The Best Plant-Based Restaurant in Every State
Plant-based eating is more popular than ever as more people catch on to the health benefits that come with ditching meat. In 2020, sales of plant-based food topped $7 billion, according to stats from the Plant-Based Food Association.
With this shift in eating habits comes more and more innovative vegan and vegetarian restaurants to try. Exploring new restaurants will give you a tasty view into what's next in the world of plant-based food. It's not all tofu and tempeh!
If you're planning a healthy road trip or building out your ultimate vegan restaurant bucket list, you might be curious as to which plant-based restaurant is the best of the best in every U.S. state. Whether you've been vegan for years or just want to try something new, here are 50 restaurants that diners rave about. And for more, check out these Surprising Side Effects of Going Vegan.
ALABAMA: Chef Will the Palate in Huntsville
Healthy, plant-based, and delicious? Say no more! Chef Will the Palate, located in Huntsville, is a food truck serving up meals made with local produce. Popular items include the portobello steak wrap and the Southern Plate.
ALASKA: Jack Sprat in Girdwood
Vegan restaurants are hard to come by in Alaska, but diners will find several plant-based options on the menu at Jack Sprat in Girdwood. Check out the vegan nachos with mushroom and walnut taco "meat" and the Naked Berry "Cheesecake."
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ARIZONA: Tumerico in Tuscon
Tumerico is a restaurant in Tuscon the makes fresh, Latin-inspired dishes on their colorful menu that changes daily. You'll find veganized versions of al pastor tacos and carnitas, but if you aren't quite ready to go fully plant-based, you can still order vegetarian-friendly cheeses.
ARKANSAS: The Root Cafe in Little Rock
Located in Little Rock, The Root Cafe is a farm-to-table restaurant that also sells seasonal groceries. The entire menu isn't plant-based but the cafe is popular for its vegan options, like the tofu scramble for breakfast or the crispy PBT (pickled-brined-tofu) sandwich. Fun fact: this restaurant was also featured on an episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives."
CALIFORNIA: Millennium in Oakland
There are plenty of plant-based restaurants in the massive state of California, but Millennium, located in Oakland, is ranked as a Bib Gourmand by Michelin, meaning it is one of the best restaurants—vegan or not—in the state. The menu features seasonal vegetables presented in artful ways, plus there's a prix fixe menu with optional vegan wine pairings.
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COLORADO: Watercourse Foods in Denver
Denver's Watercourse Foods serves up vegan comfort food like Southern-fried cauliflower "chicken," pasta, soft-baked pretzels, and sweet potato cinnamon rolls, plus cocktails and mocktails.
CONNECTICUT: Arles & Boggs Vegan Eatery in Wallingford
Arles & Boggs Vegan Eatery makes from-scratch dishes daily and offers several gluten-free menu items. Some of the most popular items include nachos, Loaded Taquitos, and the option to add a side of Sriracha Maple Tofu.
DELAWARE: Drop Squad Kitchen in Wilmington
Based in Wilmington, Drop Squad Kitchen is known for its carefully curated vegan eats. You'll find everything from vegan "krab" soup and barbecue jerk "chicken" to vegan milkshakes and pâté made from pumpkin seeds.
FLORIDA: Ethos Vegan Kitchen in Winter Park
Whether you're looking for a vegan breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, Ethos Vegan Kitchen in Winter Park has you covered. Customers rave about the Garlic Knots, Sheep's Pie, Barbecue "Pork" Sandwich, and veggie lasagna.
GEORGIA: Slutty Vegan in Atlanta
Slutty Vegan in Atlanta has risen to national acclaim for its vegan burgers and chicken sandwiches with names that might make you blush. Finish off your Ménage à Trois or One Night Stand burger and Slutty Fries with sweet potato pie or banana pudding.
HAWAII: Moku Roots in Lahaina
Moku Roots in Lahaina isn't just vegan—it's a zero-waste establishment, too, meaning no waste from the restaurant ends up in a landfill. One of the best menu items is the Taro burger, and the cocktails are popular, too. Ordering to-go? Meals are wrapped in a banana leaf, or you can pay a deposit for a reusable container that you return later.
IDAHO: High Note Cafe in Boise
Whether you're grabbing a breakfast burrito from the all-day brunch menu or a Habanero Cream Melt with house-made seitan for lunch, you won't be disappointed with the flavorful vegan options at Boise's High Note Cafe.
ILLINOIS: The Chicago Diner in Chicago
Proudly "Meat-Free Since '83," The Chicago Diner is not new to the plant-based game. With decades of experience under its belt, it's no wonder customers keep coming back for the veganized Reuben, poutine, country-fried steak, and Pierogi Quesadilla.
INDIANA: Three Carrots in Indianapolis
Seitan is the star of the menu at Three Carrots in Indianapolis. This ingredient rounds out delicious menu items like Buffalo Mac and the Banh Mi or stands out on its own as High Fives, the restaurant's signature seitan nuggets.
IOWA: Dirt Burger in Des Moines
Located in Des Moines, Dirt Burger is much tastier than it might sound. Each signature Dirt Burger patty is made with healthful ingredients like chickpeas, buckwheat, carrots, broccoli, beets, nutritional yeast, and more. Order it topped with everything from spicy onion rings to pineapple beet slaw, and don't forget to pair the sandwich with some Dirt Balls, their signature potato croquettes with quinoa and flax.
KANSAS: Lotus Leaf Cafe in Wichita
Although not entirely vegan, Lotus Leaf Cafe in Wichita offers plenty of highly rated plant-based meals, including Red Pepper "Quezo," Creamy Red Pepper Zucchini Noodles, and Morito Tacos, just to name a few.
KENTUCKY: V-Grits in Nashville
Fried mac-and-cheese bites, Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, and Fish Fried Chicken Po'Boy hardly sound like menu items at a vegan restaurant, but Louisville's V-Grits is here to completely change your mind about good vegan food.
LOUISIANA: Sweet Soulfood in New Orleans
With a fresh menu for each day of the week, Sweet Soulfood in New Orleans is bringing flavorful, organic vegan soul food to locals and tourists alike. Be sure to get plenty of cornbread, and don't miss the mac-and-cheese, collard greens, okra gumbo, or jambalaya.
MAINE: Green Elephant in Portland
Green Elephant, located in Portland, is a vegetarian bistro with dishes inspired by food in Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, India, and China. The pad thai, tikka masala, and Panang curry are customer favorites.
MARYLAND: The Land of Kush in Baltimore
Looking for great barbecue "ribs" and "crab" cakes? Look no further than The Land of Kush, an entirely plant-based restaurant in Baltimore. Be sure to pair your main dish with candied yams, collard greens, or baked mac and cheese.
MASSACHUSETTS: Red Lentil Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant in Watertown
The Red Lentil in Watertown is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant with a goal to make inventive, nutritious, protein- and fiber-packed dishes like Butternut Squash Polenta, Jamaican Jerk Tempeh, Gobi Manchurian, and calamari made from oyster mushrooms.
MICHIGAN: Seva in Detroit
With locations in both Ann Arbor and Detroit, Seva is a popular plant-based spot for Michigan that opened in Ann Arbor in 1973. In addition to a coffee bar and fresh juices, Seva also serves blistered shishito peppers, yam fries, lemon-pepper tofu salad, cilantro-peanut stir fry, and more.
MINNESOTA: J. Selby's in Saint Paul
Based in St. Paul, J. Selby's makes favorite dishes like mozzarella sticks, chili, chicken sandwiches, and even "Crunchwraps" into plant-based dishes for meat-lovers and vegans alike.
MISSISSIPPI: Magic Vegan in Gulfport
It's hard to believe some of the classics at Magic Vegan are, well, vegan. The Gulfport-based restaurant uses entirely plant-based ingredients to make favorite dishes like barbecue sandwiches, potato salad, and even mini cheesecakes. Plus, you can order a pound of shredded barbecue meat alternative to take home.
MISSOURI: Tree House in St. Louis
Tree House, located in St. Louis, has a menu full of mouthwatering vegan and vegetarian starters, entrees, and sides. From the Sweet Corn Hushpuppies and Jackfruit Tinga Sopes to the patty melt and Seitan Milanese, you're sure to leave full.
MONTANA: Faye's Cafe in Livingston
You'll be hard-pressed to find a more interesting setup than at Faye's Cafe in Livingston. There's no menu of meals here—just a menu of words, including "vegan," "creative," "colorful," "dreamy," and "amazeballs." You let Chef Faye know a few words you're feeling, then she whips up something customized just for you.
NEBRASKA: Modern Love in Omaha
Whether you're craving Alfredo, a hefty chimichanga, or wings (made from your choice of cauliflower or seitan), you'll find vegan spins on your favorite dishes at Modern Love in Omaha.
NEVADA: The Modern Vegan in Las Vegas
Buffalo "chicken" dip, vegan chicken and waffles, French toast bacon grilled cheese, and steak stroganoff fettuccine are just a few of the innovative meals available at The Modern Vegan in Las Vegas. Craving dessert? There's a sweet chimichanga, a deep-fried PB&J sandwich, and deep-fried banana bread served with ice cream, bananas, walnuts, and chocolate syrup among several other unique sweet treats.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Country Life Vegetarian Restaurant in Keene
Image a classic, buffet-style restaurant combined with Grandma's cooking, but vegetarian-friendly, and you'll land at Country Life Vegetarian Restaurant in Keene. This charming spot is similar to a cafeteria with a rotating monthly menu and special daily entrees.
NEW JERSEY: Veganized in New Brunswick
New Brunswick's Veganized features plant-based wraps, sandwiches, and pasta including raw versions of lasagna and ravioli. The barbecue oyster mushroom sandwich, Crusted Curry sandwich, and the Philly flatbread are all popular choices.
NEW MEXICO: The Acre in Albuquerque
The Acre, a farm-to-table vegetarian spot in Albuquerque, has a variety of tasty and healthy menu items, including a massive breakfast burrito, carrot dogs, grilled watermelon, and Beet au Poivre.
NEW YORK: HanGawi in New York City
Located in New York City, HanGawi serves vegan Korean dishes and has earned itself a Bib Gourmand distinction from Michelin. Popular dishes include spicy tofu kimchi hot pot, a variety of stone bowl rice dishes, and spicy baby dumplings. Bring socks, because you need to remove your shoes upon entering.
NORTH CAROLINA: The Fiction Kitchen in Raleigh
At Raleigh's The Fiction Kitchen, you'll find plenty of vegan takes on your favorite dishes: mozzarella sticks, charcuterie boards, risotto, and chicken and waffles. With plenty of "share plates" and "table sides," this is a great spot for dining family-style.
NORTH DAKOTA: India Palace in Fargo
North Dakota got its first-ever fully vegan restaurant in 2016, but it has since closed, leaving very few options for fully vegan menus. Still, there are plenty of great, plant-based options, like samosas, vegetable pakora, dal, and chana masala, on the vegetarian menu at India Palace in Fargo.
OHIO: Portia's Cafe in Columbus
Raw vegans, rejoice! Portia's Cafe in Columbus has several raw vegan dishes. If the raw diet isn't for you, there are also hot options, like loaded nachos, quesadillas, soups, and more. Don't miss the raw chocolate mousse.
OKLAHOMA: Picasso Cafe in Oklahoma City
You know it's a good restaurant when reservations are required. Such is the case at Picasso Cafe in Oklahoma City, where diners can enjoy from-scratch, seasonal menu items, like the house-favorite tikka masala, vegan sliders, or an array of vegan brunch items, including a Bloody Mary bar. Pups are also welcome, and the restaurant has a dedicated menu of organic dog treats.
OREGON: Cornbread Cafe in Eugene
Vegan comfort food abounds at Eugene's Cornbread Cafe. Locals love the plant-based biscuits and gravy, hush puppies, grits, and chicken and waffles. There's also a build-your-own meal option, where you can choose a favorite main and one to three side dishes.
PENNSYLVANIA: Vedge in Philadelphia
Vedge in Philadelphia is a proud "vegetable restaurant" with a menu that changes with the seasons. Some regular favorites, though, include Smoked Portobello Carpaccio and Rutabaga Fondue with a soft pretzel. Check out the changing dessert menu too, which pairs with coffee, tea, wine, or a wide selection of Italian herbal liqueurs.
RHODE ISLAND: Plant City in Providence
Plant City isn't just one delicious vegan restaurant. It's an entire food hall and market, where plant-based diners can check out several eateries, then follow it up with a grocery trip. There's a little bit of everything here, but some common favorites include Cacio e Pepe (made with almond parmesan), raw "Snickers" cheesecake, and plenty of pizzas and burgers.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Good Life Cafe in Columbia
Enjoy healthy, plant-based eats at Columbia's Good Life Cafe. You can find raw manicotti, sushi rolls, and sandwiches and wraps made with eggplant bacon. There are also several fresh salad bowls, smoothies, and locally sourced desserts available.
SOUTH DAKOTA: Lalibela in Sioux Falls
Unfortunately, there aren't any fully vegan restaurants in the state, but the popular Lalibela is an Ethiopian restaurant in Sioux Falls that offers several plant-based options. The vegetarian menu includes misir key wot (spicy red lentils), atkilt (curried vegetable stew), and gomen (Ethiopian collard greens).
TENNESSEE: The Wild Cow in Nashville
Missing Caesar salad, spinach-artichoke dip, and French dip sandwiches as a plant-based eater? The Wild Cow in Nashville has vegan versions of all these favorite meals and more, including a veg-friendly au jus sauce for its French Quarter Dip.
TEXAS: Counter Culture in Austin
Austin is a mecca for people following plant-based diets, so it makes sense that the best vegan restaurant in the state is located here. Counter Culture has plant-based Buffalo Mac and Cheese Bites, Watermelon-Mango Gazpacho, and a Peachy Texan Sandwich. Plus, the restaurant is nearly zero-waste; it reuses, recycles, and composts 97% of its waste.
UTAH: Zest Kitchen and Bar in Salt Lake City
Based in Salt Lake City, Zest Kitchen and Bar makes healthy, vegan meals like Cuban tacos made with jackfruit, "cheesy" jalapeño poppers, and breakfast pizza, plus desserts like a Salted-Caramel Chocolate-Hazelnut Torte and Tiramisu "Cheese" Cake.
VERMONT: Pingala Cafe in Burlington
In addition to its delicious vegan foods, Burlington's Pingala Cafe has a patio that overlooks the river, so diners can have a serene setting while enjoying their meals. The most popular menu items include a Crunchwrap Supreme, the Rooster Wrap, and French Toast Puffs. It was also featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
PLUS: 12 Ways to Make Plant-Based Dairy Products at Home
VIRGINIA: Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant in Vienna
Inspired by the warm spirit of a sunflower, the Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant in Vienna has vegetarian and vegan eats influenced by Japanese and Chinese cuisines. General Tso's Surprise and the array of vegan sushis are popular here.
WASHINGTON: Wayward Vegan Cafe in Seattle
In Seattle, vegans flock toward the Wayward Vegan Cafe for plant-based versions of eggs benedict, three types of Alfredo pasta dishes, and fried chicken. Extra hungry? Grab a WVC Platter, which has hand-battered fried "chicken," mac and cheese, kale, and a biscuit.
WEST VIRGINIA: Kelley Farm Kitchen in Bolivar
Kelley Farm Kitchen in Bolivar has an extensive vegan menu with everything from ramen bowls and tacos to "crab" cake sandwiches and Impossible burgers. You can also get all-day breakfast, plant-based kids' meals, and grab-and-go meals.
WISCONSIN: Beerline Cafe in Milwaukee
Plant-based crepes aren't easy to find, but Beerline Cafe in Milwaukee delivers with a menu that heavily features vegetarian and vegan crepes and "Cromelettes"—if they aren't already vegan, many of the vegetarian options can be made entirely plant-based. Make sure to get one of the house-made coffees, smoothies, or juices.
WYOMING: Sweet Melissa Cafe in Laramie
The Sweet Melissa Cafe in Laramie has been a haven for plant-based diners and "homesick vegetarians" since 1999. It has classic cafe eats, like salads, soups, and sandwiches, plus vegetarian and vegan entrees including enchiladas, ravioli, and a Cuban plate. The restaurant doubles as a tavern, too with a selection of cocktails such as the Iced Spiked Chai and the Key Lime Pie Martini.
Read more:
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