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The best vegan-friendly restaurant in every state
If you’re a vegan lucky enough to live in a major metropolitan area, chances are, you’re already spoiled with a plethora of vegan or vegan-friendly places to eat in your area. But it’s 2018, and wherever you’re living, there’s bound to be somewhere you can grab something vegan to eat.
To prove our theory, we consulted with Yelp to find the best vegan restaurant in every state, based on number and quality of reviews.
Keep reading to find out if your regular spot is the best vegan eatery in your state – or to discover a new favorite.
ALABAMA: Delta Blues Hot Tamales in Birmingham
While not an all-vegan locale, Delta Blues Hot Tamales is notable for offering tamales, an unexpected Southern classic, in a vegan variety made with black beans. Also on offer for vegans are black bean tacos, hummus, and cobbler.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
ALASKA: Lunch Cafe & Eatery in Fairbanks
Lunch is a dairy-free (save for milk for coffee) casual spot that offers meat and eggs but does not fail to impress vegans who pass through. Options vary, ranging from salads and veggie burgers to breakfast burritos, and vegan pastries are regularly on offer.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
ARIZONA: Simon’s Hot Dogs in Scottsdale
The specialty at Simon’s is Colombian-style hot dogs – topped with pineapple, mozzarella, and potato chips – and other spins on various regional cuisines. While meat options are available, Simon’s is known for offering vegan dogs and veganized version of all toppings, including chili, cheese, and mayo.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
ARKANSAS: The Root Cafe in Little Rock
Popular with locals and visitors alike, The Root Cafe is dedicated to sourcing ingredients from small, local farmers. But best of all, their menu is extremely vegan-friendly for every meal of the day. From country fried tofu to purple hull peas and cornbread, vegans need not feel left out of the local fare.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
CALIFORNIA: Mesa Verde in Santa Barbara
While California certainly has no shortage of vegetarian and vegan restaurants up and down the coast, Mesa Verde wins the numbers game. With a menu that includes classic health food favorites as well as veganized traditional food like latkes and lasagna, Mesa Verde earns consistently impressive reviews.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
COLORADO: Piante Pizzeria in Breckinridge
Colorado vegans need not be confined to Denver alone. Piante Pizzeria, as its name would suggest, is an all-plant-based spot, putting a crunchy Colorado spin on New York-style pizza. The cashew mozzarella tends to impress vegans and non-vegans alike.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
CONNECTICUT: Ninth Square Market Too Caribbean Style in New Haven
Connecticut’s college towns tend to be rife with vegan options, and New Haven is no exception. But casual, cafeteria-style Caribbean spot Ninth Square takes the cake as far as ratings go. Visitors rave about the jerk tofu, stew, and mac and cheese.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: HipCityVeg
Tucked away at a little counter in the nation’s capital is HipCityVeg, a casual eatery that offers lighter fare as well as comfort food – like vegan milkshakes and buffalo chick’n – that scores high even with non-vegans. Its local popularity can mean crowds at peak hours, so fans recommend trying to come at off-times.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
DELAWARE: Drop Squad Kitchen in Wilmington
The vegetarian/vegan pride of Delaware is Drop Squad Kitchen, serving plant-based takes on comfort classics like hot dogs and cheesesteaks as well as lighter fare like greens and smoothies. Another impressive point: their mock meats are made in-house.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
FLORIDA: Vegan & Juice in Miami
It may be a simple juice and sandwich shop, but Vegan & Juice’s quick, cheap eats rank high with Florida’s vegans and visitors. Visitors speak highly of its healthy options and authentic-tasting takes on Latin dishes.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
GEORGIA: Aviva by Kameel in Atlanta
This fast-casual Mediterranean/Middle Eastern joint is known among locals as a quick lunch spot with warm service – the owner himself is known to offer samples to those waiting in line at peak lunch hours. The menu does include meat and fish but caters to vegans with its falafel and veggie platters.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
HAWAII: Ai Love Nalo in Waimanalo
Ai Love Nalo is entirely plant-based, offering vegan versions of classic Hawaiian plates as well as burgers and salads. Visitors speak highly of the coconut stew and tofu poke. As an added bonus, house-made kombucha is offered as well.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
IDAHO: BBQ4LIFE in Boise
It’s not every day you stumble across a serious BBQ joint that takes its vegan options seriously, too. BBQ4LIFE makes a point of prepping its meatless offerings separately from meat. And the vegan dishes are far from an afterthought: the sandwiches and “vegaloaf” are smoked, slathered in original BBQ sauce, and accompanied by vegan mac and cheese or potato salad.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
ILLINOIS: Loving Heart in Chicago
Chicago is far from a vegan desert, but Loving Heart beats out the competition. This 100% vegan spot serves up hearty burgers and wraps along with summer rolls and curry. Best of all, a full meal will run you $10 or less.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
INDIANA: Ezra’s Enlightened Cafe in Indianapolis
Ezra’s, which is almost entirely vegan (the only exception being its use of honey), has been referred to by visitors as a hidden gem. The food is gluten-free, GMO-free, free of processed sugar, and leans heavily toward the organic and locally sourced as well. Reviewers rave about the dessert offerings.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
IOWA: Tabooleh in Coralville
Tabooleh is a Mediterranean buffet that impresses visitors with its quality, home-cooked food. Traditionally vegan options like falafel and hummus abound, as one would expect from a Mediterranean place, and are clearly labeled for the careful cruelty-free eater.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
KANSAS: Lotus Leaf Cafe in Wichita
Lotus Leaf centers its menu on healthy and sustainable food that avoids GMOs and artificial ingredients. It isn’t entirely plant-based, but its vegan options are plenty and clearly labeled, ranging from tacos to crepes. Visitors enjoy the desserts and speak well of the service.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
KENTUCKY: Morels Cafe in Louisville
With a menu heavy in decadent faux-meat dishes like BBQ burgers and the “Farby” (a meatless take on Arby’s), Morels manages to win over even devoted meat eaters. If you can’t make it out to Louisville every other day, you can grab some of their dips to take home.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
LOUISIANA: Sweet Soulfood in New Orleans
Vegans fear not about missing out on the culinary experience in NOLA. Sweet Soulfood is an all-vegan spot with a buffet of plant-based options. Their bread pudding, mac and cheese, and greens are a hit – and to finish off, get yourself a scoop of dairy-free ice cream.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
MAINE: The Green Elephant in Portland
The Green Elephant is an all-vegetarian, highly vegan-friendly restaurant serving primarily Asian fusion dishes. Anything not vegan is clearly labeled as such on the menu, and visitors both vegan and not are consistently impressed by the quality of food and the fillingness of portions.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
MARYLAND: Seoul Food DC in Takoma Park
While D.C. may be in the name, this casual Korean fusion place is technically in Maryland and ranks highest out of the state’s vegan-friendly options. Vegetarian and vegan options are labeled clearly and include rice bowls, japchae, and vegan croquettes.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
MASSACHUSETTS: Belmont Vegetarian Restaurant in Worchester
The way it works at this casual Caribbean place, which is all-vegetarian and dairy-free, is that you decide between a medium and large plate and pick whatever you’d like in it from the rotating daily menu. Meat eaters and vegans alike express their joy at the flavor-packed dishes on offer here.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
MICHIGAN: Marie Catrib’s in Grand Rapids
Serving primarily Lebanese food as well as some American and other dishes, vegan visitors to Marie Catrib’s can enjoy staples like hummus and falafel – but may also sample tempeh tostadas, tofu bowls, cauliflower steaks, and more. It’s one of the rare omnivorous spots that vegans will actually be excited to visit.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
MINNESOTA: Duluth Grill in Duluth
An American traditional place in the Midwest may not seem particularly vegan-friendly on the surface, but cruelty-free eaters in Minnesota can enjoy a Buddha bowl, a Mexican-inspired bowl with walnut “meat,” and even a vegan omelet made with chickpea.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
MISSISSIPPI: Good Karma Medley in Gulfport
This all-vegan spot is a cult favorite among locals and serves a wide array of different types of dishes. Lulu’s has a sustainability focus, sources locally, and grows its own herbs on site. Visitors rave about the watermelon “sashimi” and buffalo cauliflower.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
MONTANA: Hummingbird Cafe in Butte
Montana vegans swear by Hummingbird for a good meal, from the pancakes to veggie burgers. Desserts include a variety of vegan cakes, from chocolate to zucchini. Cocktails are also served here, to accompany your leisurely brunch or dinner.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
NEBRASKA: Modern Love in Omaha
Prominent vegan chef Isa Chandra Moskowitz has since opened a Brooklyn outpost of Modern Love, but the original Omaha location is still ranked as the best place to eat vegan in Nebraska. The menu offers high-end comfort food that’s undeniably delicious whether you normally eat meat or not. Try the Mac & Shews.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
NEVADA: Veggie House in Las Vegas
Vegans in Vegas can eat in or grab takeout from the casual Chinese restaurant Veggie House. The menu is big and even includes several vegan seafood options (the final frontier of cruelty-free cooking). The walnut shrimp is a frequent favorite of guests.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Green Elephant in Portsmouth
An outpost of the original Portland, ME location, the Green Elephant in Portsmouth is touted by locals as a favorite. The menu is all vegetarian and mostly vegan, with a focus on sourcing locally. Local beer, wine, and cocktails are on offer as well.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
NEW JERSEY: Mama’s Cafe Baci in Hackettstown
Any good Jersey resident (or visitor) would be remiss to skip out on Italian food altogether, and fortunately, even vegans can fill up at Mama’s. The restaurant is omnivorous but offers a full vegan menu section, with veganized alfredo, vodka sauce, pesto gnocchi, and much more.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
NEW MEXICO: An Hy Quan Vegetarian Restaurant in Albuquerque
This vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurant serves primarily Vietnamese food and is praised by regulars for its delicious food and good value. Portions are massive, and An Hy Quan is known for its attentive, helpful service. Of its large menu, the steamed buns are a favorite starter.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
NEW YORK: Jajaja in Manhattan
This trendy Mexican restaurant on the Lower East Side is popular enough to be the first foray into vegan dining for many a meat-eater. The buffalo flower tacos are a popular choice, as are the enchiladas. And the innovative cocktail menu is not to be missed for those who imbibe.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
NORTH CAROLINA: Plant in Asheville
As one might predict based on the name, Plant is an all-vegan restaurant sprouted from the blossoming hipster culture in Asheville. Largely organic and local as well, Plant boasts an elevated menu with multicultural influences. The vegan cheese plate is a popular pick, as is the Seitan Chile con Queso.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
NORTH DAKOTA: Green House Cafe in Fargo
Green House Cafe serves food stemming from a number of different regional origins, from Cuban sandwiches to poke bowls. In addition, there is a full slate of burger baskets – including a double-stacked Impossible Burger – served with fries.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
OHIO: Earth Bistro Cafe in Cleveland
The entire menu at Earth Bistro is either vegan or veganizable, and ranges from pierogi (either as a starter or on a sandwich, kid you not) to burgers and buffalo sandwiches. On Sundays, vegans can enjoy French toast, pancakes, and more at brunch.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
OKLAHOMA: Chimera in Tulsa
This restaurant in the Brady Arts District of Tulsa partners with local farms and offers visitors a full array of expertly brewed coffee and espresso options. The menu is omnivorous, but the vegan options are innovative and delicious, including cauliflower wings, the Twinster’s vegan breakfast plate, and an array of tacos with creative fillings.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
OREGON: Vtopia Restaurant and Cheese Shop in Portland
Leave it to Portland to fulfill vegan dreams of (dairy-free) cheese, cheese everywhere. The cheese at this vegan deli is house-made and raw-aged and comes in an array of styles. The food, of course, includes plenty of cheese-heavy sandwiches and dishes like mac and cheese.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
PENNSYLVANIA: Vedge in Philadelphia
Vedge is a higher-end restaurant with a seasonal menu, designed by James Beard-recognized chefs. The dishes tend to be very veggie-centric, like the wood roasted carrot. The beverage program is equally curated and geared toward seasonal flavors.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
RHODE ISLAND: Rasoi Restaurant in Pawtucket
While on the surface, Rasoi seems like most Indian restaurants, it’s earned its gold star from the local vegan community for having a clearly labeled vegan section that includes Saag Tofu, Vegetable Mango Curry, and other staples. Even the buffet is known for being vegan-friendly.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Dellz Uptown in Charlestown
Another omnivorous place that’s popular among vegans, Dellz Uptown is about half-vegetarian, almost all of which is vegan or can be made vegan. Options include veggie-heavy wraps as well as vegan Cordon Bleu and shrimp wraps. Visitors note it as an unpretentious, unassuming favorite.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
SOUTH DAKOTA: Sanaa’s Gourmet Restaurant in Sioux Falls
Sanaa’s is Mediterranean, mostly vegetarian, with lots of vegan as well as gluten-free options in the rotation. A buffet is available, including lots of delicious cruelty-free options like parsley and pomegranate spread, saffron rice pilaf, and potato and zucchini stew.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
TENNESSEE: Sunflower Cafe in Nashville
Unless you opt to add dairy cheese, everything on the menu at Sunflower Cafe is vegan – not to mention very well-priced. Barbecue bowls, sandwiches, and burgers are available (this is Nashville, after all), as are more veggie-centric fare like the Thai Ginger Bowl and Sesame Kale Wrap.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
TEXAS: Arlo’s in Austin
The best vegan eats in Texas come from a truck. Arlo’s is an all-vegan food truck that stops in a few locations around Austin, and in typical local fashion, offers burgers, chipotle chick’n, and tacos. The Bac’n Cheeze Burger is known to knock the socks off its eater – a favorite of drunk and sober snackers alike.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
UTAH: Buds in Salt Lake City
This tiny, walk-up window place is all vegan and known to win over locals as well as out-of-towners. The food, which includes lots of mock meat options, is reliably delicious and filling. And if you’re curious enough to try the zucchini cookie, word on the street is, it’s totally worth it.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
VERMONT: Revolution Kitchen in Burlington
Vegans go crazy for Revolution Kitchen in Burlington, a spot that serves a variety of cuisines made with high-quality ingredients. The tacos are a popular choice, as are the nachos and salad rolls. Those craving Italian can try the nightly ravioli special or seitan piccata.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
VIRGINIA: Food For Thought in Williamsburg
While not an entirely vegan or vegetarian restaurant, Food For Thought has impressive options for cruelty-free eaters. Vegans can enjoy a number of dishes, including a Beyond Burger and roasted spaghetti squash, and finish off with the raspberry hazelnut torte. Fans of the restaurant also can’t help but rave about its unbeatable service and pleasant atmosphere.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
WASHINGTON: Blossom Vegetarian in Renton
Something about Blossom Vegetarian keeps Washingtonians – even the meat-eating kind – coming back for more. The cuisine is primarily Vietnamese and almost entirely vegan, save for a couple of clearly marked items. The udon with mock seafood and vermicelli bowls are favorites among regulars.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
WEST VIRGINIA: Good Natured Collective in Martinsburg
This cafe within a health food store offers more than standard earthy-crunchy fare, all of which is vegetarian and most of which are vegan. Visitors rave about the flavor of indulgent and creative dishes like the Coconut Barbecue sandwich, Seitan Shawarma, and veggie burger offerings.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
WISCONSIN: The Cheeze Factory Restaurant in Baraboo
Vegans need fear the Dairy State no longer. This fully vegan restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as desserts that rate well with reviewers. Popular choices here are the chickpea chili as well as gnocchi with vegan Romano cheese. Locals love this place for a post-hiking or camping stop.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
WYOMING: Sweet Melissa’s in Laramie
Wyoming vegans and vegan travelers flock to Sweet Melissa’s for a delicious, cruelty-free meal and some of the best desserts they’ve ever had. Fans love the flavorful dishes like the cashew queso and Mediterranean platter, and the cocktails rate highly as well.
Check out its Yelp reviews here.
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