Stop! Drop that burger. Do you even know what’s in it? A cow? A pig? A rat? A slice of rubber molded into a disc?

Okay, fine. Let’s just assume it’s beef. It’s probably filled with pink slime anyways. Also known as lean finely textured beef (LFTB) and boneless lean beef trimmings (BLBT), pink slime is a paste-like, beef-based food additive that is often added to ground and processed beef as a cheap filler. It is made of finely ground scraps of beef, consisting of fat, sinew, and connective tissue that have been mechanically separated from the animal’s bone using a high-pressure sieve or centrifuge at high temperatures. The resulting material is then heated, and treated with ammonia gas or citric acid to kill bacteria like E. Coli or salmonella. What a treat.

Movements like Meatless Monday have been protesting the negative health effects of processed meats by advocating the elimination of meat products from the American diet. Working hand in hand with the Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health, the movement not only promotes the consumption of meat-free alternatives, but also provides recipes and information regarding vegetarian foods. The movement’s goal is to improve both the health of the individual and the planet by cutting meat products one day a week–consequently reducing our carbon footprint and the rate of climate change.

So are you still clutching your lard-injected, grease-oozing cylinder of animal carcass? For your sake, I sure hope not. But if the cold hard facts were not enough to change your mind, here are some of the best vegetarian restaurants in the South Bay that will surely have your tastebuds marching to a different drumstick:

The Spot
I’ll admit, when I first drove up to park in front of the restaurant I thought, “wow a parking meter? Really? In front of this tiny restaurant?” But I assure you, the visit is worth every last quarter in your glove box.
Established in 1981, The Spot was L.A.’s first Natural Health Food restaurant. A cute, cozy restaurant on the corner of 2nd street, it has been featured on Travel Channel for its delectable veggie burger. The restaurant has a homey, comforting ambiance evocative of grandma’s kitchen. If you’re not sure what to get, just ask Justin and Jazz, the two counter boys, and they’ll recommend the very best and serve you a bowl of carrots with the restaurant’s famous “Savory Sauce.”
You can also buy The Spot’s cookbook (I bought one!), Recipes from the Heart, written by owner Tonya Beaudet. And don’t forget to try the cheesecake!

Favorites: Neptune Loaf, Stuffed Eggplant

The Veggie Grill
Located in Rolling Hills Plaza on PCH, this crisp, bubbly restaurant will leave you feeling clean and refreshed. Clothed in citric colors of orange and green, the interior of the restaurant is reminiscent of freshly harvested vegetables in springtime. Even the biggest of burgers are greaseless and light here, and meat alternatives have an astonishingly meat-like texture. Winning awards like “Restaurant of the Year” from VegNews Magazine and “Best New Restaurant” in any category from the OC Journal, its well-deserved popularity is steadily rising.
For omnivores and herbivores alike, Veggie Grill is the perfect place for a casual lunch or dinner out with friends. And if the immaculate environment and delicious food aren’t enough, the friendly service will surely win your heart. Don’t forget to fill out an information card when you order–Veggie Grill will send you a coupon for a free meal during your birthday month!

Favorites: Sante Fe Crispy Chickin’ Sandwich, Chipotle BBQ Burger

The Green Temple
Maybe you’re looking for something more exciting–possibly even exotic. Well then, head over to The Green Temple in Riviera Village! “To give the best care to what we do, to our environment and to each other,” is The Green Temple’s motto, as stated on its website. Having accrued an impressive 4.5 stars on Yelp, the restaurant is famous for its tofu sauce and Asian and Indian decorations.
Each one of its dishes have a strong herbal flavor, and 85% of the ingredients that are used are organic products. From soy cheese to tempeh, this restaurant is a vegan paradise. And all to-go containers are either corn based or recyclable! Can you say dedication?

Favorites: Tofu Steamers, Broccoli Pine Nut Casserole