Crossroads Kitchen

Crossroads Kitchen Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: You'd never know from its grey, boxy exterior along Melrose Avenue, that Crossroads Kitchen is a hip place. Inside, the space mixes pared-down elegance (white tablecloths, cozy banquettes, Edison bulb chandeliers, mirrored bar) with a touch of rock & roll --- black-and-white photos of music icons such as Mick Jagger and Jimi Hendrix hang on the walls and rotate on the restaurant's playlist, not to mention plenty of celebs and rock stars are a daily fixture around here.

Likes: Cozy and warm ambience with plenty of celebrity sightings.
Dislikes: You can't order the “Impossible Burger” during dinner or weekend brunch. It is only available during weekday lunch or on the late-night menu (from 10 p.m.).
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View our exclusive video interview with chef Tal Ronnen.

Food & Drinks: To go along with the laidback atmosphere, celebrity chef Tal Ronnen (he's on a first-name basis with everyone from Oprah to Ellen to former President Bill Clinton) and executive chef Scot Jones have created a strictly vegan menu of Mediterranean delights that prove you don't have to eat meat to get your fill. So you can be sure that everything here is free from any animal products. Order the kale Caesar salad, a mound of finely shredded kale ribbons lathered in creamy dressing, and you won't care that the eggs and anchovies are missing. For a warm dinner entrée, the Tagliatelle Bolognese is all flavor and texture with chunky marinara featuring house-made sausage that even meat-eaters will crave. End on a sweet note with the chocolate crémeux. During brunch, the bagel topped with house-made almond cream cheese and smoked heirloom carrots provides the satisfaction of a real bagel & lox experience. Beverages range from kombucha and house-made ginger beer to local beers, wine and craft cocktails. The bottom line is, whether you're a vegan, omnivore or curious carnivore, Crossroads Kitchen is for gourmet healthy and mindful eaters of all persuasions. Just try not to stare too much when you see Jane Fonda at the table next to you or Toby Maguire and his family at the other booth.