Gone are the days when vegetarian and vegan dining meant a sad side salad. In recent years, awareness around health and the environment has made plant-based eating more popular than ever. Local chefs have taken note, with menus now offering everything from saucy seitan wings and tempeh bacon burgers to crispy tofu bao buns, vegetable tempura sushi, and more. Traditionally plant-forward cuisines like those of India and Ethiopia add vibrant flavor to the mix.
Whether you’re strictly vegan or simply curious about the hype, there’s no shortage of options around town. Here are 20 of the best vegetarian restaurants in Denver.
Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants
Somebody People
Chic and sophisticated, this South Broadway gem is one of the city’s more refined vegan restaurants. Take a date to its new monthly wine series featuring small plates paired with sommelier selections from Australia and across Europe. For a more substantial meal, book its Sunday Supper ($42) or order several dishes from the à la carte menu, such as Tamari-Roasted Cabbage ($18) and Spring Gnocchi ($23) with sautéed greens. Local, seasonal vegetables take center stage at Somebody People. 1165 S. Broadway, Denver, somebodypeople.com
Gladys
After occupying a modest stall for four years, Gladys just recently expanded into a dedicated dining space spanning more than 2,500 square feet. Still within Edgewater Public Market, the vegan eatery has built a reputation for its whole foods focus. Many dishes rotate seasonally but some signatures are always on offer, like its Reuben ($16) featuring celery root, pickled kraut, and horse radish crème fraîche on toasted marble rye. Stay tuned for the release of its debut chef’s counter menu. 5505 W. 20th Ave., Edgewater, gladysrestaurant.com
Fellow Traveler
Flavors span the globe at Fellow Traveler, a vegan restaurant with a stellar selection of craft mocktails and cocktails. Pairing opportunities here are vast. Order a vodka-based beverage featuring guava and citrus alongside a tofu Bánh Mì ($16) or perhaps a spicy margarita with a Deep South Broadway Burrito ($17) smothered in spicy green chile. Weekend brunch options add to the menu, as do happy hour deals on weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m. 3487 S. Broadway, Englewood, ftbar.com
Next Level Veggie Grill
Since acquiring Veggie Grill last year, Next Level Burger claimed fame as the continent’s largest vegan restaurant chain. All 25 eco-conscious eateries serve craveable smash patties and black bean burgers stacked with toppings like tempeh bacon, scratch-made sauces, and organic vegetables. This month, the University neighborhood outpost will become the first to transition to Next Level Veggie Grill. Expect a fresh, expanded menu featuring grain bowls, plated entrées, superfood smoothies, and more. 1605 E. Evans Ave., Denver, nextlevelburger.com
Watercourse Foods
Founded in 1998 as a vegetarian restaurant, Watercourse Foods switched to an entirely plant-based menu more than a decade ago, making it the first vegan eatery in Denver. This Uptown trendsetter won fans with its approachable, from-scratch fare. Many items are made in-house, like the seitan on its popular Cuban sandwich ($18.50) and the tofu in its ginger-miso glazed Macro Bowl ($19). The weekend brunch menu also offers a mouthwatering selection that’s best enjoyed on its shaded patio. 837 E. 17th Ave., Denver, watercoursefoods.com
City O’ City
A vegetarian sister concept to Watercourse Foods, this women and queer-run restaurant has long operated in Capitol Hill. Pieces from local artists rotate monthly, adding to the bohemian vibe of the space. Stop in for comforting classics like its Poutine ($11) made with cashew ricotta and BBQ Bowl ($17) of slathered seitan atop vegan mac and cheese. This mainstay also serves a delish breakfast menu daily. The Chicken and Waffles ($16) featuring fried cauliflower and bourbon maple syrup are not to be missed. 206 E. 13th Ave., Denver, cityocitydenver.com
The Corner Beet
This vegetarian restaurant in Cap Hill checks every feel-good box. Take a seat on its sidewalk patio or within its cozy, wood-paneled dining room. Set next to large windows, the numerous potted plants are as fresh as The Corner Beet’s seasonal menu. For breakfast, order its Savory Forest ciabatta toast ($16) stacked with a fried egg, mashed avocado, and sautéed mushrooms alongside an Organic Cold-Pressed Juice ($7). Afternoon options like its Thai Peanut Salad ($19) are just as healthy, yet wonderfully satisfying. 1401 N. Ogden St., Denver, cornerbeet.com
Mora Pizza
While many vegan restaurants cater to the health-conscious, this Capitol Hill pizzeria is all about delightful indulgence. Before a show at the Fillmore or between bar hopping down East Colfax, head here for New York-style slices like you’ve never seen. Though some lean more traditional, others are unapologetically excessive with toppings inspired by baked ziti, teriyaki “chicken,” and even cheeseburgers with extra pickles. Mora just might be the city’s best spot for a late-night vegan bite. 614 E. 13th Ave., Denver, instagram.com/mora_pizza
Mother Other
For five years, The Easy Vegan has operated as a food truck and catering business. But its owners have long dreamed of a brick-and-mortar branded as Mother Other. Earlier this year, they began trialing the concept as a supper club. Seating took place within its humble industrial kitchen, but the prix fixe menus were deserving of a bigger stage. Per a recent announcement, a stand-alone restaurant is coming soon to the Baker neighborhood. Expect vegetable-forward dishes like parsnip bisque, kabocha ravioli, and spring pea pierogi. 675 S. Broadway, Denver, instagram.com/motherotherdenver
Wellness Sushi
Set along East Colfax, this vegan Japanese eatery offers far more than sparse cucumber and avocado rolls. Rather, Wellness Sushi seasons jackfruit, tofu, and tempura vegetables to meet customers’ seafood cravings. Order a Krunchy Krab roll ($11) alongside Okinawa Onigiri ($8.25) made with vegan spam or slurp on a big bowl of ramen featuring flavorful broth that’s simmered in-house for eight hours. This casual, counter-serve restaurant is one worth adding to your lunch rotation. 2504 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, wellnesssushi.com
V Revolution
The vegan menu at V Revolution takes inspiration from a range of Asian flavors. Dig your chopsticks into a Spicy Korean Bowl ($13), tofu-topped Drunken Noodles ($15), or a tangy plate of Pad Thai ($15). Served as a trio, bao buns come crowned with shiitake and oyster mushrooms, sticky orange chickin’, and even plant-based pork belly with kimchi and pickled veg. Come as you are to this counter-serve Englewood eatery or order takeout for a tasty, no-fuss meal at home. 3570 S. Logan St., Englewood, vrevolutionusa.com
Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants
Konjo Ethiopian Food
Some culinary traditions, like those in Ethiopia, are rooted in plant-based ingredients. No substitutions are required at Konjo, one of the new eateries within Denver Milk Market. It also has a stall inside Edgewater Public Market on the west side of town. If you’re unfamiliar with Ethiopian cuisine or simply want a tour of the menu, order its Vegan Plate ($14). This tasty meal comes with two rolls of injera, a spongy flatbread used to scoop up your choice of three veggies, such as curried cabbage and spiced red lentils. Multiple locations, konjoethiopianfood.com
MAKfam
Plant-based diners will find plenty to love at MAKfam, a hip Chinese restaurant in the Baker neighborhood. Step up to its counter to order small bites to share, like its Scallion Pancake ($7.50), garlicky Stir-Fried Greens ($11.50), and Málà Tofu Bars ($12) made with mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorns. If you’re a fan of some heat, the Sizzling Spicy Noodles ($16.50) from chef Kenneth Wan are also a must. Cool down with one of several inventive cocktails served in colorful ceramic cups. 39 W. 1st Ave., Denver, makfam.co
Anise
This casual eatery in Capitol Hill serves comforting Vietnamese fare around the clock. Cozy up with a bowl of savory Rice Porridge ($10) during weekend brunch or a steaming order of Vegan Pho ($15.50) on a chilly afternoon. Available only during lunch, the Tofu Bánh Mì ($11.50) is another fan favorite featuring a house-baked baguette and all the classic accoutrements: pickled carrots and daikons, cilantro, jalapeños, and cucumbers. Make it a meal with an Anise Milk Tea ($5.95) complete with chewy tapioca pearls. 865 Lincoln St., Denver, anisedenver.com
Fire on the Mountain
Unlike most chicken joints, Fire on the Mountain well accommodates vegan diners with crispy seitan wings smothered in spicy peanut sauce, classic buffalo, raspberry habanero, and other housemade selections. Order a basket of six strips ($11) or a box of 36 pieces ($55.89) to share at your next barbecue or tailgate party. Fried pickles, onion rings, and more munchies are also served from its Highland and Washington Park outposts. Multiple locations, fotmdenver.com
Sputnik
From weekend brunch to late-night bites, Sputnik serves some of the best vegan fare on South Broadway. Bounce back with its indulgent McLovin breakfast sandwich ($14) made with Impossible sausage or the green chile-smothered Hangover Scramble ($12) featuring your choice of eggs or tofu. If you’re popping into this dive in the wee hours, the Vegan Corn Dog ($6) and jackfruit Cubano sandwich ($17) are sure to hit the spot. Cold beer and cocktails round out the menu. 3 S. Broadway, Denver, sputnikdenver.com
Vital Root
Though no longer a vegetarian restaurant, Vital Root continues to serve a nutritious, vegetable-forward menu. Many dishes are influenced by international flavors, like its Bánh Mì Tacos ($14) featuring lemongrass tofu, Falafel Wrap ($16) on house-baked naan, and Korean BBQ Veggie Wings ($13) served with cashew ranch. Even better, this Berkeley mainstay is one of several local restaurants where kids eat free. An outdoor play area next to its patio further makes this a winner among families. 3915 Tennyson St., Denver, ediblebeats.com
Linger
A sister concept to Vital Root, this rooftop restaurant in LoHi caters to vegetarians with a range of globally-inspired small plates. Order Steamed Bao Buns ($7.50) topped with crispy tofu and tangy toppings like kimchi and koji-pickled cucumbers. Other street food favorites include its Crispy Filipino Spring Rolls ($14) made with plant-based “beef,” King Trumpet Mushroom skewers ($14.50), and Bombay Nachos ($16) featuring taro chips and coriander chutney. Brunch options at Linger are just as impressive. 2030 W. 30th Ave., Denver, ediblebeats.com
Spice Room
Gather a group for a meal at Spice Room, where creamy curries and crispy snacks are best when shared. Many Indian dishes are traditionally plant-based, so the menu offers plenty of options. If you need a starting point, consider the popular choices: Sweet Potato Masala ($17), Aloo Gobi ($16), and Malai Kofta ($17) featuring fried potatoes and paneer cheese. Sop up all the delicious sauces with housemade naan and scoops of basmati rice. Outposts appear in Congress Park, West Highland, and Arvada. Multiple locations, denverspiceroom.com
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Set near Union Station, this national chain could be easy to miss with downtown’s wide variety of restaurants. But take note, as Blue Sushi dedicates an entire section of its Japanese-inspired menu to vegan dishes. Savor maki rolls like its Spicy Kaluna Crunch ($12.50) made with plant-based tuna, the Eden Roll ($11) featuring sweet potato tempura and grilled asparagus, and the Unami Express ($13) which substitutes eel for barbecued eggplant. Non-sushi options like Tofu Lettuce Wraps ($16) are also available. 1616 16th St., Denver, bluesushisakegrill.com
