Whether you find yourself eating with carnivores or omnivores, the Sunflower Natural Food Restaurant is a vegetarian fast food drive-in likely to win over those that are skeptical when ordering dishes without meat. The restaurant is ideal for a quick and cheap bite to eat, has a menu that is vegetarian-friendly, and provides vegan and gluten-free dietary accommodations

The off the grill and on the grill menu provides Mexican food and classic burger options. The Super Avocado and Cheese off the grill dish consisting of pocket bread filled with melted cheese, onions, pickles and tomatoes under a cucumber and yogurt topping for $6.49 is ideal for those craving a savory, but light meal.

The restaurant offers some refreshing alternatives to traditional fillings with its Nutburger and crunchy Nutty Taco. Both dishes cost $5.69 and use nutmeat, which is a nutritious replacement for meat made of various ground nuts packed with omega-3 fatty acids like walnuts, as well as beans and peanut butter.

The non-dairy black bean burrito is a larger dish that is preferable for when you find yourself extra hungry and on a budget. They are modestly priced at $5.39 and served on a whole wheat tortilla with basmati rice, black beans, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, hot sauce, romaine lettuce and sprouts.

Janay Lovering said her experiences while eating at Sunflower Natural Food Restaurant were pleasant and homey.

“The burgers are made fresh right after you order,” Lovering said. “It’s a popular place to eat, and everyone eating there is friendly with each other.”

Outside of the restaurant, chickens stroll amongst chatty customers as they enjoy their greasy vegetarian food. The restaurant’s homey atmosphere is fueled by friendly staff and its laid-back environment that makes eating there feel relaxing.

“I don’t like birds, but the food is really good,” Lovering said.

The restaurant has been serving vegetarian fast food in Fair Oaks since 1978 and is regularly busy.

Choosing where to eat when out with friends can be challenging when trying to make sure everyone in the group is satisfied, but Sunflower Natural Food Restaurant can handle the challenge.

Hope Roberts can be reached at [email protected]