Our Top 5 Veg-Friendly Cities ... That Aren't New York, Chicago, or LA

Planning your next vacation? Check out our favorite veg-friendly cities where compassionate dining and living are taking over!

1. Austin

While this capital city is best-known for its rich cultural history and lush natural landscapes, Austin boasts a vibrant vegan scene.

Head down to the Vegan Nom taco trailer to savor a classic Texas dish: the breakfast taco. For even more comfort-food bliss, The Vegan Yacht features freeto pie, a concoction of tempeh chili and corn chips to sate even the most ravenous travelers.

Hungry for more? Be sure to check out Bouldin Creek Café and Counter Culture. Definitely try Bouldin Creek’s vegan ham and cheese kolaches. At Counter Culture, we recommend the Buffalo Mac n’ Cheeze Balls!

Craving something sweet? Sweet Ritual, an all-vegan ice cream shop, offers eccentric flavors like chocolate chai and the intriguing Cinnamonkey Elephantastic as well as extensive topping choices.

2. Portland

In a town famous for its environmental friendliness and microbreweries, it comes as no surprise that vegan dining options abound.

If you’re looking for a quick bite, there are plenty of vegan-friendly food trucks, from Native Bowl for a hearty rice-based meal to Homegrown Smoker Vegan Barbecue for overstuffed sandwiches and creamy Mac-No-Cheese.

Looking for some good pairing? Head over to the Pacific Northwest’s first all-vegan cheese shop and deli, Vtopia. You might need a bib to control the drool because these cashew-based cheeses are incredible!

Portland also boasts the only vegan strip mall in the world. There you can visit Herbivore Clothing, Food Fight Grocery, Scapegoat Tattoo, and Sweet Pea Baking Company.

3. Philadelphia

An underrated vegan destination, this city known for animal-product-laden Philly cheesesteaks also has a booming cruelty-free food scene. Take, for example, Blackbird Pizzeria, famous for its homemade seitan. There you can enjoy a slice of vegan pizza or even a veganized Philly cheesesteak!

For fine dining, nothing beats Vedge, the globally inspired eatery renowned among vegans and meat eaters alike for its fresh vegetable dishes and artfully prepared cocktails. For a casual dining experience, HipCityVeg is a popular spot for indulging in the quintessential Philly cheesesteak, vegan-style.

Also be sure to check out plant-based Chinese restaurant New Harmony and Philly’s new all-vegan bar, Charlie Was a Sinner!

4. Cleveland

From museums to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland supports a thriving cultural scene. But did you know the city also supports a flourishing vegan scene?

The Flaming Ice Cube, an all-vegan café, features famously good veggie burgers, fresh smoothies, and homemade vegan baked goods. Tremont Scoops serves up vegan ice cream, cookies, and brownies. Sweet Moses, an old-fashioned soda fountain and treat shop, offers vegan options as well. Melt, the casual dining spot known for creative sandwiches, spotlights house-made seitan that’s to die for and an extensive grilled cheese menu that can be made vegan. Lastly, we recommend stopping by Helio Terra Vegan Cafe where you can enjoy a vegan Ruben or grilled cheese!

5. San Francisco Bay Area

For delicious Mexican-inspired vegan food, try Gracias Madre, which offers a variety of traditional dishes, including tamales, pozole, enchiladas, and even a coconut ceviche! For some comfort food try heading over to Veganburg. This counter has everything from sliders to smoked franks, and if you have any room left for dessert, we recommend the cheesecake!

Looking for more dessert? Sweet Aha! offers a completely vegan cupcake menu, and Berkeley’s Cinnaholic will blow your mind!

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