Are you looking to venture into the realm of veganism? Well lucky for you Denver has become a hub for vegan and vegetarian-based restaurants. It’s still important to scout out these restaurants a bit since they’re fairly scattered across the city, but once you’ve tried a vegan/vegetarian-based restaurant, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried one before. Listed below are five popular vegan/vegetarian restaurants that most Denverites have heard of and are on their list of go-to restaurants for a healthy, and locally sourced meal.
City, O’ City
This definite local favorite is a must-try in Denver. Located on E. 13th Ave in Capitol Hill, nearly next door to the Denver Capitol Building and Denver Public Library, this trendy and vibrant neighborhood brings along all kinds of crowds to indulge in the many layers of delicious plates of food at City, O’ City. With menu items like Pumpkin Curry Pasta, Cauliflower Chorizo Tacos, and Seitan Wings, and open doors from 7 am to 2am, it’s a happy place for all to come and share in the joy of delightful food with an eclectic ambience. One thing to note is that reservations are only available on weekdays for parties of five or more. Other than that, it’s a first come first serve nature, and you’ll want to get their at an appropriate time to get seated quickly.
True Food Kitchen
A true restaurant based on the philosophy that food should make you feel better, not worse is True Food, located in Cherry Creek North only blocks away from Cherry Creek Mall. Dr. Andrew Weil is a renowned physician, doctor of integrative medicine, and the founder of True Food Kitchen. The menu is based on the science of encouraging changes in eating habits to avoid and counteract chronic inflammation, and they do so based on the anti-inflammatory pyramid. With each season brings a new menu that highlights that particular season’s benefit-rich ingredients. Some of the most popular items on their menu include, but are not limited to: Spaghetti Squash Casserole, Unbeetable Burger, and the Kale Guacamole (a personal favorite).
Watercourse Foods
As one of Denver’s original vegetarian restaurants, Watercourse Foods opened in 1998 in Capitol Hill on 13th Avenue. This scratch kitchen focuses on utilizing local vendors, cultivates an environment of inclusivity, and prides themselves on keeping their menu free of artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, and hydrogenated fats. The name “Watercourse” comes from the philosophy of the “water course way”, essentially meaning to take the path of least harm. Not only is their environment friendly, warm, and inviting, but their food speaks for itself with lovely menu items such as: Wings, Za’atar Eggplant, and White Cheddar Mac.
Vital Root
“99% vegan by request and 100% gluten free”, Vital Root is on top for being a fantastic destination to fascinate yourself with all the possible vegetable inspired plates on their menu. Located on Tennyson in the Old District of the Highlands, Vital Root ambitiously and perfectly curates a vegetarian based menu that not only brings you joy, but keeps your body feeling at peace and nourished. Whether you’re looking to have a sit down meal and try their Cashew “Queso” Dip, Pad Thai, or even their Pumpkin Spiced Pancakes, or maybe you’re only in the mood for a light drink like their Moon Milk, Glacier Water, or Green Ginger Smoothie, you will enjoy what you are served at Vital Root.
Root Down: Edible Beats
Root Down is the spunky and quirky sister restaurant of Vital Root, with a total of five restaurants all together under one umbrella of owners and creatives. With being 100% wind-powered, all animal protein as certified humane, and a 6,000 sf organic garden that supplies 20% of their restaurant's seasonal herbs and vegetables, what other reason would you need to chow down on Root Down’s Edible Beats menu? Although this restaurant is not 100% vegan and vegetarian, the menu is still vegetarian-focused, with supplemental choices of protein menu items. With two locations in Colorado-W. 33rd Ave and DIA, this is among one of the most popular restaurants in the chain, and more upscale. A few menu favorites that are a must-try are Dungeness Crab & Avocado Tacos, Carrot Gnocchi, and Colombian Arepas.
