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Hartbreakers image

Hartbreakers

Restaurant Vegan restaurant

Colorful, 70's-inspired quick-serve eatery serving an array of vegan sandwiches, plates & salads. People often mention vegan, chicken, fried, great, sauce, fries, good, sandwich, love, spot,


Address

313 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (350 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

Permanently closed.

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: vegan (27) chicken (20) fried (19) great (16) sauce (15) fries (15) good (14) sandwich (13) love (8) spot (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Zachary L. 1 year ago on Google • 62 reviews
    The Beet Burgers are delicious and satisfying. Probably one of the best vegan burgers I have had. The Kale Slaw was vibrant and flavorful. While it is more than I would like to pay for any burger/ sandwich ($14+) I look forward to trying more menu items!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heather B. 11 months ago on Google • 448 reviews
    Holy moly. This place is WILD!!! Like, stop reading this review & just go eat here. Vegan or not. Stopped in for lunch & this place blew my mind!! Love the vibe of the place & its funky retro style. The staff was welcoming & kind. What I got: The picnic sandwhich- can we first talk about how amazing this place is with perfectly vegan comfort food?? The picnic sandwhich is massive. Delicious bun with a huge fried vegan chicken patty in between. Melted cheese, coleslaw, pickled onions & their special sauce. So much flavor. So good. Animal fries- again, huge portion. Crispy fries to perfection with cheese sauce, their special sauce & grilled onions. I love that they do not skimp on the sauce & every bite was cheesy goodness. Tenders- just as good as their fried chicken sandwhich. Thick cut, breaded to perfection with the perfect crunch! Paired perfectly with their special sauce. All I have to say is…. Come here HANGRY! This place has amazing food with portions to leave you full afterwards. Wish I was local otherwise this would be a frequent spot of mine. Thank you Hartbreakers for the amazing food 🫶🏻
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mariah M. 1 year ago on Google • 291 reviews
    I got the personality crisis with the chili garlic sauce which was incredibly flavorful. The seitan patty was thick and delicious. I loved the atmosphere of the place as it was decorated so colorfully. I recently went again and got beet potato salad and I believe I got the hippie bowl if I remember the menu item correctly. Both were delicious, the service is always great here as well.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew H. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a hard one. We've experienced such great food in NYC. HB is one of the best. The combination, taste and styles are great. If you are In and Out fan but haven't had one for a long time and now Vegan, these are amazing. I gave a four versus a five just from the originality of the food sources. For example, the chicken is good, but not one of the best plant-based chickens I've had. I almost forgot, the sauces are amazing! From the hot honey to the Mondo, try them all!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michael A. 1 year ago on Google • 62 reviews
    great waffle fries and loved the mondo sauce. desserts are great, but i knew that’d be the case when i saw they were made by terms of endearment. but unfortunately my sandwich (the hartbreaker) was a bit on the gluey side. maybe didn’t travel well?
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Morgan E. 5 months ago on Google • 38 reviews
    We ordered vegan fried chicken and we got half sliced, only partially fried patties that tasted like compressed chicken ramen. I've never been so surprised and I always love the vegan fried chicken I got in the past.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alessandra D. 4 months ago on Google • 35 reviews
    I love Hartbreakers, great sandwiches and ice cream / milk shakes. Staff has always been friendly and made great suggestions. I also love their honee mustard sauce. However I’m super disappointed in the amount of waste this place produces. As a vegan venue you’d think they would be more environmentally conscious. Using plastic disposable cutlery (to done in) in 3 packs wrapped in more plastic, and my side of Mac coming in a throw away cardboard container was so sad. I only needed a fork yet threw away the plastic knife and spoon and plastic wrapper. There are cups of 3 pack plastic utensils on every table. It’s so wasteful and sad to see such a cute and awesome place not have beater environmental practices, considering many vegans care about the environment. I’ll be bringing my own utensils here from now on if I dine in.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Devin T. 7 months ago on Google
    I was genuinely shocked when an order for a chicken sandwich and a ginger beer came out to be 21 dollars with tax. Insane. Staff was super nice and cute but the prices are absolutely crazy. Maybe I'm just a simple cheap person from Texas and don't understand Brooklyn, but I was pretty taken off guard. Food was fine, nothing special. Def not worth the prices. Music was good though (Love Cocteau Twins) and the restaurant looked cute. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert B. 1 year ago on Google
    Hands down the best vegan fried chicken in town. Great for a quick and filling dinner. Almost everything is made in-house. I usually opt for the 3 piece chicken bucket or the picnic basket fried chicken sandwich. 10/10 would recommend 💔
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Reginald B. 1 year ago on Google
    Just ordered an Uber Eats order from this place and how they have a 4.7 rating is beyond me. I ordered the fried oyster mushroom basket which is supposed to come with coleslaw and sauce. My order had neither, not to mention the oyster mushrooms were fried so hard, they were inedible. I will be requesting a refund from Uber Eats. Absolutely pathetic.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bianca D. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was SO good!! I love vegan "junk food" and this absolute hit the spot. We dined in and the staff were so so sweet and nice :)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Shannel P. 5 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Atmosphere is cool. Their decorations are unique, it feels nice and communal. I have been here a few times before as I live in the neighborhood, it has always been a pleasant experience. Vegan food is pricey generally but it has always been worth it at this place. My latest and well to say last experience here has been far from worth it. As soon as I took my first bite, all I tasted was pure SALT! I figured okay maybe that one piece was a bit salty but no, it was just so salty but I was trying my best to enjoy it. Halfway through the salty torture, there was a WHITE HAIR! Absolutely disgusting. I threw away the rest of the food. My partner’s food was salty as well. Never coming back here. Unfortunately, very disappointing as this is one of the few vegan spots in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MacKinsey M. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice place! Love the decor, the server was very nice and the food is colorful & delicious. Highly recommend!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jasmine S. 2 years ago on Google
    This spot has a lot going for it! The sandwiches are delicious, they have a lot of fun with flavor complexity, and is one of the most indulgent vegan sandwich spots I’ve been to. Get the Hartbreaker, it’s the best. The fries are great too, but get them to stay, they don’t travel as well for delivery. Though, I will say that their waffle fries (their standard fry) are not to be skipped when dining in. The animal fries are super indulgent and delightful. Overall a vegan comfort food dream! The staff is thoughtful (both in food prep, and service), welcoming, and fly! Even got some great earring advice from one of the servers. You know they care, and they make that felt! The dining area is so considered and cute and clearly conveyed as a Queer celebrating place! Love this place!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter S. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing Hot Honey Chickn sandwich, perfect crisp and the spicy sweetness was the right balance with intensity in both directions. The Tangy Slaw was okay, but I'll definitely get the traditional Creamy Slaw next time since its more decadent. Must visit when in Brooklyn for vegan fried chickn sandwiches
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mackenzie H. 1 year ago on Google
    Nothing gets me more excited than finding a good vegan spot! We got the Kale Caesar, Rebel Rebel salad, and a side of the fried shrooms. I'm obsessed with kale Caesar's and have to try them whenever they're on a menu - theirs was the perfect mix of feeling like a light, healthy meal but also a bit of a junk food treat. The dressing was creamy, but had a little citrusy brightness to it that I really enjoyed. My boyfriend got the rebel rebel salad that was loaded with fried mushrooms and garbanzos on top of a bed of arugula with some pickled slaw and it was large and filling enough that he actually couldn't finish. The fried shrooms as a side were amaaaaaazing. Like eating a bucket of fried chicken and very nice with the jalapeño aioli, though now that I've had them, would definitely try with some buffalo sauce. Cool pink interior, staff was friendly, and generally chill vibe. A girl next to us ordered the animal fries and they looked incredible and I noticed they also had vegan ice creams. Will definitely be back to try more of the menu!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vinit S. 2 years ago on Google
    10/10 best (vegan) chicken sandwich in the city.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Donna C. 8 months ago on Google • 88 reviews
    We’ve been wanting to try this spot for a while! It was delicious. We ordered 3 piece buckets. Very filling! And we had enough for leftovers. Sauces so good! Will return.

  • 3/5 Lisa F. 1 year ago on Google • 31 reviews
    Had the chorizo fries, chicken & waffle, hartbreaker sandwich. I wasn’t really on impressed with the flavors of these items but, they’re not bad. I thought what was on top of the chicken was ice cream so I took a huge scoop of it. It was butter…

  • 3/5 Michelle A. 4 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    The food isn't bad, but I'm giving a harsh critique considering the selection of other (superior) vegan options in that neighborhood. Their deep fried items are overcooked, so they're a little too crunchy & depend on the sauce for flavor. They have great baked goods in stock, but I think they're made by another business. I think the service could be more friendly.

  • 5/5 Elizabeth W. 10 months ago on Google
    This has been a favorite spot of mine for several years now. Easily the best vegan chicken sandwich I’ve had. I’ve brought non vegans here plenty of times and they always love it. My go-to is the picnic basket sandwich. The fries are a must

  • 3/5 Andre J. 9 months ago on Google
    Immaculate vibes, lovely space, but the driest salad I have ever purchased. I did receive a thimble of extra dressing, however, the kale salad was so intensely dry and unmixed that it ended up in my fridge where I used it as a base for smaller side salads. Heartbreakers had extremely fresh produce it’s just the combo raw greens ( no moisture), skimpy dressing and entirely unmixed ingredients that made the lunch inedible and not enjoyable. Perhaps it’s better to stick with the other items on the menu which I admittedly have not tried. I do not eat imitation food of any sort so I cannot comment on the vegan “meats” but the other patrons seemed to be enjoying their food. It’s still worth a try! But maybe bring a small contingency dressing or olive oil if your a salad person like me.

  • 5/5 Madeline R. 6 months ago on Google
    This place is a gorgeously decorated ‘70s vibe with the friendliest staff. Honestly one of the most aesthetically pleasing eateries I’ve been to. And the food!! Ice cream, coffee, and addicting chicken, shrooms, slaw, and sauces. Love that it’s open late too!

  • 3/5 Juliette H. 4 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    I’ll preface this review by stating I normally love this place and it could’ve just been an off night, but I was pretty disappointed by our most recent experience here. My boyfriend and I each got a chicken sandwich and then split animal fries. The sandwiches were solid, but the fries were just barely cooked and mushy and the “grilled onions” were essentially raw. It would be one thing to have a mediocre dish, but the place is not cheap.

  • 4/5 Matthew S. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice little walk up window outside. Inside has the fast burger joint vibes (which is what I expected). The “special sauce” similar to McDonald’s was fantastic and we dipped and poured it on everything. The burger was just okay. This sounds picky but we were here for the vegan junk food and it was almost too “clean”. It could have just leaned a little more sloppy, fried and “fatty” for me.

  • 4/5 Daniel F. 1 year ago on Google
    Really good tasty vegan food. The 'chicken' burger was very well done, great crunch. But the good morning burrito was so so good, really tasty!

  • 5/5 Nick T. 2 years ago on Google
    Fully vegan place! Little pricey but delicious. *Picnic Basket Sandwich - great. They have a seitan bacon made in-house that was solid. A little heavy on the chicken patty, some extra veggie would have been satisfying instead, but still great.

  • 5/5 Yan S. 1 year ago on Google
    Getting hooked to their chick’n tenders… the first day I tried it they made it a bit too salty, I gave it another chance and now it’s the fourth time I’m ordering it. With the herb ranch, so good! Also tried their salads and all are great with a lot of greens. Will come back more to try the sandwiches sometimes!

  • 5/5 Veronica J. 1 year ago on Google
    Delicious neighborhood spot! I’m not even vegan and I come here all the time. I love that they make everything in house. Generous portions and fantastic flavors… try their ranch sauce and hot “honee”! Just make sure to check if they have waffle fries instead of regular fries (which they usually do)

  • 5/5 Rob G. 2 years ago on Google
    Vegan fried "Chick'n" place. Mostly take out with a few tables. Delicious!

  • 5/5 Mark Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Great vegan food, great fries. You'd have a hard time noticing the flavor difference between their chik'n and the real thing. Highly recommend.

  • 4/5 Alexandra S. 5 years ago on Google
    Great vegan food! Had to take off a star because it’s a bit pricey, but I’d go back. The Picnic Basket sandwich and Dynamite Fries were really good

  • 4/5 Shanna M. 3 years ago on Google
    I have not had everything here yet but I give the fries 5 stars!!! Thar was amazing! My picnic burger was good but was totally expecting the meaty part to be a bit thinner. I don't like thick slices, that's my opinion. Overall the food was really good!

  • 5/5 Devuroasts 2 years ago on Google
    Easily the best fried oyster mushrooms i've had. Great texture. the ranch dipping sauce was great ,too. Thank you! Fries were very solid.

  • 5/5 Ella 4 years ago on Google
    Holy moly, this food is to die for! We found this spot on a whim while running an errand in Brooklyn. We're always up for trying new vegan spots. This one did not disappoint! They have a HUGE selection of burgers, sandwiches, burritos, salads, and daily special cakes. All vegan!! We ordered the chicken tenders (THE best out there) a smothered tofu scramble burrito, and the loaded Dynamite waffle fries. Everything is cooked to perfection, crispy, and full of flavor. Their lemon garlic sauce is exceptional. The staff was very friendly and helpful. All around a very alluring place!

  • 5/5 Chrystian H. 2 years ago on Google
    Best vegan fried ch'kn I've ever had! Low prices, and you get so much per order. Awesome selection of sauces. So filling. Easy to recommend.

  • 1/5 Alexa Schmitt B. 2 years ago on Google
    really disappointed. i have very slow data sometimes, and i couldn’t get the QR code to work. i asked an employee who was taking out tables if they had wifi or something that i could hop onto so i could order. she responded with a really blunt “no” and just walked away. i wanted to give you my business, and i was excited to try out the food, but you could at least try to accommodate people when they have trouble ordering. i didn’t even bother in the end, and if this is how much you care, then i won’t in the future.

  • 5/5 Kat S. 2 years ago on Google
    I’m pretty sure this chicken sandwich just changed my life. SOOOO SOOOO GOOD !


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Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
    • ✓️ Counter service
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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