NEW MANAGEMENT ALERT!
The Red Herring is a local institution but the quality changes dramatically as the place has passed through many hands. I recall with some fear the staff of years past: one cashier enjoyed candidly sharing with me stories of their disagreements with the health department. (This was as I ordered food.)
But that has changed. The new manager is reportedly the same person who originally opened the place in the 1970s (says the cashier). As a regular visitor for seven years, I found the effect striking.
The food was good! Not just a passable alternative option as Mimi N. wrote, or something that vegetarians must eat out of desperation after they tire of green salad and fruit plate from the local chains. The red herring is not the only option for those with a lentil craving anymore. It is a place that you might actually go to for the food -- food that is actually good. It didn't taste like the Red Herring I know at all; it tasted a lot better.
I had the corn chowder and the ingredients were obviously carefully selected and very fresh. The kernels had a crisp, sweet bite. The toasted mozzarella sandwich was also a treat with good quality cheese and fresh bread.
Unfortunately, while change is good in this case, I did notice the portion sizes have declined dramatically. Maybe they are still working this out? (I hope.)
I spent $7 for a half sandwich and cup of soup, and almost immediately I found that I had to go out to a second lunch. It was the smallest half sandwich I have ever been seriously offered and charged for. At first I mistook it for a sample or a scrap trimmed from someone else's sandwich. I would have preferred a bowl of soup but this tiny cup size was the only choice. $7 for a sandwich trimming and a tiny cup of soup is a little steep around here.
So enjoy the food but don't order half of anything -- the result will be too small.
Rest assured that the crunchy atmosphere you love is still there... but cleaner. The staff still seems to be the kind of staff that will say "Peace out!" after you complete your order and will lend you money if you are short.
Peace out!