World Animal Protection US staff share their all-time favorite plant-based restaurants -- check them out!
As plant-based eating becomes more mainstream, plant-based restaurants are becoming more popular in cities across the country. Their unique menu items and plant-based takes on classic meals are transforming the industry. No matter your dietary lifestyle, plant-based restaurants are bound to have a flavorful dish that appeals to every foodie. World Animal Protection staff share their favorite places to grab a delicious plant-based bite below.
1. HipCityVeg
Philadelphia, PA; Washington, DC
With locations in Philadelphia and Washington DC, HipCityVeg is the ultimate stop for a plant-based chicken sandwich. HipCityVeg is a fan favorite among DC-area staff: our Campaign Assistant McKenzie and Farming Campaign Manager Liz both love the Crispy HipCity Ranch sandwich, sweet potato fries, and chocolate milkshakes.
2. Beyond Sushi
New York City, NY
Beyond Sushi is a plant-based and kosher sushi chain in New York City. Our Director of Marketing and Communications, Lisa, loves the Spicy Mang roll with black rice, avocado, mango, cucumber, veggie slaw, and toasted cayenne sauce. Yum!
3. The Chicago Diner
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Diner is a one-stop shop for delicious plant-based comfort foods like burgers and shakes. You can’t go wrong with a classic like the Radical Reuban, and make sure you save room for dessert--specifically the milkshakes. According to Amy, our Private Sector Engagement Manager, the blueberry pancakes are the best she’s ever tasted!
4. PLNT Burger
Washington, DC; Philadelphia, PA; New York City, NY
PLNT Burger boasts locations in the Greater DC Area, Philadelphia, and New York City. Our Wildlife Campaign Manager, Liz, loves the DBL PLNT Burger, a side of Bloomie petals, and a delicious oatasty chocolate shake.
5. Spicy Moon
New York City, NY
Spicy Moon, found in NYC’s East Village, is home to some of the best plant-based Szechuan. Our Farming Campaign Manager, Maha, can’t get enough of the Dan Dan Noodles, Mapo Tofu, and fried rice. Life hack: order two of each to have leftovers that will last all week!
6. Plum Bistro
Seattle, WA
Owned by BIPOC Chef Makini Howell, Plum Bistro is hailed as one of the top restaurants in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Our Chief Philanthropy Officer, Kimber, loves the most amazing and famous mac-n-cheese!
7. Pura Vita
Los Angeles, CA
Located in Los Angeles, Pura Vita is an Italian restaurant that impresses vegans, gluten-free, and meat-eaters alike. Liz, our Director of Development, says, “the lasagnas are a must-try, and the house-made vegan cheese is unlike any other recipe you can find. Don’t skip out on this place!”
8. Rosetta’s Kitchen
Asheville, NC
Found in Asheville, Rosetta’s Kitchen is home to some of North Carolina’s best plant-based soul food. Hannah, our Social Media Manager, wants you to know that Rosetta’s buffalo bites are to die for! Rosetta’s Kitchen also offers a sliding-scale beans and rice plate that helps feed lower-income visitors.
9. Herbivorous Butcher
Minneapolis, MN
Herbivorous Butcher is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but their products can be found in retailers nationwide. They specialize in plant-based meats, cheeses, and other deli items. Our Executive Director, Lindsay, loves the plant-based Sriracha Brat!
While plant-based restaurants are taking the industry by storm, it is important to leverage the rising demand for plant-based foods by asking fast food chains to add plant-based options to their menus. When popular restaurant chains add plant-based items to their menus, they ensure accessibility to delicious plant-based foods everywhere we go! We believe that making it easier to eat plant-based foods can help lessen the demand for animal products, eventually reducing the numbers of animals suffering on factory farms and the catastrophic toll factory farming takes on the environment. You can help by asking KFC to permanently offer their Beyond Fried Chicken.