Review: Twisted Plants, Milwaukee Vegan Must Try

Restaurant name: Twisted Plants

Hours: *Curbside Takeout Orders Only*
Tuesday-Thursday: 12pm – 7pm
Friday – Saturday: 12pm – 8pm
Closed Sunday and Monday

Address: 4905 S Packard Ave, Cudahy, WI 53110

Pricing (up to 5 $): $$

Last year, I was sent a list of Black-owned restaurants in Milwaukee. I quickly scrolled to the “vegan and vegetarian” section unsure what to expect. As a vegetarian of 13 years, I’ve learned to hide my disappointment when it comes to food options. As expected, the list was small. But one description caught my eye. Twisted Plants: Offering a variety of plant based/vegan delicious eats.

It couldn’t be! A restaurant in Milwaukee that had entirely plant-based, “cheesy,” “meaty” food? Look, I’m not saying that places with salads and fancy vegan substitutes don’t exist, but I love carbs. I love sandwiches and fries. And I love not having to worry about my bill being more than what’s left in my bank account. Twisted Plants delivers in every category.

So today, an average, busy but bland Wednesday became my favorite day this week. Why? My partner suggested we order Twisted Plants. I couldn’t say yes fast enough. 

Before Twisted Plants took root at its South Packard Ave location, it was a successful food truck. Founders Arielle and Brandon Hawthorne established their food truck in May 2019 and just one year later, they moved to its current location. The restaurant is not yet open inside due to COVID-19, but their staff is always kind and helpful. The restaurant offers online ordering through their website for curbside pick-up and, more recently, delivery through GrubHub.

Due to a few looming deadlines, my partner and I opted for GrubHub delivery. I ordered the Soul Plane, a breaded crispy chik’n patty sandwich topped with lettuce, tomato, sweet and hot pickles, and chipotle ranch. My partner ordered How High, a faux pulled pork sandwich made with shredded BBQ jackfruit, crispy onions, slaw, sweet and hot pickles and chipotle ranch. Both were served on pretzel buns with a side of potato wedges. The potato wedges were thick and tender with a lightly seasoned, crispy exterior. To drink, we both had the fresh squeezed strawberry lemonade. And for dessert, we decided to try the dirt cake shake.

The chik’n sandwich, Soul Plane, was wonderfully breaded and prepared. The lettuce and tomato supported the standard chicken flavor, and the sweet and hot pickles brought an interesting twist that melded well with the chipotle ranch. The pretzel bun added an element of sweetness. The first few bites were a little dry as the chipotle ranch was only dotted in the center of the bun but the remaining bites were great. My only complaint: Not enough sauce.

My partner’s sandwich, How High, was not lacking in sauce. The shredded jackfruit was expertly coated in BBQ sauce. As jackfruit has a particular taste, especially when used in vegetarian dishes, I was hesitant. But after one bite, my worries vanished. Not only was the typically distracting taste of jackfruit absent but the combination of BBQ shreds, crispy onions, slaw and pickles was tantalizing. The chipotle ranch gave an extra boost of heat that rounded out every bite.

Now for the fresh squeezed strawberry lemonade. I could dedicate an entire review to this drink. It’s sweet and remarkably refreshing. Strawberry seeds fleck the cup, swimming around half of a juiced lemon. Delivered in a whopping 32 oz cup for only $5, this drink is worth every penny. If liquid was filling, I would seriously have this lemonade for dinner.

The dirt cake shake sounded creamy and unique. I was excited to try this vegan take on the classic kids’ dessert. Unfortunately, the coconut milk based ice cream made the shake taste more like an almond joy than anything else. I knew there was chocolate flavoring there, the color and crumbled Oreo on top was a not-so-subtle reminder, but unfortunately the flavor was too unexpected for me to enjoy it.

Overall, I would rate Twisted Plants 4 out of 5 stars. They deliver the unique take on vegan food that Milwaukee needs. Most of their menu meets all vegan comfort food expectations. Their portions are filling and, aside from a shortage of sauce, their toppings are perfectly paired together. I’m not sure what other drinks they have to offer; the fresh squeezed strawberry lemonade refuses to be upstaged. The vegan shake was slightly disappointing, but the rest of the menu makes up for this momentary lapse in flavor combinations.

The next time you’re craving a delicious and tangy burger, check out Twisted Plants. And seriously, get the lemonade.