Last month, Monty’s Good Burger collaborated with OUAI, an award-winning lifestyle and haircare brand, and I was inspired to give this California plant-based burger spot a try.

Monty’s and OUAI both have a mutual love and respect for animals – OUAI is a cruelty-free haircare company founded by Jen Atkin, and the restaurant gets its name from Monty, an adorable, fluffy white rescue dog who is part of the vegan burger team. On the last Sunday of the month, Monty’s Good Burger hosts a dog and cat adoption party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monty’s collaborates with L.A. Animal Services Friends to unite a handful of huge hearted humans with adorable dogs and cats seeking forever homes.

The approachable corner restaurant in Echo Park has a step-up counter to place your order and grab a number, and you can find a table or take your meal to go.

I decided to order The Monty’s Meal, which is assembled into a happy-meal style cardboard box decorated with Monty the dog’s image.

I had a choice of a single patty Monty’s plant-forward burger or vegan Daring Foods Plant chicken tenders with a choice of Monty’s sauces. The box meal also comes with fries or tater tots, a mini chocolate chip cookie and a drink. Since I am a fan of both fries and tater tots, I requested a 50/50 split. On the menu board there is an array of dipping sauces that include bbq sauce, habanero, sriracha or onion aioli, ranch and a secret house spread.

Drinks on the menu include organic draft sodas made with pure cane sugar with names like Rico’s Root Beer, Dr. Monty’s (similar to Dr. Pepper), Cola Boyy, Orange Faygo, Cherry Bomb, Vanilla Cream and Ginger Beer. They also serve sparkling house-made lemonade, black ice-tea and an Arnold Palmer.

I sat at a high-top table to take in the ambiance. An apparel and accessory display offers a variety of Monty’s Go Blue Dodgy shirts, hoodies, socks, baseball caps and trucker hats. On one bright red wall is an image of fluffy white Monty with a Monty’s Burger in his mouth. In another darker room is a Joker-style Monty dog image.

Multiple dining areas with booths and tables are set in the lively and fun classic-style diner. Rock, hip-hop and rap music play in the background, while diners eat on paper placemats with word search and maze puzzles.

Next to me, a Monty’s fan was enjoying a Charlie’s Chicken Sandwich. The vegan Daring Foods chicken is made with pea protein and topped with slices of house-made pickles and a Vegenaise spread made by Follow Your Heart, a locally owned, family business for over 30 years.

When my Monty’s Good Burger meal box arrived, I opened the handles and took out my burger wrapped with Monty’s logo paper. Leafy dark kale lettuce and a thick tomato slice peeked out underneath the soft bun. What I liked most about this burger was the clean taste. There was no fatty mouthfeel or beefy aftertaste. I felt good eating a plant-forward burger that requires 75-80% less environmental resources than traditional meat.

On the bottom of the box were crispy and warm French fries and tater tots and a Rocco’s Sweet Shoppe chocolate chip cookie. This 100% vegan bakery only uses organic and non-GMO ingredients. The cookie was soft and chocolatey, a perfect ending to a meal that made me smile. Other cookies offered include Middle of the Brownie, Rico’s Sugar Cookie and a Sonoran Cowboy.

These healthier meals are fun to eat and would be great to order and bring to a picnic, outdoor concert or even a kid’s or adult birthday party.

During October, the team at Monty’s Good Burger is offering a gluten-free Havok’s Harvest Spiced Pumpkin Shake. It starts with pie crust at the bottom, topped with Oatly vanilla soft serve and organic pumpkin purée before a special blend of spices is added. The vegan shake is topped with vegan whipped cream, a sprinkle of pie crust and a dash of spice. Other shake flavors are Chamberlain Coffee, Banana Split, Strawberry, Chocolate, Mocha, Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Black and White with chocolate drip and Travis Oat Matcha Latte. Monty’s Good Burger has locations in Echo Park, West Hollywood, Koreatown, Culver City and Santa Monica. $$ 8432 W. 3rd St., (213)915-0257; 1533 Sunset Blvd., (213)915-0257; 516 S. Western Ave., (213)915-0257; 3849 Main St., (213)915-0257, and 123 Broadway, (213)915-0257.

This review was featured in the Beverly Press – https://beverlypress.com/2022/10/montys-offers-feel-good-burger/.