If you’re a loyal vegetarian, I want to go ahead and applaud you. I am not a vegetarian anymore, BUT I was one for 9 months, so I’d like to think that am well-versed on what it’s like to be a vegetarian in Boone as a college student. We can all admit that eating out as a vegetarian can be quite the struggle. Finding a dish that’s affordable, protein-packed, healthy, and (not to mention) DELICIOUS is a lot harder than our meat-eater friends may realize. And when all your friends are craving Chick-fil-a, the FOMO sets in. But do not fear any longer: here is a list of 8 restaurants in Boone that offer delicious, non-meat dishes that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
1. Capone’s Pizza
Photo by Abby Humphries
I discovered this bomb place when I found a coupon for “free garlic knots with the purchase of any large pizza” and naturally decided to go eat an entire serving of garlic knots with the purchase of a large pizza. Not only were the garlic knots delicious, but with the “Bonnie & Clyde Pizza“, it was love at first slice. This pizza has a marinara base topped with spinach, tomatoes, pineapple, feta, and red onions. Whether you chose to eat 1 slice or the entire pizza, I can promise that your vegetarian heart will be content.
2. Macado’s
Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.com
Macado’s is a Boone classic. It’s the place to go when you have friends or family visiting and you want to show them the best Boone has to offer. With that being said, they are also known for their burgers and sandwiches. But don’t panic, their Black Bean Quesadilla is to die for. Tons of protein, flavors, and deliciousness packed into a tortilla- all for $6.95.
3. Black Cat Burrito
Photo by Abby Humphries
Black Cat is an awesome place to go for Saturday Night concerts, good beer, and dank burritos. However, a lot of their burritos have chicken or steak, so the Build Your Own Burrito option is the way to go. You start with a base tortilla and can add whatever kind of fillings you would like and your choice of one of their specialty salsas (mango salsa all the way). Plus, this option is way cheaper than their specialty burritos.
4. Comeback Shack
Photo by Ellie Zumstein
Comeback Shack is known as the rich man’s Cookout. Their burgers and gourmet milkshakes attract many locals and travelers looking for an upscale fast-food dining experience. And guess what? Vegetarians don’t have to miss out on the fun. Their veggie burgers are dank. You can treat it as any other burger and cover with your choice of toppings and condiments or simply go for the classic “comeback style”.
5. Boone Bagelry
Photo by Abby Humphries
While this might not be the place to devour the #foodtrending “rainbow bagel”, Boone Bagelry offers a diverse menu with everything from salads to gyros. A lot of their dishes are amazing, but their stuffed french toast has to be my favorite. French toast itself is already one of my favorite things, but when it’s stuffed with cream cheese and drenched in syrup, it seriously is on another level of breakfast nirvana.
6. Barberitos
Photo courtesy of @barberitos Instagram
It can be hard to find a vegetarian dish at authentic Mexican places that have the same amount of flavor as all the other ones, but Barberitos Taco Bowl is packed with mouth-watering flavor. It’s served with rice, beans, pico de gallo, cheese, guacamole, and they even offer tofu as a protein…#score. They also have a salsa bar which is probably my favorite thing ever.
7. Our Daily Bread
Photo by Abby Humphries
ODB is BAE. Their fresh ingredients make for incredible soups, sandwiches, and salads. (They also have a great local beer selection, too.) And I’m not kidding when I say that their Apple Walnut Salad is by far my favorite salad of all time. The thinly sliced apples, candied walnuts, crumbled bleu cheese on a bed of organic spring greens with balsamic vinaigrette and a crusty herb baguette will make you question if a salad is capable of tasting this good.
8. Kindly Kitchen
Photo by Abby Humphries
This cute little place may be relatively new and a little hard to locate but their ALL VEGAN menu puts them in a whole new category of Boone eats. Their menu changes daily and is available on their Instagram page everyday. Their menu has four steps. You start with your choice of a base (mixed greens, kale, rice, etc.), add three types of vegetables (beets, potatoes, apples, etc), choose a dressing and garnish (pumpkin seeds, marsala, flax chips, etc). And…you get this super-food meal all for $8.00!
So next time your friends want to go to Cookout, encourage them to try any of these 8 restaurants that offer a wide variety of decedent foods.