Vegan Sandwich Spot in Portland Offers Innovative Twists on Classics

DC Vegetarian's Reuben and other soy curl-based sandwiches stand out in the city's plant-based dining scene.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:56pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a vegan Reuben sandwich with soy curls, sauerkraut, and rye bread, repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the innovative and craveable vegan comfort food offerings at DC Vegetarian.DC Vegetarian's creative plant-based takes on classic sandwiches are drawing attention in Portland's vibrant vegan dining scene.Seattle Today

DC Vegetarian, a popular vegan restaurant in Portland, is known for its creative takes on classic sandwich recipes. The restaurant's Reuben, Italian sub, and Cajun chicken po' boy all feature soy curls as the protein base, delivering a satisfying texture and flavor. The menu also includes rotating specials like a pickled carrot bánh mì burger and vegan takes on regional favorites.

Why it matters

As plant-based diets continue to gain mainstream popularity, restaurants like DC Vegetarian are helping to expand the range of vegan cuisine beyond just salads and grain bowls. By offering innovative, craveable sandwiches, DC Vegetarian is appealing to both dedicated vegans and flexitarian diners looking to incorporate more meatless options into their routines.

The details

DC Vegetarian's Reuben sandwich is a standout, with the restaurant's house-made soy curls standing in for traditional corned beef. The curls are heavily seasoned and paired with sauerkraut, dressing, and fluffy rye bread. The Italian sub and Cajun chicken po' boy also feature the soy curls as the protein base, along with an array of fresh and pickled vegetables. In addition to the core menu, DC Vegetarian offers monthly, weekly, and even daily specials, like a pickled carrot bánh mì burger and a vegan take on the Seattle dog.

  • DC Vegetarian opened in Portland in 2015.

The players

DC Vegetarian

A popular vegan restaurant in Portland, Oregon that is known for its creative plant-based takes on classic sandwich recipes.

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The takeaway

DC Vegetarian is demonstrating how vegan cuisine can be both delicious and innovative, offering a range of satisfying sandwiches that appeal to both dedicated plant-based eaters and those looking to incorporate more meatless options into their diets.