Mr. Natural Reviews

I have visited this place since 2000, and was particularly impressed how a Mexican place could offer vegan food, AND have a Yoga studio! However, I have noticed that what used to be a pure vegetarian place, now serves fish. The food choices here are unique, and their lunch combos offer good variety. My most recent visit was ON Thanksgiving day, and they whipped up a very good substitute to a traditional Thanksgiving meal! They had sliced Tofurkey meat, except it was good, and the mushroom gravy on top was fantastic. Every time we visit, we just get addicted to their Spinach Pineapple juice, that is naturally sweetened. Not sure if this juice is healthy, but sure tastes awesome, even though the combination of Spinach and Pineapple sounds weird. There is also a health food store next door, that they have expanded over the years.

We ate at this restaurant on our last day in town. What a gem! There were lunch specials and you could order off the menu. I ordered a lunch special with tamales. I got an interesting sweet pineapple salad, 2 tamales, flavorful rice, and delicious refried beans for under $10. There were many options, but I enjoyed mine! My daughter ordered the flautas off of the menu and enjoyed her dish a lot, too! We studied the dessert options and noticed there were cake samples out. My daughter asked what it was - it was vegan tiramisu. She tried it and absolutely wanted to get a slice, but they were out of slices. When we expressed dismay, the woman working there cut a brand new cake! The cake was delicious! We spotted vegan tapioca pudding, too, and that was a delight as well. Creamy with large tapioca balls and a good bit of coconut flavor- it was wonderful. The worst part about coming here is wanting everything you see, especially in the dessert case. The best part is that it's almost all vegan!

Coming in as out-of-towners, the general order of the place was a little unclear (tried to order; did it incorrectly, wasn’t sure where to sit or if we were to clear our own space). The food itself was decent, although the cost was a bit high for what we got. I would still probably go here again because the food was hearty, vegan fare.

good food. terrible service!!!!!

scoped out a vegan restaurant in downtown Austin.. just to broaden our eating horizons. Well worth the search. it's easy to find, just about 4-5 blocks East of I-35 on Cesar Chavez. we will be going back soon. amazing Mexican food, clean, mid range $$. and a very nice little bakery section. beautiful cakes. the veggie burgers are made fresh right there...not frozen. thank you again Austin for good food places.

I'm not vegetarian. In fact, I'm the opposite. But if I was, I would eat here all the time. The mexican food is closer to the authentic stuff than most other Mexican restaurants I've been to. Try out the chiles rellenos or enchiladas. They also have really good friut jiuces and aguas frescas. I went to the one on S. Lamar, but both should be the same.

Not beautiful, but not pretentious either. The canteen style restaurant has seating inside and a couple of tables outside for when the weather is fine. The first Sunday of every month is a vegan brunch, costing $17 including a drink, dessert, and a crepe station. The food is tasty, though a bit too heavy on the mock meats/tofu. There's a store specialising in vitamin and supplements too.

bland village

love them! but share your plate - it's a lot of food!

I'm so glad this vegetarian restaurant is in Austin. Love both locations; good wholesome vegetarian food for the family.

The freshly made on-site tortillas are so good! I had a taco and I selected the ingredients, nopales, potatoes, and cilantro. I did not notice the cilantro in my taco but it was good. My friend enjoyed her migas tacos, and my husband liked his Flaco Taco, egg whites, spinach, mushrooms, and onions. We liked the cheese and bean dip with tortilla chips.

It was good and a good option of veggies. It was not incredible but it was good. Lot's of dessert options

I have been here countless times over the last four years. Rarely, does it not live up to my high expectations. You can order all a cart or a lunch buffet. Not only are the meals good but they have a nice variety of bakery goods as well which are made on site. It is great to have a restaurant like this in our community.

I love Mr. Natural! The potato flautas are awesome! It is a very casual place with nice people. I have had some of their baked goods and especially love the vegan chocolate doughnuts and cake slices. I ordered my daughter's graduation cake, and everyone was pleased with the taste who had not had vegan cake before. If they had vegan wine, beer, or cocktails, I would go even more often. Great little grocery store, too!

I was excited to find a vegan bakery as we drove by. So the place could have been average but because of how happy I was, it would've seemed great. Despite these initial feelings, I deeply regret having gone here. When I first walked in, it looked like a grimy health food store with quite a lot of customers. Looking through the glass, the pastries didn't look fresh. Some were labeled vegan, others had no label. So I asked if this cream filled pastry was vegan. The cashier said she really didn't know, sorry. She didn't bother asking someone who might know, so I kept contemplating what to get. Another customer comes up and asked about the same pastry as I did. A lady walks by and says it is. So I decide to get that. I then asked that lady what is in it. She says it's bavarian cream. So I ask- but what is it that makes it vegan? She says-' I don't know. I just know it's vegan because it's made in shop, sorry.' It was annoying that there are people who work in a vegan bakery who don't care to give answers about what the pastries are made of. It wasn't that I doubted they were vegan. I wanted to know what I would be tasting. There's a big difference between coconut whipped cream and coconut oil, for instance. Then to top it all off, as I was looking at more pastries, I saw a small roach crawling behind the glass near the pastries. I threw my pastry away when I got to the car and vowed to never let my bad feelings about a place be ignored. If the employees don't care about anything, that's usually a big sign. I should've decided against purchasing something when they couldn't answer my questions

This our go to spot when in Austin. We looked at other menus and restaurants online before deciding to stick with what we know. We got to Mr. Natural as they were putting out the lunch choices. You get a salad, two sides, and an entree. Since we rarely go to Austin I decided to live it up and get two entrees. My eyes were way bigger than my stomach. I got the spring roll, eggplant, salad, refried beans, potatoes and corn tortilla. I ended up cleaning my plate and my sister did the same to her plate. I also got a side of refried beans that tasted just like my mom made them. We also got vegan chocolate tres leche cake and rainbow cake. The butter cream on the rainbow cake was too sweet for me, but the cake was still yummy. The chocolate tres leche had whipped icing which is my kryptonite. I wanted to purchase more treats, but my stomach was telling me no more. Until next time Mr. Natural.

Only in Austin can you find a gem like this! Healthy, vegetarian and vegan Mexican food served in a laidback atmosphere. You can order cafeteria style or from the menu, and they also have equally delicious and health-conscious desserts, many of them also vegan. They even have a grocery section so you can take home some of the goodness!

Vegans and nonvegans alike flock to Mr Natural every 1st sunday of the month for their generous brunch buffet! They have the best bakery in town and have a great restaurant menu all day long. You cant go wrong at all!

So pleased we found this gem on our last visit to Austin! My friend is vegan so we explore restaurants that will also meet my vegetarian tastes. This one fits the bill!! They have an excellent lunch time buffet. HOWEVER...it may be the vegan. gluten free sweets that will have us seeking them out overtime we're near!

somewhat healthy food and lots of choices

Great coffee, great daiyaquilles, great Bavarian creme cone. The service was great. I highly recommend this for your vegetarian and vegan needs!

This cozy little neighborhood bakery/restaurant/health food market is a delight. The health food store features hard to find products from Mexico as well as mainstream items found at GNC or Central Market. The restaurant prepares food as ordered, but also has a steam table with vegan selections. But this was my first visit and we wanted only desert after enjoying BBQ nearby, so we sampled cookies, muffins and pastries. Some were gluten free. All were equally delicious!

great food! all vegetarian! very tasty!

You truly won't miss the meat. --signed "Committed Carnivore"

This place surprised us because it was kind of a 'hole in the wall' looking place but had had great reviews for their bakery. we decided to try them for lunch. my mother in law ordered nachos off the menu and they were really really good. my kids ordered peanut butter jelly sandwiches off the menu, they took a long time to get but the kids really liked them and they were rather large. The staff was super friendly and helpful and sweet as well as knowledgeable. Many items were vegan and some were lacto-vegetarian (cheese and dairy but no eggs). The best part is we all decided to get the buffet items for lunch, you choose 1 salad, 1 entree, 2-3 sides, and they give very large portions and some of it was authentic mexican items such as tamales and gorditas (the real way), seitan fajitas, and some were eggless potato salad, and cucumber salad with avacado dressing. My husband and I got different items from each other so we could try all of it, and each items was super tasty! it was very yummy and we would definately go back again. Our friends liked it a lot too and even liked it better than mother's cafe!

Mr. Natural has been around for years but I never went in before today. Lots of options that are vegan friendly.

Wonderful healthy, inexpensive food!

I've been vegetarian for over 40 years -- so I'm inclined to see an all vegetarian restaurant in a positive light. Mr. Natural's food was poorly made, sat around for hours (days?), was served lukewarm from cafeteria pans. Not tasty, not authentic, not fresh. The only plus was that we didn't get food poisoning. I would never go again, and regret that this place is such a poor ambassador for vegetarian food.

We dropped in for a late breakfast on a Saturday. The setting is nondescript but the food is amazing! My husband had the Popeye omelette and I had the oatmeal. We shared an acai bowl as well. The oatmeal was cooked with lots of cinnamon, raisin and almond (or soy if you prefer) milk. Then it was topped with strawberries and banana slices. So yummy! The organic coffee was also delicious and the service was friendly. We didn't have room for any of the baked goods but they looked amazing. We'll definitely come back next time we're in Austin.

We went a few times for lunch - they have a lot of great options that are really good. And they do a great job of being creative and bringing in different kinds of protein. It's a quick place, but it's really good and really appreciate what they offer.

I've eaten at Mr. Natural many times, and I have never been disappointed. The food is excellent and the service is fast and good. I can't recommend just one thing on the menu, because I love everything there! And, try the carrot cake, too!

Smells like a 1970's health-food store.

Vegetarian mexican never tasted better with all that manipulation of soy in ways I have seen only here.

I have been to this place a handful of times and gotten various things. I like the food, however it is greasy. It is like vegetarian home cooking. I wish they had a few more light and healthy dishes. However, I always got food off the 'buffet', you can order items to be made for you and that might offer healthier options. The place is older and is half restaurant and half health/vitamin store with a few food items for sale. I've never been anywhere quite like it. They do have outdoor seating which is nice on a cool Texas day. The bathrooms are not very nice. I love the concept of a vegetarian restaurant! Not many of them where I live.

I have grown to love Mr. Natural. Whenever I am in Austin, I always stop in. This time I went with my cousin. She's a vegetarian and I am a vegan. We both found something we were able to order off of the menu. I ordered the vegan chicken wings and while they had good flavor, the seitan texture was off. Some of them were cooked to perfection, while others had a soft, silken tofu like texture. My cousin ordered the chili cheese fries, but the brought out a chili cheese dog instead. The staff was nice about taking it back and giving her the correct order. However, it did take a long time to get our order. I also got some cake to go. Mr. Natural has the best whipped frosting and softest cake. All of there desserts are just as good too!

Really good healthy vegetarian and vegan food! I highly recommend the German Chocolate cake here... the best I've tasted ever!

For a satisfying vegetarian meal, Mr Natural is a good option. They have a great $8.95 lunch special where you get to choose a salad, entree, and two sides. It’s a great deal. Nothing is fancy here, but satisfying. You can also order off the menu if you like.

I loved the shabby, penitential feel of Mr. Natural's cafe. It reminded me of the days when fitness and vegetarian food, along with yoga and meditation, were the domain of weirdos, who had to be served in drab, almost clinical settings to somehow lend credibility to their strange predilections. The clientele -- at least that I saw -- was far from exotic. Mid-morning found two cops enjoying great eggs and a young mother, with child, picking up baked goods. (The pastry selection is vast and enticing.) The young women at the counter were sweet and enthusiastic, handily turning around my rush order for an egg white taco with potatoes. It was yummy, and I look forward to another chance to find myself at Mr. Natural's.

We liked the vegan options for main course and deserts. The employees were very nice and friendly. It is a hole in the wall kind of a place, but the food was great! We had so many vegan options, we wanted to try a lot more than we could eat:) I would reccomend this health store/ restaurant to vegans and vegetarians.

Mr. Natural has a large vegetarian menu, with many vegan options. My tamale entree, which came with three sides, was delicious, filling and inexpensive. There is a difference, however, between laid back service and "not interested" service. This was definitely "not interested". But because it's cafeteria style, the teens with 'tude behind the counter didn't matter that much to the overall experience.

Mr. Natural is my favorite destination in Austin for Tex-Mex. It is a vegetarian restaurant that makes traditional Tex-Mex dishes using meat alternatives. There are plenty of vegan and gluten free options. Be sure to check out their cakes, cookies and pastries. This morning I had egg and vegan bacon tacos on wheat tortillas and was really impressed!

We enjoyed a Saturday morning brunch. The restaurant/heathfood store was uncrowded and relaxed. We loved having Tex Mex without worry of Lard. The bakery was fun too with creative and tasty vegan baked goods.

Can't tell it from the outside but it's worth going if you like great tasting vegetarian food. Cafeteria style ordering. Lunch specials include a choice of main course and sides. They prepare TVP (textured vegetable protein) to taste like fajitas, meat balls, carne guisada, & etc. I took a carnivore friend there and he couldn't tell the difference until I told him. Very casual. Also, prepared frozen tamales & etc. from a case. One of the most extensive gluten free bakeries in Austin with a fresh assortment of cakes, cookies, & etc. Also, a large selection of vitamins and natural supplements. Friendly, relaxed, atmosphere.

It was well past lunch time and we were desperately seeking some quick vegan food. We spotted MR Natural and decided to give it a try. They had a small lunch buffet with Salads, Entrees and sides so we made our choices and dug in. This isn't high class cuisine but it was tasty and filling. Many vegetable based choices so we were happy and refueled.

Mr. Natural is my go to restaurant for vegan food. They have a lot of variety to their menu and their bakery. As a gluten free vegan this is the best place for me. My go to meal is the potato flautas! They come with amazingly delicious refried beans and rice with a spicy avocado sauce. Definitely try it next time you're there! Gluten free vegans, this is your safe haven.

Ok. But I do not approve of the vegan lifestyle.

Traveling with a vegan can be a challenge, but this small neighborhood restaurant was a good choice for breakfast. Excellent Breakfast burritos and very good Cinnamon Toast (make sure they don't forget the pecans!) But the service is a liitle slow, so give yourself time.

Came here for the first time for breakfast.Had a wonderful big omelet with veggie chorizo on it and it was very tasty.Comes with s side order of black beans or pintos that were cooked just right. They have a very big menu for vegetarians and vegans.Also have a big variety of smoothies and vegan bakery. Will be coming back again to enjoy their large Texmex selections.

Mmmm, I totally crave this place. The avacado salsa is fantabulous!

Was nice to see this cafeteria type restaurant attached to a store. Stopped for a quick bite which turned out to be extremely filling. The lunch special has a good variety of vegetarian fare and they haven't forgotten vegans as well - yay! Good for us! Friendly staff and quick service; reasonably priced.

Alright so I know natural doesn't mean organic or anything but we were confused when we came here because it was hyped up as being super healthy and amazing... There was organic rice on the menu but otherwise it seemed to be conventional. We got some tortilla chips and they were super greasy, I felt awful after I ate them which was sad :( We also got some tacos which took so long we ended up getting them to go and then we didn't end up finishing them as we really weren't impressed with their quality. I think this place is in the right direction but could use some improvements.

I love this little restaurant and appreciate their ability to make delicious vegetarian options, which appeal to my omnivorous friends too.

Happened upon this place when visiting Austin and I am so happy I found it. I loved that they have lots of vegetarian options. I had their chili cheese dog. Yum! It was huge. I had to use a fork and knife. Their spinach pineapple juice was delicious. I'm sure it had a lot of sugar (agave) in it, but I was splurging, so I didn't mind. They also sell pastries and have a big selection of vegan and gluten free items. My friends all enjoyed their meals. They have additional parking adjacent to the restaurant.

Excellent breakfast choices. Loved the gluten free chocolate donuts. Great for vegans and others. The staff were friendly and helpful. I am going back the next time I’m in town.

This is the second time we have ordered a birthday cake from this establishment. Both times were excellent. The Italian Creme cake was light, fluffy, and simply put- delicious, with a gorgeous appearance. Our guests were impressed and kept asking where we had purchased it. Though I'm not a vegetarian, I can appreciate the healthy and natural ingredients that went into the making of this bakery item, which also helped to make many happy faces at our birthday party.

This is a super clean, healthy restaurant with a true Mexican twist. There is a lengthy menu, but I never seem to make it past the specials line. There portions are huge and having lived in Mexico for 10 years, it is very authentic! The tortillas are made by hand! and they will sell them to you separately if you want to take some home. Jummy.

Laid-back - and really good food too

Mr. Natural is a small but wonderful restaurant that serves outstanding and healthy dishes, and has a nice bakery. It has many vegan and gluten free choices. I had the black bean gordidas platter. It is a must try! This is a nice stop on the way into or out of Austin, or if you want a destination healthy food choice. The service is warm, friendly, and prompt!

too much sugar and nothing organic, so it's disappointing

Very healthy and yummy options. The vegan tamales are very good. Easy to park and no wait time. Friendly atmosphere.

Wife loves it...but I got moldy cake...so it'll take me awhile to get back in there

The food is decent. You can order from the menu or order cafeteria style. They have many desserts to choose from. All vegan with lots of gluten free options. I ordered some nachos, i thought with nacho cheese. My sister got a burger with fries and other sis ordered from the line. I thought i was getting nacho cheese instead of dayia. There was some miscommunication obviously, but the owner rectified the situation amd evwn beought ua from fresh gluten free chocolate donuts that were tastey. The food was average, but the service feom thr owner out it over the too.

So good. Try the fried eggplant. Mmm.

mmmm.

We eat here everytime we travel to Austin (my husband likes the food). This trip the service was the worst yet - and it was never good to begin with. The servers do not care. They got my order wrong and were not happy that I had them do it again. I ordered a sandwich and recieved a burger. The server looked at me like it was my fault. I know what I ordered. It took forever to get the food the 1st time and the re-do was no quicker. Since I was starving at that point my husband gave me his tortillia soup. That was wonderful. Ordered an oatmeal/coconut cookie and it was so dry and tasteless that I trashed it after the 1st bite. Since my husband likes their sandwiches we will be back. I will get the soup again.

so much yum vegetarian/vegan food and tons of choices, i never dont' love it. and the veg thanksgiving is my fave

They only do a few things well, but I love the mole and the tamales!

We had a very good breakfast here, Mexican - vegetarian style, which is almost impossible to get in our home town. The food ranged from good to very good. The bakery products looked great, but we didn't try anything after breakfast. Tons of Vegan options. The cowboy scramble was the standout. Service was a bit spotty; they seemed understaffed at 10:00 am on Saturday.