vegan food is always overpiced--who the hell decided that plant matter was more expensive than slaughtering animals? it's not. this place should be cheaper, but that goes with all "vegan" places. anyway, the real issue is that there's nothing more annoying than overzealous vegans thinking they're doing something "right" by eating overpiced hipster food. get over your self and stop trying to convert everyone by being super annoying. just because you're leftist doesn't mean that you cant be a fascist too. i hate that so many of these kids forget how important freedom of choice is.

just to piss you all off, none of you are really "vegan". there are animal products in like 75% of what you use in your daily life and you would drive yourself crazy trying to eliminate them all. get a fucking grip on yourself.

still, the whole point of this: it's nice to have a meatless option for fast food. while i highly doubt this place runs in any kind of optimal environmental-saving way, eliminating animal products from food is a great way for humans to reduce environmental harm somewhat.

now if only the vegans would step back and let the general population realize that not all vegan food is carrot sticks or "weird crap" without shoving a bunch of fucking idealist bullshit down everyone's throats! that said, the food here is decent and the prices are good for the rapidly gentrifying area.

The food here is great, and I like the the eco-activist, bike-friendly, anarchist, punk vibe of the place. Unfortunately, the last time I was there the woman at the counter was unpleasant to the point of absolute psychosis. They wouldn't let me eat my food in the restaurant, apparently because I said that the Bush administration proto-fascism is more similar to Italian fascism than Nazism. They had a poster on the wall that raised the subject, so it was hardly out of nowhere. I've read The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich and a number of early Italian fascist writings, so I know what I'm talking about.

Anyway, this poor woman had a complete meltdown. She eventually screamed and ran into the kitchen as I pleaded with her to tell me what on earth I had done to upset her. Baffling, depressing, and totally uncalled for. If the fact the I was wearing a leather jacket was the real reason, I wish she had said so.
I would gladly go again because the food is so good, but I'm worried that I may not be able to unless this profoundly emotionally disturbed and monumentally nasty lunatic is dismissed. I've never had worse treatment in any store, restaurant, or bar in my life.

we have be thankfull that the vegan/veggie world has so many options now! being veggie for 15 years ,and seeing the progress in this community is still hard to believe for me,foodswings is a great option to have available,i really wish there weren't so many haters out there,and that peeps could just appreciate the fact that there is enough veggies/vegans to keep these places open,its all for a great cause, didn't your mama ever tell you nobody is perfect!!

oh,when you took my arm, that's when we fell apar. Hale Mauricio.

But taking someone with yo. Lexie Martta.

best restaurant EVER. the staff is so nice and the food is amazing. i get buffalo wings with mashed potatos and an orange julius milkshake (vanilla ice cream + orange juice)! everytime i come home from school i visit foodswings at least 2-3 times. in one weekend. it's that good.

This place is as weak as my grandpa's nut. Plus way more expensive...

The buffalo wings are completely addicting. If I didn't think my arteries would explode from eating fried food every night, I'd go there every night.

The counter staff have always been pretty nice to me & my partner when we go. You're not going to get your ass kissed here, but if you play nice, they usually do too.

About once every five visits they give us an order of buffalo wings with virtually no sauce on them, and that's pretty bogus. We check our takeout at the counter before leaving with it now, and demand more if necessary.

loco burrito in williamsburg has excellent soy cheese that is perfect in burritos, nachos & quesadillas!

I have been to FoodSwings about a dozen times, and it has never disappointed. The service has always been friendly and fast, and the food great.

This is a vegan fast food joint, not a sit down and get served restaurant. Don't ask them to be something they are not. Even so, sometimes the staff will bring your order to your table!

An order of wings and a tank will fill you up and leave you with a smile on your face for hours.

Warning: it's addictive!

I actually really liked their cheesesteak - and other items are wonderfully tasty replicants of dead cows. Sure the service is lousy, but what do you expect from a bunch of pissy 19 year old Vegans who hopped on the modern primitive bandwagon 10 years too late? Righteousness, thy name is Vegan. But the food is good. Eat it and assuage your guilt, but not your waistline.

drumsticks and mac and cheese are delicious.
as are the brownie desserts - they are probably the best cakey type snack i've ever had and believe me - i know my cakes. fudgy cake like base with chocolate frosting, chocolate chips, butterscotch bits and chocolate sauce. YUM!
The moon pies are pretty damn good too.
I'm not even vegetarian, let alone vegan, yet I keep going back for more.

Foodswings: because vegans should be denied the same filthy dirty nasty feeling that everyone else gets after eating at McDonald's.

Like everyone else said, its fast food, what the fuck did you expect.

The food varies from pretty damn good with suprisingly realistic meaty texture to pretty crappy grease soaked cold crap with limp fries on a paper plate.

The service varies from disaffected but efficient to wanting to reach across the counter and rip out each of their piercings in alphabetical order with a pair of pliers.

The prices are a couple of bucks more expensive than fast food and are on par with the rest of Williamsburg.

The drumsticks are the best bet across the board. Great for the vegetarian who feels left out when everyone orders hot wings.

ordered from here the other day. enjoyable to quite enjoyable in general but... DO NOT GET THE PHILLY CHEESESTEAK!! it is stomach turning. my friend asked if i wanted a bite, and upon lifting it to my lips and catching a whiff, i immediately threw it back at her in disgust and anger.

needless to say, she got a stomach ache later....

summary: order from foodswings, but avoid the philly cheese at all costs.

All I have to say is, if not for the eggy and cheese sandwich on the late night menu, my saturday nights would end with me being very empty and grumpy. My other bartender and myself don't get to eat dinner until after 1am...FOODSWINGS is a vegan godsend. Screw these idiots who don't get it. I like upscale places like Candle Cafe, but WTF they call themselves vegan yet their soy cheese contains casein, NOT VEGAN, NOT ACCEPTABLE, and they slap a 14 dollar price tag on their sandwiches. Foodswings knows how to do it right and they give a shit, keeping their prices down, despite these ingredients costing a small fortune (yah, it's "junk food," which doesn't exist in the vegan world, unless you're eating potato chips). I crave Foodswings!!!

Ok, after reading all these reviews I thought I'd break it down nice and easy for the next person interested in Food Swings.

Atsmophere: think suburban hardcore scenester hangout. swarmed with image-obsessed kids who obviously don't live here. yeah, it is a bit annoying.

Service: eh, mediocore. if you had to deal with above mentioned kids all day you'd be surly, too.

Food: gross but delicious...sometimes & very sparingly. not healthy - did they ever claim to be healthy? i personally researched what was IN their science experiment meat (same as Red Bamboo's) after the Food Swings folks denied my request for ingriendients and found it to be chock full of crap. for vegans who actually care what they are putting in their bodies- don't go. for vegans who are more concerned with ethical eating just think of all the processing this food takes. think broader than something simply bein cruelty-free.

ok, that is my 2 cents.

christy canyons*
cindy bigtitsroundasses*

I'm with the earlier guys... I'm all for a quick vegan joint - but the cock hipped attitude of the 'staff' here really does make you think twice about even trying.

You'll be ignored, patronized, whispered about, forgotten, tutted at and generally mistreated by a bunch of kids who seem to think that 'vegan' makes them above actually serving.

The food - well yes it's greasy, it's often not hot enough and much of it tastes like bath sponge.

recommended? No

PS Can any vegan joint do decent cheese?

Echoing the sentiments of others here, I think it's important to put this place in its proper context.

While I would seldom venture here for a romantic sit-down long meal, I believe it more than serves its purpose as a great pit-stop while bar-hopping in Williamsburg late night -- it's either that or end up at one of the ho-hum diners scarfing down greasy burgers you won't even remember the next morning.

I just wish they'd stay open past 2 am to better facilitate this advantage.

Where else would ordering a "ham and cheese" sandwich seem like a novel idea?

i really don't understand the negative reviews. it's true, this place is definitely no zen palate or red bamboo, but that's a given. the whole idea of vegan fastfood is genius (and delicious). i guess i wouldn't recommend this place to the "older" crowd, as it is largely college or post-college aged kids. the vegan heart attack was amazing, as well. i give foodswings my vegan seal of approval, as does most everyone else i know.

one of the great things about foodswings is that they make an effort to be all vegan. they bring in vegan candy and stuff you can take home. theydo the research for you. a lot of 'vegan' restaurants don't obsess over the little details like whey in the bread. and most vegetarian restaurants are still full of landmines for vegan folk (some, like zen palate, don't even tell you on the menu what is vegan or not and allow everyone to think that everything is vegan when it is not.)

if you have a problem with the food or the service, tell them. and if they're jerks, well, then don't go back. but if you're vegan, just know that the owner of foodswings is too, which is also more than can be said for a lot of really popular vegetarian places.

Yes Food Swings is crawling with young people who care about animals, but duh. Normally I am very accomidating to fokls that eat meat, but when you hate on Food Swings you are messing with my sanctuary. I assume these folks that are hating for lack of service and the like are older and pretty bouigie because they seem to expect vegan food to be fancy and expensive and also good for them, hence they expect a dining "experience."

Well it is one. You can go and sit around forever with your friends without having to search every fold of the menu for some crappy salad you have to get without dressing, or some side of beans and rice. You can talk to the people behind the counter like real human beings (and also the other customers for that matter). I am never in a rush for anything when I go to Food Swings because I know I am going to hang out until I can eat a second round (although I always have great and speedy service).

And it is more than another restaurant to be be judged as such. I feel so strongly about food swings because it is about promoting being vegan not just by having delicious, modestly priced junk food that as chubby americans we love, but also by giving people that don't eat meat for animals' sake first (and not their own) a place where they aren't made to feel uncomfortable about that. Not only is it accomidating to its customers it is supportive.

So don't get it twisted; just get you a tank and some drumsticks and toast to saving animals and mental health at the expense or your (probably too skinny vegan) waistline.

FOOD SWINGS IS THE BOMB. FUCK A BUNCH OF VEGAN HEALTH FOOD. I WANT ANIMALS TO STAY ALIVE, BUT I DONT WANT TO EAT SHIT THAT TASTES LIKE CARDBOARD! GO FOOD SWINGS! YEEAH FOOD SWINGS!!! CHICKEN FINGERS!!!!

I love food swings's food is delicious and their staff is okay. the food is WAYYYYYYYYYYY too greasy though.

First thing you need to do when you enter Foodswings is read the sign they have that reads COUNTER SERVICE ONLY. Foodswings is a VEGAN FAST FOOD JOINT, NOT A FANCY SIT-DOWN RESTAURANT. However, I find this funny because sometimes, if you sit down you will find that regardless of the sign, the counterpeople will indeed bring your food out to you. As for the food quality, I've heard complaints from people but oddly enough, I've yet to have a problem and I have been going there since it opened a year ago. The BBQ wings are my favorite by far; as for the burgers, the "A-Trane" (veggie burger with vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato and avacado) is my favorite of those. The nachos are quite good, as are the chicken nuggets and the grilled cheese sandwich. Cheese fries are good if you're in the mood for something greasy. The sides are pretty varied too - mashed potatoes, vegan macaroni and cheese, even grilled asparagus is an option. The milkshakes are AMAZING, but I personally recommend getting one ONLY if you're eating very little or nothing else, as they're pretty heavy. Having a Foodswings milkshake after a Foodswings meal isn't good on my stomach. Another thing to keep in mind when you go there - Foodswings is owned and operated by young vegans, so of course the majority of the incoming crowd is going to be young as well. Foodswings is a place to head to only once in a while if you're a health nut, just as any fast food should be eaten in moderation. It's a place for a quick and filling vegan snack and that's what it boils down to. As for the prices, yes it's a bit pricey, but the main thing is since there's so many great options on the menu, that's why people usually shell out so much money to it. If you're really concerned about saving money, just get one thing and a drink... it's that simple. But I guarantee you most of the time, after reading the menu, you can't have just one thing.

First thing you need to do when you enter Foodswings is read the sign they have that reads COUNTER SERVICE ONLY. Foodswings is a VEGAN FAST FOOD JOINT, NOT A FANCY SIT-DOWN RESTAURANT. However, I find this funny because sometimes, if you sit down you will find that regardless of the sign, the counterpeople will indeed bring your food out to you. As for the food quality, I've heard complaints from people but oddly enough, I've yet to have a problem and I have been going there since it opened a year ago. The BBQ wings are my favorite by far; as for the burgers, the "A-Trane" (veggie burger with vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato and avacado) is my favorite of those. The nachos are quite good, as are the chicken nuggets and the grilled cheese sandwich. Cheese fries are good if you're in the mood for something greasy. The sides are pretty varied too - mashed potatoes, vegan macaroni and cheese, even grilled asparagus is an option. The milkshakes are AMAZING, but I personally recommend getting one ONLY if you're eating very little or nothing else, as they're pretty heavy. Having a Foodswings milkshake after a Foodswings meal isn't good on my stomach. Another thing to keep in mind when you go there - Foodswings is owned and operated by young vegans, so of course the majority of the incoming crowd is going to be young as well. Foodswings is a place to head to only once in a while if you're a health nut, just as any fast food should be eaten in moderation. It's a place for a quick and filling vegan snack and that's what it boils down to. As for the prices, yes it's a bit pricey, but the main thing is since there's so many great options on the menu, that's why people usually shell out so much money to it. If you're really concerned about saving money, just get one thing and a drink... it's that simple. But I guarantee you most of the time, after reading the menu, you can't have just one thing.

Though some items are a bit pricey, overall I love Foodswings! I have been in the store and gotten delivery many times and had no problems at all. The food is generally pretty good (especially the bbq drumsticks, yum...) and satisfies my want for cruelty-free junk. After all, just because one doesn't eat animals doesn't mean one doesn't love barbecue. However, I second (or third or whatever) the sentiment about the environmentally horrific plastic and styrofoam everything. Reusable plates and utensils would be a WELCOME change!

Oh, and I have an omnivorous friend who regularly makes the trek to Williamsburg to eat with me at Foodswings -- she loves meat, but she's addicted to the wings!

Reading the negative reviews baffle me! This is the greatest restaurant and quite frankly I can't belive some of these reviews. Number 1...it's a fast food joint so what's up with the "unhealthy" comments hello? Number 2, the food is excellent...there is no where else to indulge in delicious vegan foods that are just so tasty and different. There chicken drumsticks are delicious....even for meat eaters....the philly cheese steak and no-chicken parmesan are the reason I schlep to Brooklyn from afar. Number 3...how many restaurant owners do you know that really care about so my REAL and important issues that others just deny. I absolutely love Foodswings and if you read this, it is certainly worth a try. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is funky and totally comfortable. Enjoy every vegan bite!

Well, I'll be damned is this place even turns into a health joint. If you go there, try the Faux Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. A bit pricey, but just perfect: tender "meat," gooey cheese, sweet sauteed onions, warm mayo and (most importantly) GREASY!!! Just the way a sandwich of this nature should be.

Also try the hot dogs (2 for $4, more if you add on,...I recommend the chili!), but stay clear of the mac & cheese (awkward "cheese" texture and color).

I guess thats the great thing about people...we all view things differently...

I have never had a bad experience at Foodswings...you have to know what youre going there for ... Fastfood ... VEGAN ... counterservice... fun and just a good time....people that say its pricey???? is totally wierd...where do you eat thats cheaper? and you have to tell them youre in the union...they dont have ESP...lighten up people!

*insert homer gurgle*
I am still speechless of ther buffalo style drumsticks & cheese fries I had last night..

basically, i could make this stuff at home for much cheaper. but i am lazy, so i get foodswings.

This is a great place to go. The first time I went it was for a vegan meetup and I thought it was a funky, comfortable laid back place. I've been back two times, although it is a little out of the way for me . The food is yummy, service is mediocre. The faux philly cheesesteak is awesome, as well as the tofu scramble.....the chocolate soy milk shakes are to DIE for, hands down the best milkshake I've had, ever. and of course, the chocolate peanut butter bomb cake is beyond words,and it can rival Teany's..pure vegan junk food heaven!I'll probably head back there soon with my friend, who also loved it....she said the vegan s'mores are awesome...I had a bite, but I prefer to stick with my peanut butter bomb cake addiction......

I agree with you about the way you view the issue. I remember, long time ago, Jack London said something like "Everything positive has a negative side; everything negative has a positive side." I also find it interesting to see different points of views and learn useful things in the discussion.

Posted by: Richard Hill at May 22, 2005 08:59 AM

The service at Foodswings certainly doesn't make for a pleasant dining experience. Nothing is more frustrating than waiting for someone (anyone please, there is enough of you) behind the counter to finish their personal conversation before even acknowledging you-- much less considering you a paying customer rather than an annoyance. The food is consistent though and is usually perfect for a late night snack. A bit overpriced but what around here isn't? Recommend carry out only--get in and get out...quick!

I love Food Swings! Their food is amazing and I've never had a bad experiance as far as service is concerned. I love the vegan cheese stakes, and the milkshakes are awesome. Also, the brownie cheesecake was incredible! For vegan junk food, you can't do better than Food Swings! (and come on, we all know vegans really do love junk food!)

Vegetarians love the taste of meat, we do, we do!! but we love animals more so we give up the flesh. but guess what? there is now a joint in the burg that fakes your mouth out to the extreme, so now you can say "tastes like chicken" and believe it. food swings rocks the house. thumbs up all the way. its some of the best vegetarian food in the brooklyn. its cheap, its quick and its animal free.

"i don't understand how deep fried food is supposed to be healthy." i'm pretty sure the whole point of food swings is that they are not healthy. a lot of vegan places forget that some people are only vegan for the animal's sake, not their own.

i like a lot about foodswings, but it is a bit pricey. i've never had their burgers, but the drumsticks rock. i still wish they'd make biscuits with them though.

I was surprised to read such negative comments for food swings. I've only been there a few times, but each time has been quick, painless, relatively inexpensive and tasty. I recommend the sandwiches. you can pay like $6 for a convincing fake-chicken kinda sandwich and fries. tipping is optional as this is a order-at-the-counter sort place. so I don't know what local 2110 was all bent out of shape over. if they're dicks, don't tip obviously. they've always been nice and prompt for me tho.

HORRIBLE

I tried to get delivery from food swings, but the delivery woman couldnt figure out how to use my buzzer and left as I was running down the stairs to let her in. I called the restaurant to tell them that the delivery girl left before I got downstairs and they said with attitude- 'delivery doesnt mean we bring it to your sofa' -???huh??

Anyway... I ended up having to go over there and pick it up myself because the delivery girl refused to come back to the building--- and the food ended up being really GREASY. Basically tastes like they just reheated frozen tofu apetizers fromthe deli. I dont understand how deep fried food is supposed to be healthy. I was so dissipointed by the service and the quality of the food. I will never go back.
and judging from the other review the inhouse service is just as bad!

the worst dining experience of my life. we were forgotten about for 45 minutes. when we were finally remembered, our orders unfortunately were not. (my dining companion had ordered the fish n' chips without vinegar, but that arrived finally with more vinegar than "fish.") i had to go to the counter and ask for eating utensils. ooh, plastic forks! plastic is vegan! i had to ask for napkins as well. all this to the tune of $20! [$6.95 burger, $7.95 fisn n' chips, TIP!] add to this unpleasentry: the color of the walls (bright purple and bright yellow) obnoxiously overlit, cheese metal played too loudly through blown out speakers, and about fourteen 22 year olds who may or may not be on acid clustered together by the counter like mallrats. my favorite part was the couple behind us who had wandered in with their vegan guide to nyc (love that book) and their subway map in hand. they must have lasted almost ten minutes before realizing that there was no table service. they fled. smart. i'd say this place was a front but the kids working there were far too confused for it to be a very effective one. oh, and saw nothing about the union thing. (i'm in one!)

*vegan junk food *overpriced *zero atmosphere *zero service *
worst dining experience ever*