Okay, you all probably know about Laughing Planet by now, right? No? Okay, I’ll tell you about it!

It’s a health food (but like 90s health food; no chia pudding or anything) chain with locations all around Portland, plus Eugene, Bend, Corvallis, and… Reno? I think that’s new. Laughing Planet offers burritos, bowls, salads, etc., with kale and sweet potatoes galore. Feel free to ask for substitutions: meat items can always be swapped out for tofu. Burritos can be made as bowls, and vice versa. You can usually trust it in a pinch. At lunchtime, they have a certain number of pre-made burritos ready for grab-and-go, if you’re really in a hurry–and if those people ahead of you in line would actually make up their minds already.

Fun facts with Kelley: It actually started in Bloomington, Indiana, and the original location is still there. For vegetarians in the midwest, it’s like a glowing beacon of wonder. For those of us in Portland, it’s like, “Oh, cool, tempeh burritos with peanut sauce. Can I have mine to go?”

Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and items containing nuts are noted on menu. Most Laughing Planet locations have vegan and grain-free cookies available at the counter, taunting you while you order.

Lots of locations
laughingplanetcafe.com