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In Pasadena, one block north of Orange Grove Blvd on Lake St., is fast-food heaven. Among the four corners sit five fast food joints: KFC, Carl's Jr., McDonald's, Roscoe's Chicken 'n Waffles, and Orean.
What the hell is Orean?!!? Oh, it's a fast food vegetarian joint. From breakfast burritos to hot dogs and hamburgers, it's an all-American vegetarian fare. However, the food doesn't come too fast -- the service is at pace with a busy night at In-n-Out (a half hour for a grilled cheese?). If you are looking to get on with life, the drive-thru window is the way to go: as we sat there waiting for our food, the window was buzzing with business.
Many vegans warn that Orean's is not totally vegan. Then again, we see no signs of it claiming to be vegan. And as vegan/vegetarian restaurants go, Orean is what it claims to be: fast food. Don't expect Madeleine Bistro, expect it to be like a vegetarian dog at Dodger Stadium.
Orean is located at 817 N Lake Ave in Pasadena. You can find more info at www.oreanshealthexpress.com
For more vegan junk food, check out Taran Noah Smith's Vegan Cheese.
