Squid Ink by Jyoti Roy

Culturally and aesthetically Squid and Ink maintains the contemporary vegan ethos of sustainability—the new generation of food politics evolving from the vegetarian movement of the sixties. With photocopied menus, dynamic color schemes and lots of artwork adorning the restaurant it has that cozy, hipster feeling. Despite a pending liquor license, co-owner Jarrod Ducat wants to keep the place refreshingly all-ages. Bars are nice, but it’s good to have a place focusing on 100% vegan, American style food rather than alcohol.

Situated opposite Boeing Field just over the Albro Place off-ramp from I-5, Squid and Ink is a sea-green oasis in the otherwise grey Georgetown. The light-box squid sign is reminiscent of a tattoo parlor, but with the unmistakable “vegan” pronouncement and the delicious aroma, it’s clearly the needle-free home of the best fries in town. The lip-smacking menu includes country style breakfasts (served from 9am-4pm), more dignified dinners (4pm-midnight) and an all-day sandwich menu for good meals anytime.

Dinner offers the most intriguing vegan fare, with five different “fish” and “chicken” options. The home-style chicken fried steak is made from seitan (wheat protein) that is dipped, breaded, fried and served with gravy and sautéed vegetables. The Mediterranean fish, served with roma tomato, artichoke hearts, red onions, black olives, risotto and veggies, is made from soy protein, with a ‘skin’ of seaweed that gives it a fishy taste and flaky texture. Nearly every ingredient is made in-house. For the few meat substitutes Squid and Ink purchases, they happily “stay away from the over-processed, high-gluten alternatives.”

Wheat-free options abound, including the entire appetizer menu of soup, salad, stuffed mushrooms, fish and chips and sweet potato fries. The sandwich menu standouts are the “steak seirtaire,” an ethical, vegan version of a McDonalds wrap, and the “Monte Cristo,” an indulgent concoction of vegan ham and cheese slathered between two pieces of French toast. The “tofu-chiggen popper in a corn tortilla” is a lighter choice with a hint of jalapeño.

Breakfast is every vegan’s dream. From French toast served with scrambled tofu to tempeh sausage and real maple syrup, it’s comfort food without the arterial clogs. The biscuits and gravy are amazing and wheat-free. The tofu-omelets are another wheat-free option and the cottage cheese with fruit makes for a tasty snack.

Similar to the U-district’s Wayward Café (the two share owners and workers) yet with an unmistakable Georgetown feel, Squid and Ink is a great place to bring friends, your kids, or to sit in corner drinking endless coffee by yourself.

Cost:
Breakfast: $4.75-$7.50
Starters: $6.75-$7.50
Lunch: Around $8
Dinner: Around $9

Hours:
9am-Midnight. Closed Mondays