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Austin, Texas - Plant-Powered Capital

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 11:37 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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The Ultimate Guide to the U.S.’s Most Vegan‑Friendly Cities

Travel + Leisure recently tackled a topic that has become a passport‑granting staple for plant‑based food lovers: where to travel when your diet is all‑vegan or vegetarian. The magazine’s new feature, “The Best City for Vegans & Vegetarians in the U.S.,” draws from a mix of quantitative data, crowd‑sourced recommendations, and on‑the‑ground reporting to hand‑pick ten American metropolises that have earned top marks for plant‑based cuisine, grocery options, and overall accessibility. Below is a detailed rundown of the cities that made the cut, the criteria that guided the selection, and the hidden gems each destination offers for those who steer clear of animal products.

How Travel + Leisure Picked the Cities

The editors behind the article explain that the decision‑making process involved a two‑tiered evaluation. First, they used a “Vegan Food Index” (a proprietary tool that aggregates online reviews, the density of vegan‑friendly restaurants, and the presence of vegetarian menus) to generate a shortlist of potential cities. Second, they sent out questionnaires to a network of over 3,000 vegan travelers and food bloggers, asking about the availability of plant‑based options, the friendliness of local chefs, and the overall quality of the vegan experience. Cities that scored high on both quantitative and qualitative measures were ranked and featured.

The article also includes a sidebar linking to the original Vegan Food Index website, giving readers access to a searchable database of vegan restaurants worldwide. Additionally, several city‑specific links (e.g., a link to Chicago’s “Veggie Chicago” page and a direct line to the official tourism site of Austin) provide context for how local tourism boards promote plant‑based tourism.

1. Austin, Texas – The Plant‑Powered Capital

Austin tops the list with a vibrant “farm‑to‑table” movement that has embraced veganism as a cultural staple. The city’s culinary scene boasts 50+ vegan restaurants, from the cult‑favorite Bouldin Creek Café to the high‑end Veggie Grill chain. Travel + Leisure highlights that Austin’s community events—such as the annual Veggie Fest—give vegans a chance to sample street‑style food and meet like‑minded locals. Moreover, the city’s abundant farmers’ markets, like the Barton Springs Farmers Market, ensure that fresh produce is always in season. A link to the local food cooperative, Austin Food Coop, underscores how the city is investing in sustainable food infrastructure.

2. Portland, Oregon – The Green Gourmet Hub

Portland’s reputation as the “best food city” is amplified by its plant‑based scene. The article notes that the city hosts the world’s first and only Veggie Food Fair, drawing hundreds of visitors from across the nation. Restaurants such as Pok Pok (which offers a vegan pho) and Le Pigeon (known for creative vegan tasting menus) showcase Portland’s fusion of local ingredients and culinary experimentation. The city also boasts a dedicated vegan bakery, Le Pan. A link to the Portland Food Network provides a curated list of seasonal produce stalls and a calendar of vegan pop‑up events.

3. New York City, New York – The Empire State of Plant‑Based Diversity

Despite its reputation for classic NYC cuisine, the city is surprisingly rich in vegan options. The Travel + Leisure article spotlights The Butcher’s Daughter, a beloved plant‑based cafe, and Dirt Candy, a Michelin‑starred establishment that has won awards for its inventive vegan dishes. NYC’s sprawling farmer’s markets—particularly the Union Square Greenmarket—offer a vast array of fresh produce. The piece links to a local guide that maps vegan-friendly neighborhoods and a database of “vegan days” events happening across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.

4. Los Angeles, California – The Entertainment Capital of Plant Cuisine

L.A.’s celebrity‑driven food culture has spurred a boom in vegan dining. Travel + Leisure singles out the Spiral vegan restaurant, noted for its “Hollywood‑style” aesthetic, and the Saffron & Sage Indian‑fusion spot that offers fully plant‑based curries. The city’s Santa Monica Farmers Market and the Downtown LA Farmers Market are highlighted for their year‑long produce availability. A link to the Los Angeles Vegan Association introduces readers to a community‑built network that shares resources such as grocery lists and recipe swaps.

5. San Francisco, California – The Bay’s Eco‑Friendly Food Scene

San Francisco’s focus on sustainability translates into a strong vegan scene. The article features The Millennium, a renowned vegan bakery, and Sage & Spice, an Asian‑inspired vegan kitchen that draws heavily from the city’s multicultural roots. The city’s famous Ferry Building Marketplace hosts a number of vegan stalls. The piece also links to the San Francisco Green Market website, which lists weekly produce vendors and vegan-friendly food trucks.

6. Chicago, Illinois – The Windy City’s Vegan Revival

Chicago’s food landscape is undergoing a plant‑based renaissance. Highlighted venues include The Chicago V and Urban Farmer’s Café, both praised for their use of local, organic ingredients. The city’s Eataly Chicago now includes a dedicated vegan section. Travel + Leisure links to Veggie Chicago, an online community that tracks vegan restaurants and organizes monthly meet‑ups.

7. Seattle, Washington – The Emerald City’s Vegan Pulse

Seattle’s emphasis on local sourcing is reflected in its vegan cuisine. The article discusses Plum Bistro, a flagship vegan restaurant, and Chopsticks, an Asian‑fusion joint offering plant‑based dumplings. The city’s Pike Place Market remains a top spot for fresh produce and artisanal vegan goods. A link to the Seattle Food Co‑op provides information on weekly vegan workshops and cooking classes.

8. Denver, Colorado – The Mile‑High Vegan Oasis

Denver’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains means an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce. The article praises Denver Green Vegetarian and Mile High Café, both known for creative vegan meals that incorporate local corn and quinoa. The city’s Union Station Farmers Market is highlighted as a year‑long resource for vegans. A link to Denver Food + Culture Guide offers a deeper dive into the city’s vegan-friendly events and pop‑up markets.

9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The City of Brotherly Love (and Vegans)

Philadelphia’s culinary heritage extends to vegan fare. The feature notes El Camino for its authentic Mexican vegan tacos and The Good Kitchen for its wholesome, plant‑based menu. The city’s Philadelphia Farmers Market and Wanderers Market are highlighted as places to find seasonal produce and vegan specialty items. A link to the Philadelphia Vegan Food Network helps newcomers locate local vegan eateries.

10. Washington, D.C. – The Capital’s Growing Plant‑Based Scene

Washington, D.C. has become a surprising hotspot for plant‑based dining, thanks in part to its strong progressive community. The article singles out The Good Life and The Daily Grind (a vegan coffee chain) as staples. The city’s Eastern Market and the Capitol Hill Farmers Market provide fresh produce year‑round. A link to the DC Vegan Society is provided for those looking to join community potlucks and vegan cooking classes.

What Makes These Cities Stand Out?

Travel + Leisure notes three primary factors that elevate a city’s plant‑based standing:

1. Culinary Diversity – A wide variety of vegan restaurants that span multiple cuisines—from Mexican and Indian to Southern comfort food and haute cuisine.
2. Accessibility – Availability of plant‑based options in mainstream eateries, grocery stores, and farmers’ markets, ensuring that vegan travelers can find familiar staples without searching for specialty stores.
3. Community & Culture – An active local community, whether through food festivals, vegan‑specific tourism pages, or grassroots organizations that encourage veganism as part of a larger conversation about sustainability and health.

Final Thoughts

Travel + Leisure’s feature offers more than a list of city names; it provides a comprehensive look at how American cities are evolving to meet the needs of a growing vegan population. By highlighting a mix of established vegan institutions, innovative pop‑ups, and community‑driven resources, the article serves as a practical guide for both seasoned plant‑based travelers and newcomers curious about the culinary possibilities of America’s major metropolises. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long‑term relocation, the featured cities show that plant‑based dining is no longer an afterthought—it’s a vibrant, integral part of urban life.