Best Vegetarian Restaurants Austin: 21 Spots to Eat Your Veggies

Austin is a city renowned for its barbecue and meaty Tex-Mex favorites, but that doesn’t mean veggie-eating is out of the question. As it turns out, there are plenty of gotta-try vegetarian restaurants throughout the capital city of Texas.

From mouth-watering, meat-free barbecue (yes, it exists) to tasty plant-based twists on tacos, comfort food and more, bookmark this page because it’s time to get the lowdown on 21 of the best vegetarian restaurants, Austin style.

The 14 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Austin You Need to Check Out Now

You won’t find a speck of meat at these eateries – that’s why they land on our list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Austin. In fact, many of them are full-fledged vegan restaurants with zero animal products in the kitchen, including dairy and eggs. Here are Austin’s best meatless bets for your plant-based buck.

Mother’s Cafe

4215 Duval St., Austin, TX 78751

This spacious and casual spot has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, including soups, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and weekend brunch. Another reason to love Mother’s Cafe? There’s an entire menu section devoted to enchiladas as well as one for specific allergies — gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, oil-free, garlic- and onion-free, even mushroom-free and potato-free. If you can’t find something here, it might not exist.

The Beer Plant

3110 Windsor Rd., Austin, TX 78703

Austin’s first plant-based gastropub, The Beer Plant is one of those rustically charming spots that’ll work just as well for a night out with your squad as it will for weekend brunch with the parental units. Start off with a craft beer, wine, or cocktail before munching on favorites that range from buffalo cauliflower wings and chicken-fried seitan to a pretzel bun sammie stuffed with battered king oyster mushrooms and an Indian-inspired eggplant tikka masala.

Bistro Vonish

701 E. 53rd St., Austin, TX 78751

With a tagline of “elevated vegan cuisine,” Bistro Vonish might sound a little fancy pants, but this laid-back food trailer is anything but. Not to say the seasonally driven menu isn’t stepped up. Sweet potato arepas, fried oyster mushrooms, and black garlic bruschetta are just some of the weekday vittles you might find alongside sweet treats such as kolaches, chocolate pie, and cheesecake.

Arlo‘s Curbside

Multiple locations

With three spots across Austin — The Grackle, Cheer Up Charlie’s, and Spider House — Arlo‘s Curbside food truck is designed for night owls on the prowl for plant-based sustenance. Expect a short but well-curated menu of meatless comfort food, including several different burgers (BBQ, Frito pie, or Bac’N Cheezeburger, anyone?), mac ‘n’ cheese, tater tots, and, of course, a vegan taco or two.

Mr. Natural

Multiple locations

From grandma’s refried beans to the bread on the sandwiches, Mr. Natural promises that everything you get at this veggie-centric spot is homemade. The menu is pretty big at this longtime favorite, so you can get your fill on Tex-Mex staples (macho nachos, chalupas, migas burritos), soups, sammies, and so much more. Grab a bite at the South Austin location on South Lamar Boulevard or East Austin spot on Cesar Chavez Street.

Counter Culture

2337 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78702

For animal lovers, the only thing better than a 100% plant-based eatery is one with a dog-friendly patio. Counter Culture has you covered on both counts. The menu is very seitan-centric, so if you can’t do the wheat gluten thing, try the garbanzo “tuna” salad with cashew cheeze, beet mushroom walnut burger, BLTA salad, or lentil loaf.

BBQ Revolution

Online orders only

Plant-based ‘cue? Are you cray? No, siree. Proving that barbecue doesn’t require meat, BBQ Revolution offers by-the-pound proteins (think smokey curls and tempeh ribs) as well as classic sides such as potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and mac ‘n’ cheese. Until they find a new Austin location, BBQ Revolution is only accepting catering orders over $150. Check their social media accounts for the most current info.

The Vegan Yacht

5212 Manchaca Rd., Austin, TX 78745

All aboard! The Vegan Yacht will transport your taste buds to the Tex-Mex-inspired shores of meatless burrito land. From the popular Burrito Supreemo to the trailer-smoked tempeh Buffalo Burrito and beyond, this lunch spot is all about everyone’s favorite Mexican wrap. Bonus: Many options are gluten-free, so no need to worry about getting left behind with wheat meat.

The Vegan Nom

2324 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78702

This vegan food truck whips up all manner of taco — tofu scramble (paired with tempeh bacon or potatoes), migas, Korean BBQ “chicken,” breaded lemon-pepper “fish,” and grilled avocado, just to name a few. It’s no wonder Vegan Nom has become de rigueur when those vegan taco cravings strike.

Bouldin Creek Cafe

1900 S. 1st St. Austin, TX 78704

Follow the yellow brick wall to Bouldin Creek Cafe, a local fave for vegetarian food. Along with the giant menu of sandwiches, “Big Azz” salads, omelets, and other breakfast plates, this lively spot offers weekly lunch specials and gluten-free options. Most dishes can be veganized, so if you’re 100% plant-based, don’t let the eggs and cheese scare you.

Casa de Luz

1701 Toomey Rd., Austin, TX 78704

Literally translated as “house of light” in Spanish, Casa de Luz makes good on its enlightened moniker with a vegan menu of organic, gluten-free, and oil-free delights. There’s a little something different every day, so you might have curry red lentils and zucchini boats for Monday dinner, and blanched kale and collard greens for Friday lunch.

Citizen Eatery

5011 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78756

With all-day breakfast, weekly happy hour specials (Monday through Friday, 3-7 p.m.), and an ethnic mish-mash of entrees (hello, tikka masala and chik’n nachos), Citizen Eatery is a bright and welcoming space for vegan, gluten-free, and paleo folks looking for a hot meal and cold drink.

Conscious Cravings

Multiple locations

With an outpost in South Austin and another in Mueller, Conscious Cravings is a local vegan fave for non-fried, nut-free wraps stuffed with everything from spicy chickpeas to pan-seared tofu or portabella mushrooms. Wraps can also be ordered as salads.

7 Restaurants With a Good Amount of Vegetarian and Vegan Options

These tasty spots around Austin aren’t strictly vegetarian restaurants, but they are veggie-friendly. Here’s a quick hit list on where carnivores and herbivores can converge.

Sway

Multiple locations

Thai food is usually a safe bet when it comes to vegan-friendly and vegetarian food, and Sway is no exception. With a laid-back vibe and pretty space, you’ll feel comfortable with the menu of clearly marked plant-based options. Sure, there’s more than enough chicken and pork to make a vegan’s stomach turn, but classics like green papaya salad, veggie spring rolls, tofu curry with eggplant, and pad thai will keep your meat-free belly full.

Kerbey Lane Cafe

Multiple locations

With eight locations and counting, Kerbey Lane Cafe started out as a house-turned-cafe on its eponymous street back in 1980. Since then, this family-owned favorite has become a local empire of eateries serving American comfort food. Fortunately, the menu includes meatless (and veganizable) options ranging from veggie chili and salads to breakfast classics such as pancakes and scrambles.

Clay Pit

1601 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78701

Located inside a historic brick building in downtown Austin, Clay Pit is an Indian restaurant that feels special enough for a celebration but easygoing enough for after-work dinner. Vegan items (and other dietary allergens) are clearly marked on the menu, making it easy to order. Don’t miss plant-based classics like the channa masala, aloo ghobi, yellow dal tarka, and bhindi masala.

Jinya Ramen

3210 Esperanza Crossing #130, Austin, TX 78758

Other than tacos, ramen seems to be the one food that vegetarians and meat-eaters can’t get enough of. Thankfully, Jinya Ramen understands this. That’s why you and your pork-loving friends can slurp noodles side-by-side without missing a beat. Take your pick between the Flying Vegan Harvest and Spicy Creamy Vegan, a wonderfully creamy and spicy broth loaded with thick rice noodles, tofu, spinach, and garlic topped with crispy onions and sesame seeds.

True Food Kitchen

222 West Ave., Ste. HR100, Austin, TX 78701

With a lively vibe and spacious digs, True Food Kitchen is part of a national chain founded by Dr. Weil. The seasonal menu is centered around his anti-inflammatory diet and is ideal for groups with different dietary needs. From salads and yummy pizzas to warm bowls, sandwiches, and entrees, many dishes can be modified. Try the spaghetti squash casserole with non-dairy almond ricotta and wash it down with a “refresher” like the Hangover Rx or Medicine Man.

Flower Child

500 W. 2nd St., #133, Austin, TX 78701

Not unlike True Food, Flower Child is a bright and airy health-focused national eatery with a local feel. While there are plenty of meat and seafood protein options for the bowls, grains, greens, and wraps, there are also vegetarian and vegan dishes. A few can’t-misses: Avocado hummus, Mother Earth bowl, and spicy Japanese eggplant with sugar snap peas and cashews.

Spider House Cafe and Ballroom

2906 Fruth St., Austin, TX 78705

With its old-timey saloon feel, numerous brews on tap, and 5 food trucks on the lot, it’s no wonder Spider House continues to weave its alluring web around Austinites looking for a good time. While you could just have a drink and a bag of chips, to truly get your grub on you’ll want to head out to the plant-based trucks for some Mexican classics, dairy-free milkshakes, and vegan fusion cuisine.

The Best Vegetarian Restaurants Austin Has to Offer

Whether you’re a total plant-based foodie or a flexitarian looking for Meatless Monday options, it’s clear that Austin, Texas, is a city with plenty of good eating. From delicious comfort food and Tex-Mex staples to must-have Asian dishes and high-quality, healthy fare, ATX won’t let you down with a meal from the best vegetarian restaurants in Austin. Where are your favorite spots for the best vegan food and vegetarian dishes? Let us know!