In the last several years, Austin has become a beacon in Texas for excellent vegan and vegetarian dining. In a city full of amazing BBQ joints, burgers and comfort food hot spots, we shouldn’t forget about our plant-based eating friends with dietary needs that doesn’t involve meat.
A decade ago, you’d have a hard task to find a decent vegetarian or vegan restaurant or food truck in Austin. But the world is changing and our veggie eating friends have elevated their standards for quality cuisine. After trekking through the meat infested streets of Austin, I’ve managed to stuff my face with tacos, pizza, burgers and comfort food to discover my favorite vegetarian and vegan restaurants.
Jump Ahead To
Citizen Eatery
5011 Burnet Rd | Vegans and vegetarians may rejoice, because Citizen Eatery was wholly designed with you in mind. If you’re looking for a healthy plant-based meal, Citizen Eatery features a sustainable, meat-free menu and bar that serves scratch-made vegetarian and vegan cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meat eaters will even find several items that are suitable for your palate, like the vegan burger with a side of fries.
OUR FAVS: BBQ Pulled Plant Sandwich, Chik’N Tacos, Mixed Basket of Yucca Fries and Texas Tumbleweed (fried veggie noodles dusted in rice bran flour)
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- Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Flatbread
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- Butternut Squash Pizza
True Food Kitchen
222 West Avenue | TFK has become a go-to spot for those who prefer to a clean and sustainable diet, especially if you’re a vegan or vegetarian. The restaurant’s seasonally rotating menu is rooted in the principles of the anti-inflammatory food pyramid – emphasizing wholesome, simple ingredients with simple preparations to highlight health benefits and flavor.
OUR FAVS: Vegan Unbeetable Burger, Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Flatbread, Butternut Squash Pizza, UnBeetable Burger
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- Mother Earth Bowls
Flower Child
Two Locations – Domain and 2nd St. District | Flower Child is a healthy, happy restaurant that specializes in food to meet vegetarian, vegan, paleo, gluten-free or just plain hungry lifestyles. Enjoy a fresh lemonade or glass of organic wine while feasting on one of their salads, plates or bowls.
OUR FAVS: Mother Earth Bowl, Thai Dye Tofu Wrap, Vietnamese Crunch Salad, “Forbidden” Rice Bowl
Arlo’s
2908 Fruth St. | Imagine the best bacon cheese burger you’ve ever had in your life. Now imagine it’s vegan! Arlo’s Bac’n Cheeze Burger is a 100% meat-free, soy patty, with seitan bac’n, “cheese”, and all the fixings. I dare you to not call it your favorite veggie burger in Austin.
OUR FAVS: Bac’n Cheeze Burg, Chick’n Sandwich, Tater Tots
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- PHOTO CREDIT: Plow burger Facebook page
Plow Burger
Two Locations in Austin | Plow Burger serves delicious plant-based burgers, sandwiches, shakes, fries and brunch with the purpose of positively impacting the environment. These guys know how to have fun and experiment with the menu. You’ll fall in love with almost every item, especially if you’re in love with comfort food classics.
OUR FAVS: Plow Burgers, Wingz, Special Burgers of the Day
Photo Credit – The Beer Plant, Facebook page
The Beer Plant
3110 Windsor Rd | The Beer Plant is known as the world’s first plant-based, modern gastropub that offers craft beer, wine and cocktails with on 100% plant-based menu. Dishes are offered in a farmhouse pub atmosphere, focused on healthy eating and drinking.
OUR FAVS: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, Mac N Cheese (cashew) Skillet, Nashville Hot & Crispy Sandwich (mushroom), “Crab” Cakes
Counter Culture
2337 Cesar Chavez St E | Counter Culture’s vegan based menu is offered for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch that serves internationally inspired comfort food made daily. The restaurant caters to plant eaters but is very popular with omnivores offering menu options that should make everyone full and happy.
OUR FAVS: East Side Nachos, Buffalo Mac N’ Cheese Balls, Pancake Platter, Beet Mushroom Walnut Burger
The Vegan Nom
2324 East Cesar Chavez | If you’re a meat eater and you just happened upon The Vegan Nom food truck, ate every taco they serve, but had no idea it was a vegan based menu, you’d walk away with a huge, satisfying not-so-bloated smile. Everything on the menu is 100% vegan and incredible if you’re looking to fulfill your comfort food cravings.
OUR FAVS: All the tacos, Jalapeno Mac N Cheese, Plant based Beef Nachos and Cheese
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- Skull & Cake Bones cookie dough
Skull & Cakebones Craft Bakery
3991 US-290 a, Dripping Springs | You’ll fulfill your plant-based, sweet tooth fantasies at Skull & Cakebones with a menu specializing in all-natural, non-GMO, local flavored vegan goodies. Enjoy vegan cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, cakes, mac n’ cheese and sourdough pretzels. Get the goodies at their shop in Dripping Springs and other local spots like at Whole Foods Market and Quickie Pickie.
OUR FAVS: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Mac N’ Cheeze, Cauliflower Wings, Avocado Toast