Lately, more and more people have been making the switch to a vegetarian diet. While many grocery stores are following the trend and becoming more vegetarian-friendly (aka Trader Joe’s), not as many restaurants have caught up. Many times, the only vegetarian option is a salad, and while I love salads, I don’t want to eat one every time I go out. Have no fear, though, because I found the best vegetarian restaurants in Every. Single. State.
Some states have more variety than others, but you can still travel to all 50 states without settling for pizza and pasta for every other meal. By scrolling through social media, polling college students and getting help from The Vegetarian Resource Group, I was able to find the top vegetarian restaurants in each state across America.
Alabama – Golden Temple Health Food and Café
Photo courtesy of @wilmaryys on Instagram
Golden Temple Health Food and Café is the only exclusively vegetarian restaurant located in Birmingham, Alabama, and has been there since 1973. It’s an all-natural grocery store and restaurant that offers a wide range of sandwiches, salads and daily specials — they’re known for the “Stack” dishes, which are essentially meat-free burrito bowls of deliciousness.
Alaska – Middle Way Café
Photo courtesy of @wokwildside on Instagram
Middle Way Café is located in Spenard in the heart of West Anchorage, Alaska. Since they only serve locally sourced and organic products in season, they are constantly switching up the menu. Next time you find yourself in Alaska be sure to stop in and try the avocado melt; you will not be disappointed!
Arizona – Macy’s European Coffeehouse and Bakery
Photo courtesy of @katiekohen on Instagram
Macy’s Coffeehouse is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, home of the NAU campus. The locals swear by Macy’s, and it has been a staple in the community for over 30 years. Definitely a must-try, especially when you’re craving a meat-free sandwich and a caffeine fix. If you’re visiting Phoenix, check out these places instead.
Arkansas – The Root Café
Photo courtesy of www.therootcafe.com
The Root Cafe, located in downtown Little Rock, specializes in breakfast and brunch with ingredients from small farms and producers located around Arkansas. While they do serve meat dishes, they put a strong emphasis on their vegetarian cuisine. Try their take on a traditional Vietnamese dish with their Eggs Banh Mi for when you’re feeling adventurous.
California – Gracias Madre
Photo courtesy of @vegancookiebandit on Instagram
Gracias Madre is a 100% organic, plant-based Mexican restaurant with locations in West Hollywood and San Francisco. The locals swear that you will receive an amazing Mexican meal and are guaranteed to leave satisfied. Next time you visit the Golden State, you should definitely stop by Gracias Madre, and if you’re lucky, you may even run into Miley and Liam. If you’re start craving something sweet, look here.
Colorado – WaterCourse Foods
Photo courtesy of @thoughtfullyawesome on Instagram
WaterCourse Foods is known for its vegetarian version of everyone’s favorite comfort foods. Even if you’re an omnivore, there’s no way that you won’t love the Cauliflower Buffalo Wings or the Seitan Fried Steak. If you’re ever in Denver and craving some comfort, WaterCourse Foods will never disappoint. If you don’t wanna leave home, satisfy your comfort food needs with this recipe.
Connecticut – Claire’s Corner Copia
Photo courtesy of @live.t.o.eat on Instagram
Claire’s Corner Copia serves multi-ethnic vegetarian dishes to satisfy any craving that you may have. They’re open everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner so you have no excuse not to indulge. Even if you’re not in the mood for a full meal, it’s worth a stop in to pick up a sweet treat, like their famous Cake Shake. If you can’t make it to New Haven, try this cake batter shake you can make at home.
Delaware – Home Grown Café
Photo courtesy of @honey_and_figs on Instagram
Home Grown Café is a favorite among UDel students due to its convenient location on East Main Street. They have weekly specials, so that you’ll never get bored even if you’re a frequent, loyal customer. It’s not 100% vegetarian, but almost everything on the menu can be prepared to fit your dietary restrictions. Since it’s open until 1 am on the weekends, it’s the best place to bring all your gluten-free, vegetarian and meat-loving friends for some post-party drunchies.
Florida – Sublime
Photo courtesy of @mekmuv_chefmuv on Instagram
Fort Lauderdale is one of the most popular tourist locations in Florida, so eating at Sublime should be at the top of your to-do list next time you visit. Cauliflower is such a versatile food, and Sublime definitely takes full advantage of that with their Frito Misto: yummy, crispy cauliflower coated with sweet chili sauce and sesame seeds. If you decide to visit Universal Orlando Theme Park during your trip, be sure to eat right.
Georgia – Café Sunflower
Photo courtesy of @cafesunflower on Instagram
Talk to anyone in Atlanta and they will tell you that Café Sunflower is the best vegetarian restaurant there is. With flavors ranging from Asian to Italian, this restaurant has everything a vegetarian could hope for and more. Even if you’re not a vegetarian, Café Sunflower is full of flavorful dishes anyone would love. Be sure to save room for dessert — I can personally attest that the vegan chocolate cake is out of this world.
Hawaii – Water Drop Vegetarian House
Photo courtesy of www.honolulumagazine.com
Water Drop Vegetarian House, located only 2 blocks from the beach in Honolulu, is a Buddhist-run restaurant that serves up amazing Asian fusion food in a cafeteria-style setting. You can choose between a 4-choice plate for $10 or a 2-choice plate for $7, but either way, you will receive very generous portions. Water Drop is the perfect choice for when you want to try a variety of Asian foods without breaking the bank. Locals love to come here for lunch and will highly recommend trying the Mapo tofu or the bean curd roll. Until you get to Hawaii, though, you can make your own vegetarian egg rolls at home.
Idaho – Shangri-La Tea Room & Café
Photo courtesy of @foodsetting on Instagram
Shangri-La Tea Room & Café is located along the Ridenbaugh Canal in Boise, Idaho. Along with a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches, there are almost 100 different small farm organic teas and tea blends to choose from. This is definitely the best choice for a healthy, satisfying pick-me-up whether you’re staying in Idaho or just passing through. If you happen to grab some potatoes while in Idaho, check out this recipe.
Illinois – The Chicago Diner
Photo courtesy of @geemstonee on Instagram
The Chicago Diner was the first ever meat-free diner in Chicago and has been thriving since 1983. The Chicago Diner has successfully found a way to recreate all of the diner classics — it’s highly recommended that you order one of the unique veggie burgers, buffalo wings or a milkshake. If you happen to be lactose intolerant like myself, you can opt for one of their award-winning vegan milkshakes instead. Make your own vegan milkshake at home using these ice creams and compare.
Indiana – The Owlery Restaurant
Photo courtesy by @spoon_iu on Instagram
The Owlery is a cute and cozy restaurant specializing in vegetarian comfort food, craft beer and vegan baked goods. Its location in Bloomington has made it a favorite among Indiana University students. Both the Philly cheesesteak and chicken sandwich are highly recommended, even by non-vegetarians. This is a must-try Indiana restaurant, especially for Sunday brunch. If you have time for more, find more amazing vegetarian restaurants in Bloomington here.
Iowa – Fresh Café & Market
Photo courtesy of @jared_harlan on Instagram
Fresh Café and Market is a juice and smoothie café that offers a variety of vegetarian meals and is located in Clive, a town in West Des Moines. On Saturdays, they’re also at the downtown Des Moines farmers market, which is perfect for students at Drake University. Stop by when you’re trying to cleanse after a night out with the Rainbow Salad with quinoa and any of the fresh smoothies. If you’re too hungover to leave the house, cleanse with these at home instead.
Kansas – Lotus Leaf Café
Photo courtesy of @veganpowercouple on Instagram
Lotus Leaf Café is a popular juice bar and vegetarian eatery located in the heart of Wichita. After stopping by the Museum of World Treasures, channel your inner basic self and try the pumpkin & almond dip served with sweet potato chips and homemade seed crackers. If you’re just looking for a snack, try any of the juices or smoothies, which are all made without artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, preservatives or hydrogenated fats. No matter what you get, you’ll feel healthy and satisfied. If you won’t be in Wichita any time soon, you can still fulfill your pumpkin needs at home.
Kentucky – Roots
Photo courtesy of @hannahlobdell on Instagram
Roots is an Asian fusion vegetarian restaurant located in Louisville, Kentucky. Roots is well-known for switching up classic dishes and for their wide selection of teas. Almost everything on the menu can be made vegan, so it will please meat-free eaters of all categories. So the next time you head to the Kentucky Derby, make sure that Roots is on your list of places to eat. In the meantime, these noodles can be made in 15 minutes and will curb your Asian fusion cravings.
Louisiana – Seed
Photo courtesy of @sh_hall on Instagram
NOLA is the home of po’boys, jambalaya and gumbo, but when you’re looking for a fresh new take on these traditional foods, Seed is the best place to go. The eggplant po’boy is unreal, and lets you experience a healthier, vegetarian version of the classic. If you’re feeling something a little more unique, definitely consider trying the artichoke cakes. I speak from personal experience when I say that it is definitely worth visiting during Mardi Gras — use all the time that you aren’t spending partying to eat as many of these foods as physically possible.
Maine – Green Elephant
Photo courtesy of www.greenelephantmaine.com
Green Elephant is an Asian-inspired vegetarian bistro in Portland, Maine. The inspiration for the food comes from Thailand, but it has incorporated a variety of other Asian flavors since its opening in 2007. Green Elephant is a must-try restaurant, but until you have the time to visit Maine, make these Thai peanut soba noodles at home.
Maryland – Liquid Earth
Photo courtesy of @consciouschris on Instagram
Baltimore’s own Liquid Earth is definitely a vegetarian hotspot. They strive to promote intelligent nutrition by using local, organic product and as few processes as possible to retain the whole food nutrients. A few of their most popular dishes are the BBQ pulled tofu sandwich, veggie Rueben and avocado filled lettuce wraps. Liquid Earth has some of the best smoothies and shakes in the Baltimore area, especially the Liquid Earthquake Shake (a combination of soymilk, vegan chocolate chip cookie, chocolate syrup, banana, and ice), to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Massachusetts – My Thai Vegan Café
Photo By Grace Stuaffer
My Thai Vegan Café is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant located in the heart of Boston. The Nam Pril Kaeng Kari Yellow Curry and Tom Yum Tow-Hoo are highly recommended dishes by the Spoon foodies of Boston University. They say it’s so good you would never know it was vegan, so it’s perfect for when you’re traveling with meat-lovers. Be sure to get a bubble tea on the side for something sweet to sip on. If you happen to be in Boston for more than a day, check out these places, too.
Michigan – Seva Restaurant
Photo courtesy of @eahaller on Instagram
Located about 10 minutes out from the University of Michigan campus, Seva is the perfect place to go if your parents are in town or if you just happen to be visiting Ann Arbor. The General Tso’s Cauliflower is a definite favorite among both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. They also offer a delicious Sunday brunch, which serves up large portions at reasonable prices. Stop by on your birthday for a free entree.
Minnesota – Heartland Restaurant
Photo courtesy of @aedavids on Instagram
Heartland Restaurant is known for its 3-course prix fixe menu where you can choose the vegetarian or meat option. If you’re not up for such a big meal, you can always opt for the à la carte dishes, which are just as delicious. Personally, I’d recommended choosing the 3-course meal because the desserts alone are worth it. Heartland always favors small family farms and artisanal producers to provide their customers with organically grown, sustainably grown ingredients. While in Minnesota, you should also be sure to try all of the foods on this list.
Mississippi – High Noon Café
Photo courtesy of @highnooncafe on Instagram
If you find yourself in Jackson, Mississippi, be sure to stop by High Noon Café. This restaurant is best known for their vegetarian chili, but also serves a variety of meatless meals and weekly specials. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or just looking to indulge in comfort foods, this is the place for you. They’re only open 5 days a week, though, so make your own brunch at home on the weekend.
Missouri – Café Gratitude
Photo courtesy of @bigapplenosh on Instagram
Café Gratitude is a 100% organic, plant-based restaurant in Kansas City that runs on solar power. With a focus on sustainability, they try to make sure to recycle everything. If you are driving across the country, definitely make a point of stopping by Café Gratitude to try anything on the menu. If you live in Southern California, you’re in luck because there’s another location in LA. We can all learn something from Café Gratitude and adopt some of these easy, sustainable food habits.
Montana – Sola Café and Market
Photo courtesy of @sola_cafe on Instagram
Sola Café is located in Bozeman, which is about an hour north of Big Sky. Take a break from skiing to enjoy an exciting and delicious vegetarian (or vegan) meal. There are also a lot of gluten-free options and daily specials to choose from. To see where you can find the best dessert in Montana, click here.
Nebraska – Modern Love
Photo courtesy of @modernloveomaha on Instagram
Modern Love is located in Omaha and specializes in vegan comfort food. Locals will let you know that this is one of their favorite restaurants, even if they don’t follow a meat-free diet. Make sure you save room for dessert and try the Caramel Mocha Cheesecake or head home and make this molten chocolate lava cake instead.
Nevada – VegeNation
Photo courtesy of @ninser_the_foodie on Instagram
VegeNation is just another reason to finally take that trip to Las Vegas you’ve been planning in your head. You can eat delicious vegetarian food like sweet potato pecan ravioli during the day, and then spend all night drinking tequila, gambling and partying with friends. Only rule of the trip is that you have to eat this 20 layer peanut butter chocolate cake.
New Hampshire – Sustys Café
Photo courtesy of @michaelxvx on Instagram
Susty’s Cafe is a small restaurant in Northwood located right off of the New Hampshire Turnpike. Northwood may be a small town, but Susty’s definitely keeps people coming back for more. Some of the favorites include tofu fries, fajitas and the seitan pepper steak. Travel to Northwood, try some delicious vegan food and then head over here for another New England favorite.
New Jersey – Infini-T Café & Spice Souk
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Travel to the heart of Princeton to eat at this amazing vegetarian restaurant. Infini-T has many options — risotto, red lentil stew, pesto penne and everything in between. Along with the food, they have about 50 different teas you can try, including house-made Chai. Whether you’re a native of New Jersey or just passing through, Infini-T is definitely worth trying.
New Mexico – Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Café
Photo courtesy of @nixcdebacatu on Instagram
Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Cafe, located in Albuquerque, should be everyone’s go-to vegetarian restaurant. Annapurna’s serves mainly Indian dishes, but also offers different Mediterranean and Mexican options. If you’re trying to transition to a vegetarian diet or you just love to cook, Annapurna’s offers cooking classes for a variety of cuisines. If you want to experience New Mexico from your own home, replace the chicken with tofu and make New Mexican green chile enchiladas.
New York – Two Hands NYC
Photo courtesy of @eat_this on Instagram
New York is definitely one of the best places to live as a vegetarian. Almost everywhere you eat will have vegetarian options, in addition to the various restaurants that specialize in vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Two Hands is located in the Nolita area on Mott Street, and is best known for its avocado toast and Acai bowls, so it’s guaranteed to be an Instagram-worthy meal. Two Hands will also be opening a restaurant that will serve dinner, so stay tuned. Until you visit NYC to make all your vegetarian dreams come true, try these recipes.
North Carolina – Plant
Photo courtesy of @plantisfood on Instagram
Plant is located in Asheville, a city focused on the environment and ethical lifestyles, making it a great place for a vegetarian restaurant. The tofu bibimbap is a fan favorite because it is colorful and full of flavor. This restaurant should definitely be added to your itinerary for an East Coast road trip. While you’re in North Carolina, definitely make a few extra stops to try these places also.
North Dakota – Drunken Noodle
Photo courtesy of @wtfveganfood on Instagram
North Dakota is not the first state that comes to mind when you think “vegetarian-friendly,” but Drunken Noodle does a great job of providing non-meat eaters with a variety of options. The restaurant gets its name from the signature dish, The Drunken Noodle, which can is made with tofu and veggies.
Ohio – The Angry Baker
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Whether you’re visiting Ohio State or just stopping by Columbus, The Angry Baker is the number one place to eat. One of their most popular dishes is the BBQ Tofu Bowl, which is basically a better, healthier version of a Chipotle bowl. Columbus Alive recently announced The Angry Baker as the best vegetarian restaurant in Columbus; more proof that this is a restaurant you need to visit. If you visit during the summer, make the most of your trip by getting a drink at these bars.
Oklahoma – The Red Cup
Photo courtesy of @thercinokc on Instagram
Next time you’re in Oklahoma City, check out The Red Cup for an all-veggie menu. They serve a variety of options, from breakfast to burgers, so stop by at any time of the day to get your vegetarian fix. Stay a while longer and sip on any of their coffee or teas while enjoy pastries made in-house.
Oregon – Blossoming Lotus
Photo courtesy of thrillist.com
Blossoming Lotus, located in Portland, is just one of many amazing vegetarian restaurants in the city. Portland is known for its microbreweries, coffeehouses and outdoorsy lifestyle but soon enough, it will also be known for being vegetarian-friendly. Now is the time to visit Portland, but make sure to stop by Holy Donut when you do.
Pennsylvania – Vedge
Photo courtesy of @vedgephiladelphia on Instagram
Vedge is located in the heart of Philadelphia and is known for its vegetarian and vegan small plates. It’s also been listed numerous times as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the city. It may not be a Philly cheesesteak, but the dishes at Vedge will definitely leave you full and satisfied. Check out this article while you’re there so that you can also try the best Shakshouka in the area.
Rhode Island – The Grange
Photo courtesy of @zoto666 on Instagram
The Grange is located in Providence, less than 5 minutes away from Johnson & Wales University. All of the ingredients are locally-sourced and it’s a must-try for vegetarians and college students in the area. By serving a variety of seasonal dishes, juices, cocktails and vegan baked goods, everyone will find something they love. One of the most popular dishes is the vegetarian chicken and waffles that’ll make you forget about ever eating meat again. You can also trade in the regular waffles for vegan waffles if that’s how you roll.
South Carolina – Dellz Uptown
Photo courtesy of @bitesofcharleston on Instagram
Next time you’re in Charleston, eating at Dellz Uptown is an absolute must. It’s the perfect restaurant for wraps, pizzas and salads that are guaranteed to please. If you talk to any of the locals, they’ll definitely recommend getting the Jazzy Pizza — a tortilla crust covered with cheese, brown rice, black beans, peppers, mushrooms, mango salsa, avocado, sweet and spicy sauce, and mixed greens. Stay for a few days and try to eat all of these desserts.
South Dakota – Sanaa’s Gourmet Restaurant
Photo courtesy of @sanaacooks27 on Instagram
South Dakota, the Buffalo Capital of the World, makes finding a quality, vegetarian meal a difficult task. Thanks to Sanaa, as long as you’re in Sioux Falls, you’re in luck. Sanaa’s Gourmet Restaurant offers a variety of different exciting, flavorful foods, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and peanut-free options. It’s only open for lunch, so stop by earlier in the day.
Tennessee – Fuel Café
Photo courtesy of @fuelfoodtruck on Instagram
Fuel Café is a gas station turned restaurant located in midtown Memphis. If turning a gas station into a cute café isn’t ~trendy~ enough for you, Fuel Café also operates a food truck that stations itself all throughout Memphis. For days that you aren’t feeling adventurous, you’re guaranteed to be satisfied by the gourmet grilled cheese. Now that you have grilled cheese on your mind use this hack to make a classic one at home.
Texas – Bouldin Creek Café
Photo courtesy of @hercampustexas on Instagram
Bouldin Creek Café is an all-vegetarian restaurant located in Austin, Texas. It’s one of many restaurants that prove vegetarian food can be delicious and filling. They also offer a variety of happy hour specials daily from 3-7 pm that are definitely worth checking out. Austin is a great city with a ton of things to do, especially when it comes to food. Make sure to visit Bouldin Creek Café and these other amazing restaurants next time you’re in town.
Utah – Sage’s Café
Photo courtesy of @atlasvegan on Instagram
Sage’s Café is the perfect restaurant to stop at for a quick bite when you’re in Salt Lake City. This restaurant has been specializing in vegetarian small plates for the past 15 years, but also offers a local, 100% plant-based weekend brunch. They have a variety of deals throughout the week, like all-you-can-eat pizza and from 5-10 pm on Tuesday, it’ll only cost ya $12.75.
Vermont – Revolution Kitchen
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Revolution Kitchen can be found in Burlington, making it a great place for UVM foodies. The menu includes Thai, Mexican, Spanish and Italian food and even offers a great wine selection. All of the food is amazing, regardless if you’re a vegetarian, but the tacos are especially worth trying. After you’re done with your meal, make sure you give in to the temptation of dessert and try as many of these places as possible.
Virginia – The Green Cat
Photo courtesy of @thegreencatva on Instagram
The Green Cat in Virginia Beach is the perfect place to visit when you want to feel cleansed, happy and revived. There are a variety of juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, oatmeal, salads and entrees so that no matter what you are in the mood for, you can find something to fill you up. The Green Cat is located right on the beach, so it’s the perfect place to go when you need a break from the sun. Check out this article for the best drinks you can bring to the beach to get the most out of your day.
Washington – Plum Bistro
Photo courtesy of Plum Bistro on Facebook
Plum Bistro should be at the top of your list of must-try Seattle restaurants. Some of Plum Bistro’s most exciting dishes include an Avocado Roll, Buffalo Portobello Mushroom Burger and Grilled Olive Pesto Tofu — the menu changes seasonally to make sure that each dish is made with the best ingredients. If you’re looking for other eats in Seattle that won’t break the bank, check this article out.
Washington, D.C. – Beefsteak
Photo courtesy of @spoon_gw on Instagram
Beefsteak is located in the center of GW’s campus in the DC area. Beefsteak does offer meat options, but they’re easy to avoid, and the food is equally delicious and flavorful. This restaurant specializes in bowls filled with grains and vegetables, with the opportunity to design your own or choose from the chef-inspired favorites. All items on the menu are healthy and under $10, making it the perfect spot for college vegetarians.
West Virginia – The Wild Bean
Photo courtesy of @salamandaeng on Instagram
The Wild Bean is the best place to stop on your East Coast road trip or if you’re traveling south from West Virginia University. They’re only open for breakfast and lunch, but there are a ton of options to choose from for both meals. The avocado melt and breakfast burritos are favorites of frequent Wild Bean eaters. If you’re a fan of breakfast burritos, use this recipe to make one at home anytime.
Wisconsin – Beans and Barley
Photo by Tom Lynn/TLYNN@JOURNALSENTINEL.COM
Beans and Barley, located on the east side of Milwaukee, is the best place to eat vegetarian chili in Wisconsin. It started as a small neighborhood health food store, but has grown into a neighborhood specialty grocery store and restaurant that can serve up to 80 people at a time — it’s open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Wyoming – Sweet Melissa
Photo courtesy of @theveganbunny on Instagram
Last but not least is Sweet Melissa in Laramie. Sweet Melissa is a 15-minute walk from the University of Wyoming campus, so the area is full of lively college students. Laramie is located on a high plain between the Snowy and Laramie mountain ranges, treating you to scenery unlike any other. Eat some of the best vegetarian food in the state, drink the unofficial signature cocktail of Wyoming and enjoy the surrounding outdoors.