Where to Eat Vegan in Traverse City, Michigan

Whether you’re a TC local or planning an epic vacation filled with swimming, skiing, shopping, and wine tasting, you can’t miss out on the vegan food scene in this Northern Michigan city. From all-vegan eateries and plant-based bakeries to community co-ops and inclusive restaurants, Traverse City has the cruelty-free options you’re looking for. To snag the delicious details, check out our plant-based food guide featuring where to eat vegan in Traverse City, Michigan.

Zest Plant-Based Kitchen

Owned by a local husband-and-wife duo, Zest Plant-Based Kitchen is an all-vegan Traverse City eatery with a crave-worthy menu. The plant-powered cafe offers loaded toasts, fruity smoothies, savory wraps, acai bowls, fresh salads, and rotational entrees. Our go-to order is the Blueberry Cobbler Smoothie and Bollywood Burrito, but you really can’t go wrong when you order from this Northern Michigan restaurant.

Courtesy of Zest Plant-Based Kitchen

Stone Hound Brewing Company

Searching for a brew and a bite? We know a place! Stone Hound is a Traverse City must-try. In honor of its previous partnership with Rad.ish Street Food, Stone Hound Brewing Company has continued to feature a fully vegan menu, and we are here for it! Diners can enjoy burgers, chicken sandwiches, and other creative dishes like the Tempeh Wrap, Nacho Fries, Pretzel Bites, and so much more!

Courtesy of Stone Hound Brewing Company

Third Coast Bakery

Vegan-Friendly

This inclusive TC bakery features gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and mostly vegan homemade treats. In addition to special orders, Third Coast Bakery offers cookies, brownies, bars, muffins, cakes, and scones, among other baked goods. If you’re craving a more substantial nosh, you can also find vegan breakfast sandwiches to enjoy with your steaming cup of morning coffee.

Courtesy of Third Coast Bakery

Hexenbelle

Vegan-Friendly

Planning your next vegan meal in Traverse City? We’ve got an idea! Hexenbelle is a specialty coffee shop featuring vegetarian breakfast and lunch fare along with Arabic comfort food. We’re currently obsessing over the veganized Falafel Pita and Coconut Curry Fried Rice. Enjoy your meal surrounded by the restaurant’s thriving greenery or take a seat on the patio and soak up the Northern Michigan sun.

Courtesy of Hexenbelle

Poppycocks

Vegan-Friendly

Conveniently located right on Front Street, Poppycocks is both a local fave and a tourist dinner destination! While the menu is known to get frequent updates, the vegan items currently include appetizers such as Veggie Tostadas and Coconut Chili Brussels along with entrees like Red Lentil Tofu and Coconut Curry. Enjoy your plant-based meal with a refreshing cocktail and good conversation.

Courtesy of Poppycocks

Rare Bird Brewpub

Vegan-Friendly

Find yourself in the Cherry Capital? Here’s your sign to head to this cozy brewpub for a beer and a vegan-friendly bite. Pair your crisp, cool brew with the Vegan Cheeseburger, Hummus Board, or one of Rare Bird Brewpub’s vegan-friendly dinner specials. The TC eatery can also veganize the Buddha Bowl and Avocado Tacos. You definitely won’t want to miss out on this one.

Courtesy of Rare Bird Brewpub

Red Mesa Grill

Vegan-Friendly

If you’re in the TC area, you should definitely check out Red Mesa Grill for a delicious Latin American meal. And be sure to ask for the separate vegan menu before you order. Enjoy plant-based enchiladas, salads, fajitas, and tacos made with vegan beans and fresh vegetables. Our go-to order is the Mushroom Enchiladas entree and Guacamole appetizer served with fried corn tortilla chips.

Courtesy of Red Mesa Grill

Oryana Cafe

Vegan-Friendly

With two locations in the city, you can find these vegan-friendly cafes nestled inside the Oryana Community Co-ops. Enjoy smoothies, juices, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and so much more. Whether you dine in or grab and go, be sure to check out the produce and other edible goods from local farmers and nearby makers.

Courtesy of Oryana Cafe

The Filling Station Microbrewery

Vegan-Friendly

Located in the vintage train depot, The Filling Station Microbrewery is known for its tasty, house-brewed beers and casual bites. When dining vegan in Traverse City, enjoy the Red Pepper Hummus appetizer, a handful of veganizable salads, and the Silver Fern flatbread pizza. This loaded ‘za contains garlic oil, fresh herbs, roasted garlic, a variety of vegetables, and vegan mozzarella.

Courtesy of The Filling Station Microbrewery

Barrio

Vegan-Friendly

This vegan-friendly eatery is the taco the town! Barrio franchises are known for their customizable menu including build-your-own tacos and bowls. Vegan fixings include beans, pan-seared portobellos, and Thai chili tofu along with a variety of vegetables, salsas, and other toppings. Barrio also features the preset El Vegano, a vegan taco packed with portobellos, caramelized onions, poblanos, pico de gallo, corn salsa, and salsa verde.

Courtesy of Barrio

Taproot Cider House

Vegan-Friendly

Located downtown Traverse City, Taproot Cider House is a local vegan-friendly fave! The rustic tavern features tasty tacos, fresh salads, loaded bowls, hot pizzas, and crave-worthy handhelds. We’re currently loving the Green Curry Bowl, Organic Hummus, and Black Bean Burger, but you really can’t go wrong when you order at Taproot Cider House.

Courtesy of Taproot Cider House

Spanglish

Vegan-Friendly

Joining traditional Mexican fare with Northern Michigan ingredients, this vegan-friendly eatery is a must-try! Located in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, Sanglish’s vegan menu options include crave-worthy tacos, burritos, and bowls. The restaurant also features vegan-friendly tamales made with zucchini, pepitas, roasted tomato, onion, garlic, and spices. We definitely know what we’re having for lunch!

Courtesy of Spanglish

The Good Bowl

Vegan-Friendly

Here’s your sign to head to this woman-founded, fast-casual Vietnamese eatery and order some delicious vegan eats. The Good Bowl, located in TC’s charming downtown, features a delicious selection of fresh dishes including Pho Saigon. When ordered with tofu, vegetables, and the eatery’s vegan shiitake broth, this comforting pho bowl is a tasty plant-based choice.

Courtesy of The Good Bowl

Farm Club

Vegan-Friendly

With a year-round dining room and patio, you can enjoy Farm Club any time of the year. Located in Leelanau County, Farm Club is the perfect place to experience all that Northern Michigan has to offer. The farm-to-table restaurant features a vibrant, vegan-friendly menu and our fave plant-based choice is the “Beans and Broth and Green Salad.” Give it a try, you won’t regret it.

Photo by Sarah Schade