Two-Bit Villains in Adelaide packs a punch of flavour in their vego-spin of junk food favourites

THESE guys know how to pack a flavour punch in a meat-free burger, writes Jessica Galletly

Two-Bit Villains, Adelaide Arcade. Picture: Jessica Galletly

ON first look, Two-Bit Villains is the kind of soda bar you’ve always wanted: light-filled, retro furniture, friendly staff and a contagious buzz in the air.

Hip young things are sharing loaded fries, a coupla 40-somethings are tucking into big bowls of salad and sesame seed buns are dotted on tables across the floor.

But there is one thing different about this upper level diner, in the grand ballroom of Adelaide Arcade.

There’s no beef. Or pork, or chicken or sausages.

Yep, it’s entirely vego, with plenty of options for vegan and gluten free, too. And I urge even carnivores to give it a crack.

Going by the busyness of the place, TBV is no secret in the vego community. I actually felt a little imposterish walking into the place. Can they tell I eat meat? Good God, I was at a barbecue last night!

Of course, no one was actually looking at me, let alone evaluating my diet.

Burgers are the name of the game here, from traditional vegie patties to sloppy joe “mince”, “fried chicken” and “pulled pork”. Or, you could go for a hot dog, nachos or even a FODMAP-friendly sweet potato pot pie.

Unsure of the whole faux-meat thing, I opt for the safer-sounding chickpea and lentil patty in the OG Veggie Burger ($13.50). The patty itself is a little bland, but with a loading of avocado, sweet tomato relish and your usual salady bits, it makes for a healthy tasting sandwich ($13.50). Plus, the gluten-free bun I chose had fantastic texture (add $1).

But the big surprise for me was the soy-based “beef” patty in the cheeseburger ($11.50), which offered that meaty texture with a slightly sweet, barbecue flavour – yum. With tangy pickles, cheese (vegan available), onion, ketchup and mustard, it certainly hits the spot, vego or not.

Fries are nicely seasoned and dangerously addictive; not at all oily. A $3 side serve is good to share between two, or you could go a basket for $5.50 – let them know if you’re gluten intolerant and they’ll cook them separately.

Now, about the sodas. Co-owner Liam doesn’t drink booze, so started making his own sodas around six years ago.

Today, there’s a whole list of soda flavours made with real fruit and spices, from the vanilla-specked creaming soda to the “tummy tonic” – a citrus blend spiked with ginger, mint and star anise. All delicious, albeit sweet.

On second look, TBV isn’t just a soda bar, but a plant-based haven for your usual junk food favourites. We leave without feeling heavy.

TWO-BIT VILLAINS

ADDRESS: Level 1, Adelaide Arcade, Rundle Mall, city, 8232 1302

OWNERS: Liam and Leigh Hughes

CHEFS: Liam Hughes and Rebecca Fishlock

FOOD: Vego diner

PRICE: $11.50-$15.50

DRINKS: Housemade sodas and floats, shakes, hot drinks

OPEN: Tues lunch, Thurs & Sat lunch and dinner; Fri 11.30am-9.30pm (all-day dining)

ATMOSPHERE: Oasis

CROWD: Hip young things

TRY: Cheeseburger and fries

TIP: They do tacos on Tuesdays