We’ve eaten our way through Austin, so you don’t have to! Our extensive guide to eating vegan in Austin is a great primer for out-of-towners, or a refresher for locals. We’ve spent years eating our way through the good, bad, and (let’s admit, sometimes) ugly food Austin has to offer, and we’ve worked our favorites down to this handy cheat sheet. Feel free to print this guide if you want a travel-friendly version!
Biscuits and Groovy:
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan-friendly biscuits and gravy trailer, specializing in biscuits loaded with toppings. (DF)
Tips: Has a small sheltered outdoor seating area. Weekends can get crazy – expect a long wait. To kill some time, head to Flight Path Coffee around the corner and pick up a latte.
Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch: Everything on the menu can be made vegan, with tofu scramble, daiya and house-made vegan meats. We think the whole menu is solid, but we tend to order the veganized Gloria Gaynor or Johnny Hash to get a good selection of the toppings.
Conscious Cravings:
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegetarian trailer with two locations, specializing in hot wraps and salads. (GF, LO, DF)
Tips: The North location has a few picnic tables, the South location is part of a bigger trailer lot and has a large nice covered seating area. Wraps are a steal at only $5.50.
Lunch/Dinner: Everything on the menu can be made vegan (just specify vegan cheese). We’re partial to the Bella, but the Pan Seared Tofu and Chimichurri Seitan wraps are close runners up. A side of baked rosemary fries is a nice complement to a wrap.
Lighter Option: Get any wrap as a “salad” – instead of a wrap you get a rice/quinoa pilaf and veggies. It comes with an additional charge, but it’s also considerably more food than the wrap, so it’s still a good deal.
Cornucopia Popcorn:
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Popcorn shop, specializing in gift tins and bulk popcorn orders. (GF)
Tips: If you’re local, get a big tin, so you can bring it back for cheap refills.
Anytime: There are usually 6-8 vegan flavors on hand, with a mix of both sweet and savory options. The vegan flavors are all labeled, and available to sample, so get whatever floats your boat.
Maoz:
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegetarian falafel chain serving falafel, fries, salad, soups and rice pudding. (GF, LO, DF)
Tips: The storefront is located in the SW corner of the Triangle shopping center. There is a small indoor and outdoor seating area. Maoz is an international chain, but this location is locally owned, and has a few unique menu items including vegan shawarma/chick’n/BBQ proteins. There are unlimited topping refills from the salad bar, so don’t be afraid to head back for more.
Lunch/Dinner: Everything is good, so get whatever sounds best to you – falafel, soup, fries, salad, etc. Just don’t forget the fried broccoli at the salad bar, and it never hurts to douse your falafel in tahini and hot sauce.
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Mother’s Cafe:
Business Website
Vegetarian restaurant with a hippy vibe. Serves burgers, sandwiches, enchiladas, salads. (GF, LO, DF)
Tips: Mother’s has been an Austin staple since 1980, and the menu is chock-full of classic ’80s vegetarian food. I love to hate on Mother’s, but to be honest, I’ve eaten my fair share of Bueno Burgers. The cafe has a large indoor seating area, and a few small tables outdoors. Mother’s now offers vegan ice cream from Sweet Ritual upon request if you have room for dessert (see below).
Weekend Brunch: Try the pancakes.
Lunch/Dinner: Get the Bueno Burger with vegan mayo and mustard – add Daiya/Guac to liven it up a bit. If you want a change from the Bueno Burger, try the Artichoke Enchiladas (with Daiya or tofu) or the Mom’s Reuben with Daiya and sliced wheat roast.
Lighter Option: Get the soup and salad combo, and upgrade to the spinach salad. Ask for crumbled tofu instead of cheese on the salad, and get the cashew tamari dressing.
Dessert: The almond mocha torte is rich and delicious. It’s good on its own, but pairs well with a scoop of ice cream. The blueberry pie is also good if you get it with ice cream.
*Ramen Tatsu-Ya:*
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan-Friendly ramen shop with a cult following. Only serves ramen.
Tips: You can get the lunch ramen everyday, but the dinner ramen is where it’s at, and you can only get the vegan version on Sunday nights. Both locations have limited seating, so you can end up standing in line outside for a good while (30-60 min). Once inside things move quickly though. Read the ramen rules ahead of time to become familiar with ramen etiquette.
Lunch: The vegan lunch ramen is a brothless ramen. It’s good, but not worth going out of your way for.
Dinner: Get the Veggie Ramen (order sans brussels and tofu if you’re not cool with a shared fryer). Add extra garlic if you’re a garlic fan (one order is enough garlic for 2 bowls), and the Spicy Bomb if you like it hot. It’s a ton of food, but if you think you’re extra hungry, get the salad and cocopioca dessert too.
The Steeping Room:
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan-friendly tea shop with two locations. Focuses on lighter fare with vegan soup, salad, sandwich and dessert options in addition to a large tea menu. (GF, LO, DF)
Tips: Both Steeping Room locations are located in Central/North Austin. The more Northern location is located in an open air shopping mall, and can get very busy for lunch and dinner. The more central location tends to get busier for brunch/lunch. Reservations are a good idea for large parties and busier times. Both locations have indoor and outdoor seating.
Breakfast: Try the Breakfast Bowl with the cashew sauce, or the Seasonal Scrambler with a scone (and the maple spread). The vegan Breakfast Sandwich is also simple but good, and a steal at $4.25.
Lunch/Dinner: The vegan TBLT on ciabatta with a side of cashew caesar is a winner. We’re also partial to the veganized Bahn Mi. The tea services can also be made vegan, and are a fun treat.
Lighter Option: Both the Buddha Bowl and the Java Bowl are our current go-to orders. The Java Bowl has more complex flavors, and is great with tempeh. The Buddha Bowl ingredients rotate, so some days it’s better than others. When going with the Buddha, be sure to get the cashew sauce. The soup and salad combo can also be great depending on the daily soup (tomato coconut is a favorite).
*Sweet Ritual:*
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan ice cream parlor with a large selection of ice cream and toppings, GF waffle cones, and house made sauces. (GF, DF)
Tips: Sweet Ritual shares space with a Juiceland, and a record shop. Seating is available both inside and outside.
Anytime: Sweet Ritual is a must-visit for everyone coming to Austin. There are soy-free, gluten-free and nut-free flavors, so they are able to cater to a wide audience. Everything on the menu is delicious. We’re partial to a shake with a brownie mixed into it, but also regularly get the rotating flavor specials in a waffle cone. Love s’mores? Try the RedHotVegans.com sundae special (on the menu for realz!).
Uchi/Uchiko:
Business Website
Vegan-friendly upscale Japanese restaurant with two locations. Uchi is the South Austin location, while Uchiko is the North Austin location, and is a little less formal. (GF, LO)
Tips: Uchi and Uchiko are the only restaurants we will recommend that don’t actually mark their vegan options on the menu, but the vegan options are so plentiful, and the staff is so knowledgeable, that we feel they’re worth mentioning. If you’re looking for a fancy night out, we’d recommend making a reservation at either location (though last minute tables are also sometimes available). If you’re looking for something a little more casual, head to Uchiko for Happy Hour (no reservations accepted). Uchiko is also currently hosting a vegetarian tasting menu on the third Monday of the month, which has generally included a few vegan-friendly dishes that you can order separately.
Dinner: If going for a full dinner, just ask your waiter for the vegan options – if the kitchen is not too busy, the chef will often get creative and whip up a vegan tasting menu just for you. If you’re just heading to Uchiko for happy hour, we recommend the veganized brussels sprouts, komaki roll, avocado sushi, nasu sushi (not on the happy hour menu, but worth ordering anyway), and sorbet.
Dessert: There is a rotating selection of sorbet flavors that are often vegan. The sorbet is made in-house, and the flavors are very creative, so we’d recommend trying any of the vegan flavors that sound good to you.
*The Vegan Nom:*
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan trailer serving tacos, nachos, and the occasional cookie, during breakfast/lunch hours. (GF, LO, DF)
Tips: Wait times for the weekends/lunch rush can be as long as an hour, so call in your order before you head over. There is a small outdoor seating area, with a convenience store next door where you can pick up drinks. Bring cash, or get some at the convenience store’s ATM, as they are a cash-only business.
Breakfast/Lunch: There isn’t a bad taco on the menu, so order whatever sounds good, but some can get very spicy. The Three Amigos and the Rockin’ Vegan Migas are our breakfast go-tos, but are also good lunch options. The Vegan Del Rey (fish taco) and the Del Fresco are great if you’re looking for something less spicy. We’ll also order the Vegan Jalisco, or the special of the month if we’re mixing things up. (note: if the special of the month is the BBQ/mac and cheeze taco – order it!)
Lighter Option: Build your own taco with tempeh, beans and veggies or try the Number 3 (mushrooms, spinach, caramelized onions). Taco ingredients can be steamed instead of sautéed upon request.
The Vegan Yacht:
Business Website
Vegan trailer with small bar food menu. (GF, LN, DF)
Tips: This trailer is currently parked at Spider House, a sprawling bar/music venue, with a fun outdoor seating area.
Dinner/Late-Night: The freeto burrito is a local favorite. Frito pie is a popular Southern tradition, and can also be found here.
*Wheatsville Co-op:*
Business Website – RHV Blog Post 1 and RHV Blog Post 2
Vegan-friendly co-op grocery store with two locations. In addition to groceries they have baked goods, pre-packed meals, salad/hot bar, and a deli section. (GF, LO)
Tips: Both the South Austin and North Central Austin locations have covered outdoor seating. The south location also has a small indoor seating area.
Breakfast: Try the vegan breakfast tacos, Red Rabbit Donuts, muffins, smoothies and the serve-yourself coffee station.
Lunch/Dinner: Popcorn Tofu! Nuff said. Try it on its own, in a sandwich, or if you’re at the south location, in a burrito. The buffalo popcorn tofu with the vegan blue cheese dressing is a favorite, but the original flavor is killer too.
Lighter Option: Grab a selection of pre-packed salads, or make your own at the salad bar. The rotating soup selection is also delicious.
*Arlo’s:*
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan trailer with two locations. Serves burgers, tacos, fries and tots. (GF, LN, DF)
Tips: Arlo’s downtown location is parked at Cheer Up Charlie’s, a queer-friendly bar with a large outdoor seating area, and fresh juice cocktails. The south location is parked at Radio Coffee and Beer, which has both indoor and outdoor seating.
Dinner: If you only eat one thing in Austin, let it be a Bac’n Cheezeburger. The rest of Arlo’s menu is great too, but that’s the shining star. Pair it with tots or fries, and a fresh juice cocktail (at CUC) and you’re good to go.
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Frank:
Business Website
Vegan-friendly restaurant and bar. Serves hot dogs, chili, frito pie, and waffle fries. (GF, LN)
Tips: Frank has a large indoor seating area, with a full bar, and occasionally live music. They have vegan sausages, chili and cheese to veganize a number of their hot dog creations. Any waffle fries order is half-off during happy hour.
Lunch/Dinner: Try whatever hot dog creation sounds good to you, or try the Frank Frito Pie – a Southern treat. Keep an eye out for the specials, as the vegetarian special can sometimes also be vegan.
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Koriente:
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan-friendly Korean fusion restaurant serving summer rolls, noodle bowls, stir-frys and bubble tea. (GF, LO)
Tips: There is indoor and outdoor seating in this small restaurant. Meals are served with free vegan miso soup, and customization of your order is encouraged.
Lunch/Dinner: Everything on the menu is fabulous. We’re partial to the Mixmix bibimbap with tofu and avocado, but the Noodle Garden with tofu is similarly good. If you’re looking for something heartier, the Obake Bowl (B) with tofu and avocado is fun if you’re a fan of rice medallions. Grab a bubble tea to finish of your meal, the teas that can be made vegan are marked.
Lighter Option: Most dishes are fairly light, but the Noodle Garden, Garden Handroll and Mixmix Bibimbap have the most fresh veggies.
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*Via 313:*
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan-friendly Detroit-style pizza shop with three locations: one south, one central, and one east. (LN, DF)
Tips: Downtown location is a trailer parked at Craft Pride, a bar with a large indoor and outdoor seating area, and large beer selection. East location is a trailer parked at The Violet Crown Bar with a small indoor seating area, and large outdoor seating area. South location is a brick and mortar restaurant in a strip mall, with a large seating area.
Dinner: Get the Herbivore made vegan, or build-your-own. Any veggie pizza can be made vegan with the substitution of vegan cheese (Follow Your Heart brand).
Whole Foods (Downtown):
Business Website
Vegan-friendly grocery store chain. There are four Whole Foods stores in Austin, but the downtown location is the most interesting. (GF, LO, DF)
Tips: This is the headquarters of Whole Foods, and their flagship store. There are both indoor and outdoor seating areas. On Thursdays you can order a whole pizza with 3 toppings for only $10.
Breakfast: The breakfast taco bar is a good bet with vegan-friendly options including tofu scramble, vegan chorizo and vegan cheese. Pair your tacos with some freshly brewed coffee or juice, and you’re good to go.
Lunch/Dinner: Choose from one of the many food kiosks including pizza, sushi, sandwiches or the hot bar. Most kiosks are vegan-friendly, though currently none go out of their way to provide interesting vegan options.
*Baton Creole:*
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan-friendly creole food trailer serving vegan jambalaya, beignets and occasionally vegan specials. (GF, LN, DF)
Tips: The trailer is parked in a large lot with many other food trucks. There is outdoor seating in the lot, or you can bring your food to a nearby bar. Located next to Fire and Soul.
Dinner: Get the Jambalaya on a stick and thank me later. It’s a little spicy, and oh so good. Also, check the specials, as the rotating specials can often be vegan. Past vegan specials include crab cakes, gumbo and french onion soup.
Dessert: The beignets are vegan, and damn good. They aren’t marked vegan on the menu, but anyone in the truck will confirm their vegan-ness.
*BBQ Revolution:*
Business Website
Vegan BBQ trailer serving sandwiches, smoked proteins and sides. (GF, DF)
Tips: Trailer is tucked on the side of Brass Ovaries (vegan-owned pole dancing class studio), next to Bistro Vonish (see below), with an outdoor seating area.
Breakfast: The BBQ breakfast tacos are delicious, and available Thurs-Sun (though availability has been spotty, so check social media).
Lunch/Dinner: We’re partial to the Revolution plate with soy curls, potato salad and mac and cheese (or sometimes slaw).
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Bistro Vonish:
Business Website
Vegan trailer serving fancy veggie dishes, pizza, pasta and dessert. (GF, LO, DF)
Tips: Trailer is tucked on the side of Brass Ovaries (vegan-owned pole dancing class studio), next to BBQ Revolution (see above), with an outdoor seating area.
Brunch: Available on Sundays, the french toast is not to be missed.
Snack/Dessert: A Texas treat – try one of the rotating kolache flavors.
Lighter Option: The menu is always changing, but there is generally a rotating vegetable dish, with croquettes or risotto and seitan as an add-on option that is always delicious. We’re also fans of the rotating soup selection.
*Capital City Bakery:*
Business Website
Vegan bakery serving cupcakes, brownies, whoopie pies, cookies, kolaches, cheesecake and more. (GF, DF)
Tips: This adorable retro-inspired bakery has a small indoor, and outdoor seating area. The traditional American-style baked goods will remind you of your childhood favorites.
Anytime: The cupcakes are beloved by locals, and the large rotating flavor selection provides something for everyone. The brownies, key lime pie, and kolaches (a Texas treat) are also fan favorites.
*Cool Beans:*
Business Website
Vegan trailer serving Mexican food including tacos, tamales, soup and street corn. (GF, DF)
Tips: Cool Beans is parked behind Friends & Neighbors coffee shop. There is a nice outdoor seating area.
Brunch: Serving delicious breakfast tacos on Sundays (currently a trial run – check social media to confirm). Grab a taco or two (they are filling) and coffee from Friends & Neighbors to start your day.
Lunch/Dinner: Everything on the menu is good. The tortillas are hand-made, and not to be missed. The Native taco, tamales and street corn are all stand-outs. Look out for rotating specials as well – past specials include breakfast tacos, masapan chocolate balls and Mexican hot chocolate.
Counter Culture:
Business Website
Vegan restaurant serving lighter versions of comfort classics including burgers, pizza, mac and cheese, sandwiches and salads. (GF, LO, DF)
Tips: There is a large indoor seating area as well as a covered outdoor patio. The menu caters to many different diets including Raw, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free and Engine 2 (no added oil), so there’s something to please everyone. Head there for happy hour to get half-off appetizers.
Breakfast: The Country Biscuit Bowl (with gravy on the side) is our go-to order. To mix it up we’ll get the East Side Quesadilla or Breakfast Burrito.
Lunch/Dinner: The spicy baked artichoke dip is a delicious appetizer to share. The Southern Baked Seitan is our go-to order, with a side of cornbread and Caesar salad (with extra dressing). The Philly Seitan sandwich is another favorite. To mix it up we’ll get the Cold Cuts Sandwich or the Mac and Cheeze.
Lighter Option: The Raw Bruschetta, Beet Mushroom Walnut Burger, and the Pesto Rawviolis are all delicious and heavy on the veggies.
Fire and Soul:
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan-friendly trailer serving corn dogs, fried avocado, and fries. (GF, LN, DF)
Tips: The trailer is parked in a large lot with many other food trucks, including Baton Creole. There is outdoor seating in the lot, or you can bring your food to a nearby bar. Has a dedicated veg. fryer.
Lunch/Dinner: If you love corn dogs, look no further than the Fiery Vegan Dog. Be sure to upgrade your fries to the sweet potato option – not normally something we would do, but trust us; they’re much better.
Mr. Natural:
Business Website
Vegetarian restaurant with two locations. Has a large vegan-friendly menu full of Tex-Mex classics, and a large whole-wheat baked goods case. (GF, DF)
Tips: Both the east and the south locations have indoor and outdoor seating. Almost everything on the menu can be made vegan, with the substitution of vegan cheese
Brunch: There is a vegan-friendly breakfast menu mid-week, but the First Sunday of the month vegan brunch at the east location is where it’s at. $17 for an all-you-can-eat feast. Be sure to get the enchilada pie, biscuits and gravy and chik’n with agave mustard if they are on the buffet line.
Lunch: There is generally a lunch buffet that is vegan-friendly and a good deal, though we prefer to order off the regular menu.
Dinner: We’re all about the Taco Salad. It’s technically a salad, but it’s really just an open face burrito. Be sure to order it with the refried beans – they are addictive. The Burger Boss is also fantastic, as is the Milanesa – both are our other go-to orders.
Dessert: Try the vegan Tres Leches cake, or the coconut cake.
Nice-N-Ful:
Business Website
Vegetarian soul food truck serving burgers, nuggets, soul rolls and sides. (GF, DF)
Tips: Truck is parked in a lot with outdoor seating (next to Wasota African Cuisine). The lot is known for hosting awesome Jazz festivals.
Lunch/Dinner: We’ve really enjoyed the soul rolls, chik’n nuggets and dirty rice.
Sagra:
Business Website
Vegan-friendly Italian restaurant serving drinks, appetizers, pizza and pasta. (GF)
Tips: Sagra has a large indoor dining area and limited patio seating. There is a large parking lot behind the restaurant. Ask for the vegan menu. Happy Hour is a great deal with half-off pizzas and $2 off specialty drinks every day.
Lunch/Dinner: We’ve noticed that often the same dish comes out differently every time we order it, so it’s hard to recommend one particular thing. The pizza is generally a safe bet. We have really liked the Funghi pizza and the Macaroni al Forno when the the house-made cashew cheeze is stocked.
*Wasota African Cuisine:*
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan-friendly food truck serving West Aftican cuisine. (GF, DF)
Tips: Food truck is parked in a lot with an outdoor seating area (next to Nice-n-Ful). The lot is known for hosting awesome Jazz festivals. During peak hours, food can take a while, but it’s worth the wait.
Lunch/Dinner: Everything on the menu is good, but the akara is not to be missed. The veggie platter (feeds two people) includes a good selection of most of the vegan offerings. The Egusi Fufu is another favorite of ours.
Bananarchy:
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan-friendly frozen banana stand. (GF, LO, DF)
Tips: The cart is parked in a food truck lot next to Rabbit Food Grocery’s location. There is outdoor seating available.
Anytime: Everything is good, just pick your size and then pick your toppings. A halfsie is a good snack size. The GOB is a monster of a banana, and not something you can finish on your own. Sometimes the specials are vegan-friendly, so keep an eye out for that.
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*Bouldin Creek Cafe:*
Business Website – RHV Blog Post 1 and RHV Blog Post 2
Vegetarian cafe serving breakfast all-day, sandwiches, tacos and salads. (GF, LO, LN, DF)
Tips: The restaurant has a large indoor and outdoor seating area. If you arrive during peak brunch hours, there can be a very long wait for a table, but you can always order a drink and take a seat outside. If you want to try the popular Renedict, get there before 1pm – or before 11am on busy days as it tends to sell out. Most menu items can be made vegan, but are not necessarily labeled, so just ask.
Breakfast: Everything on the menu is good, but we’re big Renedict fans. The El Tipico, Tofu Tacos, and the Oven Cake Breakfast are also great.
Lunch/Dinner: The whole menu rocks, so order whatever sounds good to you. We’re particularly into the Veggie Royale with basil aioli, but we’d also recommend checking out the specials board to try something new.
Lighter Option: We’re all about the Tofu & Broccoli salad with the ginger miso dressing, but the V-Lux Salad and Kool Summer Sandwich are also regular orders of ours.
Casa de Luz:
Business Website
Vegan macrobiotic restaurant serving a rotating weekly menu. (GF, LO, DF)
Tips: There is generous indoor and outdoor seating available at communal tables. Everything is organic and gluten-free. Meal cards are available to purchase that are a good deal if you’re a frequent diner.
Breakfast: Our preferred meal at Casa de Luz, as it’s cheaper, simpler, and you can serve yourself. The options are generally the same – homemade tortilla, beans, veggies, porridge, soup and twig tea. The porridge can be a little plain, so if you choose to get it, we recommend topping it with lots of granola.
Lunch/Dinner: Every night is something different. Check the website to see if tonight’s menu looks good to you. They will charge extra for second servings of the lunch/dinner meal.
Güero’s:
Business Website
Vegan-friendly Tex-Mex restaurant serving margaritas, tacos, enchiladas and chalupas. (GF, LO, DF)
Tips: This restaurant has a large indoor, and small outdoor seating area. It’s located in the touristy section of South Congress, and is also a known celebrity hang-out spot, so it can get very busy at times. There is a separate vegan menu that you have to ask for.
Lunch/Dinner: For a small bite to eat, get two Soy Taquitos al Pastor, and wash them down with a margarita. For something a little bigger, get the Tacos de Salud platter with chorizo and refried beans, or the Chalupas a la Celeste.
Lighter Option: Most of the vegan menu items are chock-full of veggies. The dishes are all fairly similar, with the same ingredients served in different ways, so just choose what looks best to you.
*Rabbit Food Grocery:*
Business Website
Vegan grocery store and gift shop. (GF, LO, DF)
Tips: There is no seating in the store, but there is a vegan-friendly coffee shop next door called The Fair Bean (with delicious vegan empanadas). Bananarchy is also located in the lot next door.
Anytime: Rabbit Food does not currently make food, but is still totally worth a trip to stock up on hard-to-find products like dillos (vegan twinkles), Mister Sister fudge, Louisville jerky, Go Max Go candy bars, vegan vitamins, dog food and more. There’s also a nice selection of candles, perfumes, gift cards, accessories, and other items perfect for gifts in the back of the store.
Thai Fresh:
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan-friendly Thai restaurant and bakery serving Thai food, ice cream, and a rotating baked goods selection. (GF, DF)
Tips: Restaurant has a large indoor and outdoor seating area, and a small parking lot. Street parking is often necessary, and easy enough to find. All ice cream flavors are vegan, and most baked goods are vegan and gluten-free. Many of the dishes on the Thai food menu can be made vegan, but the desserts are where Thai Fresh shines. Vegan cooking and baking classes are often offered, and can be found online.
Breakfast: The bakery case is always changing, but be sure to try the croissants if they have them fresh. There are also often donuts, muffins and parfaits that are good for breakfast, as well as a large coffee/tea menu.
Dessert: This is where Thai Fresh really shines… Try the Thai Ice Tea ice cream over sticky rice, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, the Chocolate Diner Pie, the Almond Wedding Cake, or any of the other number of delicious rotating baked good selections. Most items are gluten-free, but you’d never guess it.
Unity Vegan Kitchen:
Business Website
Vegan trailer serving salads, sandwiches, rotating specials and dessert. (GF, LO, DF)
Tips: This trailer is parked in a lot with many other trailers, which has a large seating area.
Lunch/Dinner: The specials are where it’s at. Every other week they break out the fryer, and make a rotating selection of chimichangas, buffalo chik’n platter, chik’n and waffles, and other insanely delicious creations. Check social media for the current special. If the special doesn’t suit you, try the lasagna or the pesto and tofu sandwich.
Lighter Option: The sesame salad is delicious, and a regular order of ours. The specials can also be pretty light, including the taco salad and rotating soups, so keep an eye out for that.
East Side King:
Business Website
Vegan-friendly Asian food with five locations. Serves asian fusion bar food. (GF, LN, DF)
Tips: ESK has five locations scattered around central, east and south Austin. All but one location is a truck parked in the back of a bar, so there is generally a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. There is an actual brick and mortar ESK on South Lamar. Each menu is a little different, but all vegan options are clearly marked.
Dinner: The Veggie Meshi is a favorite (also really spicy).
Happy Vegan Baker:
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan baker offering sweet items including cupcakes, cookies and biscotti, and savory items including mac and cheeze, chick’n salad, shepherds pie and bread. (GF)
Tips: You can find them tabling at many different farmer’s markets around town, and at multiple coffee shops. You can buy the delicious Mac and Cheeze by the pound at In.gredients. Many of the sweet and savory creations are also gluten-free.
Anytime: We’re big fans of the mac and cheeze, chick’n salad, biscotti and oatmeal cookie sandwiches.
Juiceland:
Business Website – RHV Blog Post
Vegan-frienldy juice shop with a selection of salads, snacks, and pre-made juice in addition to made-to-order juice and smoothies. Has 12 locations around town. (GF, LO, DF)
Tips: Most locations have indoor and outdoor seating. There are so many locations around town, that whatever part of town you’re in, there’s likely a Juiceland nearby. The lines can get very long at peak times, but the turnaround is fairly quick. There’s a daily smoothie offered at a lower price, that they often make in bulk, so they tend to come out faster.
Anytime: Everything’s good, but we have our favorites: For a salad, we like the Quinoa Ranchero, but we’ll also regularly get the Feast in the Middle East and the Double Rainbow Quinoa Salad. For a snack we’ll get the Manna bread or the Ranch Kale Chips. For a smoothie we’ll get the Peachy Green or the Originator, and for a juice we’ll get the Rosie Cheek or Applelilly.
Kerbey Lane Cafe:
Business Website
Vegan-friendly cafe, specializing in pancakes. Has 6 locations around town, most locations open 24 hours. (GF, LN)
Tips: Kerbey Lane is an Austin institution, with locations all around town. All locations have a large indoor seating area, and a few have outdoor patios. There is a vegan menu you can ask for, but the main vegan dishes are labeled on the main menu.
Breakfast: Vegan Breakfast Platter is our go-to order (with verde salsa on the side to liven up the scramble). A good friend (thanks Matt!) figured out that you can veganize the Eggs Francisco by replacing just about everything with vegan versions (toast, scramble, soy sausage, and vegan queso). It’s not an official Kerbey dish, so some servers might get confused, but it’s worth a try as it’s really good.
Lunch/Dinner/Late Night: I’ll still eat the Vegan Breakfast Platter at night, but if you’re looking for something more savory, the Hipster Burger and Southwestern Salad (with vegan mods) are good too.
Skull and Cakebones:
Business Website
Vegan craft bakery specializing in cakes and cupcakes made with local ingredients. (GF)
Tips: These cupcakes can be found at multiple grocery stores and businesses around town. The cupcakes are lighter than a traditional cupcake, and come in unique flavors from partnerships with other local craft businesses. There is a gluten-free Bing Bong chocolate cupcake pack often available.
Anytime: We’re partial to the cupcakes, and love to pick up the four packs when at Wheastville. Everything they make is good, but the Herb pack with Happy Hemp/Basilberry combo, and the Garden Pack with Chocolate Beet/Carrot Cake cupcakes are our favorites.
