Plant-Based Burgers Raleigh: The Smash Burger That Converts Skeptics

Looking for the best plant-based burger in Raleigh? Element Gastropub's Smash Burger has converted countless meat-lovers into believers. Find out why.

We get it. You've tried plant-based burgers before. Maybe they were dry, or flavorless, or just didn't satisfy that burger craving. At Element Gastropub at 421 Fayetteville St in downtown Raleigh, our Smash Burger is different—and we have the converted skeptics to prove it. What Makes Our Smash Burger Different The secret is in the technique. Our kitchen treats our plant-based patties the same way the best burger joints treat beef: smashed flat on a screaming hot griddle to create those crispy, caramelized edges that make a burger actually taste like a burger. The result? A patty that's crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and impossible to put down. Built Like a Classic Great burgers are about more than the patty. Our Smash Burger comes stacked with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, pickles, onions, and our house-made Element sauce on a perfectly toasted brioche bun. Add vegan cheese, bacun, or extra toppings to build your perfect burger. This isn't some health-food compromise—this is a real, satisfying, crave-worthy burger. The Meat-Eater Test Here's the thing: most of our guests aren't vegan or vegetarian. They're just people who love great food—and they keep coming back for our Smash Burger. We've served this burger to die-hard meat-eaters who couldn't believe it was plant-based. That's not marketing talk; it's feedback we hear every week. Why Plant-Based Works Here Element isn't a restaurant that happens to have plant-based options. We're 100% plant-based, which means our entire kitchen is built around making these ingredients shine. When plant-based is all we do, we get really, really good at it. No afterthought veggie patties here—just serious craft applied to ingredients that are better for you and better for the planet. Pair It Right A great burger needs great sides. Add our seasoned fries, sweet potato fries, or go all-in with Voodoo Chili Cheese Fries. Wash it down with a cold NC craft beer from our 20-tap wall—we recommend an IPA or lager to cut through the richness. Join the Converted Still skeptical? We love skeptics—they're our favorite people to win over. Come see what all the buzz is about. Element Gastropub, 421 Fayetteville St, Downtown Raleigh. Open Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm. Call (919) 703-6538 or just walk in. One bite and you'll get it.