This Blog Is a Love Letter to a Community Union
If you’ve been following my Best Vegan Burgers in LA journey, you already know this — I haven’t been writing blogs for every stop. Most of the storytelling has lived in video, comments, DMs, and real-time conversations with the community.
But this one felt different. This wasn’t just about trying a restaurant. This was about listening. So many of you told me, “You have to go to All Vegan Franks.” And almost immediately after, “You’re not done — Lucky Catsu is right there too.”
Same kitchen. Same address. Two different menus. One shared vision.
So this blog is about both — because the community brought me here.
All Vegan Franks
Where the Conversation Started
I went to All Vegan Franks first — last Thursday — and it immediately made sense why this place comes up so often when people talk about vegan comfort food in LA.
This is food that doesn’t try to over-explain itself. It just shows up bold, satisfying, and familiar in the best way.
The Breakfast Burger set the tone right away. A smashed Impossible® patty layered with American cheese, chipotle mayo, a crispy hash brown, and a sunny-side-up egg on a steamed bun. Rich, comforting, and unapologetic. The kind of breakfast situation that makes you pause after the first bite.
Then came the Catsu Frank, and this is where I need to be very clear — nobody is doing hot dogs the way Frank is doing hot dogs. A jumbo Impossible® dog, hand-breaded and deep fried, topped with spicy mayo, catsu sauce, island mac, green onion, and smoked flavor throughout. This isn’t novelty food; this is innovation. This is something that’s about to have a real moment.
Next up were the lemon pepper buffalo wings, and I truly wasn’t prepared. I’ve never had anything like this before, and now I’m at the point where I need these weekly. Crispy, bold, lemony, peppery — perfectly balanced and completely addictive.
Then Frank introduced me to the Filet-O-Frank, and this one surprised me the most. Anyone who knows me knows I’m not usually into plant-based fish, but this? Hands down the best vegan fish sandwich I’ve ever had in my life. The texture, the flavor, the balance with the cheese and tartar sauce — I’m fully addicted.
We also got into the mozzarella sticks, golden and crispy with that perfect gooey pull, served with fresh tomato marinara. Necessary. No notes.
And just when I thought we were done, Frank gifted me a flight of tacos and sent me home with Vegan Hot Honey for the road. I ate some of the tacos on my way home, and not a single one disappointed. Every bite held up.
This wasn’t just eating — this was being welcomed.
Lucky Catsu
The Return That Completed the Story
This week, I went back for Lucky Catsu — and stepping into the same kitchen with an entirely different menu felt like opening a second chapter.
Lucky Catsu leans into creativity and global comfort flavors. This menu invites you to explore.
The lumpia box came out crispy and bold, and I was genuinely snacking on it on the drive home. The loaded island fried chicken fries tasted like a mini vacation — indulgent, layered, and joyful.
The hibachi bulgogi fried rice delivered exactly what I hoped for — rich, savory, and balanced. I can confidently say this was platinum plant-based energy.
The orange chicken panda plate brought together rice, chow mein, and a sauce that felt straight-up nostalgic in the best way. Comfort food done right.
Then there was the ube hotcake breakfast sandwich — sweet and savory, fluffy and indulgent. If you love ube, you already understand why this works.
Trying spam macsubi for the first time was another moment. Crispy, sweet, creamy, and perfectly wrapped — I finally get the hype.
The catsu curry plate was untouchable. Rich curry, perfectly cooked catsu — drizzle heavy and don’t hold back.
The sesame ball buchi box felt like traveling the world and coming back with flavor. Chewy, crispy, sweet — the perfect bite.
And ending with Mom’s Filipino spaghetti felt intentional. Love in a cup. A family recipe moment that grounded the entire experience.
A Special Thank You — From the Heart
Before closing this out, I need to say this clearly.
Special thank you to Frank, Diana, and the entire team — you have all been truly amazing. From the hospitality to the conversations to the care put into every dish, the love was felt.
And I have to give a special moment to Frank’s mom’s vegan hot honey — both the original and the hot. It is EVERYTHING. Balanced, sweet, bold, and unforgettable. If you go, make sure you grab it. Trust me.
This is what makes places like All Vegan Franks and Lucky Catsu matter. It’s not just the food — it’s the people, the family energy, and the intention behind it all.
One Kitchen. Two Menus. One Community Moment.
All Vegan Franks and Lucky Catsu operate from the same kitchen and same address, offering two distinct menus under one roof. This isn’t about choosing one over the other — it’s about showing up hungry and running both.
📍 Los Angeles
🍽️ All Vegan Franks & Lucky Catsu
📍 Same kitchen, same address
3317 N Mission Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90031
This blog is a thank-you note to everyone who said, “You’re not done yet.”
You were right.
And trust me — I’m still listening.
