I recently made my second trip to what might be America’s first Vegetarian Drive Thru, Amy’s Drive Thru, in Rohnert Park, California. Located just about 45 miles north of San Francisco directly off Highway 101, this fast food joint is somewhat remeniscent of a In-n-Out Burger, only there’s one major difference– there’s NO meat! That’s right, Amy’s Drive Thru is 100% vegetarian. And not only are all of the meals meatless, but all menu items can be made both vegan and gluten free. The restaurant takes it one step further though, the vegan and gluten free foods are prepared in an entirely different area of the kitchen to avoid any cross contamination. Pretty impressive if you ask me. The restaurant’s main focus is on sustainability. The company prides themselves on organic, GMO-free, and locally sourced food. The menu consists of traditional American fast food items like (meatless) burgers, fries and milkshakes, but also includes comfort food favorites like burritos, pizza and mac ‘n’ cheese.
The restaurant is clean and has a simple and modern feel to it with bright colors, a high vaulted, exposed ceiling and an “Amy’s” mural out front. If you have time to dine-in, I recommend sitting outside at one of the many communal wooden picnic tables.
The parent company (which you might know better as Amy’s Kitchen— seller of popular frozen vegan and vegetarian meals and more recently, candy bars) takes pride in its eco-friendliness. All of the food packaging is totally recyclable, right down to the paper straws. Additionally, there are several clearly-marked bins for recycling in and outside of the restaurant. Many of the materials used to construct the current drive thru location were salvaged and reused to build the structure. The roof is green– it not only has grass growing from it, but there are also solar panels too. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, the list of all things sustainable goes on. Amy’s Drive Thru is truly one of a kind.
Between both of my visits in the last year, I have tried almost every item on the menu with the exception of their salads (I just couldn’t give into health while eating all the yummy vegan junk food). I’ve tried the Mac ‘N’ Cheese, Margherita pizza, Chili & Cheese Fries, the (single) burger, the burrito as well as the Chocolate Shake (currently winning as my most favorite menu item). Everything tasted great. While it’s not the best food I’ve ever eaten per say, it’s most definitely a better-for-you choice than most of the other fast food chains in America. And because Amy’s Drive Thru is the only one of its kind (and it’s a 5 hour roundtrip drive for me), I feel totally ok about splurging and enjoying both the food and experience. I mean, how many other vegan-friendly fast food joints are there? Not many.
What about price? You can see from the menu above that the pricing is fair. Ironically, the most expensive item on the menu is the salad, least expensive is the fries, and you can get a burger for as little as $2.69. I’m used to paying upwards of $12-16 every time I eat out so even if you ordered a burger, fries and a shake, you’d still be spending around $10 total. What a deal!
Amy’s Drive Thru celebrates its one year anniversary this month and from what I can tell the healthier-for-you fast food joint seems to be booming. I’d love to see many more Amy’s Drive Thrus sprinkled across the country. Specifically, I’d love to see the drive thrus replace some of the “other” fast food establishments.
Because I feel that Amy’s Drive Thru is a must-eat spot, I’ve teamed up with them for this blog post and they’ve so kindly donated a $100 Amy’s Drive Thru gift card to be given away! Yes, you heard that RIGHT! I’m going to keep the rules super simple. For your chance to win, follow these simple steps to enter the GIVEAWAY:
- First, please ensure that you’re receiving my blog posts via email. If not, please sign up here (if I don’t have your email, I can’t contact you if you win).
- Leave a comment below telling me whether or not you’ve been to Amy’s Drive Thru. If you have, please share your experience or favorite menu item. If you’ve never been to Amy’s Drive Thru before, please share what you’re looking forward to most when you go!
- That’s it! Thanks so much for reading this post and for your support. Best of luck to all entries!
*Giveaway for Amy’s Drive Thru $100 gift card is open to U.S. Residents only. One winner will be randomly chosen on Sunday, July 31st at noon PST; please enter by 7/31/16 at 11:59 am. The gift card will be mailed to winner via postal mail.
To stay in tune with all thing Amy’s, you can follow Amy’s Drive Thru on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Additionally, you can follow Amy’s Kitchen on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well.
Amy’s Drive Thru
58 Gold Course Drive West
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 755-3629
www.amysdrivethru.com
Open 7 days a week: 10:30 am – 10:00 pm
I went to Amy’s Drive Thru only once unfortunately!
I’ve tried their vegan spinach pizza and the vegan double patty burger + fries. Amazing!!! I love also their frozen food brand but this was really on another level and very cheap too (I think $12 in total or so)! Tasty vegan food at a reasonable price… what else can you ask for? Oh well yes there is something else I could ask… a few more locations throughout Northern California! 😉
PS: I can’t wait to go back this August!
I know how you feel Alessandro! I am going back to Amy’s next month too and am already thinking about what I’m going to eat while I’m there! I too hope that Amy’s Drive Thru expands to other locations throughout the U.S. Thanks for entering my giveaway and good luck!
I’ve been to Amy’s and it was YUMMY! On my next visit I look forward to eating an Amy’s Burger, Fries, and a Chocolate Shake (non-dairy, of course).
Great choices Isabella! I love them all! So glad to hear that you’ve already been to Amy’s and that you’re planning to return. I’ve been twice and am going next month for my third visit and am already planning out what I’m going to eat! for popping by to enter the giveaway. Good luck!
Ate at Amy’s while visiting relatives in Rohnert Park last August. I was thrilled that my carnivore niece LOVED it! She had mac & cheese, fries, shake (prego at the time!!) I had burger & fries. All delish! Planning to go back for another visit next month -first question I was asked…we’re having lunch at Amy’s, right?? You bet!
So glad that you’ve had a chance to visit Amy’s and that you’re going back for a second time! I’ll be back next month for my third visit and am already looking forward to it! I think all the food that Amy’s serves can be loved by all, no matter what they’re diet. So thrilled you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by and best of luck with my giveaway!
Haven’t gone there yet, but I’m planning on it next time I’m over that way in October. It sounds nerdy, but I’m interested in the recyclable packaging. I just recently learned that San Francisco banned styrofoam, so I’d like to see what other options are available to the industry. As far as food goes, I’m all about the Brocolli cheddar n Mac!
Thanks for stopping by! You’re not the only one here who’s interested in the sustainable/eco-friendly features at Amy’s Drive Thru. I think you’ll enjoy it. Definitely get the Mac ‘N’ Cheese, but don’t forget to try the chocolate shake! Thanks so much for stopping by and for entering the giveaway; best of luck!
Really fine story about this new restaurant. I hope it is massively successful. Though I’ve not been to it yet, my wife and I are planning a trip to this part of California in April or May of 2017. Since I’m vegan, and she’s vegetarian (on the way towards becoming vegan), we will enjoy a stop here. Thanks for covering this great new addition to the fast food scene!
Amy’s is my favorite fast food place-and the only one that is both vegan (with vegetarian options) and organic! My favorites are the vanilla shake, burger and fries. A great place to take kids or folks who are just trying out vegan foods. The staff are super friendly and courteous.
I agree that the staff is amazing and Amy’s is a great place to take anyone really, I think even omnivores love the food too! I’ve only tried the chocolate shake; thanks for the reminder about sampling the vanilla. I’ll do that next time! I appreciate you stopping by Eileen and for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
You bet Craig! Really appreciate your kind words of support and I know that you’ll fully enjoy your time at Amy’s on your trip next year. Thanks for stopping by and entering. Best of luck!
Hey Kayle! First off, that photo of you under the A is rad. Your favorite dress looks great with the colors. You know I love color schemes. Anyway, I have NOT been to Amy’s yet, but need to when I get back that way. I actually have a cousin there, so I can take her. Anyhow, after perusing the menu, I’m looking forward to a lot, but my original thought is still what I want most: French fries and a vanilla shake. There’s something about this combo that does it for me. I just hope they’ll put the shake in my reusable cup.
Thanks for being rad, lady!
Hey A! I think you’ll really dig this place. Be sure to walk around and read the signs about the sustainable features of the restaurant. It might be a fun spot to video for your next film! I have never had the vanilla shake (yet!) and I haven’t tried dipping the fries into the shake, but because of you, I’ll be doing just that on my next visit. Stay rad; yeehaw!
I love their chocolate shake. I did have those chili fries too but that shake..mmmm. The employees were so nice too
I agree, that chocolate shake tho. I haven’t tried the vanilla or the strawberry shakes so those are on my list for the next trip! And yes, the staff were SO helpful to me (when I had a million questions and wanted to veganize everything, etc.) Thanks for entering the giveaway Michelle; good luck!
I’m like you, It’s hard to order a salad when you can get a pizza instead. 😉 I’ve been to Amy’s about a handful of times and it always feels like I’m driving up to Disneyland when I see the Amy’s sign. It’s all my favorite, but I would say the vegan chili cheese fries and the milkshake (all flavors) are my must haves. Probably because it’s almost literally impossible for have chili cheese fries without spending hours making all the components.
My one complaint is the straws. They are great but not toddler friendly at all! I have to get like 2-3 extra straws when I share my milkshake with my son.;)
Visiting Amy’s Drive Thru feels like a trip to Disneyland for me too! I’ve only been twice, but I was SO excited both times! I can’t wait to go again. You’re not the only one who doesn’t love the straws. While they are eco-friendly, I agree, they tend to disintegrate quickly. Thanks for stopping by and entering my giveaway. Best of luck!
What a fantastic job showing the yummy food choices. I’m looking forward to trying it. Thanks for letting me know they exist.
You are so adorable in the picture, you always make me smile with love and admiration…YOU ROCK!!!
You’re too cute. thank you Linda! I hope you to make a trip to Amy’s it’s well worth it and so fun to splurge every now and again! <3
I haven’t been there yet and I’m looking forward to trying…EVERYTHING! Well, everything that’s vegan. Probably start off with a burger, fries, and a shake, and then have my mom order mac’n’cheeze, salad, and pizza, so we can try each other’s food.
Everything on the menu can be made both vegan and gluten free! It’s amazing! Fingers crossed that you get to go sometime soon. And yes, it’s a great idea to visit with a friend or family member so that you can share the food and sample it all! Thanks for your support and for entering my giveaway!
We love Amy’s Drive Thru! The food is tasty and the prices are reasonable. Our favorite items on the menu are the spinach pizza and broccoli mac and cheese. The chocolate shake and fries are delicious too. I love that everything can be made gluten free and vegan. I wish we lived closer and that Amy’s opens up more restaurants.
I think we all wished that Amy’s Drive Thru would open up all over the world! It’s a pretty neat and unique place. I think they really have a niche market between being sustainable, organic, eco-friendly, non-GMO, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free AND be a fast food drive thru! Thanks for popping by and for entering my giveaway!
Oh my goodness, I love Amy’s Drive Thru! I’ve only been once but I would go every day if it was a bit closer. I’m still holding out hope that they’ll open out another outpost in the east bay… Those milkshakes are everything!
Totally agree on those milkshakes Hannah! I’ve only tried the chocolate, but I plan to try the strawberry next time. And yes, fingers crossed that Amy’s Drive Thru expands to more locations soon. Thanks for entering my giveaway and good luck!
I’ve been there a few times. I’ve tried most of the vegan options. Everything has been tasty. My only gripe is the paper straws combined with the shakes. There’s something about that combination that grosses me out. Last time I went I brought my own straw. 😀
Yes, indeed everything I have tried has been pretty tasty! You’re not the only one who isn’t a fan of the straws. They tend to melt quickly, but I love that they are super eco-friendly!
We’ve been to Amy’s about half a dozen times and absolutely love it! On my first visit I was imagining it would be like their frozen products, but was blown away by the freshness of the food. Favorites are chilli cheese fries, double burger w/ spicy sauce (not really that spicy but more flavorful than the regular version), and broccoli mac and cheese. The salad and burrito I felt is so-so. The milkshakes are great too but very filling and I usually split one with my SO! Hopefully they’ll be opening more locations in the Bay Area!
Yes, I think we’re all hoping that Amy’s Drive Thrus take over the U.S. I think that this location may be a test market to see how successful or not a veggie drive thru would to be. My best guess is that it’s very successful. Thanks for the reminder about the spicy sauce, I’ll have to order that on my burger next time. Thanks for entering the giveaway & best of luck!
Yummmmmmmm….I’m drooling just looking at the pictures in the post….haha! We love Amy’s and go there anytime we’re up in the area. My hubby and I always end up ordering too much and overeating here haha! We’ve tried almost everything on the menu but the burger and chilli cheese fries are our favorites! The pizza is pretty good too. On our first visit there we got to chat with Amy’s grandmother and she is really sweet!
Overeating, what’s that!?! Ha ha ha! I love both the burger and the chili cheese fries too! How fun that you were able to meet one of the family members on your visit. It’s a really neat & happening spot! Thanks for entering my giveaway & best of luck.
No i havent been to amys! would love to though!
It’s a must stop if you live near or visit the San Francisco Bay Area! Fingers crossed that you get to try it out one day soon. Thanks for entering the gift card giveaway & good luck!
Yess! I go often as its right on my route to the Bay Area from where I live! It makes me so happy every time 🙂 vegan food RIGHT off the highway in a DRIVE THRU and dog friendly??? Perfect. I’ve tried almost everything but now I stick with the classics, burger and fries and occasionally a chocolate shake (gotta dip those fries in ;))
I agree, it is in a great location! Thanks for the reminder about Amy’s being dog-friendly as well.I’ll have to add that into the blog post. Yes, burgers are great and those chocolate shakes– amazing! Thanks for entering my giveaway & good luck!
I’ve been once on my birthday and it was awesome! I love the layout of the store but most of all, I loved my vegan strawberry shake! I had the vegan double and it was super tasty. I’m stoked to try the vegan Mac next time!
Isn’t it great!?! I’m going to have the strawberry shake next time, the chocolate is really good too! I too like the style of the building too and love that Amy’s has incorporated so many sustainable features. Thanks for entering the giveaway & good luck!
I have only been to Amy’s once. It took my friends and I almost three hours to get there from Oakland, since we were silly enough to try to drive there on Labor Day. Would love to go back sometime – NOT on a holiday weekend!
I highly recommend not going on a holiday weekend! It was like that for a few months after they opened too! The line moved really fast when I was there last. I hope you can visit again. Thanks for entering the giveaway & good luck!
I love that place… It’s a bit out of the way from San Rafael so I’ve only been a few times. I love the burger and the vegan Mac and cheese. And so do my Omni kids!
Way to set an awesome example with your kids Tim! The burger was one of my favorite items. Yum!
CONGRATS Tim! You were randomly selected as the winner of the $100 gift card to Amy’s Drive Thru! Yeehaw! I’ll email you specifics shortly. Thank you for entering and enjoy Amy’s!
Ive never been to Amy’s but I really really want to! I just want the typical drive through meal vegan style: burger, fries, and a shake!r
That’s exactly what you get at Amy’s Drive Thru Cheyenne! I’m excited for you to try it! Thanks for entering my giveaway!
The Amy’s’s double burger with vegan cheese is the best! Great fries too!
I totally agree Stephen! Really appreciate your feedback. Thanks for popping by and good luck!
I’ve only been there once, months ago, but I think about it all the time! I had a single burger and some chili fries. The burger reminded me of In-N-Out in so many ways and the chili fries were delicious. I can’t wait to go back!
That’s how I felt about the drive thru too! From the first time I went, I was hooked! It’s probably a good thing that it’s a 5 hour roundtrip for me to visit!
I have had Amy’s frozen meals, but have never been to the drive in. Yet, I have heard a lot about it. So, I hope I am the ‘Lucky One’ and win the gift card. Then I can finally go try Amy’s food first hand!
You’ll love the drive thru! It’s fun to splurge every once in a while!
Love the BURGERS , fries, and SHAKES!!!
Agreed! All are SO good!Thanks for entering and good luck!
I’ve been to Amy’s Drive thru a few times! I love the chocolate shake of course. I also love the burger and brown rice chili bowl. Yum!
I haven’t tried the Brown Rice Chili Bowl, but I’m putting that on my list to try when I’m back there next month! Thanks for entering Sarah and good luck!
I haven’t been, yet! I love seeing more and more options becoming mainstream! It would be so hard to decide what to eat but the Mac n cheese looks and sounds incredible! It would be pretty hard to go wrong with a chocolate shake for dessert too ?
I agree, Allison! It’s SO amazing to see veggies go mainstream! Yeehaw to that! I’d totally recommend the chocolate shake, but there are so many tasty items that it’s hard to go wrong.
I have never been to Amy’s Drive Thru….but I would absolutely love to go there.
Regardless of the contest, I hope that you do make it to Amy’s! It’s a 5 hour round trip for me and I still think it’s worth it!
I haven’t been yet but I’m looking forward to the vegan shakes!
Yes, those vegan shakes are amazing! The next time I go, I will be trying the Strawberry for sure!
I can’t wait to go and I don’t know yet what I’m looking forward to most because of all the amazing choices!
Indeed, there are SO many amazing choices! Take a friend with you so that you can share and try every item!
Definitely want a burger and shake and share some other stuff! I’m fitting it into my next CA vacation if I win! Love that Amy’s opened this place. We actually had some Amy’s chili tonight!
Woo hoo Leslie! You better fit this into your next Cali vacation no matter what (and I’ll meet you there)!
Yippee! This is exciting! I’ve only been to Amy’s one time. For Christmas, I treated myself to a road trip to stay at The Stanford Inn and planned my route specifically to visit Amy’s along the way. It was so worth it! I got a burger, Mac and cheese, and a chocolate shake. Way more than I would usually eat and I was so full, but lived every bite. I would happily plan another road trip just to visit them again, although I’d much prefer it if they would open a second location in Roseville! Fingers crossed!!
What a treat! I’d say last Christmas was a good one! I’ve never been to The Stanford Inn and dream of going one day! Fingers crossed that Amy’s Drive Thru starts popping up in other Northern California locations! Thanks for entering the giveaway Wendy and good luck!
I’ve been to Amy’s three times. My favorite item is the double burger with the vegan cheese. I get that with fries and a chocolate shake. It’s all so good! Last time I also got a vegan Mac n cheese with broccoli to take home. I wish it was closer to me, then I would go all the time! It’s about an hour drive for me. I would love to see more open up around the Bay Area and eventually the world!
Nice combo! I too would go ALL the time if I lived closer. Fingers crossed that we start seeing Amy’s all over the country soon!
CONGRATS to Tim Park for being the randomly chosen winner of the Amy’s $100 gift card! Thanks to all of the entries and for all the wonderful comments!
Thanks so much!! I can’t wait to eat there again. 🙂
I have yet to make it to the drive thru though planning on it. Would love to try the vegan chili cheese fries! 🙂