Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Austin
April 1, 2023
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Austin has an impressive dining scene for foodies of all types, including those who prefer to eat plant-based. With numerous praise-worthy vegan and vegetarian restaurants, you’re never far away from a great meal.
The Heywood Hotel is lucky to be surrounded by some of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Austin, many within walking distance! Whether you’re looking for plant-based meal alternatives, a dairy-free dessert, or even late-night comfort food, the Heywood’s got you covered.
Mr. Natural
One of the longest-running vegetarian restaurants in town, Mr. Natural is not only an Austin institution but a staple in the vegan and vegetarian community. The fully vegetarian Mexican restaurant and bakery offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, ovo-lacto, non-dairy, wheat-free and gluten-free specialties including tamales, tacos, and flautas, to name a few. If you go, don’t forget to grab a sweet treat or two from the bakery case. Mr. Natural is located a short walk away from the Heywood.
Image courtesy of Bouldin Creek Cafe
Bouldin Creek Cafe
Bouldin Creek Cafe has long been a local favorite for hearty vegetarian dishes. The Bohemian, all-vegetarian cafe and coffee shop offers all-day breakfast as well as lunch and dinner with some of their most popular dishes being a tofu scramble and a veggie burger. They also serve beer and wine in their casual indoor/outdoor space. Bouldin Creek Cafe is located just two miles south of the hotel.
The Vegan Nom
Austinites sure do love their tacos. And The Vegan Nom is making sure that vegan eaters don’t miss out on the staple meal thanks to their 100% vegan taco food truck. The menu at The Vegan Nom features a variety of creative, plant-based tacos with inventive flavors and ingredients like Korean BBQ, grilled avocado, and buffalo chicken. They also serve classic tacos like migas and al pastor, as well as vegan sides like jalapeno mac and cheese, chips and queso, and nachos. The truck has two locations, one just down the road from the Heywood Hotel and the other just a little further away on East 7th.
Casa de Luz
Tucked away off Barton Springs Road, Casa de Luz is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of its city surroundings. The fixed menu here is based on a macrobiotic diet and features plenty of wholesome and affordable plant-based dishes that are served cafeteria-style. The longtime vegan restaurant and community center is located in a secret garden-like atmosphere, which locals love for the sense of tranquility it provides. If you visit Casa de Luz, take a moment to stroll the grounds and enjoy the surroundings.
Arlo’s
With locations at Cheer Up Charlie’s and Spider House, consider Arlo’s your late night go-to for vegan comfort food. The food truck offers a 100% plant-based menu and they keep it simple by sticking to burgers, tacos, and sides like mac and cheese, fries, and frito pie. Arlo’s is a great alternative for both vegans and non-vegans alike who are craving a guilt-free post-bar meal.
The Beer Plant
As the first world’s first plant-based gastropub, The Beer Plant lives up to its name in providing vegan dishes and craft beers under the same roof. The Tarrytown restaurant, located about 5 miles northwest of the hotel, offers a variety of hearty vegan dishes like buffalo cauliflower wings, eggplant parmesan, and a Nashville hot chicken sandwich, among other tasty dishes. They also have 40 craft beers on tap to complete the gastropub experience.
Curcuma
Inspired by Ayurveda and its healing properties, Curcuma’s menu uses plant-based, ethically-sourced ingredients to create vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and Paleo-friendly dishes. Creative offerings include raw pecan tacos, a quinoa bowl, and superfood coffee drinks, shakes, and juices. Curcuma is also home to the signature Golden Mylk drink which is a tasty blend of Turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, himalayan pink salt, black pepper, medjool dates, and coconut milk. They even expanded their Golden Mylk offerings by dedicating a portion of their menu to several Golden Mylk infused drinks, all of which make for a refreshing and healthy pick-me-up.
Koriente
Located downtown on East 7th Street, just under one mile from the hotel, Koriente is a longtime Austin restaurant that serves up healthy Asian fusion dishes. Their menu consists of salads, noodle and rice bowls, and curry dishes, all with an emphasis on fresh vegetables and simple ingredients. While Koriente isn’t a 100% vegetarian or vegan restaurant, many of their dishes are nutrition-conscious, use natural sweeteners, and are customizable. They also offer gluten-free substitutions for some dishes.
Rebel Cheese
One visit to Rebel Cheese and you’ll be able to end your search for the best vegan cheese once and for all. A newer addition to the Mueller neighborhood, the vegan deli offers a large selection of artisan made vegan cheeses, vegan meats, and even a small menu of classic sandwiches. Rebel Cheese is an excellent place to grab lunch or to enjoy wine and cheese for date night, Austin style..
Feature image courtesy of Curcuma.