While we patiently wait on Austin’s famous BBQ spots to get some vegetarian and vegan options beyond a bread roll and coleslaw, we’d like to share our top picks that have the city’s veggie bunch covered. These ATX spots are SO good, that even omnivores won’t miss the meat. From comfort food to streamlined and health-conscious, here’s the gamut of where to get your meat-free eat on.
— Arlo’s Curbside
2908 Fruth St.
While Arlo’s has moved on from its former locations at Spider House and Cheer Up Charlie’s, you can still find its flavorful vegan eats via two food trucks at The Ballroom (a performance venue owned by Spider House) at 2908 Fruth Street. As for the food, think burgers, tacos, and Frito pie…and all plant-based.
— ATXFOODCO
517 S. Lamar Austin
One of their top Yelp reviews say it all: “This ATX food truck is a must-see”. ATXFOODCO is 100 percent vegan and has a super-diverse menu. From “BBQ Brisket” to tacos, power bowls, smoothies, and coffee, they source their ingredients locally and focus on the natural healing power of food.
— Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S 1st St Austin
This award-winning vegetarian/vegan restaurant is a special place. They’re a scratch kitchen, use high-quality ingredients, are woman-owned, and focus on giving back to the community. It’s a great place to gather with friends or to sit on the patio with a Bouldin Creek Fog and get some work done on your computer. From breakfast through happy hour and beyond, Bouldin Creek is a must-see (and must dine at) for anyone — veggie-based or not.
— Casa de Luz
1701 Toomey Rd Austin
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Casa de Luz has daily menus focused on whole plant nutrition. Casa de Luz Village also has event spaces supporting holistic events including classes, workshops, meetings, one-on-one sessions, seminars, consulting, and coaching. Their dining prices are worth noting: Adult lunch and dinner is $13+tax, kids under 3 with an adult purchase eat free, and kids 4-10 years old are $7+tax.
— Conscious Cravings
1311 S 1st St Austin | 4209 Airport Blvd
Fresh, affordable, and vegan? We couldn’t love that more. At Conscious Cravings, you can find their signature hot wraps and salads, as well as comfort food like vegan cheese fries and vegan chili. They also have lots of gluten-free options and you can get delivery from DoorDash.
— Dip Dip Dip Tatsuya
7301 Burnet Rd Ste 101
This Shabu Shabu restaurant by the Tatsu Group has a vegetarian tasting menu that’s pricey…but worth it. You can order a la carte or do the vegetarian tasting on a splurge night. The experience is top-notch and delicious.
— Mr. Natural
1901 E. Cesar Chavez St. A
If you haven’t been to Mr. Natural, this is your sign to check it out. Their menu has a ton of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and they offer catering, party spaces, specialty vegan baked goods, and a health store.
— Nori Vegan Sushi
3208 Guadalupe St B
Ramen, curry, sushi… and everything is vegan? This menu is such a treat for the vegan and vegetarian crowd with robata, nigiri, amazing desserts, and more.
— The Vegan Yacht
200 Southern Oaks Drive
Veggie buffalo burritos, veggie chili dawgs, and Frito Pie? With loads of gluten-free and vegetarian options, you’ve gotta try this Austin fave. They also have a great kids’ menu!
— True Food Kitchen
222 West Avenue, Suite HR100 | 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Suite 100
True Food has options for everyone, no matter their dietary needs and preferences. Focused on seasonal, fresh ingredients, True Foods has brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, as well as craft cocktails and wine. Some of our faves are the Edamame Dumplings, the Spaghetti Squash Casserole, and “The O.G.” — a spicy, tangy, soothing tea.
A few more ideas…
— Italian is often a safe bet for the vegetarian and vegan crowd. Eggplant Parm is hard to find in ATX, but you can snag some at Taverna and Sammie’s. More Italian options in Austin: L’oca D’oro, Patrizi’s, Red Ash, North Italia.
— Upscale restaurants with great vegetarian menus and/or excellent options: Wink, The Grove Wine Bar, Lin Asian Bistro + Dim Sum, Sway Thai, Soto, Uchi and Uchiko
— If you’re interested in Vegan fine dining, check out the 100 percent plant-based, low-impact cuisine at Fabrik at 1701 E. MLK Blvd, Suite 102.
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