Rutabegorz might be almost as old as your mom, but their food is definitely not your mama’s veggies.

Rutabegorz is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Fullerton that has been around since 1970. Four college students who decided the town was in need of a coffee shop started this health-conscious establishment, but they didn’t stop there. The once-exclusive coffee shop and bakery is now a full-fledged restaurant with wraps, sandwiches, soups, over 20 different salads, bagels, and delicious baked goods. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a sacrifice. Rutabegorz makes nutritious food easy and delicious.

Rutabegorz doesn’t only pack in the vegetarian and vegan community. Their menu includes chicken and seafood entrees, just no red meat. Their range of delectable meatless options make it a great choice for all types of eaters. Healthy food is extremely important to this restaurant, says general manager Dane Henderson. All the produce is delivered fresh six days a week (they are not open Sundays), and the vegetables are mostly steamed, bringing out the natural flavors. A customer can choose his own bread type to fit his dietary habits: French roll, sourdough, pita and squaw bread are offered.

Starting out my meal was a clever medley of sweet cranberry jam and spicy jalapeño dip. The treat was served with salty sunflower seed crackers. The flavors blended flawlessly. I truly could not put this appetizing snack down. Afterward, I was delighted to try the hot, open-faced vegetarian sandwich, towering with steamy vegetables and melted cheese. The sweet squaw bread and sprinkled sunflower seeds provided a nutty complement to the naturally delicious veggies.

Perhaps the one and only downside to this trip was the cost. The meals can be slightly expensive, but in this case there is no question you are getting your money’s worth. Typical entrees range from $8-$11, but the food is strikingly fresh, the portions are generous and the taste is irresistible.

Every fiber of this restaurant exudes organic. The earthy interior was a physician’s office for over 40 years. This explains the old-fashioned, homey feel of the building. As I walked around I found myself meandering through different rooms and up small flights of stairs to nooks of the building I had not noticed at first. The mostly brick walls are rich with paintings and décor.

This hidden treasure has indeed become a prize to the Fullerton community. In 1973, the place was in danger of being torn down in order to build a mundane parking structure. Ruta’s faithful followers would not stand to see their favorite unique hot spot shut down. Protesters gathered, marching around with petitions in hand that ultimately saved Ruta’s.

It is no wonder how Rutabegorz developed such a loyal fan base. They offer everything a person could want; an incredible environment, creative design and healthy, delicious food that caters to a diverse palate. Rutabegorz is serving anything-but-tasteless health food at 211 N. Pomona Ave. in Fullerton.