New Research Reveals 2022’s Most Vegan-Friendly U.S. Cities

New Research Reveals 2022’s Most Vegan-Friendly U.S. Cities

  • Hannah Bugga
  • Hannah Bugga

The results are in! Researchers at WalletHub have found the 16 most vegan-friendly cities in the U.S. The team compared 100 of the United States’ largest cities using three key categories: affordability; diversity, accessibility and quality; and vegetarian lifestyle. 

The experts ranked each city according to factors like the cost of groceries, the number of restaurants serving plant-based options, and the presence of vegetarian festivals. A WalletHub writer notes that meat costs are rising faster than those of fruits and vegetables—meaning going vegan might just be easier on the wallet.

Did your city make the list?

1. Portland, Oregon

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Number one likely comes as no surprise. Portland, Oregon, is famed for its abundance of delicious plant-based options. If you visit, make sure to pick up some delectable vegan Southern fare from Dirty Lettuce—I recommend the barbecue rib plate. Still hungry? Head over to Kate’s Ice Cream for dessert! 

2. Orlando, Florida

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Our second-most vegan-friendly city takes us to the opposite coast! With sunshine and no lack of theme parks, Orlando offers tasty favorites like the OG Crunch from Leguminati and the jerk “chickun” sandwich from Ethos Vegan Kitchen.

3. Los Angeles, California

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It’s hard to walk a block in Los Angeles without stumbling upon a vegan-friendly restaurant! Don’t miss the mouthwatering chilaquiles on Sage Vegan Bistro’s brunch menu, and be sure to visit comedian Kevin Hart’s new plant-based restaurant—My Hart House.

4. Phoenix, Arizona

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Escape the heat in one of the many incredible vegan and vegetarian restaurants that Phoenix has to offer. Verdura boasts an array of comfort food, including carne asada nachos and a chickpea parm. You can pick up classic American fare, including chili fries and burgers, at Green New American Vegetarian.

5. Austin, Texas

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Visitors to Austin will find an impressive variety of vegan food from different cultures around the world. Don’t leave without chowing down on some tasty plant-based chalupas from Nissi Vegan Mexican Cuisine or dumplings from Fo Guang Shan Xiang Yun Temple!

6. Seattle, Washington

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Seattle is more than just coffee and rain—the plant-based options will blow you away! I order from ChuMinh Tofu Veggie Deli at least three times a month. Their bánh mì sandwiches are not only delicious but surprisingly affordable. And for a fancy evening out, there is no place better than Plum Bistro

7. San Francisco, California

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We’re back in California for number seven on the list: San Fran! Home to techies and hippies, restaurants like Vegan Picnic, Nourish Cafe, and Baia offer a variety of plant-based options for all kinds of budgets.

8. Tampa, Florida

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Discover a range of fresh and friendly vegan-restaurant options in beautiful Tampa, Florida. Whether it’s a signature pizza from Florish or a scramble from New Leaf Cafe, you’re sure to find the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings.

9. San Diego, California

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San Diego can feel like a little slice of vegan heaven. For tasty drinks, hearty eats, and attitude, don’t miss KINDRED. Looking for something softer? The Plot uses ingredients from its on-site produce garden to create an array of fresh, inviting dishes.

10. Lexington-Fayetteville, Kentucky

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Cruise over to Kentucky for more exciting vegan spots! The Social Vegan has “nutrient-rich food for every appetite,” while a variety of other restaurants, including Asian Wind and Bar Louie, offer plant-based options.

11. Boise, Idaho

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Idaho is the home of the potato, so it’s no wonder Boise made the list. The unbelievable offerings at High Note Cafe include homemade soups, bruschetta, and a habanero cream melt. Find a separate vegan menu with sushi, pot stickers, tofu, and eggplant at Mai Thai.

12. Miami, Florida

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If you’ve never had Cuban food, Miami is the perfect place to change that! Vegan Cuban Cuisine offers buttered Cuban toast, Cuban torrejas, papa rellena, and so much more. Another must-try spot is The Last Carrot, a healthy, vegan-friendly spot that has been open since the 1970s.

13. Cincinnati, Ohio

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Fast-food restaurants often choose Ohio to test new plant-based options. Visitors should be sure to try Harmony Plant Fare—a vegan deli serving sandwiches, gyros, salads, and sides. For dessert, Happy Chicks Bakery is the perfect spot to find organic baked goods.

14. El Paso, Texas

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Also known as “Sun City,” El Paso is the ideal place to sit outside and enjoy impeccable vegan dishes. Visit Get Together for takeout Mexican fare like steak or fish tacos, and check out Lick It Up for burritos and tortas.

15. Plano, Texas

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You’ll want to start planning a trip to Plano after seeing their delicious plant-based options! From fried noodle soup at Jeff’s Vegan to a double cheeseburger at True Food Kitchen, you’ll have plenty to choose from. 

16. Las Vegas, Nevada

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I was surprised to see Las Vegas so far down on the list because the city’s plant-based options are incredible! From fine dining on the strip to vegan fast food, the choices are nearly endless. My personal favorite has to be the all-vegan menu at Wynn’s Lakeside, and I can’t wait to visit the new Crossroads Kitchen at Resorts World Las Vegas!

Looking for more places to try innovative plant-based fare? Check out these 11 vegan bed-and-breakfasts! These cozy, inviting B&Bs not only provide a touch of home but offer a range of incredible amenities and experiences