We know the thrill of walking into a city and finding a spot that feels like it was made for you. From the Chicago Diner’s reuben to Maui’s Coconut Glen’s ice cream, we gather real, recent favorites so you can eat well without guessing.
Our team curates a concise list of restaurants and vegan restaurants across cities and neighborhoods. You’ll see signature items, menu notes, and whether a place is fully plant-based or simply vegan-friendly restaurants that welcome all diets.
We map each spot to the area and time of day you’re likely to visit, calling out can’t-miss dishes like Handlebar’s sloppy joe or Kuma’s Converge burger. For readers who asked, we also include a brief HepatoBurn Review later in the guide so all wellness questions are covered in one place.
Key Takeaways
- We list the best vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants with signature eats to save you time.
- Coverage spans Chicago, Maui, and Sarasota with exact dishes and ordering tips.
- We note when spots are fully plant-based versus mixed so you can pick the right place.
- Expect practical info: hours, popular items, and seasonal menu notes.
- Bookmark this guide for trip planning; we refresh items as menus change.
Understanding search intent: how we help you find vegan restaurants fast
We sort listings by neighborhood and meal so you can find the right spot in minutes.
Our approach matches how people search. We break results down by city and by meal type. That way you get a short, actionable list for the area you’re visiting.
We label each venue as fully plant-based or mixed and call out top items on the menu. This helps you make sure orders are straightforward and avoid surprises.
Practical ordering notes are included. For example, at Choice Health Bar we flag “watch for honey.” At Ma’alaeah General Store we note a separate plant-based menu. We also flag which items pack well for travel and which places offer grab-and-go.
- Group by neighborhood or meal for quick scanning.
- Highlight must-order items and swaps.
- Use verified, recent info so you spend less time scrolling.
| Grouping | What we show | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| By area | Short list of places | Find a nearby spot fast |
| By meal | Breakfast, lunch, dinner picks | Plan by appetite and time |
| Ordering notes | Allergies, swaps, honey alerts | Get exactly the items you want |
Note: We include a brief HepatoBurn Review later for readers who search for wellness info while planning where to eat.
Best vegan food in Chicago right now
From hearty diner classics to inventive pies, we track the spots that make a Chicago visit taste like a win.
Quick picks by neighborhood: we list standout dishes so you can order fast and confidently.
Chicago Diner — Logan Square & Lakeview
Classic diner plates rule here. Try the reuben sandwich or the Cuban for big, savory bites.
The loaded hot dog and a crisp caesar salad round out a reliable, comforting menu.
Handlebar — Wicker Park
We recommend the sloppy joe with tangy BBQ sauce and creamy slaw on a pretzel bun.
Pair it with the Everything Green Salad tossed in vegan ranch and a side of dream mac.
Bloom Plant-Based Kitchen & Kuma’s Corner
Bloom’s rotating menu highlights stuffed peppers, BBQ flatbread, and rotating cheesecakes.
Kuma’s The Converge stacks an Impossible patty with avocado mash, vegan cheddar, and roasted garlic mayo for a bold burger option.
| Spot | Neighborhood | Must-order | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paulie Gee’s | Wicker Park | Rabbit Pie (fennel sausage) | pizza lovers |
| Reno | Logan Square | Olympian bagel, tofu scramble | breakfast & coffee |
| Same Day Cafe | Logan Square | Kale burger patty melt, vegan ice cream | casual dinner & treats |
| Cinnaholic | Wicker Park | 100% cinnamon rolls with melty cream cheese | dessert stop |
Other spots to try: PLANTA Queen, Kitchen 17 for deep-dish pizza, and elephant + vine for quick bowls and sandwiches.
Tip: Menus change by season, so check for specials if you want an extra side or a swap on your trip.
Maui vegan food guide: what to order and where to go
From Lahaina to Hana, our picks highlight reliable stops that suit a beach day or a long drive.
A`A Roots — Lahaina
All‑vegan breakfast and lunch: try the caesar salad, smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and coffee to start your day.
Choice Health Bar — Lahaina & Paia
Protein smoothies are the draw. Ask about honey so items remain full vegan when you order.
Ma’alaeah General Store — Ma’alaeah
They keep a separate vegan menu. The deconstructed tofu poke and tofu scramble from the deli are easy grab-and-go options. Deli ends service at 5:30pm.
Hempy’s Shake and Wake — Wailuku
Made-to-order vegan sushi and thick mango smoothies. Plan for a short wait; everything is prepped fresh.
Tabay’s Mindful Kitchen — Kahului
Good for a quick burger, chimichanga, chicken sandwich, or soft serve between flights (open 11am–8pm).
Down to Earth — Kahului
Hot bar, salads, vegan ranch, soups and grain bowls. Great for grab-and-go before the Road to Hana (open 7am–9pm).
| Spot | Highlight | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Maui Kombucha (Haiku) | Eggless salad sandwich, guava lime kombucha | Relaxed recharge |
| Rainbow Kitchen (Haiku‑Pauwela) | Organic breakfast burritos, cold brew with coconut cream | Early Road to Hana stop |
| Coconut Glen’s (Hana) | Coffee toffee & chocolate chunk soft serve | All‑vegan ice cream treat |
“Coconut Glen’s ice cream is a must-try — rich, creamy, and perfect after a long drive.”
- Maui Kombucha and Veg Out in Haiku offer light sandwiches and budget-friendly plates.
- We recommend packing a stop at Down to Earth for road snacks and hearty bowls.
Sarasota’s rising vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants
We found a mix of quick-service stands and full-service restaurants in Sarasota that make plant-forward dining easy and tasty.
Crop leans raw and gluten-free. Expect cold-pressed juices, protein brownies, healthy cookie bites, prepared meals, and a handy drive-thru for busy days.
Green Zebra
Breakfast is the draw. Raw pancakes, a savory tofu scramble, and vegan French toast pair well with bottomless coffee served with oat milk.
Ionie Organic Café
This spot is 100% raw and runs on order-ahead freshness. Try kelp noodle bowls, raw tostadas, and other nutrient-dense items for a light, vibrant meal.
Project Coffee
A 100% vegan coffee house with large Belgian waffles and cashew whipped cream. The breakfast biscuit with Just Egg is a hearty morning option.
Lila & Lucile
Lila’s mostly plant-based menu showcases coconut lime noodles, BBQ tofu rolls, and hearts-of-palm “scallops.”
Lucile expands the pizza scene with almond ricotta, coconut bacon, and house-made cauliflower pasta as a lighter alternative to rich pies.
More picks: Ka Papa Cuisine for an upscale night out, Tsunami Sushi for creative vegan sushi, and Hamlet’s Eatery for casual street-style plates.
- Match the mood: breakfast at Green Zebra, lunch at Project Coffee, dinner at Lila or Lucile.
- Menus change seasonally—make sure to scan current items before you go.
vegan food near me: how we surface the best places in your area
Our finder groups places by area and by time of day to cut decision time and backtracking.
We combine location data and meal filters so you can jump to Lahaina breakfast or a Chicago dinner in seconds. The list ranks options by signature dishes and proximity to help you pick one spot fast.
Each entry labels whether a place is fully plant-based or mixed and summarizes the menu. That way you can make sure orders match your needs at a glance.
We flag ordering tips and common swaps so items arrive the way you expect. For travelers, we cluster picks to reduce driving and keep coffee and dessert in a separate track.
| Feature | How it helps | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Location + Meal | Find the right restaurants by hour and neighborhood | Breakfast in Lahaina, Dinner in Wicker Park |
| Type Label | Quickly see fully plant-based vs mixed place | “All‑vegan” or “vegan‑friendly” tag |
| Ordering Tips | Reduce surprises and allergy issues | Ingredient checks, swap suggestions |
- We weigh recency and popularity so options stay relevant.
- Short write-ups focus on what to order and why — a clear way to decide quickly.
Top breakfast and brunch spots with vegan options
Morning meals shape the day—here are the best spots for bagels, bowls, and protein-rich smoothies.
Bagels, scrambles, and light brunch plates: Reno serves all‑vegan bagels and an Olympian bagel sandwich built around a tofu scramble. It’s a solid grab-and-go place if you need coffee and a quick start.
Kale My Name leans lighter with an avocado caesar wrap and roasted pepper & eggplant dip. The salad-forward options work well if you want a fresher morning plate.
Green Zebra covers sweet and savory—raw pancakes, a seasoned tofu scramble, and vegan French toast make it easy to share. This place is great if your group wants variety.
Smoothie bowls and juices
A`A Roots is our smoothie bowl go-to in Lahaina; expect bright juices and coffee to round your morning.
Choice Health Bar focuses on protein smoothies. We remind readers to make sure mixes contain no honey so orders stay fully plant-based.
Down to Earth’s hot bar and salads let you build a morning bowl with grains, greens, and warm items. Pick items that travel well if you’re heading out early.
- Bagel start: Reno’s Olympian + coffee for quick caffeine.
- Light & fresh: Kale My Name’s avocado caesar wrap and dips.
- Brunch variety: Green Zebra for sweet and savory choices.
- Portable bowls: Down to Earth builds bowls that suit an active day.
| Spot | Highlight | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Reno | All-vegan bagels, Olympian sandwich | Grab-and-go breakfast |
| Kale My Name | Avocado caesar wrap, roasted dips | Light brunch & salads |
| Green Zebra | Raw pancakes, tofu scramble, French toast | Shared brunch plates |
| A`A Roots / Choice Health Bar / Down to Earth | Smoothie bowls, protein smoothies, hot bar bowls | Balanced mornings and portable options |
Pizza, bowls, and salads for a full vegan meal
For a full, satisfying meal we recommend pairing a slice or two with a hearty bowl or a shareable salad.
Vegan pizzas and slices: Paulie Gee’s offers creative pies like the Rabbit Pie with house-made fennel sausage. Kitchen 17 delivers thick, indulgent deep dish that holds up to rich sauce and molten plant-based cheese. In Sarasota, Lucile balances crust, almond ricotta, and coconut bacon for a savory, plant-forward slice.
Grain bowls and salads: Down to Earth’s hot bar lets you build a grain bowl with roasted veggies, multiple vegan mains, and dressings that travel well. When you want greens that satisfy, Handlebar’s Everything Green Salad with vegan ranch eats like a main, not a side.
- If you’re craving pizza, Paulie Gee’s and Kitchen 17 give thin, creative and deep, indulgent options.
- Mix sauces and styles: split a red-sauce pie with a white or veggie-forward option for variety.
- Make sure to ask about plant-based cheese availability and seasonal items before ordering.
Why this set works: These items and places scale for groups, travel well when needed, and highlight house-made components—like fennel sausage or almond ricotta—that make each spot feel special.
Dessert and coffee stops we love
Plan a short detour for treats that pair especially well with a morning or mid‑day coffee.
Cinnaholic is a 100 vegan cinnamon roll shop known for warm, melty cream cheese frosting piled high. For a sweet coffee break, their rolls are an easy win any day. We recommend pairing a roll with a small espresso to balance the richness.
Coconut Glen’s — Road to Hana
Coconut Glen’s is a full vegan ice cream stand in Hana that draws crowds on the Road to Hana. Flavors like coffee toffee and chocolate chunk are favorites for a hot day on the road.
Project Coffee — Sarasota
Project Coffee is a 100% vegan coffee house serving lattes, giant Belgian waffles, and cashew whipped cream. We pair a foamy latte with a waffle and a cloud of cashew whip for a satisfying mid‑day pause.
- Quick tip: These dessert-first shops work as meet-up points—grab a table, recharge, and map your next stop.
- Check each menu for seasonal items or fruit‑forward toppings if you prefer a lighter sweet.
- Time your stop between meals to avoid lines and get your treat at peak freshness.
“Sweet comfort plus a strong cup makes a detour worth the extra minutes.”
Quick-serve, drive-thru, and fast-casual vegan eats
When time is tight, we point you toward quick-serve spots that deliver fresh, portable meals without the wait.
Crop’s drive-thru in Sarasota is ideal for mornings or a speedy afternoon pick-up. They run a mostly raw, gluten-free lineup with cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and protein brownies. These grab-and-go items travel well and keep energy up between plans.
elephant + vine — Chicago
elephant + vine is a reliable fast-casual place for a sandwich, a hearty bowl, or a shake. We like it for quick lunches between meetings or museum stops. The menu is straightforward, so customizing is painless.
Earth Aloha Eats — Kihei
On Maui’s southwest shore, Earth Aloha Eats mixes fried favorites like fish and chips with teriyaki bowls and lighter options. It’s a great spot when your group wants different things at one counter.
Practical tips: make sure to check parking and pick-up lanes. Ask for sauces on the side to control sugar or salt. Many fast kitchens run daily specials that sell out by mid-day, so call ahead when possible.
| Spot | Best for | Top pick |
|---|---|---|
| Crop | Drive-thru juices | Cold-pressed juice |
| elephant + vine | Quick lunch | Sandwich + shake |
| Earth Aloha Eats | Casual group meals | Teriyaki bowl |
Plan your trip: hours, menus, and map tools
Confirming opening times and menu items the morning of your visit prevents surprises.
Verify hours and current menus
Before you head out, check same‑day hours and the latest menu. Many spots rotate specials or close early on certain days.
Local notes: on Maui some listings were closed on Google or Yelp. Coconut Glen’s runs 10:30am–5:30pm; Tabay’s is 11am–8pm. Ma’alaeah’s deli serves vegan deli items until 5:30pm and Choice Health Bar may include honey—call to confirm.
- Confirm tofu scramble or caesar salad availability before ordering breakfast.
- Ask about ingredient caveats (honey, dressings) so your items arrive as expected.
- Save must-visit spots in a map, then plot a loop to avoid backtracking and wasted time.
HepatoBurn Review: a brief note
We include a short, informational review because readers ask. We do not endorse supplements.
“There isn’t strong, consistent evidence supporting HepatoBurn for general use; consult your healthcare provider before trying supplements.”
Prioritize whole-food choices and practical planning as the main reason to focus on good meals and reliable hours.
Why reviews and ratings matter for choosing a vegan spot
Ratings tell us whether a restaurant keeps its promises on the plate.
Recent reviews help us spot consistency. Locals praise Handlebar in Chicago and Down to Earth on Maui for specific items and reliable service.
We scan feedback for mentions of true standouts — a salad dressing that’s actually vegan, a sandwich that travels well, or a hot item that often sells out.
- They show if a spot handles rushes and keeps signature items in stock.
- They reveal whether restaurants explain ingredients and substitutions clearly.
- Recent ratings also catch outdated listings—useful where hours or menus change.
When ratings are mixed, we look for patterns: service crunch, quality swings, or temp staffing. That context is the reason we include reviewer timing tips and takeout reliability in our picks.
“Newer reviews often flag closed hours or missing menu items before maps do.”
Conclusion
Here’s a short plan to hit the best spots, save time, and get the eats you really want.
We’ve pulled together a focused list of vegan restaurants and vegan-friendly restaurants so you can find great vegan food faster wherever you land. From Chicago Diner and Paulie Gee’s to A`A Roots, Down to Earth, Coconut Glen’s, Crop, Project Coffee, Lila, and Lucile, these places reflect what guests love now.
If you only have time for one stop per city, start with Chicago Diner, Down to Earth on Maui, and Project Coffee or Lila in Sarasota. Double-check hours and menus, save a backup, and leave room for dessert—Cinnaholic or Coconut Glen’s are easy wins.
Thanks for exploring with us; tag your finds so we can add them to the next update and help more readers discover the best vegan options.
FAQ
What kinds of plant-based dishes can we expect at these spots?
We find a wide range of dishes, from tofu scramble and bagel sandwiches to hearty bowls, pizzas with plant-based cheese, caesar-style salads, and dessert options like cinnamon rolls and vegan ice cream. Many kitchens also offer protein bowls, sandwiches, and seasonal specials.
How do we check if a menu item is fully free of animal products?
We recommend scanning the online menu, calling the restaurant, or asking staff in person about ingredients like honey, dairy, or egg substitutes. Look for 100% plant-based labels or menu notes that list vegan options and cross-contact policies.
Which cities featured here have the strongest scene for plant-based dining?
Chicago, Maui, and Sarasota all stand out. Chicago offers diverse restaurants and deep-dish and slice options. Maui combines island produce with smoothie bars and all-vegan ice cream. Sarasota has rising spots focused on raw, gluten-free, and mostly plant-based menus.
Are there quick-serve or drive-thru places for on-the-go meals?
Yes. We highlight options like Crop for drive-thru juices and snacks, as well as fast-casual spots such as elephant + vine and Earth Aloha Eats for sandwiches, bowls, and shakes.
How do we find accurate hours and seasonal menu changes before visiting?
Verify hours on the restaurant’s official website, Google Business profile, or social channels. Call ahead for seasonal items like tofu scramble or holiday specials, since hours and menus can change frequently.
What should we order for breakfast or brunch?
Popular morning picks include bagels and tofu scramble, avocado caesar wraps, smoothie bowls, and coffee with plant-based cream. Look to Reno, Kale My Name, Green Zebra, A`A Roots, and Choice Health Bar for standout options.
Where can we find plant-based pizzas and comfort dishes?
For pizzas and hearty comfort fare, we recommend Paulie Gee’s, Kitchen 17 for deep-dish, and Lucile for inventive pies with almond ricotta. Kuma’s Corner and Bloom Plant-Based Kitchen also serve comfort-style mains and burgers.
Are there reliable dessert and coffee stops on these lists?
Absolutely. Cinnaholic offers cinnamon rolls with creamy frosting, Coconut Glen’s serves all-vegan ice cream, and Project Coffee focuses on vegan lattes, waffles, and cashew whip. These spots make great end-of-meal stops.
How much should reviews influence our choices?
Reviews help us gauge consistency, service, and taste. We use ratings to shortlist places, then cross-check recent reviews for menu changes, portion sizes, and whether dishes like vegan ranch or caesar salad meet expectations.
Are there budget-friendly options on these lists?
Yes. Veg Out and some local hot bars like Down to Earth provide affordable, grab-and-go meals. Food trucks and smaller cafes often offer value choices like bowls, sandwiches, and smoothies without premium pricing.