Introduction
Austin, Texas has long been known for its live music scene, hip vibe, and barbecue. But the Texas capital also boasts a thriving vegetarian food scene, with many restaurants catering to herbivores. Vegetarian restaurants Austin residents rave about run the gamut from casual cafes to upscale eateries.
Top Vegetarian-Friendly Eateries in Austin
Here are some of the most popular vegetarian restaurants Austin offers for plant-based dining:
Casa de Luz
- Address: 1701 Toomey Rd, Austin, TX 78704
- Known for: Vegan and macrobiotic cuisine, kombucha on tap
- Popular dishes: Lentil tacos, kale salad, walnut taco meat, sadhya plate
Veteran Austin vegetarian restaurants, Casa de Luz has served nourishing vegan and macrobiotic meals since 1999. Diners rave about the fresh, organic ingredients and unique flavors. The restaurant is worker-owned.
Bouldin Creek Café
- Address: 1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
- Known for: Creative vegan comfort food, café vibe
- Popular dishes: Beer-battered avocado tacos, cashew cheesecake, veggie Reuben sandwich
This South Austin neighborhood café has an eclectic, artsy ambiance and menu of vegan twists on classic dishes. From queso to burgers, Bouldin Creek offers crave-worthy plant-based takes on familiar eats.
Counter Culture
- Address: 2201 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
- Known for: Vegan-friendly American fare, artsy digs
- Popular dishes: Faux chicken salad sandwich, buffalo cauliflower po’ boy, cheeseburgers
Serving farm-to-table New American cuisine, Counter Culture added a separate vegan menu in 2015. The sizable vegan selection ranges from sandwiches to shared plates in a hip, mural-adorned setting.
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Beer Plant
- Address: 3110 Windsor Rd suite 320, Austin, TX 78703
- Known for: Plant-based gastropub fare, craft beers
- Popular dishes: Black bean burger, fried avocado tacos, crab cakes
This vegan gastropub offers elevated pub grub like burgers, wings, nachos and more, prepared with plant-based ingredients. An extensive local craft beer list is a highlight.
The Beer Plant
- Address: 3110 Windsor Rd suite 320, Austin, TX 78703
- Known for: Plant-based gastropub fare, craft beers
- Popular dishes: Black bean burger, fried avocado tacos, crab cakes
This vegan gastropub offers elevated pub grub like burgers, wings, nachos and more, prepared with plant-based ingredients. An extensive local craft beer list is a highlight.
Arlo’s Austin
- Address: 10400 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin, TX 78750
- Known for: Vegan comfort food, late-night hours
- Popular dishes: Cheezecake, barbecue bacon cheeseburger, pesto pasta
Arlo’s serves plant-based takes on cheesesteaks, burgers, mac and cheese and more greasy faves. A second location recently opened. The original late-night spot draws revelers looking to soak up good vegan eats.
More Top Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants
Beyond those favorites, vegetarian restaurants Austin offers include:
- Revolution Vegan Kitchen – Vegan versions of dishes like chicken fried steak, Philly cheesesteaks and loaded fries in a casual spot.
- Bistro Vonish – Cozy cafe with globally-inspired vegan plates ranging from dosas to po’ boys.
- The Beer Plant – Vegan gastropub slinging elevated pub grub and local brews.
- Veggie Heaven – Taiwanese street eats spotlight tofu in vegan Asian fare.
- Mother’s Cafe – Long-running vegetarian institution serving vegan comfort food daily.
- Mr. Natural – Old-school veggie Mexican plates and fresh juices in a South Austin landmark.
Reasons Austin Appeals to Vegetarians
Austin, TX has emerged as a top city for plant-based dining due to several factors:
- Strong foodie culture – With its “Keep Austin Weird” ethos, the city encourages culinary experimentation and indie eateries.
- Farm-to-table focus – Nearby farms supply local, organic ingredients that veggie restaurants showcase.
- Innovation – Chefs creatively riff on American and international flavors in meat-free preparations.
- Influence of University of Texas – The large student population, including many vegetarians, shapes the local dining scene.
- Food trucks – Austin’s famous food truck community includes stellar vegan options.
- Barbecue – Even the city’s famed barbecue joints cater more to vegetarians than other BBQ towns.
- Texas hospitality – Austin eateries exude a welcoming vibe and graciously accommodate dietary needs.
The Future Looks Bright for Austin Vegetarian Dining
Vegetarian restaurants Austin residents have long enjoyed continue to thrive, while new spots keep opening. National chains like Flower Child, with its veggie-forward salads and bowls, have also entered the market. Food festivals like the annual, meatless Texas VegFest spotlight plant-based fare. No longer just a place for beer and barbecue, Austin earns its reputation as a veggie lover’s paradise. With both stalwart eateries and exciting openings, Austin’s vegetarian restaurants scene shows no signs of slowing down.
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