Ever thought of going vegan in the Lone Star State? You're not alone! Texas may be known for its barbecue and chili, but it's also home to a rapidly growing vegan scene. From food trucks to fine dining, the state's major cities are bursting with plant-based options that'll make your mouth water. Whether you're a long-time vegan or just curious about the lifestyle, you'll find something to love in Texas' vegan-friendly cities. So, saddle up and let's explore the vegan side of Texas together.
Austin
Take a bite into the vegan delights of Austin, a city making its mark on the plant-based map. The range of vegan restaurants here is impressive, catering to all your cravings with delectable delicacies. Let's embark on this culinary adventure and explore the array of establishments serving up more than just leafy greens.
Austin's Vegan Restaurants
Eager for a classic, comforting meal? Check out Mission Burger Co. You'll find an all-vegan menu packed with burgers, chick'n nuggets, and satisfying sides. Venture into Casa de Luz, a unique venue that's both a community center and a restaurant. Their offerings? Organic, macrobiotic vegan meals served in a communal ambiance.
Have a preference for fine dining? Nori, a vegan Japanese spot, dishes out a range of sushi rolls and crowd-pleaser main courses, such as the tofu katsu curry. Perhaps you're more of a pub-goer. In that case, The Beer Plant, a farmhouse-style pub serves plant-based dishes alongside a selection of craft beers and cocktails. Bistro Vonish takes the food truck dining experience up a notch with a sophisticated menu featuring items like elevated mac-n-cheese. Meanwhile, Sunny’s Backyard is the place to be for vegan bar eats and a laid-back atmosphere - they even host trivia nights.
Upcoming Vegan Events in Austin
For those excited about participating in vegan-related gatherings, Austin doesn't disappoint. There's Texas VegFest on April 6, 2024, an annual festival held in Fiesta Gardens featuring local and national vendors, cooking demos, educational lectures, and live music. And the bonus? The festival offers free entry.
Coming up on October 5, 2024, is the Vegan Street Fair Austin. Held at Celis Brewery, this event is set to host over 20 vegan vendors serving bite-sized portions - and yes, entry is free for all ages.
Fulfill your pancake cravings while shopping from local vegan vendors at the Vegan Pancake Brunch and Mini Market on April 15, 2024, at Buzzmill.
Monthly potlucks and meetups also make for great community building opportunities. Groups like Austin Vegan Events and Austin Vegans organize such gatherings on Meetup platforms, focusing on shared meals and discussions about veganism.
Besides these regular activities, Austin hosts various vegan-friendly markets and cooking classes throughout the year. Mark your calendars for the Spooky Market at Vegan Nom Food Park on October 26, 2024, and a Vegan Wine Dinner curated by Chef Trevor Tupa on November 20, 2024. An upcoming event to keep an eye out for is the Plant Culture Night Market, celebrating plant-based culinary arts with a diverse range of vegan dishes, live music, and sustainably produced vegan-friendly products.
So, it's clear - Austin's vegan scene is buzzing with activities and eateries catering to all tastes and preferences. Whether you're a longtime vegan, considering the lifestyle, or simply curious, this city provides an array of opportunities for you to jump into the world of veganism.
Houston
Transitioning from the eclectic vegan scene of Austin, let's explore more of what Texas offers for plant-based enthusiasts. Make your way to Houston, another city that steps up to the plate in providing remarkable plant-based dining experiences.
Vegan Restaurants in Houston
A host of vegan-friendly establishments await your visit in the heart of Houston. For starters, there's Green Seed Vegan, a cozy spot reputed for its organic, plant-powered meals. Here, you'll find an array of burgers, wraps, smoothies, and juices, all served fresh and delectable.
Then we have Chef Kenny’s Asian Vegan Cuisine, a haven for fans of Asian-style vegan dishes. Here’s where you'd get your fix for different stir-fries, noodles, and soups prepared vegan-friendly.
Next, Pythagoras Conscious Food Philosophy is a gem that brings together the best of Italian and TexMex dishes. Apart from the fusion cuisine, they also serve traditional vegan fare such as pepperoni pizza and wings.
For those with a sweet tooth, Trendy Vegan got you covered. This unique vegan bakery not only serves delectable pastries, they also offer Asian dishes like bento boxes and sushi.
Finally, we have Korny Vibes, serving a classy take on vegan cuisine. Dishes like Chik’n fried steak and classic Texas enchiladas grace their menu, sure to stray from the conventional vegan offerings.
Vegan Events in Houston
Houston’s vegan scene isn't just about its thriving restaurants— it also hosts an array of engaging events. One of them is the Vegan Vibez Festival, a community-focused celebration taking place on October 20, 2024. Expect food, live music, a fashion runway show, and more, all promoting the vegan lifestyle.
The Vegan Street Fair, although not specific to Houston, is a must-see. This event displays a variety of vegan food vendors, live entertainment, and activities tailor-made for family outings.
Other notable events include the Exclusive Vegan Dinner for World Vegan Day on November 1, 2024, at Star Sailor — a gathering that features a curated menu focusing plant-based cuisine. Also, the Vegan Mix and Mingle Event on October 24, 2024, at Pythagoras aims to connect like-minded individuals in the vegan community.
Finally, the Dia De Los Muertos Plant-based Potluck happening on October 27, 2024, at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston, adds a plant-based twist to the celebration of the Day of Dead.
In essence, Houston offers not just a variety of aromatic and delectable vegan-friendly establishments, but also a range of involving events that cultivate connections and celebrate the plant-based lifestyle.
San Antonio
Shaping the vegan landscape in San Antonio are a host of dining establishments, with each delivering a distinct take on plant-based cuisine.
Green Vegetarian Cuisine proves it's a local gem by serving a rich selection of vegetarian and vegan creations. Dishes as unique as Avocado Tofu Benedict and Quinoa Monk’s Bowl draw in a loyal crowd. Take a bold stride with Señor Veggie, remarkable for its vegan Tex-Mex repertoire. In its lively ambiance, relish delicacies like jackfruit carnitas and tempeh chorizo papusas.
Standing out is The Cove, offering not just a diverse menu, but a vegan-friendly environment ideal for hanging out with non-vegan friends too. From vegan soft serve to jackfruit bbq, there's something for everyone. Thai Vegan focuses on authentic vegan-friendly Thai dishes, presenting palatable blends like pumpkin, eggplant, and tofu stir-fries. Viva Vegeria captures the spirit of vegan Tex-Mex. Indulge in a spectrum of plant-based enchiladas, nachos, and tamales, thoughtfully prepared with organic ingredients.
San Antonio doesn't just stop at food, it's also chock-full of vegan happenings. Connect with fellow vegans and vegetarians with San Antonio Vegetable Eaters (SAVE) Meetups. Occurring regularly, these meetups cover monthly brunches at Vegeria and Vegan Drinks meetings at varying spots.
Explore further with the Vegan Potluck – a monthly gathering that serves a dual purpose. Not only do you get to sample a spread of delicious vegan delicacies, but it's also an avenue for community building and recipe sharing. Don't miss the Community Farmers' Markets, frequent trips organized by SAVE. They're a platform to appreciate local produce and bond with the community. Held in October, the Texas Fruit Festival puts a spotlight on fruit-based vegan diets. An array of stalls and educational talks on plant-based diets firmly ground this event in the vegan calendar.
Dallas
Let's jump into Dallas now, another star in the Texas vegan scene. Start with Spiral Diner & Bakery, a key player in Dallas' vegan community offering diner delights without the meat. Then there's El Palote Panaderia; it's your source for Mexican cuisine gone vegan—think BBQ sandwiches, torta plates, and plant-based queso.
Ever considered a vegan buffet next to a Hare Krishna temple? Kalachandji's is your answer. Authentic vegan Vietnamese dishes? Head to D'Vegan, tucked inside a Vietnamese market. Lovers of Mexican food, Casa Del Vegano's your pick for dishes like birria tacos and elote tater tots with a vegan twist.
Beyond eateries, Dallas teems with numerous vegan-related events. Dallas VegFest is an annual bash featuring plant-based food vendors, inspiring speakers, enriching activities. At the Vegan State Fair of Texas, you'll find vegan renditions of classic fair foods. Keep an eye for Plant-Based Pop-Up Markets popping up around Dallas, showcasing an array of vegan food vendors and products.
Yearning to master the art of vegan cooking? Your chance comes with vegan cooking classes offered by local culinary schools and restaurants. You can find community amongst fellow plant-based enthusiasts at local vegan groups that regularly organize potlucks and meetups. Don't miss Vegan BrewFest on March 9, 2024, at Community Beer Company, where craft beer and vegan cuisines come together for a lively festival.
Fort Worth
From the vegan strongholds of Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas, let's journey to the vibrant city of Fort Worth. It's a place where the spirit of Texan barbecue exists in harmony with the rapidly expanding vegan landscape.
Vegan Restaurants
In Fort Worth, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to vegan eateries. One spot that lights up the vegan dining scene is the Spiral Diner and Bakery. Here, a 100% plant-based menu seats pride of place, featuring goodies like hearty burgers, filling sandwiches, and a wide assortment of vegan desserts.
Next up is Mariachi's Dine In, a place renowned for its vegan tacos. It's not just about the food here, they're known to flaunt an extensive tequila collection, promising to add a splash of lively to your dining experience.
If you're a fan of Italian cuisines, Vida Cafe offers a cozy ambiance pairing perfectly with a range of vegan Italian dishes including pastas and paninis. Let's not forget Boulevard of Greens, a joint that loves its greens as much as you do. They specialize in fresh juices and smoothies, backed by hearty vegan bowls and salads.
For ramen lovers, Hanabi Ramen doesn't disappoint. It serves up several vegan options, among which, a brothless ramen that can be topped with tofu instead of traditional meats, is a crowd favourite.
Vegan Events
Buckle up for a memorable vegan ride, for Fort Worth also hosts the Fort Worth Vegan Market periodically. This event doesn't just focus on food; it boasts a variety of vegan products from clothing to accessories, reflecting the growing vegan community in the area. It's a testament to how the city of Fort Worth has become a celebrated vegan hub in Texas.
San Marcos
Moving from Fort Worth, the next stop is San Marcos, showcasing a commendable support for vegan lifestyles. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just starting to explore, you're catered for in this area. Expanding the vegan-friendly trail in Texas, below are some San Marcos establishments you'd find interesting.
Vegan Restaurants
Spring's Bistro + Bar is a great place to kick off your culinary adventure, serving up American cuisine laced with viable vegan choices. If you fancy a bit of sweet breakfast or snack, Dos Gatos Kolache Bakery prides itself on a variety of kolaches, including a tasty cavalcade of vegan-friendly ones. Health and flavor converge at Fresco, a salad bar where your creativity can run wild, constructing your own vegan bowls from fresh ingredients.
No vegan tour is complete without a coffee stop, and The Coffee Bar doesn’t disappoint. Not only do they serve vegan-friendly coffee, but they also have an assortment of plant-based snacks making it an ideal stop for a quick refuel. Adventurers into Asian cuisine are not left out as Shai Yo Thai provides patrons with a spectrum of Thai dishes, with vegan alterations available on demand.
Vegan-Friendly Grocery Stores
Vegan shopping also gets a nod in San Marcos with Natural Grocers offering a sprawling selection of vegan products and organic produces. Not categorically vegan but still valuable to the lifestyle’s followers, H-E-B showcases an expanding roster of plant-based products that cater to the needs of various dietary preferences.
To conclude, San Marcos offers a chance to journey through the vegan lifestyle with its assortment of vegan-friendly eateries and grocery stores. Whether you're a long-time vegan or newbie, the warmth of the vegan community is palpable and there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in plant-based cuisine.