Eating plant-based hasn’t always been easy, but in Austin, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake.
With Bat City gaining a reputation as a culinary capital, it’s no surprise there are a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, plant-based bites across town. From vegetarian barbecue to scrumptious vegan tacos, here are 27 restaurants serving up plant-based fare in ATX.
Dear Diary Coffee’s food and drink menu is entirely vegan.
Photo by @where_is_louie
🍊 The brunch bunch
Citizen Eatery, 5011 Burnet Rd. | This cafe and bar serves up an entirely meat-free menu, and is known for its all-day breakfast.
Try this: Tofu scramble, with mushrooms, potatoes, onions, kale, and vegan cheddar cheese
Dear Diary Coffee, 1212 Chicon St., #103 | The coffee at this eastside shop is produced by women-owned farms and women-led coffee collectives. Its menu of sweets and savories is entirely vegan.
Rebel Cheese, 2200 Aldrich St., Ste. 120 | This nationally profiled cheese shop — which serves brunch from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays — sells its products in stores across the country, and offers a monthly subscription box.
The Beer Plant, 3110 Windsor Rd. | You can enjoy bee-free honey butter and “oysters” and grits at this vegan brewpub’s brunch.
Try this: Honey butter with chicken-fried seitan, JUST Egg, and cheddar-style cheese on an English muffin
Forking Vegan, 7101 E. Riverside Dr. | The plant-based items at this “farm-to-fork” food truck are inspired by flavors from around the world. We suggest grabbing a coffee at nearby Ani’s Day and Night before digging into the brunch menu.
Try this: French toast pudding, featuring French bread coated in cardamom custard and blueberries, topped with a pecan crumble
Dig into Tex Mex staples at Mission Street Burrito.
Photo by @vegdumps
🥑 Tex-Mex cravings
Mission Street Burrito, 3318 Harmon Ave. | Enjoy a range of meat-free burrito options, pizza, quesadillas, or pasta from this central spot. Pro tip: This restaurant also offers vegan soft-serve.
Nissi Vegan Méxican Cuisine, 9012 Research Blvd., Unit C-6 | The most popular dishes at this North Austin restaurant are birria, flautas, and the taco plate.
Lick It Up, 2421 Webberville Rd. | Peruse 100% plant-based Mexican street food on this menu featuring tacos, burritos, and flautas.
The Vegan Nom, 2324 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Considered Austin’s “original vegan taco truck,” The Vegan Nom celebrated a decade of business last year. This menu is also 100% plant-based and nut-free.
Try this: Grilled Avocado Reale, featuring caramelized onions, black beans, cilantro, and kale
Have your burger, and make it vegan, too.
Photo by @crimsella
🍔 For the vegan carnivore
Plow Burger, Multiple locations | These 100% plant-based burgers come with a choice of toppings including crispy fried onions, more veggies, “egg,” and fried hash browns.
Project Pollo, Multiple locations | Grab a quick bite at this Texas chain that serves up a range of main dishes and sides made with plant-based “chikn.”
Arlo’s, Multiple locations | Two words: Vegan. Barbecue. Dig into plant-based Texas staples like burgers, tacos, and mac-and-cheese.
Try this: Frito Pie Burger, featuring a house-made soy- and gluten-free patty, melted “cheeze,” chili, Fritos, pico de gallo, and chipotle sauce.
Sunny’s Backyard, 3526 E. 7th St. | It’s all casual — and all vegan — at this backyard-style pub. With a wide range of small plates and apps, this spot is the perfect go-to for a casual afternoon lunch.
Try this: Loaded fries with credo queso, spare “rib,” jalapeños, and garlic aioli
🍣 Date night dining
Nori, 3208 Guadalupe St., B | Japanese staples take on a plant-based twist at this atmospheric dinner spot.
Try this: Nigiri sampler, with tastes of shiitake, tofu, tomato, cucumber, avocado, and tamago.
Fonda San Miguel, 2330 W. N. Loop Blvd. | This 45-year-old Allandale Mexican restaurant recently released its “De la Tierra” menu, featuring eight entirely vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free dishes.
Bistro Vonish, 701 E. 53rd St. | Try gluten-free cornbread, spicy seitan kolaches, and crispy seitan sandwiches at this elevated vegan food truck.
Try this: Thursday Night Gnocchi, including house-made gnocchi, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, almonds, and fresh pomodoro sauce
How do you like your plant-based pie?
Photo by @modernveganfam
🥬 Casual bites
Casa de Luz Village, 1701 Toomey Rd. | This space doesn’t just serve up mouthwatering vegan food — it also offers classes, workshops, meetings, and seminars related to mental and physical health.
Li’l Nonna’s, 440 E. St. Elmo Rd., A1 | The pies at this South Austin vegan pizzeria come on New York-style or gluten-free crusts.
The Vegan Yacht, 2000 Southern Oaks Dr. | Pack up the family and head down to South Austin — this restaurant offers an all-vegan kid’s menu.
Possum Pizza, 2324 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Expect foldable classics, rotating specials, and vegan sides from this couple-owned and -run truck. Bonus: This spot is also 100% nut-free.
ATX Food Co., 517 S. Lamar Blvd. | Pair your meal with a smoothie from this truck’s extensive drinks menu. You can even buy wild sea moss — in two different forms, no less.
Mr. Natural, 1901 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Whether you stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, make sure to take in the iconic “Vegetarians of the World” mural on the outside of the East Austin restaurant and health food store.
Don’t fret: Austin’s famous frozen banana truck is vegan-friendly.
Photo by @treyschowdown, Hunting Deliciousness
🫐 Delicious desserts
Capital City Bakery, 2211 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Next time you’re in need of a sweet treat, head to East Austin to peruse this vegan bakery’s rotating menu of pastries and cupcakes.
Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery, 411 E. 43rd St. | This south Austin bakery isn’t entirely plant-based, but it does offer vegan truffles, peanut butter cups, and oat bars.
Thai Fresh, 909 W. Mary St. | Dig into pies, cakes, and tarts made with unique flavors on this mostly vegan dessert menu.
Try this: Tres Leches Cake, made with almond, coconut, and coconut condensed milks and drizzled with vegan caramel
Bananarchy, Multiple locations | Don’t worry, Austin’s iconic frozen banana truck is vegan-friendly. Dip your banana in vegan chocolate and choose from a variety of plant-based toppings — including vegan peanut butter — at one of Banarchy’s locations.
Lick Honest Ice Creams, Multiple locations | This local chain offers a range of creative dairy-free and vegan flavors.
Try this: Tequila lime coconut milk ice cream
