Downtown diner 4th & State is vegan paradise

• As a pescatarian, it's fun to show readers that cities known for steakhouses and a region known for hearty, meat-centric meals has a lot more to offer.

Where I went: 4th & State, a downtown vegan diner.

What I ordered: After much deliberation over the huge menu of breakfast classics, pizza and sandwiches, I went with the jalapoppin' chick'n sandwich ($15).

• Super crispy and crunchy fried tempeh — a soybean-based patty — serves as the "chicken," topped with plant-based bacon, cream cheese, cheese, sweet Thai chili sauce and fresh jalapenos.
• I added a side of shoestring fries ($4) loaded with plant-based queso, bacon and ranch.

💭 My thought bubble: The sandwich tastes like fried chicken had a baby with a jalapeno popper.

• Plus: Being able to order from a whole menu, with so many options beyond a salad or grain bowl, is super fun.
• It's probably good I don't live closer or you'd have to roll me out of that place often. It's vegan, but that doesn't mean it's light.

If you go: 152 E. State St. 11am-3:30 pm Monday-Friday and 9am-4:30pm Saturday-Sunday.

Go deeper: Read Axios Columbus' earlier take on 4th & State.