Burger Patch/Sacramento, CA

I’m a carnivore. I like my steak rare, and I love beef tartare. I’m not a fan of cashew cheese that spreads like hummus, and black beans pretending to be meat.

Burger Patch has been offering plant-based burgers at the Golden 1 Center in Downtown Sacramento since October of last year. While waiting in line to get my first Patch Burger, I heard people telling stories of how these burgers tricked their meat-eater friends at Kings games who only realized they weren’t eating beef when the burger was done and someone told them.

Now, you don’t have to wait for game day or an event at the arena.

Burger Patch has a brick and mortar spot in the capital city open 7 days a week.

When I got my hands on my first Patch Burger, I got excited. It visually reminds me of all the reasons why I love In-N-Out. It’s a thin patty, grilled red onions and melted cheese with lettuce, tomato and Patch Sauce on a toasted bun. And, it’s portioned well so you get a bit of everything in each bite.

Let me be clear when I say, I don’t miss real meat in this delicious plant-based burger. With the Beyond Meat patty, the gooey cheese and the perfectly seasoned sauce, my craving for a burger is more than satisfied by a Patch Burger without that sluggish feeling I sometimes getting after chowing down on a Double-Double Animal Style with chopped chilis (extra toast). It checks all of the boxes. It’s flavorful, has a good amount of salt on the patty and the bun is sturdy yet soft, tying the whole thing together.

I can admit that if someone handed me a Patch Burger and told me it was beef, I’d probably believe them. It’s truly a delightful burger experience.

Burger Patch also offers a “chicken” sandwich lovingly called The Ranch. While the vegan patty used in this sandwich tastes a lot like chicken, the texture is not quite right. The same goes for the “chicken” nuggets also known as A Bunch. That said, both menu items are pretty good and the dipping sauces will make you forget they are plant-based after your first bite.

As someone who rarely turns down a milkshake, I found the chocolate Earth Quake Shake a little icy and not as creamy as I had hoped it would be. That said, I’m not mad at the shake. When you’re using cashew, almond, soy and agave instead of dairy, you’re going to lose some creaminess.

Did I mention they also have dessert?

It’s two salted chocolate chip cookies that aren’t baked. They are cooked on the flat top and served warm, soft and perfect. This is the way every meal should end. These cookies serve childhood nostalgia in a tiny paper bag. They taste like a hug. And, that sprinkle of sea salt elevates the flavors turning this kids’ favorite into a real adult treat.

Finally, vegans and vegetarians have a place to take their meat-eating friends, and everyone will leave with happy, full tummies.

Check out Burger Patch at 2301 K St. in Sacramento.