Exploring Austin’s Vibrant Vegan Restaurant Scene
In this blog, you will find about the best vegan restaurants in Austin and vegan restaurants near me.
Austin, Texas, is not only the live music capital of the world but also a haven for food lovers, especially those seeking plant-based dining options. With its dynamic culinary culture, the city offers a plethora of vegan restaurants catering to all tastes, whether you’re a long-time vegan, a curious foodie, or someone looking to explore healthier eating options. Here are some of the best Vegan Restaurants in Austin.
1. Bouldin Creek Café
- Location: 1900 S 1st St, Austin, Texas 78704
- Phone: (512) 416-1601
- Website: bouldincreekcafe.com
A local favorite, Bouldin Creek Café is known for its inventive vegetarian and vegan dishes served in a cozy, old-school Austin atmosphere. Their all-day breakfast is a must-try, with standout dishes like the tofu scramble, vegan omelets, and their famed “Veggie Royale” sandwich. Pair your meal with their house-made lavender lemonade for a refreshing treat. This is one of the best vegan restaurants in Austin.
A Menu Bursting with Flavor
Bouldin Creek Café prides itself on serving fresh, inventive dishes that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. The menu features an array of options, from hearty breakfast plates to satisfying lunch and dinner entrees. Some standout dishes include:
- The Renedict: A vegan twist on the classic eggs Benedict, featuring tofu patties, vegan hollandaise, and a side of perfectly seasoned home fries.
- The Veggie Royale: A mouthwatering vegan burger made with a house-made veggie patty, served on a ciabatta bun with all the fixings.
- Tofu Scramble: Packed with flavor, this dish combines scrambled tofu with fresh vegetables and a side of toast or tortillas.
- The Potato Leek Soup: A customer favorite, this creamy, vegan soup is perfect for any time of year.
Complement your meal with one of their house-made beverages, like the lavender lemonade or a cup of rich, locally roasted coffee.
Why Locals Love It
Bouldin Creek Café isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a gathering place for Austenite’s who appreciate great food, good vibes, and a commitment to sustainability. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or simply looking to explore plant-based dining, you’ll find something to love at this iconic spot.
Bouldin Creek Cafe comes in the list of best Vegan Restaurants in Austin.
Google Map Location
2. Rebel Cheese
- Location: 2200 Aldrich Street #120, Austin, Texas 78723
- Phone: (512) 710-7325
- Website: rebelcheese.com
This vegan cheese shop and deli is a game-changer for plant-based charcuterie lovers. Rebel Cheese offers an impressive array of artisanal vegan cheeses, sandwiches, and decadent desserts. Their rotating menu ensures there’s always something new to try, and their brunch options, such as croissant breakfast sandwiches, are equally enticing.
A Gourmet Vegan Cheese Haven
Rebel Cheese specializes in homemade vegan cheeses that taste like traditional dairy options. They offer a variety, including creamy bries, tangy cheddars, and aged bleu and feta. Whether paired with crackers, wine, or used in cooking, these cheeses highlight the creativity and flexibility of plant-based food.
If you’re new to vegan cheese or unsure where to start, try their cheese board, which includes a selection of their best cheeses, along with fresh fruit, nuts, and house-made sides.
More Than Cheese
While cheese is the star of the show, Rebel Cheese also boasts a deli menu filled with imaginative dishes that push the boundaries of traditional vegan food. Some must-try options include:
- Reuben Sandwich: A plant-based take on the classic deli favorite, featuring house-made pastrami-style seitan, vegan Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread.
- Croissant Breakfast Sandwich: Flaky vegan croissants filled with a savory combination of plant-based meats, cheeses, and egg substitutes for a satisfying start to your day.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and decadent, this dish is a testament to their expertise in creating dairy-free comfort food.
Pair your meal with one of their refreshing house-made lemonades or kombuchas for a perfect dining experience.
Why It Stands Out
Rebel Cheese stands out because of its dedication to quality and creativity. By offering gourmet, plant-based alternatives, they cater to more than just vegans—creating a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy delicious food. Their unique approach has built a loyal following and earned them a key spot in Austin’s thriving food scene.
Rebel Cheese comes in the list of best Vegan Restaurants in Austin
Google Map Location
3. The Beer Plant
- Location: 3110 Windsor Road, Austin, Texas 78703
- Phone: (512) 524-1800
- Website: thebeerplant.com
This gastropub combines craft beer with a fully vegan menu. From hearty plant-based burgers to creative small plates like buffalo cauliflower wings and smoked carrot lox, The Beer Plant is perfect for a casual meal with friends. Don’t forget to explore their curated beer list featuring local and international brews.
A Beer Lover’s Paradise
The Beer Plant offers a diverse beer list, featuring local brews, international favorites, and seasonal options. The staff can recommend the perfect pairing, and for non-beer drinkers, there’s also wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.
A Menu That Delights
The Beer Plant’s menu showcases a diverse range of dishes that cater to both comfort food cravings and refined palates. Their chefs craft each dish with a focus on bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and innovative plant-based techniques. Some standout options include:
- Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: Crispy, tangy, and spicy, these wings are served with vegan ranch and celery sticks for the perfect appetizer.
- Smoked Carrot Lox: A creative take on traditional lox, featuring smoked carrot ribbons served on crusty bread with cashew cream cheese and capers.
- The Big Tex Burger: A hearty, satisfying burger with a house-made patty, barbecue sauce, onion rings, and all the classic fixings, served with a side of fries.
- Wild Mushroom Risotto: Creamy, decadent, and packed with earthy flavors, this dish is a testament to The Beer Plant’s culinary creativity.
The dessert menu is equally impressive, featuring options like chocolate avocado mousse and vegan cheesecake to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why The Beer Plant Stands Out
The Beer Plant isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of Austin’s vibrant food culture and the growing popularity of plant-based dining. By combining high-quality vegan dishes with a love for craft beer, they’ve created a space where everyone, regardless of dietary preference, can enjoy a fantastic meal.
The Beer Plant comes in the list of best Vegan Restaurants in Austin.
Google Map Location
4. Counter Culture
- Location: 2337 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, Texas 78702
- Phone: (512) 524-1540
- Website: countercultureaustin.com
Known for its hearty comfort food, Counter Culture serves up vegan takes on classics like mac ‘n’ cheese, jackfruit BBQ, and lasagna. They also emphasize sustainability by using organic ingredients and compostable packaging. Their outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying Austin’s sunny days.
A Menu of Creative Comfort Food
Counter Culture specializes in transforming familiar comfort dishes into plant-based masterpieces. Their menu is a celebration of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and inventive culinary techniques. Here are a few must-try dishes:
- Jackfruit BBQ: Smoky, tangy, and tender, this dish features pulled jackfruit smothered in house-made barbecue sauce, served with creamy coleslaw and cornbread.
- Mac and Cheeze: A vegan take on the classic mac and cheese, this dish is rich, creamy, and irresistibly delicious.
- Raw Bruschetta: A refreshing starter featuring raw nut cheese topped with marinated tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze on crisp raw crackers.
- Lasagna: Layered with house-made cashew ricotta, marinara, and seasonal vegetables, this hearty dish is a fan favorite.
Counter Culture also offers an impressive array of desserts, including their signature raw chocolate cheesecake and gluten-free cookies.
Why It’s a Local Favorite
Counter Culture stands out in Austin for serving comfort food that’s both delicious and mindful. With a focus on plant-based dishes and sustainability, they’ve gained a loyal following from vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters.
Counter Culture comes in the list of best Vegan Restaurants in Austin.
Google Map Location
5. Vegan Nom
- Location: 2324 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, Texas 78702
- Phone: (512) 497-3147
- Website: thevegannom.com
If you’re craving tacos, Vegan Nom is your go-to spot. Famous for their bold flavors and creative fillings, their tacos, burritos, and nachos are a hit any time of day. Popular choices include the Rockin’ Vegan Migas Taco and their Vegan Del Rey burrito. It’s one of the best vegan Restaurants in Austin.
A Menu Full of Flavor
Vegan Nom elevates tacos with house-made vegan proteins, fresh veggies, and bold sauces. Standout options include:
- Rockin’ Vegan Migas: A breakfast taco filled with tofu scramble, vegan cheese, pico de gallo, tortilla strips, and chipotle aioli.
- Del Rey: Featuring seasoned walnut chorizo, vegan queso, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
- Vegan Jalisco: Jackfruit carnitas topped with red cabbage slaw, pickled onions, and avocado crema.
- The Birdie Sanders: A spicy creation with vegan chicken, buffalo sauce, celery slaw, and ranch drizzle.
In addition to tacos, Vegan Nom offers nachos, burritos, and refreshing beverages like horchata and cold brew coffee to complete your meal.
Why Austin Loves Vegan Nom
Vegan Nom isn’t just a taco truck; it’s a celebration of bold flavors, creative vegan cuisine, and Austin’s diverse food scene. Their innovative approach to tacos has garnered rave reviews and a dedicated fanbase that continues to grow.
Vegan Nom comes in the list of best Vegan Restaurants in Austin.
Google Map Location
6. Conscious Cravings
- Location: Multiple locations around Austin
- Phone: (512) 782-0546
- Website: consciouscravingsaustin.com
Conscious Cravings offers fresh, affordable wraps and salads with bold, global flavors. Their chimichurri seitan wrap is a crowd-pleaser, as is their spicy chickpea wrap. They also offer a variety of smoothies and fresh juices for a healthy accompaniment to your meal. It’s one of the best vegan Restaurants in Austin.
A Vision for Health and Sustainability
Conscious Cravings focuses on healthy, plant-based meals that align with sustainable practices. Their menu offers vibrant dishes for vegans and those with food allergies, creating an inclusive dining experience for everyone.
Menu: Flavorful, Fresh, and Nourishing Plant-Based Meals
Their best of 4 meals include:
- Spicy Tempeh Wrap: A flavorful wrap filled with marinated tempeh, spicy sauce, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado. Perfect for a bold, satisfying meal on the go.
- Power Bowl: A nutrient-packed bowl with quinoa, sautéed greens, roasted sweet potatoes, and a savory tahini dressing. A wholesome, energizing option for lunch or dinner.
- Garden Salad: A light, refreshing salad featuring mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Ideal for those craving something crisp and healthy.
- Avocado & Veggie Wrap: A fresh wrap loaded with creamy avocado, sautéed seasonal vegetables, and greens. A perfect balance of taste and nutrition wrapped in a soft tortilla.
Conclusion
Conscious Cravings stands out in Austin for offering wholesome, flavorful meals that promote health and sustainability. It’s a place where health-conscious and eco-friendly diners can enjoy satisfying food without compromise.
Conscious Cravings comes in the list of best Vegan Restaurants in Austin.
Google Map Location
7. Arlo’s
- Location: Multiple locations (including 900 Red River St, Austin, Texas 78701)
- Phone: (512) 840-1600
- Website: arloscurbside.com
Arlo’s is a late-night favorite, serving up comfort food that’s 100% plant-based. Their signature Bac’n Cheeze Burger, made with house-made seitan patty and vegan cheese, is a must-try. Pair it with a side of crispy fries for the ultimate indulgence.
The Arlo’s Experience
With locations across Austin, including the popular Beer Garden, Arlo’s is a go-to spot for both locals and visitors. The food truck offers a relaxed, outdoor setting where guests can enjoy their meals and drinks while soaking in the city’s lively atmosphere.
A Look at the Menu
Arlo’s menu is a mouthwatering collection of plant-based comfort food that never compromises on flavor. Each dish is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, carefully crafted to provide a delicious experience for both vegans and non-vegans alike.
- The Arlo Burger: A vegan patty with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and special sauce on a toasted bun.
- The Bac’n Cheeze: Smoky, crispy vegan “bacon” and creamy vegan cheese in a savory sandwich.
- The Tacos: Filled with soy chorizo or smoked “chicken,” fresh toppings, and flavorful salsas.
- The Fries: Crispy fries, including Loaded Fries with vegan cheese, bacon, and green onions, or classic crispy fries.
Why Arlo’s Stands Out
There’s something special about Arlo’s. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience. The flavors, the community, and the commitment to doing good for the planet come together in a way that’s authentic and truly Austin.
Arlo’s comes in the list of best Vegan Restaurants in Austin.
Google Map Location
8. Casa de Luz
- Location: 1701 Toomey Rd, Austin, Texas 78704
- Phone: (512) 476-2535
- Website: casadeluz.org
For a more holistic dining experience, Casa de Luz offers a rotating menu of organic, macrobiotic meals. Their peaceful garden setting and emphasis on whole foods make this a unique spot for nourishing both body and soul.
A Philosophy of Nourishment
Casa de Luz operates with a core belief that food is medicine, and their menu reflects this philosophy through the use of simple, whole ingredients that promote health and well-being. The restaurant follows a macrobiotic approach, focusing on organic, locally sourced produce and avoiding processed foods.
A Look at the Menu
Casa de Luz offers a daily-changing prix-fixe menu with wholesome, organic dishes. You can relax and enjoy a curated selection of meals without having to decide what to eat.
- Soup of the Day: A warm, healing soup made from fresh, seasonal vegetables, ranging from miso broths to creamy veggie blends.
- Grain Bowl: A filling bowl with whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or barley, topped with sautéed vegetables and savory sauce.
- Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal greens, sprouts, and vegetables, drizzled with homemade dressing.
- Steamed Veggies with Tempeh: Organic, steamed vegetables paired with protein-rich tempeh for a wholesome, plant-based meal.
Conclusion
Casa de Luz is a special spot in Austin that offers more than just food. With its focus on wellness, sustainability, and plant-based meals, it’s become a beloved part of the community.
Casa de Luz comes in the list of best Vegan Restaurants in Austin.
Google Map Location
Final Thoughts
Austin’s vegan dining scene is a testament to the city’s innovative spirit and dedication to inclusivity. Whether you’re exploring a health-conscious lifestyle, supporting sustainable eating, or simply savoring delicious food, these restaurants showcase the very best of plant-based cuisine. So, next time you’re in Austin, be sure to check out these spots for a meal that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your palate!
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