12 of the Most Underrated Vegan-Friendly Cities in America

12 of the Most Underrated Vegan-Friendly Cities in America

  • Sarah Von Alt
  • Sarah Von Alt

In no particular order, here are some amazing veg-friendly cities that aren’t New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago:
1. Cleveland, OH 



The birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll is home to a plethora of vegan food! 
Grab a house-made bean burger at Helio Terra Vegan Café, build your own calzone at The Root Café, and try one of the gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches at Melt Bar & Grilled. Don’t forget to stop by Sweet Moses Soda Fountain for a banana split. 
2. New Orleans, LA 


NOLA has a rich history and tons of delicious veg eats. 
Stop by Seed for the southern-fried poboy, Seed Gumbo, or creole zucchini wraps, and don’t miss Good Karma Café with its teriyaki tofu wrap. 
3. Minneapolis, MN 


Minneapolis has come a long way when it comes to vegan food! 
The city is home to all-vegan butcher shop The Herbivorous Butcher, which offers 35 vegan meats! Stop by Hard Times Café for the biscuits and gravy, and try the mock chicken parmigiana at Pizza Luce. For dessert? Go to Glam Doll Donuts
4. Salt Lake City, UT 

SLC is another unassuming place loaded with great veggie options. 
Try the chicken biscuit pie at the all-vegan Vertical Diner, enjoy the barbacoa burrito at Buds, and don’t forget to grab something sweet from Cakewalk Vegan Bakery
5. Detroit, MI 

Stop by Detroit Vegan Soul for the soul platter or “catfish” tofu, grab some nachos from all-vegan food truck Shimmy Shack, try the key lime pie at Seva, and don’t miss the amazing vegan brunch at the award-winning GreenSpace Cafe!
Plus, the first vegan coney island, Chili Mustard Onions, will open in August! 
6. Tampa, FL 

Tampa is an incredibly veg-friendly part of the Sunshine State and home to over 50 vegetarian restaurants! 
Grab a gyro or barbecue sandwich at the Loving Hut, try the green passion smoothie at Just 4 U Vegan Kitchen, and don’t miss the sticky buns at Farmacy Vegan Kitchen & Bakery
7. San Antonio, TX


Yep, even San Antonio has a variety of amazing vegan options! 
Try the la luchadora nachos or the mole poblano at Viva Vegeria, grab a spicy chik-n sandwich at Earth Burger, and be sure to stop by Señor Veggie for southwestern empanadas and tempeh chalupas. 
8. Tucson, AZ 

With 40 all-vegetarian restaurants, Tucson is not to be missed. 
The all-vegan Lovin’ Spoonfuls offers an extensive menu, including breakfast, and Tucson Tamale will blow your mind with its Bisbee tamale loaded with soy chorizo, pinto beans, and potato! 
9. Memphis, TN 

Known for its rich musical heritage, Memphis is also home to an array of plant-based treats! 
Grab a grilled chicken or turkey sandwich from Imagine Vegan Café, build your own plant-based bowl at Zaka Bowl, and don’t miss the amazing smoothies at Two Vegan Sistas
10. Sacramento, CA


California is known for its variety of vegan options, and Sacramento is no exception! 
Stop by Mother for the carrot-nut burger and salted chocolate chip cookies, try the roasted veggie crepe at Veg Cafe & Bar, and pick up some lemongrass tofu at Huong Sen Tofu
11. St. Louis, MO

With nearly 70 meat-free restaurants, St. Louis is a great place to find tasty vegan food. 
Check out the mouthwatering vegan baked goods at Sweet Art, grab a jackfruit Rueben at PuraVegan Cafe, and don’t miss the banh mi tacos at Lulu’s Local Eatery
12. Boulder, CO


While Denver is an incredibly veg-friendly city, Boulder is a tough competitor. 
Grab a veggie burger at Julia’s Kitchen, and try one of the amazing tropical sunshine smoothies at Thrive. Boulder is also home to a Native Foods, a fast-food restaurant with an all-vegan menu! 
— Want more? Click here for a list of the most veg-friendly cities in the world.