Nearly Normal's: Corvallis's Strictly Vegetarian Restaurant

Photo courtesy of YELP.com

In 1979 the building now known as Nearly Normal's Gonzo Cuisine was a run-down cafe looking to sell when business failed. 

Five friends got together and decided to do something completely unique—open the first strictly vegetarian restaurant in Corvallis. Since 1980 it has dominated the market remaining the only of its kind.

Marcia Babel was one of the five founders and was the one who spotted the building that is as unique as the menu. With purple trim and adorned with over-sized iris cut-outs to match, one can't miss it when they drive by.

The concept of a no-meat-zone was mutual between the founders who were all vegetarians at the time. They created the menu from scratch. Their continued goal is to maintain a cooperative work environment, a unique style, and a "growth through challenge" attitude at the restaurant.

In 1984 the first remodel went underway on the original space which was only the cramped downstairs dining area. Now Nearly's has an outdoor seating area encompassed by plants and herbs and an upstairs dining area with plentiful sun from large windows.

They remain a single location but have over 20 co-ops, restaurants, and grocery stores in Oregon that sell their retail products. Venders in Eugene, Salem, Albany, Corvallis, Portland, Ashland, and Newport sell Nearly's tofu spice mix, whole wheat pancake mix, Tamari Ginger Vinaigrette dressing, and packaged sun burgers.

"Our sun burgers are the only veggie burger they sell on the OSU campus," said Babel.

The chefs cook with as many local and organic products as possible. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner six days a week and offering catering and take-out, they have creative eats for anyone willing to have a nearly-normal dining experience.