Check out these vegan-friendly cities for your next Midwest road trip!
Ope! Let us sneak some vegan options right by ya. From Chicago-style veggie dogs and BLTs to jambalaya and Kansas City BBQ, delicious vegan-friendly fare can easily be found throughout middle America. Whether you’re a Midwest local or just passing through, you won’t want to miss out on these inclusive destinations. For more from America’s heartland, check out our list of the top Midwest vegan cities.
Milwaukee, WI
Known for its waterfront views and drinkable brews, Milwaukee, WI is also home to a thriving vegan scene. From bar food at Dead Bird Brewing Co. to shareable plates at Strange Town to plant-based American takeout at Nice Times, this city has serious vegan game! Not to mention the several vegetarian and vegan-friendly joints lining the streets—it’s no surprise that Milwaukee is one of the top vegan Midwest cities.
Chicago, IL
The Windy City is blowing us away with its vegan and vegan-friendly restaurant options. Not sure where to start? Check out the “Chicago Style” Updogs from Upton’s Breakroom and Fried Avocado Tacos from Kale My Name, along with Spicy Kimchi Bi Bim Bop and vegan sushi from Amitabul. Oh, and don’t forget to check out The Chicago Diner, a Chi-Town vegetarian restaurant that features loaded handhelds and knife-and-fork fare alike.
Indianapolis, IN
There are many vegan eats to be had in this picturesque Midwestern city. Whether you’re an Indy local or just driving through, enjoying a BLT with Chili Cheese Fries at 10th Street Diner is a must! Other Indianapolis, IN must-trys include the Buffalo Mac from Three Carrots and the Pineapple Express meal from Cul De Sac Kitchen. As one of the top vegan Midwest cities, Indy also has many vegan-friendly restaurants with separate vegan menus and inclusive offerings.
Omaha, NE
ICYMI: Vegan food is easy to find in America’s heartland, and Omaha, NE is no exception. For swanky vegan comfort food, check out Modern Love—the Biscuits & Gravy, Nachos Molo, and Seitan Buffalo Wings are where it’s at. Plant-based locals will also encourage vegan pastries and oat milk lattes from Amateur Coffee, loaded handhelds from Naughty Buddha Burger Bar, and Latin fare from Little Ve’s.
Columbus, OH
Looking for delicious vegan food in Columbus, OH? We’ve got you! Check out 4th & State Diner, and snag a Chorizo Omelet or Tofurky Club. Have a few days to spare in the Buckeye State? Check out Lifestyle Cafe and score the Chicken N Waffles, pop into Seitan’s Realm to order a Cheezestake with a side of Pepperoni Rolls, and don’t miss out on Nile Vegan, a Black-owned Ethiopian restaurant featuring dishes like Alicha Kik (curried split peas).
Madison, WI
Spending time in Wisconsin’s capital city? Start your day at Mother Fools Coffeehouse with a cold brew and a vegan pastry—we see you, Coconut Bliss Bars. Next up is Green Owl Cafe, a vegetarian eatery featuring plant-based comfort food like the Madison Philly loaded with seitan, peppers, and cashew cheese. Located just west of Milwaukee, the beer scene is strong in Madison, WI, and the city features many vegan-friendly pubs and breweries.
Detroit, MI
Did you know that the Motor City is home to some stellar vegan restaurants? It’s about time you added Detroit, MI to your plant-based bucket list. For a meat-free coney dog, head to Chili Mustard Onions, Detroit’s original vegan Coney Island. Along with cruelty-free start-ups, plant-based pop-ups, and vegan-friendly eateries like Seva, Motown also features two of our favorite Black-owned vegan restaurants, Detroit Vegan Soul and Trap Vegan, where you can find plant-based po’ boys and loaded burgers, respectively.
Kansas City, MO
Craving a juicy plant-based burger? Pirate’s Bone Burgers will crush your cravings with their house-made patties and seasoned Impossible Burgers alike. To indulge in another American classic, check out the vegan hot dogs at Dead Beet Eats—it’s the Freak on a Leash hotdog for us! Kansas City, MO is often referred to as the BBQ capital. While there are no fully vegan BBQ joints in the city, many barbeque restaurants offer smoked jackfruit platters and BBQ sandwiches.
Minneapolis, MN
When in Minneapolis, MN, don’t walk, run to The Herbivorous Butcher, an all-vegan butchery featuring cold-cut sandwiches and house-made meats. In the mood for a brew and a bite? Reverie Cafe + Bar is where it’s at! The Bulgogi Cauliflower and Mac + Cheese are local faves. Lastly, be sure to pop into Vegan East for a plant-based sloppy Joe and a variety of pastries, including pop-tarts and carrot cake slices. This Midwest city has many more plant-based restaurants to enjoy.
St. Louis, MO
Meet us in St Louis, MO for all the vegan eats! Find new favorites like the Mushroom Risotto from Seedz Cafe, Birria Tacos from Terror Tacos, jambalaya and cornbread from Tree House, and Vegan Meat Lovers ‘za from Pizza Head. You won’t want to miss out on brunch at SweetArt, a Black-owned vegan bakeshop featuring treats, cafe drinks, and entrees like Chikn’ n’ Waffles. Known as the gateway to the West, this American city is one of the top vegan Midwest cities.
