitute for direct communication when an allergy or medically necessary restriction is involved. Ingredients, recipes, preparation methods, and cross-contact practices can change.
For severe allergies, diners should ask the restaurant about current ingredients and kitchen procedures before ordering.
For someone simply looking for a vegan restaurant in Portland, the fully vegan menu removes one of the most common challenges of plant-based dining: having to determine whether a seemingly vegan dish shares preparation space with animal products.
How the Reviews Have Changed With the Expanded Menu
One of the most interesting themes in recent reviews is the tension between variety and consistency.
Longtime customers often associate the restaurant with a relatively focused selection of burgers, fries, shakes, and vegan chicken. More recent versions of the menu add a much wider range of foods, including tacos, burritos, bowls, salads, plates, and other dishes.
Some reviewers love the change. They appreciate having far more choices and describe the menu as surprisingly large.
Others feel the expansion has diluted the consistency of some older favorites. A few recent reviewers specifically say that burgers or chik'n items they previously loved have not been as reliable since the menu expanded.
That does not mean the current menu is broadly poor. The overall review picture remains favorable, and several recent diners have enthusiastically praised individual dishes.
It does mean that visitors should not assume every category is equally proven. The strongest recurring reputation remains around burgers, chik'n sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and shakes.
For a first visit, those categories are the most defensible starting points.
For repeat visitors, the broader menu provides plenty of room to explore.
A Natural Fit for Plant-Based Living
For people who see vegan dining as part of a broader interest in compassion, mindfulness, and more intentional consumption, restaurants such as Next Level Veggie Grill offer an easy way to make plant-based choices part of everyday life rather than treating vegan food as a specialty occasion. That same spirit extends beyond the plate: The Dharma Store offers vegan-themed organic-cotton apparel, including its Vegan T-Shirts, for people who enjoy expressing their connection to plant-based living through everyday choices.
Worth Knowing Before You Go
The strongest reason to visit Next Level Veggie Grill is the combination of an entirely vegan menu and familiar comfort-food formats.
It is especially well suited to diners looking for vegan burgers, plant-based chicken sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and shakes. The current menu also gives adventurous diners plenty of alternatives, from tacos and burritos to bowls and salads.
The main caveat is consistency.
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive overall, but some recent diners have noticed differences in quality between menu categories. The expanded selection has generated both enthusiasm and criticism. A few customers feel certain dishes have become less consistent, while others appreciate the greater variety and report excellent meals.
Portion feedback is similarly mixed. Some reviewers consider certain sides or meals relatively small, while others find the food filling. One long-running theme is that individual experiences can vary depending on the particular dish ordered.
The practical takeaway is simple: first-time diners who want the highest likelihood of matching the restaurant's established reputation should start with a burger or chik'n sandwich, add a well-reviewed side, and consider a shake.
Those interested in exploring the newer, broader menu can branch out into bowls, burritos, tacos, salads, and shareables on subsequent visits.
FAQ
Is Next Level Veggie Grill in Portland fully vegan?
Yes. The Portland location serves a 100% vegan menu. Its offerings include burgers, chik'n sandwiches, burritos, tacos, bowls, salads, sides, desserts, and shakes.
What should you order at Next Level Veggie Grill?
The most consistently praised categories include vegan burgers, chik'n sandwiches, onion rings, fries, and shakes. The Chik’n Bacon Ranch, American ChzBurger, Signature Veggie Burger, and Cali Tempeh Power Bowl are useful starting points based on the current menu and recurring review mentions.
What is Next Level Veggie Grill known for?
The restaurant is best known for plant-based comfort food, particularly vegan burgers, crispy chik'n sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and shakes. Its current menu has expanded considerably beyond burgers.
Where is Next Level Veggie Grill located in Portland?
The restaurant is at 4121 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97214, in the Sunnyside area along the Hawthorne corridor.
Does Next Level Veggie Grill have gluten-free options?
Yes. The current menu identifies a number of items as gluten-free or gluten-free optional. However, diners with celiac disease or serious allergies should confirm current ingredients and cross-contact procedures directly with the restaurant.
Does Next Level Veggie Grill take reservations?
The restaurant operates primarily in a casual, counter-service format, and reservations are not emphasized as part of the normal dining experience. Larger parties or diners with specific seating needs should confirm arrangements directly with the restaurant.
Final Take
Next Level Veggie Grill stands out in Portland because it combines the convenience and familiarity of fast-casual food with a completely vegan menu.
Its strongest identity remains the burger-and-chik'n side of the menu, where public reviews repeatedly highlight satisfying burgers, crispy sandwiches, onion rings, fries, and shakes. The newer, broader menu makes the restaurant more versatile, with bowls, tacos, burritos, salads, shareables, and other plant-based meals giving repeat visitors plenty of options.
The reviews also make one thing clear: not every dish receives the same level of enthusiasm. Some diners feel the expanded menu has introduced inconsistency, while others appreciate the additional choices and have found new favorites.
For someone searching for a vegan restaurant in Portland, the restaurant is therefore best approached as a broad plant-based comfort-food spot with especially strong credentials in burgers, sandwiches, sides, and shakes. Those categories offer the clearest introduction to what has made the location popular, while the larger menu provides plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the classics.
Restaurant menus, ingredients, hours, ordering procedures, seating arrangements, and dietary policies can change. The information in this guide reflects publicly available information and review patterns available at the time of research and should not be treated as a guarantee of current menu availability, preparation practices, or operating hours. Diners with allergies or strict dietary requirements should confirm ingredients and cross-contact procedures directly with the restaurant before ordering.