Here Are the Best Cities in America for Vegans in 2018
Here Are the Best Cities in America for Vegans in 2018

Here Are the Best Cities in America for Vegans in 2018

  • Sarah Von Alt
  • Sarah Von Alt

Whether out of concern for their health, the planet, or the plight of farmed animals who suffer horribly at factory farms, more and more people are moving away from meat and choosing healthy plant-based foods instead.

As a result, more vegan restaurants, as well as more restaurants serving vegan dishes, are popping up across America. And WalletHub has just released a list of the most veg-friendly metro areas. The company said its strategy for identifying the most veg-friendly cities included several factors:

To determine the best and cheapest places for a plant-based diet, WalletHub compared the 100 largest U.S. cities across 16 key indicators of vegan- and vegetarian-friendliness. We examined each city based on such metrics as the cost of groceries for vegetarians, the share of restaurants serving meatless options and salad shops per capita.

So, without further delay, here are the very best cities in America for vegans and vegetarians:

1. New York, NY

The vegan options in New York are endless! Stop by Candle 79 for seitan piccata or a chimichurri portobello steak; try the Guac Burger with mac and cheese at by Chloe.; and don’t miss the all-vegan Dun-Well Doughnuts!

2. Portland, OR

In a town famous for its eco-friendliness and microbreweries, it comes as no surprise that vegan dining options abound. Stop by Sweetpea Baking Company for something sweet; load up on snacks at Food Fight! Grocery; and don’t forget to drop by Herbivore Clothing Company for a cute sticker or shirt.

3. Orlando, FL

“The City Beautiful”? More like The City Vegan! Stop by Erin McKenna’s Bakery for a brownie cupcake; grab a savory dog at The Vegan Hot Dog Cart; and don’t miss the amazing vegan doughnuts at Valhalla Bakery!

4. Seattle, WA

Seattle is loaded with delicious vegan eats and has nearly 200 animal-friendly eateries! Try the wide array of hearty vegan grub (including breakfast!) at Wayward Vegan Café; visit Vegan Haven Grocery and stock up on goodies; and remember the pan-seared creole tempeh at Plum Bistro!

5. San Francisco, CA

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In the market: fried chicken buffalo caesar bacon wraps with parm.

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Of course, California made the list several times, but San Francisco takes the (vegan) cake! Be sure to stop by The Butcher’s Son for home-style favorites, such as the steak and egg hoagie, fried mozzarella and meatball sub, and the Hot Deli on Rye; grab a few tacos at Flacos; and create your own cinnamon bun loaded with toppings at Cinnaholic!

6. Los Angeles, CA

The Los Angeles area is home to a huge vegan population. As a result, delicious cruelty-free foods can be found in most neighborhoods. Try the Big Mac (on the secret menu) at Doomie’s Home Cookin’; get an Indian kima pizza at LA’s only all-vegan pizza spot, Cruzer; and don’t miss the spicy baked scallop roll at Shojin (it’s torched at the table)!

P.S. LA is full of vegan doughnuts. Check it out!

7. Austin, TX

Austin is one of the most vegan-friendly places in Texas, boasting a variety of fun spots worth checking out. Try the Bac’n Cheeze Burger and Chik’n Tacos at Arlo’s and the Buffalo mac ’n’ cheese balls, tempeh Reuben, or pastrami melt at Counter Culture. Also be sure to stop at Austin’s all-vegan grocery store, Rabbit Food Grocery!

8. Scottsdale, AZ

The most vegan-friendly city in Arizona isn’t Phoenix or Tucson?! Nope. Scottsdale has a ton of restaurants with veg options and some must-try vegan restaurants. Be sure to drop by True Food Kitchen; grab a vegan dog at Simon’s Hot Dogs; and try out some of the amazing salad bars around town!

9. San Diego, CA

San Diego (and SoCal in general) is a vegan paradise. Kindred boasts an extensive vegan bar and some show-stopping dishes, and Evolution offers a ton of your all-American fast-food favorites, including a variety of burgers. While you’re in town, be sure to try the Buffalo Bomber at Veggie Grill, an all-vegan chain restaurant.

10. Las Vegas, NV

Las Vegas is home to a slew of vegan eateries. Stop by Veggie House for some impressive vegetarian Chinese food; try the ravioli or meatloaf off the plant-based menu at Panevino; and remember to stop at Ronald’s Donuts for some delightful vegan treats.


Ready to give veg eating a shot? For easy plant-based recipes, fun meal ideas, and tips on making the switch, order a FREE Vegetarian Starter Guide today.