Austin’s 9 best vegan eateries serve a full spread of plant-based fare

Thinking of Austin’s popularity as a gateway to the state’s ideal brisket and a barbecue destination in its very own correct, its popularity as a vegan town is rather miraculous. And when vegan eateries are generally held to the tricky double normal of representing the vegan local community although assuring meat-eaters they will not miss out, Austin’s vegan incredibly hot spots toe that line flawlessly.

This year, our CultureMap Tastemaker Awards wildcard classification puts the spotlight on Austin’s best vegan eateries, which depict the range of vegan existence in the Cash Metropolis. From fast food stuff to slow cooks, meals trucks to gorgeous interiors, our nominees for Ideal Vegan Restaurant go over all sides of the Austin foodstuff scene.

Get acquainted with these nominees for Ideal Vegan Restaurant under, present your favorites some enjoy out in the world, and then sign up for us April 28 at Fair Market for our annual Tastemaker Awards tasting occasion and awards ceremony. We are going to unveil the winner in this class and quite a few some others. Early Hen tickets are on sale now.
Arlo’s

Often, we have to make late-night foodstuff compromises. Not at Arlo’s. The two food items trucks, open up until midnight or afterwards, are central to lots of very long nights out (or in, if you decide on up for residence). With just 3 burgers on the menu, this unfold of renowned burgers — barbecue sauce, mac and cheese, frito pie — make the convenience foodstuff selection very simple without having sacrificing exhilaration. And though they’re the need to-try anchors on the menu, Arlo’s presents a lot more than burgers. The tacos and seitan chick’n sandwich give a little wide variety, and these toppings arrive as their own dishes. At this popular, ordinarily-active place, it’s all about the very good times…but food stuff continue to usually takes the highlight.
The Beer Plant

The Beer Plant promises its niche as “Austin’s initial plant-centered gastropub,” and it is a aid to see a extensive record of tavern classics that everyone can get pleasure from. Fried finger food items like cauliflower wings and the “Nashville Warm & Crispy” sandwich uphold the indulgent pub vibes, along with diverse selections you are going to practically by no means see at a bar: curry, eggplant parmesan, and Essential lime semifreddo. As promised, there is dozens of fairly priced craft beers to pick from, with around 50 % hailing from Austin or Texas. Moreover, recognizing the electricity of nutritional decision like any great vegan haunt, they are maintaining solutions open with mocktails, kombucha, and non-alcoholic hop drinking water.
Bouldin Creek Cafe

Group is the aim at this woman-owned moral eatery, which hosts local art installations, presents discounts for library cardholders, and can make confident their team get fairly paid out. The Bouldin Creek Cafe is element of A single Honest Wage Austin, utilizing a 20 percent gratuity on each and every invoice. It also shares social media updates about fundraising campaigns and “Bouldin mates and family” performing fascinating get the job done outdoors the cafe. Inside of the cafe, there is a extensive range of drinks from coffee, tea, and beer to wine and Italian sodas. The relaxation of the menu is similarly expansive for both equally vegetarians and vegans, including all-day breakfast and an eclectic combine of entrees. The common blueberry cornbread is great Southern food at its greatest, sans buttermilk.
Citizen Eatery

No matter if housed in scrappy vans or estate sale-embellished digs, we like our homey regional vegan restaurants. Citizen Eatery is accomplishing points a little otherwise, concentrating on both equally excellent meatless food stuff and a really present-day dining working experience. This restaurant is vivid and elegantly decorated, with lovely plating to match. It’s ideal for a dressed-up brunch (served all working day) or a laid back supper of sandwiches and bowls. There is even a menu for vegan kids — admittedly a modest demographic, but a person that does not get substantially immediate attention in numerous plant-centered areas. As the identify would propose, Citizen Eatery displays care for its local community as a result of this kind of gestures, and a rewards method for regular friends.
Counter Society

1 of Austin’s most talked-about vegan eating places earned its standing over more than a ten years in business, beginning as a foodstuff truck and settling in its iconic retro turquoise haven curated by proprietor and DJ Sue Purr. Counter Tradition utilizes make from community farmers and inspires lots of grateful raving about vegetarians and vegans’ put in barbecue, many thanks to their jackfruit offerings. The cashew cheesecakes also attract in equally practiced vegans and omnivores contemplating slicing back again, who did not know it could be this great. There’s a extensive drink record of smoothies, juices, beers, and wines, producing Counter Culture a terrific area to commit an total afternoon.
Project Pollo

“Chick’n” is nevertheless rather new to mainstream vegan areas, extra usually performing as an substitute to veggie burgers than the primary attraction. Enter Venture Pollo, who normally takes the mission of popularizing vegan hen one particular move further to real accessibility. Modeled following speedy foods, this eatery focuses on ultra crispy fried chick’n in a assortment of sorts — generally sandwiches, wraps, and strips — allowing that ingredient definitely glow. The intention is receiving as quite a few individuals in on this as possible, so try out getting a super very affordable get together tray property. They’ve got nothing at all against a burger, both, and it can all be paired with crispy fries and oat milk shakes. Job Pollo can reinvent hen, but they never have to reinvent the wheel.
Rebel Cheese

Rebel Cheese is exclusive amid this year’s Tastemaker nominees as the only vegan subscription services, sending gourmand cheeses out to homes across the nation from its Austin deli. These household-produced cheeses are nut-centered, a godsend not just for vegans but for lactose intolerant dairy lovers. With much more than 24 selections from ash-coated chevre to smoked cheddar, this deli can accommodate any recipe or charcuterie board, with “meats” accessible as nicely. The deli counter in town also serves cheeses by other makes, together with sandwiches, salads, and desserts. This spot is a massive offer not just for star crossed cheese enthusiasts, but for omnivore transplants from other states, lacking deli tradition in normal.
The Vegan Nom

Vegan tacos pop up at restaurants below and there, but the menu at Vegan Nom is completely focused to them. Chef Chris Rios’ objective was initially to find vegan tacos the similar or even much better than East Austin’s staples. When he couldn’t, he made a decision to make them. Now the Tex-Mex food items truck is a go-to for locals searching for conventional avenue food favorites (tacos al pastor) or an occasional twist (Korean barbecue hen). There are almost as numerous burritos as tacos on the menu, and sides branch out to nachos jalapeño mac and cheese, each with the Vegan Nom’s signature queso. Contrary to most vegan cheeses, this gooey topping is made with legumes, that means it is safe for most persons with dairy and nut allergic reactions. And you can make it at household!
The Vegan Yacht

An airstream trailer turned South Austin brick-and-mortar cafe, The Vegan Yacht isn’t rather sea-all set, but it is organized to climate any storm, mixing spiritual affirmations with great tempeh burritos, vegan queso, and a “plant-centered corner keep,” Maha Market place. On Mondays, The Vegan Yacht hosts a singing meditation night with a absolutely free vegan evening meal. Each other working day, it is serving up bowls, frito pies, hot “dawgs,” and baked products from an additional nearby preferred, Zucchini Eliminate. Bring these dwelling for later the Yacht’s home-made vegan soft serve is a will have to-consider. Subsequent doorway, Maha Industry sells textiles, treats, beverages, and eco-friendly household items for lessening footprints and broadening horizons.