Meaty morsels like burgers, barbecue ribs and fried chicken are mainstays of American cuisine – but there are plenty of spots that focus on delicious vegetarian and plant-based dishes too. From vegan diners to fine-dining spots, we bring you the best vegetarian restaurant in every state. (If you’re planning on trying any for yourself, be sure to check local travel restrictions and opening details before you go.)
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Alabama: Eve’s Garden, Dothan
A veg-packed menu that moves with the seasons is on offer at Eve’s Garden. This health-focused shop-cum-café, in the southeastern city of Dothan, serves plenty of raw vegan options and offers up imaginative daily specials. Diners rave about the “satisfying” plant-based burger, as well as the smoothies in flavors from chocolate to strawberry banana blast. The taco soup with an oozy vegan-cheese quesadilla is a winner too.
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Alaska: Pita Place, Fairbanks
Falafel is king at this laid-back spot in Fairbanks. At Pita Place, the chickpea morsels are piled into pillowy pitas, doused in tahini sauce and hummus, and topped with salad and pickles. Punters love the “fresh” and “flavorful” offerings and say they’re best washed down with a bottle of kombucha.
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Arizona: Green New American Vegetarian, Phoenix
Phoenix is known for its forward-thinking foodie options, and Green New American Vegetarian doesn’t disappoint. This hip joint claims to “master all comfort food and celebrate vegetables” – and it does just that, with delicious results. Favored menu items include the Big Wac, a plant-based spin on the classic McDonald’s burger with Green’s very own special sauce. The vegan buffalo wings, served with housemade ranch, are award-winning, too.
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Arkansas: Blue Sage Vegan Bistro, Little Rock
Southern comfort food gets a vegan twist at this friendly spot in Little Rock. Diners at Blue Sage Vegan Bistro will find all the classics, from “chick’n” fried steak and mac ‘n’ cheese to grilled cheese on garlicky Texas toast. They’re all best eaten with a heap of the crispy shoestring fries.
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California: Shizen, San Francisco
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to vegetarian dining, and sushi bars, in the Golden State – and this sleek venue in San Francisco combines the two. Beginning as “an experiment in ocean conservation through responsible dining”, Shizen is a sushi restaurant and izakaya that gets glowing reviews from customers. Top picks include the California rolls, with shredded tofu and avocado, and the shiitake maki with a sweet soy sauce. Prettiest of all is the Proud Peacock roll, with eggplant, tofu, pickled mango and seaweed pearls.
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Colorado: Watercourse Foods, Denver
Tipping itself as “Denver’s original vegan restaurant”, Watercourse Foods‘ mission is straightforward: dish up moreish dishes that are simple, comforting and completely plant-based. The menu delivers, with a string of belly-busting sandwiches (think pulled jackfruit and a classic burger), plus imaginative eats like carrot “lox” toast. The cauliflower wings are a crowd favorite.
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Connecticut: Bloodroot, Bridgeport
Bloodroot has its fingers in plenty of pies: the place is described as “a feminist restaurant and bookstore” and the focus is on local, seasonal and organic food. The menu is ever-changing, but visitors can expect dishes like crêpes with a shiitake mushroom stuffing, or beet and orange salad with olives and pumpkin seeds. The wholesome marinated tofu salad gets full points from diners, too.
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Delaware: Drop Squad Kitchen, Wilmington
Vegan soul food is Drop Squad Kitchen‘s forte. Describing its menu as “spirit driven”, “ancestral” and full of “soul”, the restaurant prides itself on dishes that tell a story. Made-from-scratch plates include things like barbecue jerk “chicken” sandwiches, yam chips and a Maryland “crab” soup made with palm hearts. It gets high praise from diners with many tipping it as the best vegan joint in the region.
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Florida: Full Bloom Vegan, Miami Beach
Full Bloom is an elegant and elevated spot in Florida’s swanky Miami Beach. The vegan, fine-dining restaurant serves imaginative plates bursting with color, from wild mushroom bruschetta with truffle paste to tostadas loaded with “chorizo”, guacamole and chipotle mayo. Diners wax lyrical about the “creative” menu options and the courteous staff. Here, fried yuca is topped with watermelon “tuna”, fresh truffles and microgreens. Delicious.
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Georgia: Herban Fix Vegan Kitchen, Atlanta
No dish is short on flavor at this pan-Asian restaurant in Atlanta. At Herban Fix, appetizers range from soft steamed buns parceled with soy “duck” to crisp tofu with a sweet and sour sambal. For mains, there’s a pad Thai with tofu or a nut-packed rainbow fried rice. The “steak” made with seared pom pom mushroom and served with veggies is particularly tasty.
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Hawaii: Farmacy Health Bar, Wailuku, Maui
Health comes first at this bright café. The menu at Farmacy Health Bar brims with rainbow-colored dishes from fruity açai bowls to nutritious salads and vitamin-packed juices. Diners give the tasty jackfruit dishes a thumbs up – visitors can try plates from jackfruit tacos to a barbecue jackfruit sandwich.
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Idaho: Oh Vegan Soul, Boise
It’s hard to believe that the rib-sticking dishes at Oh Vegan Soul are totally plant based. The restaurant, which touts itself as the only one of its kind in Idaho’s capital, comes highly recommended: it even won PETA’s Vegan Soul Food award in 2020. The menu is jam-packed with vegan spins on the classics – think po’ boys loaded with crispy oyster mushrooms and fried “fish” made from banana blossoms.
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Illinois: Althea, Chicago
Chicago’s Althea kicks plant-based food up another level. Based at the city’s swish Saks Fifth Avenue, the restaurant is spearheaded by Matthew Kenney, a celebrity chef renowned for his fine plant-based creations. Menu highlights are the kimchi dumplings – as pretty and delicate as they are delicious – and the “crab cakes” (pictured), made with palm hearts, artichoke and quinoa.
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Indiana: 10th Street Diner, Indianapolis
The word “diner” typically conjures visions of meat feasts, from chicken-fried steaks and mighty burgers to American breakfasts with all the trimmings. But 10th Street is a diner with a difference. At the totally vegan joint, diners can dig into menu favorites like a Seitan Reuben sandwich, “chorizo” chimichangas, or “comfort tacos”, loaded with fried chick’n, corn, vegan cheese and gravy. Snapped here is a comforting fried chick’n and mashed potato bowl.
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Iowa: Rawlicious, Cedar Rapids
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Kansas: Kind Kravings, Wichita
A seasonal food truck is the best spot for some delicious vegetarian grub in The Sunflower State. Kind Kravings promises “good ol’ fashioned home-cooked comfort foods with a healthy twist” and its hearty offerings go down a treat. The plant-based menu is packed with goodies, from biscuits and gravy with coconut bacon to a loaded three-bean chili bowl with tortilla chips. Fans say that even diehard meat-and-potato lovers will enjoy this mobile restaurant.
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Kentucky: Roots, Louisville
The mission of this beloved spot in Louisville is to celebrate vegetarian food with a mindful menu of delicious pan-Asian dishes. The summer rolls, traditional pho and spice-packed curries are all highly rated by diners. Right next door, fast-casual spot Heart and Soy shares the same owner: Louisville restaurateur Huong “CoCo” Tran.
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Louisiana: Breads on Oak, New Orleans
With Uptown and Downtown locations in the Big Easy, Breads on Oak brands itself an “old-world bakery” and serves a cornucopia of tasty baked treats and casual meals. The best thing? They’re all completely plant-based. The cafés are well loved by NOLA locals, who rave about the Simply Impossible veggie burger, the biscuits and the chocolate-chip cookies. Snapped here is the barbecue jackfruit po’ boy, a special of the week.
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Maine: Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro, Portland
For more than a decade, chef Dan Sriprasert has been bringing imaginative, vegetarian pan-Asian dishes to the people of Portland at the Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro. Inspired by cuisines from Thai to Malaysian, he’s whipped up a menu that includes delicacies like veggie citrus “spare ribs” and tofu tikka masala. There’s a mouthwatering pad Thai on offer too.
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Maryland: The Land of Kush, Baltimore
Soul food goes vegan at this award-winning spot in Baltimore. Over the years, mega stars like Stevie Wonder have come through the doors at The Land of Kush to feast on plant-based versions of soul-food classics, from the Kush “barbecue ribs” to the creamy “curry chickun”. A perennial favorite is the vegan crab cakes, made from veggie proteins – moreish side dishes include candied yams, collard greens and cornbread.
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Massachusetts: Clover Food Lab, various locations
Beginning life as a food truck, Clover Food Lab now has several bricks-and-mortar locations in Boston and beyond. The imaginative chain prides itself on simplicity, speed and a “positive” and “conscientious” relationship with food – and that’s led to a menu heavy with delicious vegetarian sandwiches and platters. Options range from barbecued seitan (a meat substitute made from hydrated gluten) to tempting chickpea fritters, and diners tip Clover as an ideal spot for a fast and nutritious lunch.
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Michigan: Chili Mustard Onions, Detroit
Vegetarians needn’t miss out on the Motor City’s famous coney dogs – a hot dog laden with chili sauce, mustard and raw onions. Long-running joints Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island usually vie for the title of top dog, but vegan spot Chili Mustard Onions is snapping at their heels. Punters can chow down on a tasty plant-based version of the beloved Detroit dish, alongside fast-food classics like burgers, pizzas and gyros.
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Minnesota: Trio Plant-based, Minneapolis
Another inviting, plant-based soul-food spot, Trio is the brainchild of Minneapolis local Louis Hunter and is hailed as the first Black-owned vegan restaurant in the city. Delicious staples grace the menu, from soul-food platters laden with jackfruit ribs, collard greens and cornbread to giant burgers with imaginative toppings like buffalo mac ‘n’ cheese. Try the sweet potato pie for dessert.
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Mississippi: Good Karma Cafe, Gulfport
Indian and Malaysian fusion cuisine is the speciality of Gulfport’s Good Karma Cafe. The menu changes from day to day and diners are surprised with flavor-packed salads, crispy pakoras and housemade dhal. The “delicious” lavender cake crops up in glowing reviews time and time again.
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Missouri: Pirate’s Bone Burgers, Kansas City
“Feeding more plants to more people” – that’s the undertaking of hip Kansas City joint Pirate’s Bone Burgers. Given the name, you might be surprised to hear that this spot is completely vegan with filling burgers made from beets, beans and plant proteins. Regulars can’t get enough of their fries, either – the black truffle-topped option is a sure bet.
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Montana: Farmacy, Bozeman
Farmacy‘s mission is to make wholesome, delicious plant-based food accessible to all – and their filling bowls are a great place to start. Diners can whip up their own concoctions, topping vegan bases like kale and wild rice with beans, barbecue potatoes, teriyaki tofu and more. Customers love that it’s quick, easy and super healthy, and there are extras like tacos and burritos on the menu too.
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Nebraska: Fauxmaha, Omaha
This cleverly named Omaha lunch spot reels in diners with an unfussy menu filled with comforting staples. At Fauxmaha, diners can get their vegan fast-food fix with choices like the seitan Philly cheesesteak, the homemade banh mi dog (loved by diners) and barbecue tempeh burritos. For a side, you can’t go wrong with tater tots heaving under toppings like buffalo soy curls, crispy fried onions and vegan cheese.
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Nevada: Veggie House, Las Vegas
Vegas might be known for lobster, steak and indulgent meat-filled buffets, but diners can still find great veggie options in Sin City. A stand-out is Veggie House, a casual restaurant serving vegetarian versions of Chinese delicacies. Punters applaud the great service and varied menu, which boasts delights like sizzling tofu with veggies, crispy spicy eggplant and house fried rice.
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New Hampshire: The Farm Cafe, Keene
Wholesome, honest food is the deal at The Farm Cafe in Keene. Daily specials at this plant-based spot include warming bowls of tortilla soup and curry-spiced quinoa bowls with seasonal veg. Sandwich-lovers will be satisfied too – diners can choose from a TLT (tempeh, lettuce and tomato), a mushroom melt, corn-packed quesadillas and more.
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New Jersey: Veganized, New Brunswick
There’s a friendly diner vibe at this casual spot in New Brunswick, less than an hour from New York City. Veganized serves a no-frills, vegan menu that covers all the bases when it comes to comfort food: think “crusted tempeh” with mash and gravy, white bean hot dogs and mac ‘n’ cheese with cashew cream. Desserts – including the chocolate peanut butter torte and the bananarama banana cake – keep diners coming back.
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New Mexico: The Acre, Albuquerque
“Comfort vegetarian” is what diners can expect at The Acre, a meat-free restaurant whose menu changes with the season. The hip Albuquerque venue is all about warming dishes like bean and chili-filled enchiladas, carrot hot dogs and a “meat(less)loaf” made with chickpeas, mushrooms and zucchini. It gets extra points for its super friendly staff.
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New York: Superiority Burger, New York City
You can get a veggie version of almost any of your favorite dishes in the Big Apple and great veggie restaurants abound. But the lines that usually form outside Superiority Burger speak volumes. Superior by name and superior by nature, the burger joint is vegetarian (and often “accidentally vegan”) with mouthwatering options like a fried tofu filet served in a bun with spicy veg.
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North Carolina: Oh My Soul, Charlotte
This colorful spot in Charlotte’s Arts District has a strong ethos: Oh My Soul resolves to “be kind to every kind” and offers a menu of plant-based, “cruelty-free” dishes. Brunch options include indulgent French toast with cinnamon-fried banana, while there’s seitan steak, loaded sweet potatoes or a roster of burgers for dinner. The sun trap of a patio is typically a popular hangout, too.
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North Dakota: Wild Terra Cider, Fargo
North Dakota is renowned for being a meat-loving state, but you can still find some great veggie bites. A cidery might also seem an unlikely spot for stellar vegetarian food, yet Wild Terra Cider in Fargo really delivers. Alongside top-notch experimental ciders, the venue serves towering plant-based burgers complete with vegan bacon, cheese and flavor-packed sauces.
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Ohio: Comune, Columbus
Chic Comune in Ohio’s capital offers a delicious and creative string of “plant-forward” plates. In the day, diners can choose from mains like veg-packed udon noodle bowls or egg and coconut-bacon sandwiches. Or, in the evening, inviting dishes like stir-fried spaghetti squash and tempura cauliflower steal the show.
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Oklahoma: The Loaded Bowl, Oklahoma City
The Loaded Bowl in Oklahoma City serves exactly what you’d expect: belly-busting bowls of vegan goodness, filled with veggie proteins, beans, vegetables and delicious sauces. Starting out as a food truck, the Oklahoma City staple got its first permanent location in 2016. Fast-forward half a decade and menu favorites include the cashew mac ‘n’ cheese bowl and the rosemary mash bowl with corn and fried “chicken”. It’s always a good day when tacos are a special too.
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Oregon: Aviv, Portland
“Plant-based Middle Eastern magic” is conjured up at Portland’s Aviv. With a pair of locations across town, the restaurant is praised for its “amazing” food and its friendly service. And when it comes to the menu, it’s difficult to know where to begin. Diners can graze on mushroom hummus, falafel, vegan shawarma plates laden with soy curls and the Baharat Burger finished with Middle Eastern-inspired seasoning.
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Pennsylvania: Bar Bombón, Philadelphia
Dedicated to bringing “Latin flavors” to Philly, bright Bar Bombón is a hub for delicious plant-based Puerto Rican food. It’s a favored spot for brunch, with tasty options like breakfast “egg” and smoky tempeh tortas. Come dinnertime, the buffalo cauliflower tacos are a top choice – they’re topped with avocado, white onion and black beans and are doused in a cilantro dressing.
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Rhode Island: The Grange, Providence
The Grange is all about thoughtful and creative vegetarian dishes packed with interesting, locally sourced ingredients – and the food tastes just as good as it looks. It’s regularly tipped as the best of its kind in the region, and its menu includes inventive dishes like mock eel and tofu with a soy glaze and blackened squash with vegan grits. The cocktails get high praise too.
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South Carolina: A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen, Columbia
Vegan food doesn’t come much more comforting than the offerings at A Peace of Soul. The spot, in South Carolina’s state capital, has a delicious menu packed to the gills with classics that have got the plant-based treatment. Spice fans should try the Nashville Hot “Chicken” Sandwich: it’s made up of a fried soy and wheat protein patty, with salad, a pretzel bun and plenty of hot sauce.
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South Dakota: DeVine Delights, Rapid City
Given that South Dakota is a state renowned for its beef industry, you might think you’d be hard pushed to find decent veggie grub. But Rapid City has just the spot. This little café serves veggie versions of home-spun classics like fried “chicken”, plant-based Salisbury steak and a vegan chili cheese burger. DeVine Delights is well loved for its ice cream too.
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Tennessee: Avo, Nashville
This trendy, industrial-chic space is a hit with Nashville locals. But it’s not a case of style over substance here. Avo‘s food is as bright and brilliant as its interiors, with a delightful plant-based menu touting options like kimchi spring rolls, a lentil-walnut burger and a raw pad Thai with zucchini and kelp noodles. There are plenty of cocktails to wash dinner down with too.
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Texas: Verdine, Houston
A trendy restaurant in Houston, Verdine promises “a menu full of choices that are good for you and good for the planet” and it delivers with a host of glorious plant-based dishes. Diners dub it the best vegan spot in town, and enthuse about meals like the jackfruit carnitas, the tofu tom ka soup and the eggplant parmigiana pizza. There are vegan wines on offer too.
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Utah: Vertical Diner, Salt Lake City
Vertical is not your average diner. It serves all the classics – think “chicken” tenders, nachos, burgers and breakfasts – but they’re all completely vegan. In its more-than-a-decade in service, it’s become a Salt Lake City stalwart. Customers can’t get enough of the tofu scramble, the Vertical burrito and any dish with the house tempeh bacon.
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Vermont: Revolution Kitchen, Burlington
A menu packed with inventive vegetarian dishes and organic, locally sourced ingredients awaits at Revolution Kitchen in cool Burlington. Established in 2013, it’s the city’s first all-veggie restaurant and it has certainly been a hit. Dishes take inspiration from the world over and include colorful noodle plates, ravioli, sweet potato tacos and zingy seitan piccata.
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Virginia: Hang Space, Richmond
Richmond is better known for its history than its food scene, but the city has plenty of gourmet treasures too. Among them is Hang Space, a chilled-out venue that serves delicious plant-based food. The menu reads like that of a typical American comfort-food joint with a buffalo chicken sandwich, burgers, flatbreads and fries – the twist, of course, is that it’s all completely vegan.
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Washington: Pi Vegan Pizzeria, Seattle
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West Virginia: Kelley Farm Kitchen, Harpers Ferry
You might not expect to find a stellar vegan spot in the little town of Harpers Ferry – but Kelley Farm Kitchen is exactly that. It quickly become a local favorite, with a plant-based menu built on teetering burgers, subs, tacos and all-day breakfasts. Diners particularly love the warming ramen bowls with their made-from-scratch broth base.
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Wisconsin: The Green Owl Cafe, Madison
The Green Owl Cafe has been a Madison mainstay for more than a decade and credits itself with being the city’s “only vegetarian and vegan café”. “Cozy casual” is the vibe here and the food is unpretentious yet still imaginative – punters can dig into appetizers like “crabby cakes” (tofu and mushroom patties) and follow it up with mains like creamy pesto alfredo.
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Wyoming: Sweet Melissa Café, Laramie
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