When it comes to vegan dining, the United States has become a haven for plant-based eaters. From coast to coast, cities are embracing the vegan lifestyle with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and markets offering delicious and innovative plant-based dishes. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply curious about incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet, these cities are leading the charge in providing delicious and innovative vegan cuisine.
So are you ready to book your flight and check out the best spots for vegan eats?
This article explores the top ten vegan-friendly cities in the US that stand out as must travel destinations for plant-based foodies!
Is the US Vegan-Friendly?
Yes, there are many vegan-friendly cities to explore, with more restaurants and shops catering to the vegan lifestyle than ever before.
There are still challenges in less urbanized areas, but it is possible with some planning and preparation. Depending on where you travel, dining out and finding vegan menu items in rural and regional areas may be difficult.
The rise of plant-based fast food and chain restaurants offering vegan options has made it easier for people to find suitable and enjoyable meals. In fact, the vegan food market has grown substantially, with sales in the US jumping from $3.9 billion in 2017 to $8.1 billion in 2023. Campaigns like Veganuary have gained traction, with cities like Baltimore, Los Angeles, Portland, and Washington, D.C., leading the way and embracing the movement. In addition, food labeling has improved, making it easier to identify vegan-certified options at the grocery store. You can also join a number of vegan meetups and connect on social media through Facebook groups to find out about vegan-friendly products and events in the area.
Let’s look at ten of the top vegan-friendly cities in the US that you can explore on your upcoming travels. From Portland, the vegan capital, to Austin’s eclectic food scene, these cities promote plant-based living.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about the lifestyle, these cities offer something for everyone. Explore the delicious food, connect with the supportive communities, and enjoy these vegan-friendly cities’ rich cultural experiences.
Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Cities In The US
1. Portland, Oregon
The vibrant city of Portland is often referred to as the vegan capital of the U.S., boasting nearly 50 fully vegan restaurants and a wide range of plant-based dining options. The city’s food scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from gourmet meals to street food. You will be spoilt for choice on your visit to Portland, especially when dining out. No matter where you go in Portland, you will find a vegan option!
The vegan food scene here serves everything from veganised versions of classic American diner food to southern-style classic comfort food, vegan sushi, Asian fusion menus, and vegan deep-dish pizza!
Check out Kure Superfood Cafe if you are in the mood for something healthy and organic. For incredible Sri Lankan food stop at Mirisata and for vegan pizza be sure to order from Virtuous Pie.
There is even a popular vegan Jewish deli called Ben and Esther’s, serving traditional house-made bagels and plant-based cream cheese!
Portland is also home to the Portland VegFest, which attracts thousands of visitors annually. Several local vegan events and meet-ups take place around the city.
2. Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis with a thriving vegan scene that requires a guide all on its own! The city offers over 1,000 plant-based restaurants, making it a mega-hub for vegans looking for various dining options.
So, where to begin? You certainly won’t have time to scratch the surface regarding the vegan options in LA, so a good idea is to pick out some of your favorite spots and mix them up with various cuisines.
If you want to indulge in some of the best vegan fine dining in the US, you are in the right place. Make a reservation at Crossroads Kitchen, but if you prefer to kick back with some comfort classics, stop by Hart House, NoMoo, or Mr. Charlie’s. Don’t forget to stop by Vegan AF Food Truck whenever they are in LA.
Another great option is the SoCal VegFest, which celebrates vegan food and culture and will take place on October 26th—27th, 2024. Over 200 vendors will be present, and it is considered the vegan food event of the year.
3. New York City, New York
New York City’s diverse culinary scene includes a robust selection of vegan options. Here, you will find everything from street food to fine dining, all with a plant-based twist, so be prepared for some memorable vegan meals as you explore NYC.
The first stop should be a vegan spot called Modern Love in Brooklyn. It is packed with delicious comfort food, including an impressive brunch menu serving vegan waffles and tofu benedict. One thing you can’t skip in NYC is a slice of pizza; the good news is that you can find plenty of vegan pizza options. Check out Screamers Pizza in Crown Heights or Double Zero in East Village for some of the best wood-fired pizzas.
NYC is one of the places where you can find Michelin-star restaurants, but what makes it even more exciting is that it is home to a Michelin-star vegan restaurant called Cadence. If you want to try Southern-style dishes, this is the place to go!
Taking place across the US, the Vegandale Food and Drink Festival highlights the city’s commitment to plant-based living and will be in New York in September 2024. Hundreds of vegan food vendors will be on display, and there will be various entertainment options.
4. Austin, Texas
Austin’s eclectic food scene has embraced veganism, making it a top destination for plant-based eaters in the South. Although Austin is known for its Texas-style barbeque and farm-to-table cooking, the city now has over 50 vegan-friendly restaurants and several bakeries and grocery stores, making it easy for vegans to travel to Texas.
Austin is also known for having some of the best coffee shops and cafes where you can relax and enjoy brunch any day of the week.
A few must-try places are Milky Way Shakes for 100% vegan milkshakes, Community Vegan for plant-based comfort food, Nom Burgers for the best burgers and wings in Austin, and Vegan Nom for tex-mex tacos and burritos.
Finally, you will not regret visiting Rebel Cheese, a plant-based artisan cheese shop selling a wide selection of vegan cheese, dips, fromages, deli meats, and aged cheese.
5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Welcome to one of the most overlooked yet vegan-friendly cities in the region. Philadelphia or Philly has emerged as one of the best spots for plant-based eats outside NYC.
All travelers are familiar with the American diner experience, but did you know that Philly has a 100% vegan diner? The Tasty is located in South Philadelphia and has the retro decor of an old-school diner. Try the Chick’n and Waffles served with syrup for breakfast or the Philly-style Cheezsteak.
If you are in the mood for a night of tapas and drinks, try Fitz On 4th with vegan tapas, desserts, and cocktails. For baked goods, check out Batter & Crumbs vegan bakery and coffee serving specialty drinks such as London Fog, Golden Oat Milk, and Nutella Latte. Lastly, book a table at the beautiful Pietramala restaurant, which has an intimate setting and a seasonal menu.
6. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago may be known for its deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, but it boasts a burgeoning vegan scene. Not only is Chicago a fun city to explore, but it is also a great place to find delicious vegan restaurants, cafes, bars, markets, and local events.
There are over 20 dedicated vegan spots in Chicago, but here are a few that you should check out and put at the top of your list. First up, Chicago Raw for healthy options, juices, and smoothies, Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria for street-style Mexican cuisine, PLANTA Queen or Bloom Plant Based Kitchen for fine dining, and Veggie House for delicious Chinese fusion food.
If you prefer to indulge in a delicious vegan breakfast menu, check out Fancy Plants Cafe. It serves NY-style bagels, pastries, and coffee.
7. Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s vegan food scene is thriving, and the city is well-known for its quality coffee shops and scenic views. Here, you can find local farmers markets, grocery stores selling organic and vegan produce, festivals and food trucks, sophisticated dining options, and bars. No matter where you are in Seattle, you can be sure to enjoy the plant-based options.
If you are in Windy City, try Kati Thai, a modern Thai restaurant that uses plant-based alternatives to recreate traditional dishes. Plantiful Superfoods serves wholesome and healthy meals, smoothies, and acai bowls with four locations across the city, and Chu Minh Tofu, a fully vegan Vietnamese restaurant serving delicious Bahn Mi and many gluten-free options.
The seasonal 5-course menu at Harvest Beat offers a unique dining experience. It is 100% vegan and can be served with or without a wine pairing. Make a reservation for dinner, as tables are only open Wednesday through Saturday.
8. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is known for its progressive culture, and its vegan scene is no exception. If you get the chance to visit, you will find a hub of food, entertainment, and activities. Forbes even ranked it as one of the top three vegan cities in the US to live in in 2023.
You will want to stop for brunch at Nourish Cafe on Hyde Street and dine at Wildseed for lunch or dinner. If you are in the mood for Japanese cuisine, you can’t go past Shizen vegan sushi and izakaya, the perfect spot for ramen or specialty sushi rolls.
Another great thing about SF is the bakery and dessert shops that serve vegan and gluten-free options. The Donut Farm is a vegan spot that makes organic donuts, while Salt & Straw is one of the city’s leading vegan ice cream stores.
San Francisco hosts the Vegan Iron Chef competition. A culinary competition that showcases talented vegan chefs who create innovative plant-based dishes. It’s similar to the “Iron Chef” TV series but focuses exclusively on vegan cuisine.
9. Denver, Colorado
Denver’s vegan scene is growing, with an increasing number of plant-based dining options and events. There’s a great mix of different places where you can enjoy a vegan meal, with everything from casual dining to junk food classics to satisfy your cravings.
As the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, it’s a well-known tourist destination, and although it might not have as great of a vegan scene as other cities, there are still some excellent options when it comes to dining out.
Try the vegan menu options at Native Foods, the Vegan Van, or Vital Root. For comforting noodle bowls or soup be sure to try V Revolution for delicious Asian-fusion dishes.
10. Miami, Florida
Miami’s vibrant culture extends, which means the food scene is diverse and constantly evolving. You can find a number of vegan spots around and plenty of vegan menu options at non-vegan establishments. A popular destination for tourists looking to soak up the sun, Miami also has a significant health and wellness market.
You can find smoothie and juice bars, organic and wholesome cafes, and plenty of fresh local produce. One place you don’t want to miss if you are searching for baked goods and gluten-free options is Joseph’s Organic Bakery.
The Concinita is a good spot for a vegan burger and Minty Z is great for Asian/Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Love Life Cafe is perfect for dinner and a cocktail.
Miami also hosts the annual SEED Food and Wine Festival, the country’s premier plant-based food, wine, and wellness festival.
Final Thoughts
So, that concludes our top 10 vegan-friendly cities in the US, but we have yet to scratch the surface. With the demand for vegan options on the rise, there is always something new to explore in the vegan food scene.
Traveling as a vegan has become more accessible and enjoyable, thanks to the growing awareness and availability of plant-based options. Whether planning your next vacation or just curious about exploring new flavors, these cities are perfect for indulging in delicious vegan cuisine and discovering new culinary inspirations.
Let us know where in the US you would like to travel or your must-visit vegan spots in your favorite city!
Don’t forget we host vegan getaways all over the world so you can sign up and travel with us – we hope to see you soon!