A decidedly diverse crowd flocks to this Hyde Park sub shop, from students in flip-flops to business folks in pressed suits. But everyone has one thing in common: They're curious to try out the meat-alternative items on Veggies' mouth-watering menu. The cheerful green-and-yellow quick stop is a marriage of indulgent fast food and healthy vegetarian/vegan fare, so don’t misread the name and expect a calorie-counter’s salad bar. Instead, you'll be springing for faux-meat versions of creamy tuna or chicken salad, steak sandwiches, barbecue ribs, corned beef subs and gyros.

Start at the sub station, where you can choose one of Veggie's specialty recipes or build your own sandwich, pairing your choice of "meat" with slices of pepper jack, American or soy cheese on a white or wheat bun. Once your concoction has gotten crisp and gooey in the roaster, top it off with all the veggies and sauces you like (they even have vegan mayo!). The recipes are the work of co-owner Rahtsiyah Wolfolk, whose creations are also sold at Whole Foods under her Soul Gourmet label (a few packaged favorites, like her Buffalo tofu, are sold from Veggie's small deli case, too).

Large, hearty sandwiches and wraps run $5-$7.50, but it'd be a shame to leave without taking advantage of the fresh-squeezed smoothies and juices, made with pressed oranges, pineapples, carrots and more. Veggies also offers tasty soups, fruit salad, homemade vegan desserts and a build-your-own meal option (kale, mushrooms, veggie "chicken" and more for $7/lb).

Centerstage Reviewer: Julia Steinberger