Eating at The Vegan Side Of Things was a wonderful experience. The food is super delicious, with an incredibly rich flavor that makes you want to come back again and again. Everything was so tasty that I enjoyed every single bite. Definitely a place that wins you over from the very first visit. Highly recommended!
Overview
Tucked quietly behind the Rib Shack in Food Truck Alley at 119 Old Griffin Rd, McDonough, GA 30253, The Vegan Side Of Things isn’t your average roadside eatery. It’s the kind of place you stumble upon once and then keep coming back to, craving that same burst of freshness and flavor that only comes from food cooked with heart and purpose. The moment you spot the cheerful green signage and get a whiff of the sizzling vegetables, you know you’re in for something special.
I first discovered this hidden gem while exploring local food trucks one warm Saturday afternoon. A line had formed near a bright trailer, the air filled with hints of coconut oil, herbs, and grilled mushrooms. The name caught my eye, and the crowd sealed the deal-I had to see what the fuss was about. One bite into their BBQ jackfruit sandwich, smoky and tangy in all the right ways, and I was instantly converted. It had that familiar Southern comfort feel, but completely plant-based.
Their menu is thoughtfully curated, offering a mix of comforting classics and inventive twists. The chickpea “tuna” wrap has become a favorite among regulars, and the loaded sweet potato fries topped with cashew queso are the kind of snack that make you forget you’re eating vegan. Everything is made from scratch, with locally sourced produce whenever possible. According to the owner, who’s been in the vegan culinary scene for over a decade, each dish is crafted to “make vegan food approachable and satisfying for everyone.”
There’s a level of care and authenticity in every meal that reflects true experience. The team doesn’t just serve food-they share a lifestyle that promotes mindful eating and sustainability. They often host small tastings and collaborate with local farmers, making sure their ingredients stay seasonal and fresh. I learned from a recent visit that their coconut curry bowl uses vegetables from a nearby farm less than ten miles away, reducing their carbon footprint while supporting local agriculture. That commitment alone sets them apart in a crowded food landscape.
Beyond flavor, what gives this spot an edge is how it appeals to both vegans and non-vegans alike. A survey by The Vegan Society found that over 40% of people now include plant-based meals in their weekly diet, even if they’re not fully vegan. The Vegan Side Of Things taps right into that growing trend-offering flavorful, nutrient-packed dishes that even meat-lovers can’t resist. Their BBQ cauliflower tacos, for instance, are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and dressed with a spicy lime crema that’s pure perfection.
The service adds to the charm. Friendly faces greet you from the window, always ready to chat about what’s new on the menu or suggest the day’s best combo. It feels like a community more than a business, and that warmth shows in the reviews. Locals rave about their customer care and freshness, with consistent five-star ratings popping up on social platforms and food apps. People often comment that it’s the “place that made them fall in love with vegan food,” which says a lot about its impact.
As someone who’s spent years exploring restaurants around Georgia, I can confidently say this spot has mastered the balance between indulgence and health. The flavors are bold, the textures satisfying, and the philosophy behind the food genuine. For those curious about trying plant-based dining for the first time, or regular vegans looking for a reliable go-to, this food truck offers both comfort and creativity. It’s proof that great food doesn’t need meat to taste like home.
If you find yourself near McDonough, skip the ordinary and look for the little green truck behind the Rib Shack. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or an entire meal that surprises your taste buds, The Vegan Side Of Things is the kind of place that turns first-time visitors into loyal fans, one delicious bite at a time.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as Black-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Quick bite ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe space ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ On-site parking ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed ✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
Location
Reviews
Hidden gem a little less than an hour from Atlanta - we were on our way back to ATL and decided to stop here and so glad we did. Got the rib trash plate with the Mac n cheese, collards and fried oyster mushrooms as our sides and then the Incredible Hulk juice. Everything was so well seasoned and fresh. Will definitely be back. I honestly couldn’t name a favorite part - we loved it all! Forgot to grab a pic before eating because it smelled so good. There’s parking in the back and a little seating area. We ate right there.
@the_vegansideofthings One thing I always like to do is to give my reviews on a black owned business. This business is tucked away on 119 Old Griffin Rd. McDonough, Georgia. This is an outside food truck with outside seating to enjoy the scenery. I had the ribs trash plate/ greens/fried cabbage/mac & cheese and of course fried mushrooms for the greedy girl in me this was added additional sides purchased, but the plate comes with an entre & 3sides Everything was absolutely amazing. If you haven't tried the ribs, it's a must have. The greens and cabbage was delicious. The Mac and cheese was kind of dry but okay, the fried mushrooms was definitely my favorite they were seasoned very well,I ate them before I made it home Just on that one plate alone, I would rate the food 10 out of 10 Definitely going back Thanks for serving ur community
So I’ve been stalking this place for the last few days while being down this way. Granted it was a 20 minute drive for me so still not really in the area. But I’m always up to driving a little bit for some great vegan food. Definitely missed the driveway, regardless of the reviews I read! Nothing a quick turn around couldn’t fix. Came on a Tuesday around 1:15. One person ahead of me and it took about 15 minutes for my order to be ready. So I sat at the table and enjoyed the music from next door! Even with my stalking, it still took me a minute to figure out what to order. The Moxtails are what drew me in. Also knew I wanted to please my inner fat girl and order two plates! LOL Rib Trash Plate - 3 sides that are included. Ribs - liked the texture and flavor. You’re mostly tasting the BBQ sauce, a little flavor from their choice of protein but I appreciated the texture. Collard greens - Love that they don’t taste like the greens I make. They have mushrooms in them. Also have this sweet and savory taste to them. Not traditionally flavored but delicious! Mac and cheese - made with nuts as posted, I’m assuming cashews but didn’t confirm. Pretty good flavor, I don’t mind it at all! Quinoa and chickpeas - multicolored quinoa, good flavors. I’d order it again. Not a bunch of flavor but expected that. Type of side that I get for the healthy factor vs the flavor. Moxtails - 2 sides included. Let me first say that the flavor of the Moxtails was very good. I was expecting there to be something in it that resembled oxtails’ texture, so it was lacking in that area. The dish has chick peas, potatoes, carrots, celery, peppers, and onions. With the amount of gravy, I would have expected more rice but it was like a small spoonful. Guessing the peas and corn were included in the rice but not for sure. Cabbage - I’m a fan. Gives me this stir fry vibe with an almost smoke/char flavor. I will say that it was pretty greasy after take a few bites. I looked underneath the cabbage and sure enough there was a good bit of grease. Okra was good as well. Nothing special that makes it stand out, but good flavor nonetheless. I would order it again. Overall, I like this place and would definitely come again if I was in the area.
The Vegan Side of Things is next level. I genuinely don’t even have the words to describe how absolutely, downright, amazingly awesome this food was! From the first bite, I was hit with this explosion of perfectly balanced flavor—like, literally every bite was seasoned to perfection. It’s the kind of food that makes you stop mid-bite and just say, “Wow.” I got the Rib Plate with cabbage, mac and cheese, and baked beans, and oh my goodness... it was an experience. I’ve never tasted such a realistic, juicy, tender rib that was 100% vegan. The flavor was so rich, tangy, and smoky—it all just melded together so beautifully. A total game changer! The mac and cheese was creamy, cheesy, and comforting, the cabbage was seasoned just right, and the baked beans? Hands down one of my favorite sides ever. That subtle sweetness they have is so addictive—I kept going back for more! And then... the Moxtails. WOW! I took one bite and literally had to run around the block to let out my excitement. (Okay, not literally, but figuratively :)) They were that amazing. The texture, the flavor, the seasoning—it was all so on point. Paired with cabbage and one of their crispy, golden egg rolls? Pure heaven. This place is a hidden gem that deserves all the love. 10s across the board. If you’re into bold, flavorful, feel-good food that just happens to be plant-based, do yourself a favor and check out The Vegan Side of Things. Your taste buds will be so thankful.
BANGIN' BANGIN' (and did I mention) BANGIN'!!! Vegan soul food done right! If any of those terms resonate with you or you've ever considered experimenting with vegan, this is an amazing place to start. I got their Trash plate, literally that's the name of it, which has ribs, deep deep fried mac and cheese, garlic bread and sides. It was off the hook! The fried okra and collard greens were flavorful too. Definitely also try the oyster mushroom fries! To drink we got the Incredible Hulk and Mrs Cassie's All-in-one. Both are cold-pressed juices with a Non-Stop buzz of flavor! The only desert we got was a small sweet potato pie. As a general rule I'm not crazy about sweet potato pie but I had to ask someone to please take it away from me... There's too many good things to say about this restaurant and not enough time. I wish it was less than 8 hours from where I live :-) I promise when I'm in the area it will definitely be worth a detour. They are the food truck on the corner of old Griffin road and Phillips drive! Stop in if you're within an hour. It's literally worth the drive, and I've reviewed a few restaurants and never made that recommendation!
Let me start off by saying I’m not vegan and this was my first time going to a vegan place. This place might have set the bar TOO high!!! We got their jerk mac and cheese, onion rings, and their soul roll (roll w/ Mac and cheese, greens, and mushrooms). The Mac and cheese was SOOOO good that I started jumping around . It was hard to put the fork down! The onion rings were nice and crispy and the soul roll was DELISHHHH! I would go back just for the rolls. Also, the service was really nice! The girl who took the order answered my questions without being condescending about it. Overall, I would go out of my way to go back here and I would like to try other things on the menu!
Worth a stop if you’re traveling on 1-75. We went from the Atlanta area to a concert in Macon and needed to stop somewhere for lunch. It was so good that we stopped on the way back and loaded up on meals and juice drinks. Very generous portions and all is delicious!