When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
BESTIES Vegan Paradise at The Original Farmers Market
Why BESTIES Vegan Paradise at The Original Farmers Market is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
BESTIES Vegan Paradise at The Original Farmers Market is a unique and vibrant haven for vegan food lovers and conscious consumers. Celebrated as Los Angeles' first fully vegan grocery store in this historic location, BESTIES delivers an extensive selection of exclusively 100% vegan products from independent brands committed to cruelty-free and plant-based ingredients. The store's welcoming atmosphere and friendly, knowledgeable staff create an inviting space ideal for meeting friends or exploring new vegan treats. Highlights include their onsite kitchen offering irresistible grab-and-go meals such as their acclaimed vegan hot dogs, award-winning dairy-free soft-serve ice cream in chocolate and vanilla, housemade sandwiches, salads, and fried mozzarella sticks. This makes it an attractive spot not only for shopping but also for casual dining with outdoor seating available at The Market. With a focus on catering both to locals and tourists, BESTIES balances convenience and quality by stocking a curated variety of cold drinks, vegan jerky, cookies, chocolates, dairy-free cheeses, plant-based meats, and easy-to-prepare breakfast items. Their commitment goes beyond commerce — every purchase supports building a vegan economy free from animal cruelty and exploitation. BESTIES Vegan Paradise is more than a store; it's a vibrant community hub and a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about compassionate, healthful eating and sustainable living.
Here's what people think of BESTIES Vegan Paradise at The Original Farmers Market
As of recent, BESTIES Vegan Paradise at The Original Farmers Market holds a 5-star rating based on 13 reviews.
Customer reviews of BESTIES Vegan Paradise consistently praise the store's innovative concept and its role as a pioneering fully vegan marketplace in Los Angeles. Many visitors appreciate the wide variety of vegan goods, especially the popular grab-and-go meals like the vegan hot dogs and dairy-free soft serve, which have become signature favorites. The staff's friendliness and willingness to help shoppers enhance the overall positive experience, making the store feel inclusive and welcoming. The location within The Original Farmers Market, coupled with outdoor seating, further adds to its appeal as a social and culinary meeting point. However, some reviews note that while the market excels in vegan product variety and ambiance, certain menu items, particularly some sandwiches like The Amico and The Delicatessen, received mixed feedback regarding flavor, described by a few as bland or less flavorful than expected. Despite these isolated critiques, the general consensus is that the positive aspects — the store's ethical dedication, vibrant atmosphere, diverse product range, and quality specialty items — strongly outweigh the negatives. Overall, reviewers commend BESTIES Vegan Paradise for its excellent customer service, unique vegan offerings, and contribution to building a compassionate consumer culture, making it a standout destination in LA's competitive food scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
dave gunn
So cool that our heroes at Besties have planted a strong vegan presence at the Farmers Market. Great selection and a perfect place to stop by real quick for the best soft serve and hotdogs in LA.
Kirk Tsonos
Stoked to finally have a plethora of vegan options with BESTIES Vegan Paradise at The Original Farmers Market! The Original Farmers Market has SO much history in LA (since 1934) & is an absolute destination location, but unfortunately, a desert for vegans... UNTIL NOW! BESTIES Vegan Paradise, a 100% vegan grocery store with 100% vegan brands run by 100% vegans is SO important, especially in a market location where butcher shops & non-vegan options run galore. A BESTIES location that can incite change from the inside out with an ethical & activist mindset is exactly what embodies veganism & animal rights. Anyone who calls themselves vegan for the animals should highly consider supporting this place. From a full, prepared foods kitchen with deli sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, soft-serve, & more to a market with all the snacks, tons of essentials, & many times hard-to-find vegan options... BESTIES truly is a vegan paradise.
Danny Choi
So excited that there's a second location now. This all-vegan store offers a decent selection of snacks, drinks, and frozen food, but it's limited by its size. It's comparable to a 7-Eleven if it were all vegan. If you're vegan, this place is a must visit. It's exciting to explore the variety of vegan goodies, something you can't do elsewhere. They have a surprisingly big menu of hot foods and sweet treats like hot dogs, nachos, soft serve, etc that they make in the back. We got the Vrito Pie, which was vegan knockoff fritos topped with chili, cheese, jalapenos, and onions. It was good but I wish they were more generous with the toppings. The staff is very friendly as well. They went above and beyond to answer our questions. If you're vegan, please check this place out!
Isiko AnKi OM
My favorite vegan grocery store is now in the Original Farmer's Market! The only vegan grocery store that has products from all vegan companies. I came today to grab a lunchbox cookie and a dipped cone. They were both fire 🔥 🫶✨️👌👌👌 I love that there is a Besties here as well as the original one. A collection of lively souls who value cruelty free food. How much better can it get?
Andre Butzberger
EXCELLENT vegan food and even better staff!!! Easily the best vegan soft serve in town! Mozzarella sticks were FIRE too!
How to reach BESTIES Vegan Paradise at The Original Farmers Market
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Why BESTIES Vegan Paradise at The Original Farmers Market may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at BESTIES Vegan Paradise at The Original Farmers Market with your friends? Because it offers a uniquely vibrant, all-vegan experience that combines exceptional food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a strong sense of community in one of Los Angeles' most iconic locations. Imagine gathering your friends around tables laden with savory vegan hot dogs, creamy dairy-free soft serve, and a variety of fresh grab-and-go meals. This isn’t just about eating—it’s about celebrating a lifestyle that values health, sustainability, and compassion, all while enjoying the buzz of The Original Farmers Market. The spot invites both longtime vegans and curious newcomers to discover a diverse range of 100% plant-based products, supporting independent vegan brands dedicated to cruelty-free living. The mood is festive and inclusive, making BESTIES Vegan Paradise an ideal rallying point for friends who cherish good food, ethical choices, and engaging conversations. It’s a place to reconnect, indulge, and share the joy of discovering vegan delights in a lively setting that feels like a neighborhood hub and vegan paradise rolled into one.
What activities are available at BESTIES Vegan Paradise, and why is it perfect for group meetups?
BESTIES Vegan Paradise offers an exciting array of activities centered around its food and retail experience. First and foremost, the store features a fully operational kitchen producing grab-and-go meals that include their legendary vegan hot dogs, plant-based sandwiches, fresh salads, and crispy fried mozzarella sticks. These high-quality meals encourage social dining, where friends can sample various flavorful options together. Additionally, customers can enjoy rich, dairy-free soft serve ice cream available in classic chocolate and vanilla, making it an irresistible treat to share in a group. The outdoor tables at The Original Farmers Market provide a comfortable and casual setting for gatherings, allowing groups to eat, chat, and enjoy the ambient charm of the market. The marketplace’s layout encourages exploration, inviting shared discovery of unique plant-based snacks, vegan jerky, cookies, chocolates, and cold drinks that customers can try and compare. Visitors can also browse an extensive fridge and freezer stocked with specialty items like dairy-free cheeses and plant-based meats, promoting an interactive shopping experience that engages group members with diverse tastes and interests. Together, these features make BESTIES not just a shopping trip but a memorable outing for friends or family who want to enjoy food, conversation, and vegan innovation in one delightful venue.
Why is BESTIES Vegan Paradise considered a standout destination for a vegan meetup in Los Angeles?
BESTIES Vegan Paradise stands out because it is the first and only fully vegan marketplace to exclusively sell 100% vegan products from independent brands, creating a truly authentic vegan environment. This commitment means that every dollar spent supports a vegan economy that upholds ethical production and cruelty-free values. For groups of vegans, vegetarians, or those curious about plant-based lifestyles, BESTIES offers a safe and inspiring space filled with hard-to-find vegan goods and innovative new products that excite the palate and align with ethical values. The fully vegan menu and marketplace reduce the usual guesswork or compromise that can come with dining or shopping as part of a mixed group, ensuring that all attendees feel included and satisfied. Moreover, the store’s location within The Original Farmers Market—a beloved historic LA landmark—adds to its appeal by merging tradition with forward-thinking cuisine and retail. Whether it’s a casual meet-up, a special occasion, or a group wanting to learn more about vegan living, BESTIES offers an exceptional blend of education, enjoyment, and community connection that’s rare to find elsewhere in the city.
What makes the food and product selection at BESTIES Vegan Paradise ideal for groups?
The diverse and thoughtfully curated food and product selection at BESTIES Vegan Paradise caters perfectly to groups by offering something for every palate and dietary preference within the vegan framework. Their menu includes crowd-pleasers like the smoky, flavorful vegan hot dogs available plain or with classic toppings, which are perfect for sharing and sparking friendly debate about favorite styles. Additionally, the range of grab-and-go options—from hearty sandwiches to crisp salads and indulgent fried mozzarella sticks—provides a communal tasting experience that suits groups who love to try a variety of dishes. The famous dairy-free soft serve offers a creamy dessert that pleases both adults and children alike, completing the meal on a high note. Beyond prepared foods, the shop’s extensive pantry features a wide selection of vegan cheeses, plant-based meats, and ready-to-cook items that invite group members to swap cooking ideas or plan future meals together. The inclusion of vegan snacks like jerky, cookies, and chocolates adds a fun element for casual nibbling in-between meals. Because all these products are 100% vegan and sourced from independent companies committed to ethical practices, the entire group can enjoy peace of mind knowing they’re making kind choices, creating a shared sense of purpose alongside the enjoyment of delicious food.
How does the atmosphere and layout at BESTIES Vegan Paradise support a fun and engaging group experience?
BESTIES Vegan Paradise’s atmosphere is designed to feel warm, inclusive, and vibrant—perfect for groups looking to connect over great food in a relaxed yet energetic setting. Located within The Original Farmers Market, the shop benefits from the market’s bustling, friendly ambiance, with lively foot traffic and a mix of locals and tourists that add a dynamic background to any gathering. The presence of outdoor seating allows groups to linger comfortably, enjoying sunshine or shade while chatting and sharing meals together. The layout encourages exploration, with grab-and-go counters adjacent to open fridge and freezer sections filled with interesting finds, inviting group members to move around and discover products at their own pace. Knowledgeable and friendly staff are on hand to answer questions and often spark conversation about products or recipes, contributing to the communal feeling. The grand opening celebrations and ongoing events add a festive touch that turn visits into experiences, making it easy to turn a meetup into a lively social occasion. This blend of casual comfort, market energy, and expert service fosters an engaging environment where groups can relax, experiment with plant-based foods, and enjoy meaningful time together.
Why should groups consider hosting meetups at BESTIES Vegan Paradise over other dining or shopping venues?
Groups should consider BESTIES Vegan Paradise for their meetups because it offers a rare combination of a fully vegan food and shopping destination coupled with the iconic and convenient location of The Original Farmers Market. Unlike typical restaurants or grocery stores, BESTIES unites both under one roof—offering fresh prepared meals alongside a rich assortment of vegan products from small, ethical brands. This means that groups can not only eat together but also shop, learn, and share discoveries in a single visit, making the meetup more engaging and memorable. For friends or families with mixed dietary preferences, the 100% vegan offerings guarantee there are no compromises or exclusions, fostering harmony around the table. Additionally, by supporting a business committed to cruelty-free products and minority-owned ventures, groups contribute to positive social impact through their meetup choice. The outdoor seating, friendly atmosphere, and added bonus of discovering unique vegan snacks and pantry items further enhance the experience. Taken together, BESTIES Vegan Paradise provides more than just food or shopping—it offers a meaningful, delicious, and social setting ideal for groups eager to enjoy both community and cuisine in the heart of Los Angeles.
In summary, BESTIES Vegan Paradise at The Original Farmers Market is a remarkable venue where friends and families can rally for a vegan experience that combines exceptional food, thoughtful product selection, and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. The comprehensive grab-and-go menu, from vegan hot dogs to soft serve, the unique retail offerings, and the inclusive, festive environment make it an ideal spot for group meetups. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s a hub for connection, discovery, and ethical enjoyment, perfectly suited for anyone looking to share great times and plant-based delights all in one iconic Los Angeles destination.