This Detroit Vegan Fast Food Pop Up Is a Full On Blockbuster

One of Detroit’s biggest dining blockbusters at the moment isn’t a new restaurant. It’s a vegan fast food pop-up. Nina Paletta and Meghan Shaw are the duo behind Street Beet, a pop-up that’s become known throughout the city for its parody meatless fast food menus.

The pair started the series in July 2018 at PJ’s Lager House in Corktown with vegan versions of popular Taco Bell items like cheesy gorditas, crunchwrap supremes, chalupa supremes, and cinnamon twists. By August, Street Beet rebranded the menu concept with an edgier name: Vegan Taco Hell. By fall the series had developed an all-out following, frequently drawing big crowds and selling out of items.

As the series went on Shaw and Paletta embraced other mainstream fast food menus. There was for instance a combination Pizza Butt and Taco Hell complete with Taco Bell Cantina-style boozy slushies. Street Beet has also been experimenting with dishes inspired by the Golden Arches. The vegan McDaddy’s event is slated for Nancy Whiskey’s Pub beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 17.

Eater stopped by PJ’s Lager House on Tuesday to scope out the scene at Street Beet’s eighth Taco Hell pop-up. As usual it was a blowout with sold-out dark choco tacos, gordita crunches, and more. Check out the hordes that turned out and the vegan menu in the gallery below.

Michelle and Chris Gerard

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