For the almost 25,000 people who have signed a Change.org petition asking that fast food joint In-N-Out add a veggie burger to its menu, the request is a no-brainer. However, as Business Insider reports, some fans of the best burger place in the US are upset that anyone would deem themselves worthy of telling the maker of the 4x4 what to do in its kitchens.

The petition was launched by The Good Food Institute, a group that works to create and promote plant-based alternatives to the traditional meat, dairy, and eggs that make up our diets. "If you want a meat-free meal at In-N-Out, you’re going to be stuck eating multiple orders of French fries or a cheese-slathered bun," reads the petition — implying that the "grilled cheese" on the secret menu is a stale cop-out, which I would agree with, having eaten it. "In-N-Out has been letting its fans down by failing to serve anything that would satisfy a burger-loving customer who wants a healthy, humane, and sustainable option."

The group is seeking to deliver the petition to In-N-Out president Lynsi Snyder once it hits 25,000 signatures (at the time of this writing it has 23,748), and thinks the move to offer a veggie burger makes good business as well as environmental sense. "Burger chains nationwide have been getting huge returns from meat alternatives, and In-N-Out could do the same," the petition reads. "Chipotle has vegan sofritas, Whitecastle has veggie sliders — even fast-food kingpin Burger King has the BK Veggie!"

And while you may find the suggestion for another alternative at a place with a tight official menu but a sprawling secret menu rather anodyne, not everyone agrees.

"Petitioning In-n-Out for a veggie burger is like petitioning a pizza place for Chinese food," reads one of many tweets critical of the call for a meat-free option. "It's not something they make! Move on!"

"This is absolutely the most incredibly stupid thing I have heard in a while, and there is a LOT of stupid going around," argues one of the top comments on the petition itself. "In-N-Out, please do not change anything for these morons. If you do not want a burger, do not go to a burger stand. Stupid people are stupid."

A sentiment to which one might respond with the famous words of noted In-N-Out fan The Dude: "You're not wrong, Walter, you're just an asshole."

Related: In-N-Out Pledges To Move Away From Meat Raised With Antibiotics

[Update] According to Food Inspection Reports requested by SFist from the Department of Public Health, Herbivore Earthly Grill isn't doing a remodel just for fun. The restaurant was unfortunately suspended back on the 15th of this month for "repeat vermin activity throughout the facility."

Their permit was reinstated later in the day (not sure if anyone noticed, but it was probably closed for lunch for a serious sanitization effort?) and business as usual continued. But then the vermin were back as soon as the 19th, when the restaurant was issued a 3-day suspension to begin on the 20th for "allowing serious health violations to recur." So, the question is: How long has that "temporary closure" been going on (SFist was only alerted to it today). Is this another closure on top of that one? We'll update if and when we find out more.

Vegetarian staple Herbivore's restaurant on Divisadero has, all of a sudden, put up a "Closed For Maintenance" sign. A call to their answering machine yields an equivalent message.

With the relatively recent closure of Source and the departure of Millenium (for Rockridge) a closed sign at a local vegetarian spot in a hot neighborhood — even a purportedly temporary one — was cause for a little concern.

However, SFist spoke to a manager at the Divisadero restaurant who says not to worry. It's a remodel, including cleaning and a new paint job. The latest it will be back open: Friday or Saturday morning.

But, if anything changes with that, we'll update — a call to the health department to confirm this version of events has not yet been returned. And until then, you can always visit Herbivore's locations at 983 Valencia Street (between Liberty and 21st Streets) or in Berkeley at 2451 Shattuck Avenue (between Haste Street and Dwight Way). Problem solved.

Herbivore, 531 Divisadero Street between Hayes and Fell Streets, (415) 885-7133

Related: Another Castro Restaurant Shut Down By Health Department: Posh Bagel
Related: The Best Vegetarian Dishes At Meat-Centric SF Restaurants

"If it's good, it's good" local omnivorous chef Matt Shapiro told SFist when asked why even the most passionate offal lover might choose a vegetarian meal over a meat dish. We couldn't agree more. We've listed the best local vegan and best local vegetarian restaurants in years past, but this time around, we're listing the best meat-free dishes at places that cater to all diners. We're sure you have some favorites, too, and we can't wait to hear all about them in the comments.

The Dried Porcini Doughnuts at Rich Table
Sarah and Evan Rich's celebrated Hayes Valley spot has been a hot ticket since opening in 2012 and features a number of excellent veggie-forward dishes on their constantly evolving menu. But one item, the airy and earthy porcini doughnuts, are a meatless standout that would have us popping in daily for a bite, if only we could get a reservation. The light, fluffy dough has a hint of sweetness balanced by the rich umami flavor of the dried porcinis. — Andrew Dalton
199 Gough St (at Fell Street)

Writing the below made me crave these guoc enchiladas so much I had to order them for takeout immediately. Photo: Eve Batey

Kin Khao's Yum Yai Salad (photo: Brock Keeling)

Ken Ken Ramen's Miso Veggie Ramen: Sandy K/Yelp

Pagan's tea leaf salad: Tian Q/Yelp

Photo of Mikako's sign: Jen I/Yelp

Flour + Water posted this shot of their funghi pizza to their Facebook page, and we can't wait for it to tag our stomachs.

The Hen-of-the-Woods Mushroom dish at Alta CA
It’s a risotto-ish dish, with a rustic, cracked wheat porridge as its base, but the star here are meaty, smoky hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, touched by fire and dressed with rich olive oil. There’s also a touch of parmesan, adding to the richness, and cutting through it all are some tender, mildly bitter, roasted baby turnips. It’s the paradigm of what all good vegetarian cooking should be like — you not only don’t miss the meat, you’re sure it would be worse if there were any. — Jay Barmann
1420 Market Street (between Van Ness and Polk)

Photo by Jennifer 8. Lee

Honorable mentions:

• We must note SFist's hangover cure champ, the smoked and fried potatoes at Bar Tartine
• There aren't too many hot veggie sandwiches in SF, but the one at Roxie Food Center is the best
• The black mushrooms with baby bok chow (a vegan dish, they tell us) at San Tung are worth the wait

San Francisco is not only home to some of the best restaurants in the country, but also some of the best vegetarian/vegan spots as well. For your consideration, here are our favorites. We're sure you'll let us know yours.

CHA-YA
You don't have to be vegetarian or vegan to love Cha-Ya's delicate Japanese dishes, which stick to fresh ingredients and simple compositions that show off the vegetables and fruits on your plate. Cha-Ya is a vegan restaurant, but that can translate to healthy and vibrant. Our pick? The soba salad: "buckwheat noodles topped with cucumber, red onion, carrots, broccolini, snow peas, snap peas, atsuage tofu, enoki mushroom, pickled burdock, seasoned kampyo gourd and hijiki sea vegetable, soybeans, yellow and orange peppers, pickled daikon and ginger, kaiware, toasted sunflower seeds, and strawberries."
762 Valencia Street

GOLDEN ERA VEGETARIAN
Is it a cult or is it one the finest vegan joints in town? Who know. Who cares. This Tenderloin staple serves some of the freshest Aulacese, Chinese, Indian, and Thai food with a vegan twist. Best of all, it's the kind of place that even stubborn omnivores love. Personal favorites are the. Lemongrass Deluxe, Hu-tieu soup, and the Truly Sea (crispy pan fried soy “fish” with ginger sauce).
572 O'Farrell

Tacos (rajas, calabaza, hongos) at Gracias Madre. (Photo credit: Jules Morgan)

GRACIAS MADRE
Sure, it's a spinoff of creepy Cafe Gratitude (which no longer has an S.F. outpost), but at least with the whole Mexican thing, the menu is a bit more fun, and less "I Am Glorious" and "I Am Satisfied." Also, it's totally vegan, which can get confusing for newbies who don't know what the "nacho cheese" is made from. Speaking of, those house-made chips tossed with the "nacho" cashew crema are pretty great. Also, the chilaquiles and mole enchiladas can't be beat. (Feel free to skip the "Caesar" salad, which contains neither anchovies nor parmesan, and therefore is useless.)
2211 Mission

Greens (photo credit: Durif M./Yelp)

GREENS
Located in a converted warehouse at Fort Mason, Annie Sommerville's Greens has been an institution since the 1970s. In addition to revolutionizing the way we eat vegetarian, the place still serves a mighty fine meal. The menu changes daily, but its focus on seasonal fare makes it still one of the best places in San Francisco to eat, vegetarian or otherwise.
15 Marina Blvd

Udupi Palace

UDUPI PALACE
Routinely topping lists of both affordable and Indian eats in S.F., Udupi Palace is also a go-to for vegetarians and vegans for its flavorful and filling dosas, uthampam and chutneys. Featuring South Indian dishes that are exclusively vegetarian, Udupi Palace will fill you up without costing you an arm and a leg, and with dishes like dosa with cauliflower and spices, served with coconut chutney and sambar, we could eat here almost every day.
1007 Valencia Street

Una Pizza Napoletana (photo via Facebook)

UNA PIZZA NAPOLETANA
It isn't a vegetarian restaurant, per se. But every night of the week besides Saturday there is no meat served at Anthony Mangieri's monastic temple of pizza perfection. Mangieri sticks to the purest examples of the form, too, with just five basic options: marinara with no cheese; the classic Margherita; the Bianca with no sauce; the Filetti with mozzarella and cherry tomatoes; and the Ilaria, with smoked mozzarella and cherry tomatoes. Yes, it's a little pricey ($22 per 12-inch pie), but this is the finest example of Neapolitan pizza in the Bay Area, full stop. You may long for a salad or some other starter, but you will be shit out of luck. Nevertheless, it's probably one of the best places to be vegetarian without feeling in any way cheated.
210 - 11th Street

Jay Barmann, Rose Garrett, and Brock Keeling contributed to this article.

Every week in the Bay Area is obviously kale salad week (not to mention bacon beignet week, carne asada week and fried chicken week). But over in Oakland, vegetable love is kicking into high gear with Veg Week, a weeklong celebration of all that is green and good in this world (okay, maybe not all). Starting today and lasting through the weekend, the event is designed to raise awareness about vegetarian eating and encourage veggie choices through workshops, cooking classes, and of course, pop-ups and food trucks.

After last week's Burger Week, we're inclined to embrace a little veggie goodness in our week, and the event makes it easy by partnering with local restaurants to serve special vegetarian dishes in honor of Veg Week. Tonight, you might consider working through your weekend BBQ hangover by celebrating Meatless Monday at a variety of Oakland restaurants. Other events for the veggie-inclined include a Forks Over Knives film screening, cooking classes (we're partial to the one that promises "making delicious falafel, hummus, tzatziki and roasted vegetables for a delicious Mediterranean inspired feast"), and a grand finale celebration at the Lake Merritt Sailboat House on Sunday.

Check out all the Veg Week events here, or consider holding your very own vegetable-centric meal tonight. According to several reputable media outlets, it is Earth Day after all.

Award-winning writer and blogger Laura Beck's latest installment of vegan dishes worth creaming your culinary pants over is back! And we couldn't be happier. On this episode of Three Vegan Dishes, Beck talks about the all-vegetable menu at Atelier Crenn, the dessert selection at Source, and--get this!--the jars of vegan nacho cheese available at Rainbow Grocery.

All About Vegetables tasting menu at Atelier Crenn

Do you have a lot of money and therefore enjoy small portions of fancy-ass food? Well then get to Atelier Crenn and have at it. This is one of those places where you break the bank eating the craziest, freshest, most delicious food that ever was,, and then you get the check and you’re all, "Homey don't play that!" Basically, it’s worth it if you’re the richest, or you’re doing alright financially and really, really love exquisite, exceptional, handcrafted fancy food. It’s not worth it if you're broke like a joke and your food philosophy is, “TWINKIES GIMME.” If you fall into the former category, it’ll be one of the most amazing meals of your life. If you fall into the latter category, please try to change, nobody likes a poor fatty. Kidding, you’re great, now come stand next to us in this photo so we look good comparatively. Also, is it just us, or is Dominique Crenn taking all of her life queues from Ratatouille’s Colette Tatou? Let’s see: They’re both French, they’re both ladies, and they both have rats as sous chefs. What! It’s San Francisco, you think a rat’s not cooking your meal?

Any of the desserts at Source

Vegan Twinkie-like products, Snowball-like products, and Ding Dog-like products. That’s what’s up! Everything is really delicious at Source, but we’re currently obsessed with their desserts. They’ve got some cousins of the Keebler elves working back there, harvesting ingredients from the Delicious tree. There’s something for everyone (who’s not on a diet), from the aforementioned Hostess-like products to Cupcakes, Whoopie Pies, mega cookies, raw balls (don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it!) and Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats. Walk in, roll out, let’s do this.

Vegan Nacho Cheese at Rainbow Grocery

Vegan nacho cheese is where it’s at. Because while non-vegan nacho cheese is soooo delicious, it’s super terrible for you because it’s made from chemical death. The vegan stuff is just as delicious, and low in fat, as it’s made from healthy shit and love. Lucky for us, Rainbow Grocery just started carrying two kinds of fairly new to the market vegan nacho cheeses. First is Food For Lovers (I KNOW) Vegan Queso, made in Texas, by Texans, who know from queso, and also probably from salsa and getting ropes and shit, too. It’s spicy, cheesy, and perfect over a plate of mega nachos. It tastes just like the stuff you get at movie theaters and you don’t have to pay $50 to see some shitty movie (in 3D) to get at it. The other kind is Nacheez, made kinda-locally in Sacramento. This stuff is perfect heated up and poured over pretty much anything, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and our naked chests. Jenny over at Vegansaurus did a taste-off between the two and found them both to be winners and we must agree.

Oh! Speaking of Vegansaurus, be sure to vote them as Best Blog in the VegNews Veggie Awards! And also, for Best Column, vote “Ask Laura” because that’s where we answer your most crucial vegan questions like, “Is sperm vegan?” and, “Is ejaculate vegan?” Fun!

Laura Beck's wildly addictive installment of vegan dishes worth creaming your culinary pants over.

Soyrizo Breakfast Sandwich at Little Bird Coffeehouse - 835 Geary Street (at Larkin)

This fairly new coffeeshop in the tenderloin opened to a bit of controversy but is now off on smooth sailing toward deliciousness. I don't know, it's Friday Thursday, cut me some slack. The Soyrizo Breakfast Sandwich is filled with tofu scramble, melty vegan cheese, and delicious spicy soyrizo on an english muffin and all that's fine and dandy but then they throw that mother in a panini grill and what comes out is a beast. That panini grill must be a cousin of that toaster oven who can talk because there is certainly magic afoot. Again, it's Friday Thursday, lay off. To hear more about Little Bird and its other offerings and unsane clientele, check out my full review on Vegansaurus!

The Chef's Tasting Menu at Ubuntu - 1140 Main Street

If you're gonna go to Ubuntu, you gotta go big or go home because Executive Chef Aaron London doesn't mess around. You need to roll into town on your golden chariot and kiss your savings goodbye because tonight? Tonight you're THE MAN! Or the whatever you are! Everything from the crazy soups and insane salads to the vegetables prepared in 50 ways and the mind-blowing desserts, you have arrived in the land of vegan gluttony. Weeks after your meal, when you're scrubbing dishes at one of the seven jobs you had to get to pay off the debt, you can think back on it and remember the days when you were so high you could touch the sky. Those were the days.

Southern Comfort Dinner at Millennium - 580 Geary (at Jones)

On Wednesday, May 25th, Millennium goes country! Well, as country as a vegan restaurant in San Francisco can go. Which means, it's country cliches left and right! Previous years feasts have included buckets o' beer, mint juleps, deep-fried everything, wedge salads, a carving station (f'real), and a sundae bar. Not sure what's so southern about that but we love sundaes so we'll let it slide. It's really one of the best nights dining anywhere and by the end of the night, you'll be too fat to walk, and that's definitely a southern thing. Or an awesome thing. It's both things. Logistics: $39.99/person; 5-course Prix Fixe Menu. Reservations available 5:30pm-9:30pm 415-345-3900

Laura Beck's bi-weekly installment of vegan dishes worth creaming your culinary pants over.

Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwich at Sacred Wheel Cheese Shop, 4935 Shattuck, Oakland

There's a cheese shop in Oakland that makes vegan grilled cheese sandwiches. We know, crazy. The future is now! On Sunday, the grilled cheese special of the day is vegan and they put all sorts of delicious, whacky shit in it. On top of that, their tomato soup is always vegan and, hello, what's more perfect than a grilled cheese and tomato soup? Maybe Waka Flocka's rock hard abs? Anyway, it's very much amazing so let's support them via compulsive binging.

Vegan Soft Serve at Nature's Express, 1823 Solano, Berkeley

Laura Beck's bi-weekly installment of vegan dishes worth creaming your culinary pants over.

The Buddha Boy at Sushirito (59 New Montgomery), SF

What's up party vegans! And veg curious! This week's write-up might be even more insane than usual but it's only because I am doing this cleanse and I might be dying from lack of fried food. Okay, let's go! Have you been to Sushirito yet? The whole town is crapping its pants for these "sushi burritos," which are really nothing more than giant, mediocre nori rolls. That said, you should try one! The only veg option is the ”Buddha Boy," which is a tofu cutlet, miso eggplant, shiitake mushroom, Japanese gourd, avocado, shaved cabbage, daikon radish, green onion, and crumbled rice crisps. All that is wrapped up in a large sheet of nori and you just stuff it in your big fat American gullet. How will crafty food entrepreneurs exploit our collective obsession with novelty food next!? I don't know about you but I'm excited/terrified to find out.

Vegan Mac 'n' Cheese at Homeroom 400 40th Street, Oakland

I thought this day might never come! Well, I knew it would come, I was just being dramatic, BUT: VEGAN MAC 'N' CHEESE, y'all! Helllll yessss. Finally, a delicious vegan mac 'n' cheese that can be acquired outside of your kitchen. Oakland's barely-opened mac 'n' cheese restaurant, Homeroom, knows what's up when it comes to vegan cheesy pasta goodness. Their vegan mac is made with a nutritional yeast-based creamy sauce, aided by tofu and some kind of non-dairy milk. All those ingredients might not sound appetizing but when you mix that shit together and top it with crushed walnuts, the result is off the chain! In fact, my date preferred it to her non-vegan mac and she is one choosy and complain-y mother. It's so good, you might want to order two just so you can slap yourself upside the head with one when you're all, "Am I really eating vegan mac 'n' cheese!?" BAM! You are, bitch!

By Laura Beck

The No Cheese Pizza at Atlas Cafe (3049 20th Street)

What could sound more unappetizing than a No Cheese Pizza? Perhaps a Shit Sundae? Or a, Colostomy-Bag Omelet? Anyway, it sounds terrible but it’s extremely tasty. Delicious doughy dough topped with sweet yams, blackened tofu, baked beets, and portobello mushrooms; it’s a winner. It’s so good that we’ll even endure Blue Grass night* to get it. If you’re unemployed and depressed because nobody loves you, head here to get the No Cheese Pizza and read one of their free fashion magazines so you can also be depressed about your disgusting fat body. We’re really selling it, right?

Roasted Potato, Garlic, and Daiya Vegan Cheese Pizza from Escape from New York Pizza (multiple locations)

Laura Beck's bi-weekly installment of vegan dishes worth your dollars and taste buds.

Weekend Ruiners from A Fire Inside

Weekend Ruiners are cinnamon rolls that are roughly the size of an obese baby. Think of a miniaturized Bruce Vilanch (SO CUTE) and you're starting to get the idea. These puppies are unsane, eat one and you'll be full for a week. You'll also have an intense case of the sugar shakes but that shit is worth it. Unfortunately, they're only available via special order so get to ordering or else, stop by the SF Vegan Bakesale this weekend to get in on the deliciousness AND help charity at the same time. You're such a good person.

Sunday Brunch at The Donut Farm (6037 San Pablo Ave. Oakland)

Laura Beck's bi-weekly installment of vegan dishes worth creaming your culinary pants over.

Mock Meatball Hero at The Slice of Life in Sebastapol

Sebastapol is northern California small town picturesque. That means: country with a side of hippie. If you're in the mood to shop for beads, consult a psychic, and shop for plus size ponchos, Sebastapol is your jam. When you're done with all that, head to Slice of Life and get yourself the Mock Meatball Hero. You'll be thoroughly seduced by the sexy Italian party in your mouth. Served up with a side of Aromatic Airs (Hippie to English translation: baked french fries) and an "all natural" soda and you'll contemplate giving up city life and opening up your own punny-named bead shop in this cute town. You and Sebastapol bead-long together!

Tasting Menu at Mineral in Murphy's

By Laura Hooper Beck

Biscuits and Gravy at Souley Vegan

We're not religious people, but we've been praying on this day for years. There was not one place to get vegan biscuits and gravy in the entire bay area until Souley Vegan started serving Sunday brunch two weekends ago. God bless their deep-fried hearts. Not only do they have life changing biscuits and gravy, but they're also serving vegan breakfast sandwiches, scrambles, pancakes, sausages, and free squeezed orange juice. The only thing this brunch is missing is coffee. Seriously, if we don't have our morning coffee: hide your kids, hide your wife, hide your husband, hide your valuables, hide your Sugar Free Red Bull, hide your social security number, and finally, lock us in a cage and check back in three days. Please to note: brunch is only available on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cinnamon Spice Cookie Dough by Eat Pastry Cookie Dough (locally available at Rainbow and Whole Foods)

You know how you rush to Safeway at 2 am to buy a tube of Pillsbury cookie dough and you eat it and feel fat and happy and possibly full of Salmonella? Well, vegans get that craving too, but we haven't been able to satisfy it. Until now, that is! Eat Pastry Cookie Dough hit grocery stores in the bay area last year much to the happiness of gluttonous vegans everywhere. We can finally get our fat hands tubs of chocolate chip cookie dough, chocaholic chunk, oatmeal raisin chocolate chip, and our personal favorite, cinnamon spice. It's the perfect flavor for the holidays, and if you have the patience to actually bake them, the smell is so very yummy and masks whatever other aromas your house might currently be exuding. We've been baking cookies instead of doing laundry for months now, and our neighbors haven't called the cops yet. Trust us, when firefighters use a crane to lift your 600 pound body out of your crumbling shitbox of a home, they'll delight in the smell of freshly baked cookies!