The black bean frita at Frita Batidos.

Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com

Nine years after switching to a strictly vegetarian diet, I've tried veggie burgers from way too many restaurants to count and I've prepared a number of my own creations.

Although it can sometimes be a challenge to dine at restaurants as a vegetarian, many places, especially in Ann Arbor, offer a veggie burger as the go-to option. These burgers — typically prepared with a mix of ingredients such as beans, grains, vegetables and soy protein — are low in fat, high in protein and can actually taste good, too. I promise.

This week, AnnArbor.com asked readers to share where they’ve enjoyed their favorite local burgers (the “real” kind), but the good ole’ veggie burger deserves some love, too.

Although I certainly haven’t tried every veggie burger in Washtenaw County, here are some of my local favorites:

Frita Batidos

French fries…on top of a burger? This Cuban-inspired restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor totally overhauled my relationship with black bean burgers. It’s served on a soft egg bun — although I usually replace the bun with romaine lettuce — and you can add an array of toppings. I top mine with tropical coleslaw and avocado spread. If I’m feeling spunky, I’ll also add a sunny side up egg. The Frita knockoff is also one of my favorites to recreate at home.

Bagger Dave’s

What can I say; sometimes it’s all about the toppings. On its own, the veggie burger from this Michigan-based restaurant chain isn't spectacular, but you can make all sorts of crazy combinations with the black bean burger as the base. I order the Santa Fe Chipotle Burger (veggie-style), which is topped with Bagger Dave’s chipotle sauce, guacamole, romaine lettuce, pepper jack cheese and tomato, served on a honey wheat bun.

Zingerman's Roadhouse

I appreciate a creative veggie burger. The combinations really are endless, since you can basically throw any vegetarian ingredients into a food processor and call it a veggie burger. But the creation at Ann Arbor's Zingerman’s Roadhouse, a New Mexico Black Bean and Hominy Burger, is particularly delicious. Roasted garlic, red peppers and onion are mixed into the patty, which is topped with avocado, New Mexico green chilies, lettuce, onion and pickles. It’s served on a Bakehouse onion roll. Seriously, this burger is an explosion of flavors.

Great Plains Burger Co.

I only recently discovered the veggie burger at Great Plains Burger Co. on Ann Arbor’s Plymouth Road, but I was pleasantly surprised. The restaurant makes its own black bean burger that you can top with a number of free ingredients. I like jalapenos, sauteed mushrooms and barbecue sauce. But I’ll be honest: the real reason I’ll be returning is because of the perfectly salted, hand-cut French fries.

Old Town

I have a love-hate-then love again relationship with tempeh. Typically made from fermented soybeans, tempeh has a unique, nutty flavor. It can be super delicious, but I also get tired of it quickly. I won’t eat it for months, and then I’ll circle back for more. Not many restaurants in Washtenaw County serve tempeh, but it’s definitely a bonus for me. The tempeh burger at downtown Ann Arbor’s Old Town Tavern is one of my favorites, although I also highly recommend the tempeh Reuben.

Honorable mentions:

Sava's Restaurant

This downtown Ann Arbor restaurant used to serve their black bean burger in a wrap, which I thought was particularly unique. It has since switched to serving the burger on a brioche bun, topped with cheddar cheese, pico de gallo and chipotle mayo. Still great. Order it with sweet potato fries if you want an added taste bonus!

Wurst Bar

I haven’t tried the veggie burger at Ypsilanti’s Wurst Bar, but I’ve heard from vegetarian friends that it’s quite tasty, especially given the restaurant’s quirky toppings.

Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.