Vero Beach Dining: Discover Creative and Inclusive Cuisine at Counter Culture Beachside
Vero Beach residents and visitors looking for a fresh, dietary-inclusive dining experience have a standout option on Cardinal Drive. Counter Culture Beachside has quickly become a local favorite, offering a bright, airy dining room and a menu packed with both classic American comfort foods and innovative plant-based cuisine.
Helmed by husband-and-wife chef-owners Anthony and Lisa Damiano, the restaurant brings a wealth of local culinary expertise to the barrier island. Longtime Treasure Coast foodies will likely recognize the dynamic duo from their previous successful ventures on 14th Avenue, in the Indian River Mall food court, and at the Boulevard Tennis and Padel Club. Today, their focus remains firmly on utilizing fresh, local, and organic ingredients to craft memorable daytime meals.
Despite operating out of a notably small open kitchen, the culinary team delivers an extraordinary performance. The restaurant efficiently balances a packed dining room with a constant stream of takeout orders, ensuring every dish meets their high standards.
Whether you are a devoted carnivore, a strict vegan, or managing a gluten intolerance, the menu offers something beautifully prepared for everyone. Here are a few highlights from their eclectic offerings:
- First Bites: A crowd-pleasing baked tater tot mix featuring both white and sweet potato tots, served alongside maple mayo, organic ketchup, and barbecue sauce for dipping.
- The Funky Wiches: Meat lovers can indulge in Chef Anthony’s signature chicken salad sandwich, piled high on thick slices of cranberry-walnut bread and packed with tender chicken breast, celery, onions, and sweet grapes. Another savory standout is the smoked brisket sandwich, featuring Swiss cheese and house-made remoulade on grilled ciabatta, accompanied by a rich beef au jus.
- Plant-Based Substitutes: Vegetarians do not have to miss out on the signature sandwich experience. The kitchen expertly swaps out chicken for versatile jackfruit, while savory portobello mushrooms take center stage in the meatless French dip.
- Wholesome Bowls: The hot Yogi Bowl offers a flavorful, nutrient-dense combination of ancient grains, sautéed kale, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes, all finished with a zesty peanut sauce and a sprinkle of hemp seeds.
Chef Lisa also ensures that gluten-free diners are well accommodated, graciously offering gluten-free focaccia as a substitute for any bread on the sandwich menu. Furthermore, the restaurant features an array of pinsas (Italian flatbreads) and tempting plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free desserts.
The restaurant’s core philosophy is proudly displayed at the end of its menu, serving as an open invitation for guests to dine without anxiety:
Fearlessly Food Focused. Question or substitution? Just ask. Nourishment is our niche.
This welcoming declaration encourages guests to be fearless about their dietary needs and preferences, proving that at Counter Culture Beachside, accommodating alternative diets is not just an afterthought—it is a central pillar of their hospitality.
Plan Your Visit
- Address: 3225 Cardinal Drive, Vero Beach, Florida
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday (Closed Sundays)
- Contact: 772-321-3315
- Beverages: Beer and wine available
For anyone exploring the vibrant food scene in Indian River County, this compact but mighty kitchen is serving up some of the most thoughtful and beautifully prepared lunches on the Treasure Coast.
