Hillside Quickie's Vegan Sandwich Shop

Favorite Bites: Crazy Jamaican Burger, Macaroni & Yease
Food: (poor) 1 2 3 4 5 (excellent)
Service: (poor) 1 2 3 4 5 (excellent)
Appearance: (poor) 1 2 3 4 5 (excellent)

If the name of this Restaurant seems familiar to you then you have probably purchased one of their fresh vegan sandwiches or subs that are sold in local health food and grocery stores. While those are good, having them made minutes before you eat them cannot be beat, especially if you are looking for a little Vegan spice in your life.

They have a variety of tofu-, tempeh- and seitan-based subs and deli sandwiches in various flavors to choose from. I have tried a pre-prepared Tofustrami TLT that was in their deli case, since I was running late for lunch one day. This one was made with thin sliced Tofustrami, lettuce, grilled onions and their own vegan mayo on grilled seven grain bread. It can also sometimes come with potato salad and tomatoes. It was good in terms of the spices on the Tofustrami, but I could tell that the sandwich had been in the case for a while because the lettuce was really wilted and the bread was a bit soggy. When she rang up my purchase, she did mention that I might want to take the lettuce off and gave me a discount without my asking.
I was much more impressed on another visit with the Crazy Jamaican Burger. Be warned though, it is piled high with ingredients, and is almost impossible to get a bite with every layer. It is made with their Jamaican spice tofu, potato salad, grilled onions, grilled sweet plantains, and their own vegan mayo sauce on a whole wheat bun. I really like the way the Jamaican spices of the tofu contrast with the sweetness of the grilled plantains. And, while I was skeptical about having potato salad actually on a vegan burger, I found it to be an interesting mix with the rest of the ingredients and quite liked it. Plus, the vegan mayo sauce is quite good. If it were not for the fact that I have been trying to order different things from their menu each time for this review, I would have ordered this on every visit.
I have also tried a BBQ Tofu sandwich, from their Specials menu one day. It was good, and the tofu was prepared just right, but I found the BBQ sauce to be a little bitter for my tastes. I also had a portion of their Macaroni & Yease on that visit. I really really liked it. It does not try replicating the melted cheese that you find in dairy macaroni and cheese. Instead it has it's own hearty version, which I find to be much more flavorful. They also serve this by the pound, so that you can take some home for later.
In addition to the subs, sandwiches, and burgers they also serve wraps, burritos, soups, side dishes, and specials such as curried vegetables or a pasta entree.

The menu also includes daily vegan desserts, cookies, cakes, pies, nut bars and soft serve vegan soy cream. I have tried one of their cookies, coconut lemon bars, and a slice of chocolate cake, but was not super impressed with them compared to other places that make vegan sweets. I found the cookies and bars to be a little on the stale/tough side, and I could taste the sugar granules in the cake's frosting.

In addition to the normal menu, they have a Saturday brunch. I have yet to try it, but apparently they have things such as polenta and vegan French toast. The menu does change from week to week, and plates start at $5.99.

The decor is simple and low-key, just what you would expect from a sandwich shop. They do have a couple of tables outside, which is nice in the summer. The service, while very friendly, can be very slow at times, as there is only one person working (or at least that has been the case every time I have been). So, if there is anyone ahead of you, expect a lengthy wait. If it was not for this, I would have given them a higher ranking for their service.