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Thinking of traveling as a vegan or just looking for more plant-based options? There are many things to consider when picking a city for its vegan friendliness.
You want to check out if the city has plenty of restaurants serving delicious and creative vegan food, cafes with healthy snacks that you can take on an outing, supermarkets with some good selections of plant-based products, and hotels or accommodation that is accommodating towards vegans and their needs.
Other than that, if the city has popular events for vegans such as festivals or markets—that’s also a plus! Read on to discover our top picks among the US cities where it’s best to be vegan!
New York City, New York
New York City has to be almost in a tier of its own when it comes to the variety and amount of vegan food available.
If you are in Manhattan, try Peacefood Uptown or Blossom on Columbus which also serves brunch.
Have you ever had vegan French cuisine? Well, look no further, check out Delice & Sarrasin in the West Village for some veganized traditional French cuisine. They are also open for brunch.
If you are on the lower east side check out Riverdel for a robust selection of vegan cheezes.
Visiting NYC is one thing, finding the perfect vegan New York slice is another. Screamers Pizza has two locations in Brooklyn. They offer that classic foldable New York slice veganized.
For groceries, try Lily’s vegan pantry. This legendary market offers a variety of plant-based proteins and specialty goods. NYC is one-of-a-kind. You will be spoilt for choice in the Big Apple.
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Los Angeles, California
The City of Angels is the perfect place to be a vegan. With so many different cultures and a heavy Chicano influence, there are plenty of vegan restaurants, cafes, and bars to choose from.
If you are in the mood for some ramen, we suggest Ramen Hood located near downtown Los Angeles. For Japanese food, try Shojin located off Washington Blvd. There is a large Asian community in Los Angeles so there are many vegan Asian restaurants to choose from.
There are a variety of vegan bakeries in Los Angeles. Erin McKenna’s Bakery has two locations in California with one in Los Angeles. They cater to vegan and gluten-free clientele. For ice cream, Dear Bella Creamery is vegan-owned and creates a plethora of plant-based flavors.
For Italian food, Pura Vita offers Southern Italian fare and Double Zero has plant-based pizza.
Los Angeles makes the top of this list not only for the variety of vegan restaurants but for the vegan grocery stores and other businesses that cater to the vegan lifestyle. Besties Paradise is a vegan grocery store with multiple locations. It’s worth a visit.
Keep an eye out for vegan festivals and street fairs such as Vegan Streed Fair Nights in North Hollywood and the Vegandale Festival.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is well known as a vegan hot spot. With many businesses catering to vegans and great vegan food, what’s not to love? Portland is home to a well-known vegan strip mall as well. Travel Portland even has a handy guide on its website.
First, go to the vegan mini-mall. It is still unfortunately rare to find so many vegan businesses in one place. It is located across the street from Revolution Hall (a local music venue). Get some sweet treats from Sweetpea or Ice Queen before getting decked out in Herbivore clothing.
Pick us some groceries from Food Fight Grocery (an all-vegan grocer). You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to pastries. Petunia’s Pies and Pastries, and Doe Donuts are two all-vegan shops offering sweet baked goods.
For a quick bite, try one of the many plant-based food carts. Try a pizza from Baby Blue or a grilled cheeze sandwich from Ditto. Travel Portland has a handy food cart finder that you can filter for vegan options.
Want to get a beer after a full day of sightseeing? Check out The Bye and Bye for drinks with vegan comfort food. Sweet Hereafter also has vegan drinks and eats.
If you are in the mood for some vegan Indian food, try The Sudra.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco has a vibrant vegan food scene. You can find vegan restaurants, cafes, and bakeries almost everywhere. There are vegan food trucks, too, where you can try some vegan burgers and ice cream.
For a breakfast and brunch option, try Nourish Cafe. They have two locations and a plethora of breakfast options. The Donut Farm also offers fresh vegan donuts to share with friends or family.
Try out Wholesome Bakery for a variety of vegan pastries with gluten-free options. If you are looking for Italian comfort food try BAIA for plant-based comfort food.
San Fransisco also hosts various vegan festivals. Look for the World Veg Fest and vegan popups while you are there.
Washington DC
The capital of the United States is also one of the top cities for vegans. There are many vegan restaurants in Washington DC, and many of the vegetarian restaurants also have vegan-friendly menus. Washington DC is also home to many animal rights groups and vegan advocacy groups.
For those near capital hill, try Fancy Radish or Sticky Fingers Diner. Be advised, Fancy Radish will need a reservation. Hip City Veg is a great option if you are near the national mall.
NuVegan Cafe is a great option for those near Howard University. There is also a combo restaurant and skate shop called sPACYcLOUd nearby with tasty vegan fare.
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Author Bio: Sandy Page is a life-long adventurer. In her free time, she reads and consumes copious amounts of hot beverages.
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