Dining Out: V Spot hits the spot with Latin vegan cuisine

Brooklynites are spoiled for riches when it comes to finding delicious vegan food in our backyard, but The V Spot stands out with its creative and hearty Colombian-inspired cuisine that is not only vegan, but also kosher-certified and available as gluten and soy-free options.

Located in the heart of Park Slope, The V Spot has become a neighborhood fixture that is also popular with Manhattan-based vegans, as well as omnivores who come for the delicious, homemade, contemporary Latin food.

“It’s such a Brooklyn story and we have one of the most diverse clientele, across race, color, diets and more,” said Steve Simicich, who handles business development at the eight-year-old restaurant, which was founded by his college buddies, brothers Daniel and Alex Carabaño, in 2006. “Dan didn’t like the [vegan] choices available in the area and wanted to open a place that connected with his [dietary and cultural] background. . . We have the typical restaurant atmosphere with options that any diner would want, but that just so happens to be vegan.”

Entrees like the VSpot Burrito ($9.50), Portobello Spinach Tacos ($15) and the Bandeja Paisa ($16)—a “typical Colombian variety plate served with sautéed seitan, vegan carne molida, brown rice, black beans, avocado slices, sweet plantain and arepa con queso (using Daiya cheese)”—are hearty and comforting while also being refreshing takes on more traditional dishes. The carne molida has texture comparable to ground beef, but with arguably more absorbed flavor, and the wonderfully melty Daiya cheese paired with the non-greasiness of the arepa blows street-fair-arepas out of the water.

On the lighter side, the Kale Tostadas ($7) and Empañadas ($8; your choice of Colombian, Jamaican Jerk, Philly Cheese or Breakfast) are examples of the perfect appetizers to kick off your meal: fresh, fun and filled-to-bursting.

The empanadas come two to a plate and are fatter than most, stuffed with homemade seitan, vegan mozzarella and cheddar, mushrooms, onions and green peppers. They are served with vegan mayo, but we prefer smothering it with VSpot’s special Salsa Fresca or Salsa Verde ($5 to buy a bottle for home), which adds a great kick to the party going on in your mouth.

Meanwhile, the kale tostadas are refreshing and crunchy, although a bit messy when you bite in and black beans fall onto your plate, but that just makes it easier to scoop.

There are also plenty of salads, wraps, soup, sides and weekend brunch options on the menu, which evolves as the Carabaño brothers come up with new ideas, which they often taste-test on customers who come to their monthly Brooklyn Vegan Drinks networking event every second Thursday at 8 p.m.. VSpot also hosts a monthly comedy night every first Thursday at 9 p.m.; Alex Carabaño is a stand-up comic when not working at the restaurant.

Speaking of drinks, VSpot now has its liquor license, meaning you can get a fresh juice margarita or non-alcoholic juice, smoothie, milkshake or more ($2-$6) to go with your meal.

The V Spot

156 Fifth Avenue

718-928-8778

www.spreadvegan.com

Catering and delivery available.

Tuesdays-Thursdays: Noon to 10 p.m.

Fridays-Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sundays: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.