With the rise of new cultures across the globe and our exposure to them, we are constantly evolving. New terms have started becoming a part of our vocabulary almost every other day, be it over a conversation or while surfing the Internet. And one such most frequently heard term is ‘veganism’. To put it in simple words, it refers to the elimination of all animal products in one’s daily diet.
This culture has seen a significant rise in the past few years and is beyond the concept of being a ‘vegetarian’. From a burger to a meat-centric meal, everything has a ‘vegan’ alternative today. The percentage of vegans has been growing and so has the number of vegan restaurants across the United States. Here are the 20 best vegan restaurants in the USA, dedicated to the vegan population…
Vedge
A top favorite in Philly and one of the best vegan restaurants in the USA, Vedge is popular for its creative and well-thought dishes. Located in ‘The City of Brotherly Love’, Philadelphia, you cannot help but fall in love with the adventure of taste that Vedge takes you on. Chefs Rich Landau and his wife Kate Jacoby have been proudly providing the city with a plant-based menu since the inception of their restaurant in 2011. They have even come up with a cookbook with new dishes.
Address: 1221 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 | Timings: Monday to Thursday and Sunday: 05:00pm to 10:00pm; Friday and Saturday: 05:00pm to 11:00pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/msssLzN1R1TKcbg99 | Phone: +1 678-003-210
Millennium
It has been almost 27 years since the restaurant took charge of serving plant-based delicacies to the local citizens as well as visitors in San Francisco. The range of dishes served encompasses all forms of creativity and makes one believe that vegan practice and produce coming from plants can be diverse too. Its fine-dining setting makes the restaurant one of the best locations to plan your vegan meal.
Address: 5912 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618 | Timings: Wednesday: 05:00pm to 08:30pm; Thursday to Saturday: 04:00pm to 08:30pm | Google Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SL6m2rU48UYCRTWU6 | Phone: +1 510-735-9459
Plant
With the collaborative effort of Chef Jason Sellers and investors Leslie Armstrong and Alan Berger, Plant was set up in 2011 and has been thriving ever since. The restaurant and its founders believe in the mantra of plant-based cooking and adding a set of bold flavors to come up with eclectic dishes. Being chef-driven, evolving, and locally owned, it aims to delight people’s palates and transform thoughts on vegan cooking.
Address: 165 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28801-1827 | Timings: Wednesday and Thursday: 05:00pm to 09:00pm; Friday and Saturday: 05:00pm to 10:00pm; Sunday: 05:00pm to 09:00pm; Mondays and Tuesdays: Closed | Google Maps Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=7656852223338759913 | Phone: +1 828-258-7500
Blossoming Lotus
Blossoming Lotus is a small and cozy nook amid Portland’s city life. With a full-service restaurant and a Cafe and Juice Bar, both located in Portland, this name is one to reckon with. If you are looking for plant-based restaurants that serve a wide range of dishes, be it for brunch or dinner, you have found your next destination. This place is also known for serving medicinal tea that holds exceptional nutritional value.
Restaurant: 1713 Northeast 15th Avenue, Portland, OR 97212 | Timings: Monday to Thursday: 11:00am to 08:00pm; Friday: 11:00am to 09:00pm; Saturday: 09:30am to 09:00 pm; Sunday: 09:30am to 08:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/blossominglotus?share | Phone: 503-228-0048
Cafe: 2122 NW Quimby St, Portland, OR 97210 | Timings: 11:00am to 06:00pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2opVw4kWnLN1QXT2A | Phone: +1 503-937-2088
Bunna Cafe
This one specializes in Ethiopian cuisine and one bite of their food will transfer you to a farm in Ethiopia. On offer sumptuous meals for individuals, with dishes like lentil sambusa, yater kik alicha, misir wok, butecha selata, etc. Sounds exotic, ain’t it?
If you are looking for a vegan brunch for yourself or a vegan dinner with your folks and wish to try a new cuisine, this is where you should head to. With their aesthetic seating and ambiance, topped with delicious food, this restaurant wins your heart the Ethiopian way.
Address: 1084 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237 | Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 12:00pm to 09:00pm; Friday and Saturday: 12:00pm to 10:00pm; Weekend brunch: 12:00pm to 95:00 pm; Tuesday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FKEWEEAJQuqVzDWn8 | Phone: +1 347-295-2227
Bouldin Creek Cafe
Owned and run by a woman with a strong belief of supporting small businesses, this Austin-based restaurant serves tantalizing range of food items and handcrafted coffee. By visiting here, you support not only this diner and coffee house but also other small local ventures around Austin. Choose from a plethora of dishes like a hot massaman curry bowl meal or the blueberry lavender pie for dessert.
Address: 1900 S. 1st Street, Austin, TX 78704 | Timings: Monday to Saturday: 08:00am to 10:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am to 09:00pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BGLwKXDoxZpLyExQ8 | Phone: +1 512-937-3483
Crossroads Kitchen
Set up in March 2013 by Chef Tal Ronnen, Crossroads Kitchen is one of Los Angeles’s first vegan restaurants with a full bar and cocktails program. Its lighting, ambiance, and Mediterranean meals provide an upscale dining experience. The menu is divided into weekday lunch, brunch, and dinner sections and has options ranging from salads to pasta and pizzas to desserts. Accompanying these is a widespread drinks menu.
Address: 8284 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 | Timings: Monday to Friday: 11:00am to 02:30pm and 04:30pm to 09:45pm; Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am to 02:30pm and 04:30pm to 09:45pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/eHfrdfpqseVq5Mc67 | Phone: +1 323-782-9245
Watercourse Foods
As a pioneer of vegan culture in Colorado, Watercourse Foods is a quirky eatery that boasts of its quaint yet playful vibe. It has bike tracks laid out in the front and a simple, well-organized interior. Its specialties include the happy hours (03:00pm to 06:00pm), when the bar serves alcohol, and the weekend brunch. A warm welcome, efficient service, and irresistible comfort food will make you keep coming back for more.
Address: 837 East 17th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80218 | Timings: Monday to Thursday: 11:00am to 09:00pm; Friday to Sunday: 10:00am to 10:00pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wJUX8i4xjFq6Dp7U8 | Phone: +1 303-832-7313
Plum Bistro
Plum Bistro is designed in a way that it functions as a food truck. With a kitchen-like homely ambiance, this Seattle-based eatery transforms traditional American dishes into meatless and vegan options. The wooden furniture, pretty flowers, and green plants give it an earthy vibe. Their signature dish is Mac ’N’ Yease, and though the texture of the cheese seems different from the real one, it still is a delicious addition to their menu. Pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches are also top draws.
Address: 1429 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 | Timings: Tuesday and Wednesday: 11:00am to 09:00pm; Thursday and Friday: 11:00am to 09:30pm; Saturday: 10:00am to 03:00pm, 04:00pm to 09:30pm; Sunday: 10:00am to 03:00pm and 04:00pm to 08:30 pm; Monday: 11:00am to 08:30pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EuVPPa5oounLSteu8 | Phone: +1 206-838-5333
Canteen
Canteen believes in cooking with honest and sustainable ingredients. The complete vegan menu is an addition to the comfortable vibe and the good-natured feeling that the restaurant radiates the moment one steps in. Located in Portland, it has a simple patio setting and serves juices and smoothies along with breakfasts, salads, and bowls.
Address: Southeast Portland, 2816 Se Stark St, Southeast Portland | Timings: 10:00pm to 04:00pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WHE1zdRM6RxngCC78 | Phone: +1 503-922-1858
Bistro Vonish
When Chef Craig chose to drive his passion for cooking the vegan route, he set up a monthly supper club in 2013 and took dinner orders only on prior reservations. By 2015, a trailer van was set up to provide seasonal menus with curated dishes that were made only with organic ingredients, right from nature’s basket. The goal for this venture has been to ‘elevate vegan cuisine’ and it has strived to make veganism an accepted diet.
Address: 701 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751 | Timings: Tuesday: 05:00pm to 09:00pm; Wednesday to Friday: 12:00pm to 09:00pm; Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am to 02:00pm, 03:00pm to 09:00pm | Google Maps Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=659634429161867822&entry=gps | Phone: +1 512-579-9854
Citizen Eatery
Citizen Eatery is a health-conscious cafe and bar that serves completely meat-free delicacies. It caters to all meals in a day and the menu includes a variety of flavorful dishes like Imposter Burger (a burger made with raw vegetables and sweet bun), Chips and Salsa (salad made with tortilla chips), and desserts like the classic Chocolate Avocado Mousse. Offers on beverages during happy hours and food special evenings make this place worth a visit.
Address: 5011 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756 | Timings: Monday to Friday: 11:00am to 09:00pm; Saturday: 10:00am to 09:00pm; Sunday: 10:00am to 06:00pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/CitizenEatery?share | Phone: +1 512-792-9546
Bulan Thai
The attentive staff and warm Thai cuisine make this place one of Los Angeles’ favorite restaurants. It does not use any form of meat, MSG, or trans-fat, and cook nutritious and delicious meals. It is owned and run by Thai women who have undertaken the task of transforming authentic Thai cuisine into bold vegan alternatives. Angelenos of all kinds — vegetarians or carnivores — keep coming back to this abode of Thai vegetarian delicacies.
Address: 4114 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029 | Timings: 11:30am to 09:00pm | Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JPrngS9nhZ4GoEr28 | Phone: +1 323-913-1488
Âu Lạc LA
The history of this restaurant goes back to 1997 when Mai Nguyen established Au Lac and decided to give a plant-based twist to traditional Vietnamese cuisine. In 2001, Chef Ito joined Mai’s vision and expanded the menu. Finally, in 2015, Au Lac ventured into Los Angeles. The menu here is ever-evolving to experiment and introduce the customers to more. Only organic and natural products are used to provide the healthiest meals.
Address: 710 West 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | Timings: Monday to Friday: Lunch 12:00pm to 03:00pm, Dinner: 05:00pm to 09:00pm; Saturday and Sunday: 12:00pm to 09:00pm | Google Maps Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/em84iGuKbTDqVtfE9 | Phone: +1 213-617-2533
Elizabeth’s Gone Raw
When Elizabeth Petty, the proprietor of this restaurant, was fighting breast cancer, she came across the exceptional benefits of raw and vegan culture. Today, this place uses all plant-based ingredients to prepare an array of thoughtful and flavorsome dishes. Its well-designed six-course tasting menu changes every week. All savory items on the weekly menu are completely vegan, and the modern dining experience is a memory to make.
By Equercio, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 1341 L St NW, Washington, DC 20005 | Timings: Friday and Saturday: 05:00pm to 09:30pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vB6AfAqcvTsWbXQ46 | Phone: +1 202-347-8349
Fancy Radish
Opened in 2018 by chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby, Fancy Radish serves vegan dining in the capital city. The couple’s approach toward cooking can be felt in every bite of the dishes served. While the signature dishes remain constant, the menus change every season. The beverage menu features natural wines from about 40 producers, craft beers, and a creative cocktail list.
Address: 600 H Street, NE, Washington, DC | Timings: Wednesday to Saturday: 04:00pm to 09:00pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/fancyradish?share | Phone: +1 202-675-8341
Bar Bombón
At this restaurant, Puerto Rican recipes are given a twist to satisfy all the temptations that your palette may have, but in the healthiest way possible. All the dishes are made with plant-based ingredients. The proteins are made with non-GMO soy and completely organic grains. In Spanish, bombón translates to ‘delightful little treat’, which is exactly how the place makes one feel. A perfect location for all events and celebrations, this eatery should definitely feature in your must-visit list in any capacity.
Address: 133 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19103 | Timings: Monday to Friday: 11:30am to 10:00pm; Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am to 10:00pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fnWaFpQNfATeqAEq5 | Phone: +1 267-606-6612
Gracias Madre
Gracias Madre was founded with a deep love and reverence for food, a strong commitment to the health of individuals, and sustainability on planet earth. The owners believe in the importance of sustainability and of buying and selling locally grown organic products. The menu is seasonal and is determined by the ingredients available at the organic site — Be Love Farm. While brunch is available only on weekends, the happy hour is exclusive to weekdays.
Address: 2211 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94110 | Timings: Monday to Sunday: 11:00am to 09:00pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/graciasmadresf?share | Phone: 415.683.1346
AVO
Opened in 2015, this is Nashville’s first fully vegan restaurant. It serves complex, seasonal, and satisfying dishes, and provide multiple options for healthy habits and diets. Also on offer are gluten-free beers and organic, biodynamic, and kosher wines. When the locals of Nashville think the best vegan, they think AVO.
Address: 3 City Blvd #200, Nashville, TN 37209 | Timings: Tuesday to Thursday: 04:00pm to 08:30pm; Friday: 04:00pm to 09:00pm; Saturday: 11:00am to 09:00pm; Sunday: 11:00am to 08:00pm, Monday: Closed | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/EatAvo?share | Phone: +1 615-329-2377
Donna Jean
Named after the late mother of Chef Roy Elam, this restaurant was established in August of 2017. It serves delectable vegan dishes made from herbs from their own garden. The weekend brunch is the most popular feature. Do check out the chickpea-flour-made socca pizzas, which happen to be among the best and most-loved dishes.
Address: 2949 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 | Timings: Wednesday to Friday: 03:00pm to 09:00pm; Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am to 09:00pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/donnajeanofficial?share | Phone: +1 619-299-5500
The health benefits of veganism are driving more people toward considering it as a viable and sustainable option. If you are one of them, then you can start with one of the above vegan restaurants. And, if you already have made the switch, these places are a must visit. Happy Veganing to you!