Sunflower Drive In has a laid-back, health-conscious vibe in the best way. It's the kind of place where you can tell there's real thought behind the ingredients and a focus on food that tastes good while still making you feel good about what you're eating. My usual order is the Nutburger with extra sauce, and it never disappoints. It's flavorful, filling, and something I keep coming back for. I usually pair it with a mixed vegetable juice, and the vegan cheesecake is delicious too. Even this dino knows you have to get your veggies in! The atmosphere fits the food perfectly, casual, relaxed, and welcoming. Most of the seating is outside at picnic tables, which gives it a comfortable, neighborhood hangout feel. Rex Tip: Plan on eating outdoors since most of the seating is at picnic tables. There is an indoor area, but it's mainly a large wooden communal table, so you may be sharing the space with other diners. Also, they're closed Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly. 5 ROARS from Focusaurus Rex read more

Nut burger is A tier I'm not an impossible burger guy I love a good beef patty But this nut burger might be even better read more

It's time for an update! My hubby and I stopped by on Thursday to preorder food before our toddler's hair apt a couple doors down. Staff were really sweet and said they'd keep our food warm! We ordered a Carob Shake, Super Avocado & Cheese, Super Nachos and Kid's PBH w/ Apple Sauce. I shared the shake with my toddler, it's so good, thick, creamy and sweet! My absolute favorite sandwich, hubby loved his nachos and our toddler seemed to enjoy her kids meal! Since 1978 they've been apart of the historic Fair Oaks Village A very popular, 100% Vegetarian restaurant with the sweetest staff! Will continue to visit and recommend to others! SYOY! :-) read more

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Tasty, however we were missing items from our to go order placed over the phone. Sent my friend to pick up the order and part of the kids meal was missing. read more

A staple of fair oaks dining. I love the nut burger, always friendly service and made to order. Been natural before it was trendy. Small seating inside but tables outside as well or can take it to the park nearby. read more

Sunflower Drive In - Nut burger - Vegetarian Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

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One of my favorite casual places to eat! Their nutburger is so amazingly delicious. I love a good hamburger too, but I think I'd rather have a nutburger most days. I also tried the pesto pasta salad. It's fine - nothing spectacular, but good. Their iced tea is fresh brewed and they have a few flavors to choose from. You order at the window and then wait to hear your number called. Outside seating is limited, but there's a beautiful park less than a block away. read more

Sunflower Drive In - Nutburger - Vegetarian Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

If you're ever in Fair Oaks and want something that actually satisfies without weighing you down, Sunflower Café is one of those spots that just gets it right every time. Their nut burger never misses. It's packed with so much flavor you almost forget how simple it looks--tucked into that soft multigrain bun, it's hearty, textured, and somehow still feels light. It's the kind of meal that leaves you full but not sluggish, which is rare. And the fruit salad? Surprisingly standout. Every piece tasted fresh and in season--nothing mushy, nothing bland. Just crisp, naturally sweet fruit that actually feels intentional, not like an afterthought on the plate. It's a great little local spot with that easy, welcoming vibe. Perfect for when you're craving something clean, flavorful, and a break from the usual heavy sandwiches and burgers. It just hits different in the best way. read more

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If you're ever in or near Fair Oaks and you're hungry then go directly to the Sunflower Drive in. Patio seating in the shade or at a group table inside if ya need A/C. Plus + one star if I could for being dog friendly. read more

Sunflower Drive In - Logo - Vegetarian Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

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A Fair Oaks staple, people come from all over to get their famous nut burger. This is truly a drive in as the seating is mainly outdoors and there is some limited seating indoors. If you have issues with chickens and roosters, you shouldn't come here. Sometimes they can get a bit bold, but last time I was here it wasn't an issue. Some of my favorites: * Nutburger - I wouldn't bother with the super nut burger, I find that the OG nut burger is plenty * Nutty taco - Uses same vegetarian "nut" mixture but in a taco format with lots of salad * Falafel - Served on pita bread with cucumbers * Burrito - Vegetarian, lots of salad fixings * Vegetable juice - Made right on the spot! * Smoothie #3 - Mixed fruit and yogurt If you call and are lucky enough to catch someone on the phone, you can place your order ahead of time. Most of the time they don't answer the phone however since it is always busy. Once you order either in person or via phone, be prepared to wait 20 minutes! If possible, you can ask for items to be vegan and gluten free as well! Conveniently located off the American River bike trail, just take the turn off for the old red bridge into FO and ride up Bridge Road and take a right into town. read more

If you want the best tacos, an authentic view, and experience that your friends will talk about, head over to the sunflower drive-in! I would take all my friends here who are vegetarian, vegan, or just wanted to try something new. As an original restaurant the menu might take you by surprise. That's before the flavor of the food shows you how much of a delight it is to be an old Fair Oaks. Recommend as an option for great service, food, and a unique experience. read more

I used to come to this place in the 90's and I loved it! I've been craving a nut burger for awhile however I no longer live in the area. I happened to be in town for the weekend and wanted to make sure I could get here before closing! I ordered a nut burger with a pineapple shake and it was just as I remembered! I sat in the parking lot and devoured my nutburger and I was in heaven! I will continue to come as I can...but it was definitely worth the drive and the wait. read more

We were around the area and felt like being vegetarian for the day haha. The place is located in the corner, the parking lot did not have that many spots, so be aware. However, there is parking on the street. You order from the outside, so I'm glad it wasn't sunny or too hot. The person taking the order was very patient and nice. I could only imagine answering all these questions from curious customers haha. There are a few tables inside, but it's mostly outdoor seating. I remember coming to this place a while back and it being good. Well, today was no different. Everything we got was excellent. This place is located on a corner, so be aware that parking spots We ordered 2 Nutburgers, a Super Nutburger and a Patty Melt. Nutburger: The nut burger was very flavorful. It was not dry, and you can taste all the healthiness in there haha. The sauce was a nice addition and made everything come together. Super Nutburger: It is a bigger patty, BUT it's not in a bun this time. It's in a pocket bread. Refer to my pictures. My son got it and gobbled it all down, so I can only assume it was good. Haha Patty Melt: I believe it's the same nut burger patty, just prepared differently. The bread is toasted with butter, has cheese and grilled onion, just like a common patty melt. My daughter ordered this and left no crumbs behind haha. So also good. When you're getting tired of Beef Burgers, stop by Sunflower Drive In and get yourself a NutBurger! read more

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Such a cute find!! Tucked away in an adorable neighborhood, this veggie spot exceeded my expectations. The nutburger was full of flavor and was the perfect texture, definitely a step up from a lot of veggie patties I've tried. There was a pretty sizable area to enjoy your food outside, which is great for warm weather! read more

Sunflower Drive In - Nutburger - Vegetarian Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

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Get there early! As soon as we ordered a line started right behind us as soon as they opened! The service was quick and the Nutburger tastes just as good as I remembered it to be! This is a great lunch spot for healthy, good-quality lunch options! read more

Sunflower Drive In - Nut burger - Vegetarian Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

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Great local spot with good food and a relaxed atmosphere. Friendly service and a nice outdoor area. Definitely worth stopping by.

The food is incredible. It taste just like the 1978 crunchy but tasty and wholesome hippie food I remember (although I'm not old enough to remember 1978 at all). The ordering process was specific but clear. Please be patient with the front counter person. They both take orders and call the orders that are ready so they do have to bounce to one or two or three windows. We personally had an incredible experience because as queers in a place that we don't traditionally go to because it has smaller town vibes and that can sometimes be scary in this day and age. We sat next to a whole queer family and happened to be seated with them in the very small dining room so it ended up being a communal queer family, impromptu lunch. Did I mention the food is fantastic it's fantastic. We got the nut burger and the egg salad sandwich and both were really good but we agreed next time we'll just order two nut burgers and not split everything. Thank you so much we'll be back over and over and over again. read more

Yes, you usually have to wait but being a small diner it can only accommodate a few workers. And being so popular you just have to get over it. Their food is unique being vegetarian but the tastiest I've ever had. And I've eaten vegetarian food all my life. No matter the high rating I give it, I always complain about the price of everything . As far as the ambiance, hey, it's an old drive-in with picnic benches in the front and a small attached dining room. But that's old town Fair Oaks. p.s. not just a few chickens have gotten a piece of my nut burger! read more

Vegan friendly food for the soul! Sunflower is nestled in the cute hills of the Fair Oaks neighborhood. I'm a vegan purist, so I love my homemade protein combos.... the nutburger is the best burger in Sacramento. The salsa is flavorful, light, and worth the $1.75 upgrade to a combo. Portions here are also quite large, I was surprised by the size and quality of the chili dog (also incredible, fyi) and the aforementioned nutburger. We ended our meal with a fresh Mango sorbet shake. This place is a must visit for all food enthusiasts in the Sac area. Great service, great location, great food, great chickens frolicking about, all for a great cause read more

Lines can be long but don't let it deter you. We are not vegetarians but we love this place. The Falafel burger and chickenless sandwich is our go to. Shakes, smoothies, & baked goods also. read more

Still going to wait a hot minute for food but that doesn't deter me! The chikin' sandwich hits the spot every time. Consistently flavorful, warm by the time I get home, and a good bite to it. read more

Sunflower Drive In - Inside view from bench - Vegetarian Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

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I hope they have this type of food in heaven!! This place always wows me. 10 stars for service, taste and quality. That's it you must go here to experience this heavenly food. Healthy, clean tasting and delicious, exceptionally delicious. Go here tomorrow. read more

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Finally got a chance to check out the infamous Sunflower Drive-in and sure did not disappoint ! It was nice weather out today but we opted to get our food to go since the weather was also chilly today. There is outdoor seating available and plenty of parking in front. Ambiance is super chill and casual. Staff were friendly and helpful. You just order (much like a taco stand) and pick up at the next window. The wait was short and we were on our way. I ordered their nachos and hubby and his dad got the regular burrito , one with black beans and one with refried beans . I devoured my light and fresh tasting nachos. Hubby and father-in-law enjoyed their burritos as well. read more

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I hadn't been in a long time and it's still just as good as I remember and it's a must try for the vegetarians and vegans in the greater Sacramento area for that Nutburger. It's vegetarian but they can make it vegan if you ask. read more

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Service was always friendly and good food which is healthy and always super tasty. The nut burger is the way to go

SERVICE: counter style, relaxed AMBIANCE: patio but mostly shaded - gotta have the perfect weather or takeout. FLAVORS: Falafel (3.5/5) - not my jam... but it was solid MUSHROOM MILLET SANDWICH (10/5) - get it, get it, get it, get it, get it...GET IT... Lemonade (5/5) PORTIONS: filling and hearty PRICE: appropriate BONUS TIP: parking is a private lot but small read more

This is an excellent find in Fair Oaks! Order at the window and sit outside, like the good ol' days. The nut burgers are #1 on the menu for a reason. Huge, flavorful, and healthy to boot. Add pepperjack cheese for some extra oomph. Kids smoothie is a great option if you don't want to commit to a full size. read more

Sunflower Drive In - Nutburger - Vegetarian Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

Amazing food. My wife is vegan, so she loves this place, but I'm a meat eater and love it, too. Love the patty melt. No other place like it, really. A Fair Oaks institution! Got to check it out, vegan, vegetarian or not. read more

Nut burger and Millet burgers are both very yummy. Love how they add in the sprouts. We love sprouts on sandwiches, and first time on a burger. Reminds us of Erik's Delicafe. A great place to fill yourself up and not feel grossed out by all the meat we've had throughout the week. Would love to see them have fries or sweet potato fries or tater tots. Missing some kind of side to compliment the burgers. Overall very good. We'd come here again, although it was a good 30 minutes out. read more

My mom use to bring me here when I was a kid. I brought my husband here not that long ago for the first time and it hasn't changed at all!! He is a meat eater and still raves about how good their nut burger is. I'm a fan of their nut burger or nutty tacos. Service is fast, but around lunchtime there is always a line and not enough places to People will literally be sitting on the blacktop chowing down on their food and milling around in the parking lot waiting. It's a testament to how good it is. Don't ever change! read more

I've gone vegan since my last review and so glad that they can make the nutburger vegan. And it's still amazing. read more

Sunflower Drive In - Vegan nutburger, delicious! (instagram: jax.vegan.eats) - Vegetarian Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

I tried this place for the first time and it was sooo worth the hour and half wait time (it was Mother's Day) . I ordered the super nut burger, the portion was great and it tasted really good. I'm not vegan or vegetarian and I would order it again. read more

I've been wanting to try this place for a VERY LONG time! The lady who checked us out was nice and informative. I learned about seasonal items for winter and summer. I love that my friend has been here and recommended it. I was pleasantly surprised with the parking, ambiance and food. The pineapple, banana, mango, peach smoothie was so tasty and filling. The chicken less sandwich was AMAZING and full of flavor where the burrito was lacking flavor but it's nothing sauce can't fix. The Mac and cheese was amazing and I highly recommend it. I cannot wait to go back to try the seasonal potato salad. Wanting a meatless, fresh place to eat? Try Sunflower Drive In! read more

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This spot has a slightly hippie vibe and is tucked away in a quiet corner. I tried the taco, fruit and yogurt milkshake, potato salad, and grilled cheese. The taco and milkshake were fantastic, the potato salad was pretty average, and the grilled cheese was just alright--not bad, but nothing special. It's also a bit pricey for what I ordered. read more

Sunflower Drive In - Hours - Vegetarian Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

Great food! Friendly service! Cute vibes! Dog friendly outdoor seating. Tiny but clean bathroom. A bit of a wait for food but this place is always busy! Definitely worth the wait for quality healthy vegetarian and allergy friendly food! read more

I'm not even vegetarian, but I crave their super nut burger more often than I crave real meat burgers. Quality food in a cool relaxing atmosphere. It's a Fair Oaks classic perfect for a sunny day. You don't have to be a vegetarian to really enjoy the food here. read more

I'm not usually a fan of vegetarian/vegan alternatives, but their nutburger (specifically the nutburger patty itself) is absolutely delicious- I've never found anything else like it. Also, they carry Gunther's frozen yogurt, which is a delight. This place is a treasure! read more

Great food and service. The nutburgers and burritos are my typical go to orders but everything is GREAT. Worth the wait in line also.

Stopped here for lunch on a walk with friends and what a cool spot this was! I had the nutburger, which was loaded with fresh greens (alfalfa sprouts galore!) & a flavorful pickle-y sauce. As a meat-eater, I was wholly satisfied with this vegetarian creation. My one tip for those trying the nutburger for the first time--ask for extra napkins, or keep your burger in its wrapper! The chopped salad and sprouts can get a little messy. read more

Sunflower Drive In - Nutburger--yum! - Vegetarian Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

Get all your veggies in and enjoy doing it! This place has become the dedicated lunch spot for the family when the parents are in town. If you have a family of carnivores, that's saying a lot for this humble little drive in restaurant. A cult favorite, Sunflower Drive In, is making carnivores and herbivores alike smile and smile BIG. So many sandwiches, nut burgers, tacos and salad options. I always get the fresh vegetable juice and that's non negotiable. It's so delicious and makes me feel wonderfully energized! My other favorite choices are the egg salad sandwich and the pesto sandwich. Delicious, healthy and so fun to eat. Even the kids love the smoothie, juice and vegan dessert options. read more

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10/10 vegan & vegetarian spot! I got my usual- vegan nut burger add vegan cheese and I got a delish fresh squeezed carrot apple juice! So yummy! Even when busy, not too long of a wait! read more

Sunflower Drive In - Nutburger (vegan add vegan cheese) Carrot Apple juice - Vegetarian Near Me - Fair Oaks, California