Is Beatnic Kosher?

Beatnic is an increasingly popular chain restaurant in New York City offering vegan fast food. Those who keep kosher and come across the chain often ask, “Is Beatnic Kosher?” as well as what the certification is.

Beatnic Is Kosher & About The Certification

As of June 2023, Beatnic states it is kosher and certified by the International Kosher Council (IKC).

The IKC is under the auspices of Rabbi Zev Schwartz. Rabbi Schwartz certifies numerous vegan restaurants as well as food products, mostly focused in the New York Metro area. Being that his certification seems to concentrate on the vegan segment, he has  earned the moniker of “the vegan mashgiach.”

While it is true that almost all orthodox Jews believe that vegan food requires fewer stringencies from a certification and supervision perspective, many still believe that even vegan food should have constant supervision, rendering Beatnic’s certification lacking in a material way. For example, on the topic of whether there is a supervisor on premises at all times (mashgiach temidi), Rabbi Schwartz has stated the following: 

Actually according to the Halacha there is no concept of hashgacha tamidis. (Constant Supervision)The concept of hashgacha is based on trust and a bit of fear.The very vast majority of people are honest and sincere in how they run their business and according to Halacha we are allowed/supposed to trust them unless we have a clear reason not to. And then no amount of hashgacha can replace trust.As far as fear goes the Halacha is clear that “Yotzei V’nichnas” (coming in unannounced at any possible time) is enough. And the frequency of visit is NOT delineated by Halacha. All of that frequency of visit is opinion and manufactured.I believe that Hashgacha Tamidis is an unnecessary and unfair imposition.

Rabbi Zev Schwartz – IKC

For a more comprehensive discussion by Rabbi Schwartz about his approach to kosher certification and how he reconciles that approach with Jewish law, see this interview.

Like so much concerning religious observance and certainly for kosher certification, whether Beatnic’s certification meets your standards is a personal one that can benefit from rabbinical advice.

A Brief History Of Beatnic

Beatnic’s origin story is based on its predecessor called By Chloe. By Chloe was a successful vegan, kosher restaurant chain with Jewish founders that saw success but, after internal strife and subsequently COVID, sought bankruptcy. Beatnic was the result of that bankruptcy proceeding. It is no surprise, therefore, that other than the branding, Beatnic resembles By Chloe, including many of the menu items, the locations, and even the certification, as the By Chloe certification was also the IKC.

Our Favorites On The Menu

There are a bunch of interesting Beatnic menu items, but we think the Guac Burger and the “CHICKY DIPPERS” are go-to items. The Guac Burger does not taste like “fast food” in our view; rather, the guacamole gives the burger a fresh and healthy taste. The dippers, on the other hand, have more of a crispy and “fast food” taste though they are air baked and not fried.

Beatnic Locations

Beatnic currently has one location in Brooklyn (Williamsburg), one in Boston, and the rest concentrated in Manhattan. The centrally located Beatnic’s in Manhattan include the South Street Seaport, Soho, Flatiron, and the West Village. See here for all of Beatnic’s locations.