Viva la Vida Vegan!

Nestled in Bakersfield is Vida– an all-vegan eatery, juicery, bakery, and ice creamery. With daily specials like “Sushi Fridays” and brunch on Sundays, there is something for everyone among their vast menu of options, from fresh salads to fried platters.

Vida was born out of local necessity, as the family-founded business knows our choices about where and how we eat directly impact our health, communities, and the environment. Realizing Bakersfield was without scratch-made healthy choices, and recognizing the demand for options for their own family, Vida and the newest addition Double O Creamery were created.

I stopped by Vida both to and from my recent trip to L.A. as after I tried one of their seasonal shakes, I had to get another before it was gone for good! As a junk food vegan my eyes set on all their deep-fried wonders. However, if this spot was local to me, I think I would have so much fun making my way through everything on the menu. They have vegan versions of it all, and if it’s not on their standard menu, I’m sure you can find it on the daily rotating specials or brunch menu. I love the idea of being able to walk into a restaurant that has seemingly limitless options as a vegan- it’s like a dream come true.

For my on-the-go order, I opted for a BBQ Cripsy Chick’n Sandwich with Onion Rings and Pickle Fries, as I couldn’t choose just one side. The sandwich is layered with a toasted brioche bun, house BBQ sauce, onion rings, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and red onion. The chick’n patty was crispy and golden on the outside and juicy on the inside, perfectly paired with the cool and tangy BBQ sauce and stacked veggies. The onion rings are lightly battered and fried with a tasty crunch, but the pickle fries are a must-try. Thinly sliced pickle spears are battered and fried, and while looking like plump fries they offer a tangy and salty flavor. For my beverage, I chose a seasonal “Boo-Berry” shake which was a flavor still haunting Double O Creamery from Halloween. The flavor was reminiscent of the cotton candy ice cream I favored as a kid. I couldn’t stop thinking about the candied berry taste, so I knew I had to try it one more time before I journeyed home from the big city.

On my way back to Modesto, I stopped at Vida again but this time with the intention of boxing up some of my order to take home and enjoy again. I ordered the Appetizer Sampler Platter and a Brunch Melt. I was surprised that the Sampler Platter was actually a platter and ended up feeling like I was in my own personal eating competition, but the food was so worth it. The platter is filled with a stack of onion rings, “mozzy sticks”, garlic fries, “mushroom wings”, and pickle fries with assorted dipping sauces. The sampler appetizer platters were my favorites at diners when I was growing up and I am a sucker for nostalgia. You get a good amount of everything on this platter, and it is definitely intended for sharing, but you can also power through it alone like me. The Brunch Melt is a beast of a sandwich, served with a side. It’s a cheesy dressed panini filled with browned shredded hashbrowns, a scramble, and tempeh bacon. For a delicate sandwich, it held its shape and didn’t get soggy. I ended my meal with another dreamy Boo-Berry shake as it will soon be exorcised for the season.

I’ve visited Vida once prior and will continue to visit as I pass through the area. This is truly a “hidden gem” in the Central Valley and I can’t wait to try more!

Have you been to Vida? What did you try?

Location: 4530 Stine Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93313

Vida Vegan