Austin, Texas, is known for great weather, great music, and great food. And believe it or not, it’s a hub for plant-based comfort foods, too! There are several vegan restaurants in Austin, so you’ll have no problem finding your new favorite planet-friendly eatery.
Swapping meat and dairy for plant-based options is a simple way to decrease your carbon footprint. And the best part is that you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy vegan meals! Even if you’re just swapping one meal a week for a plant-based option, you’ll be making a difference that betters the planet.
Plant-based options used to be scarce on mainstream menus. But times are changing, and today, vegan options are readily available at most fast-food chains and restaurants. Whether you’re in Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, or Austin, you can consider your plant-based cravings covered.
Check out these 10 must-try vegan restaurants in Austin the next time you visit the beloved Texas city.
10 Vegan Restaurants in Austin
1. The Vegan Nom
Location:
2324 E Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78702
To kick off our roundup, let’s start with the self-proclaimed best vegan tacos in Austin! Treat yourself to vegan nachos, burritos, queso, and more at The Vegan Nom.
This restaurant’s plant queso isn’t just dairy-free — it’s soy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free, too. And you can even buy the plant queso mix to make at home!
2. Rebel Cheese
Location:
2200 Aldrich Street, Suite 120, Austin, TX 78723
Rebel Cheese was founded by two people who have a passion for plant-based eating and a passion for bettering the planet. And in just a year, this restaurant saved over a million gallons of water, over 41,000 eggs, and nearly 16,000 pounds of dairy cheese. Plus, the menu is housemade and locally sourced!
3. Counter Culture
Location:
2337 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78702
This restaurant is Austin’s # 1 location for vegan comfort food, from nachos to crab cake benedict and beyond. And the restaurant has a mission: to offer plant-based foods at reasonable prices, making vegan eating more accessible.
Plus, this restaurant prioritizes the planet in several other ways. Counter Culture composts or recycles over 97% of its waste and all to-go containers are compostable.
4. ARLO’S
Locations:
900 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78702
2908 Fruth Street, Austin, TX 78705
Another great spot for vegan comfort food is ARLO’S. Serving plant-based foods bistro-style, you can find BBQ burgers, chipotle “chicken” burgers, and chips and salsa on this menu. ARLO’S has two food truck locations and includes outdoor patio tables to enjoy the Texas sun while you dine.
5. The Vegan Yacht
Location:
2000 Southern Oaks Drive, South Austin, TX 78745
Despite this restaurant’s name, it’s not located on a yacht. However, it is home to the best vegan burrito, according to the Austin Chronicle!
This business is family-owned and has been around for 20 years and counting. The menu consists of vegan, organic, and non-GMO foods, from chili bowls to smokehouse burritos.
6. Citizen Eatery
Location:
5011 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78756
This restaurant offers a 100% plant-based dining experience — including an all-day breakfast. The menu includes tofu scramble, a flame-grilled tofu sandwich, pecan pesto noodles, and more. You’re bound to find your next food obsession.
7. House of Light
Location:
1701 Toomey Road, Austin, TX 78704
Casa de Luz isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a wellness center that offers classes, workshops, and other events. But the restaurant part is what we’re focused on. Each day of the week comes with its own menu, and every option is plant-based, gluten-free, and organic.
8. Plow Bao
Location:
1505 Town Creek Drive, Austin, TX 78741
This food truck offers authentic vegan Chinese cuisine. The menu is inspired by family recipes — but it has a plant-based twist, of course. From plant-based beef chow fun to pan-fried pork dumplings, this food truck will satisfy all your cravings.
9. Zucchini Kill Bakery
Location:
701 E 53rd Street, Suite C, Austin, TX 78751
Zucchini Kill is a little different from the other options on this list: It’s a bakery. The women-owned bakery is inspired by 90s punk rock, and the menu is vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free. Plus, all packaging is 100% compostable. What’s not to love?
10. The Nonna’s
Location:
440 E St. Elmo Road A1, Austin, TX 78745
Last but not least, Li’l Nonna’s is Austin’s hotspot for vegan Italian eats. The sauce is housemade and the cheese is all-vegan — and of course, it’s ooey-gooey goodness! If you’re a fan of NY-style pizza, you’ll want to give it a try.
Hey there! Want to help us change the world every day through easy, achievable, eco-friendly tips and tricks? Sign up for the Brightly Spot and join our movement of over a million changemakers.