Going vegan was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m happier, healthier and my moral conscious is clear, for the most part. The only downside: spending countless hours scouring Yelp reviews helplessly looking for restaurants with plant-based options. And if I do manage to find one, it’s normally a place that doesn’t particularly excite my non-vegan friends. To make life easier, I put together a list of places that both you and your non-vegan friends will love.
Burrito Boarder
Swap in your Chipotle or Moe’s orders for this quirky, local place where you can enjoy a Veg Out burrito topped with all your favorites. The best part: they have a supply of classic gaming consoles for you and your friends to play.
Canopy Road Cafe
Up your brunch game with the Vegan Skillet at Canopy Road Cafe. While there are a couple of different locations, my friends and I always opt for the Southwood one. The line is normally pretty short and the surrounding upscale urban neighborhood helps us escape and pretend we have our lives together.
Lofty Pursuits
Did someone say vegan ice cream?! While Oreos often satisfy my sweet cravings, there’s nothing like Lofty Pursuits old ice-cream parlor vibe. With the unique instruments that line the walls and classic board games, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported out of Tallahassee.
Gaines Street Pies
It’s 12 a.m. when thoughts of cheesy goodness drift into your mind. Your grumbling stomach echoes and your mind lingers on your roommate’s frozen pizza that’s sitting in the freezer. Instead of choosing the non-vegan option, stop over at Gaines Street Pies and satisfy your cravings, guilt-free.
Lake Ella Falafel
Out of everything on this list, this is my favorite. Every Saturday this adorable couple sets up shop right outside of Black Dog Café. A selection of fresh veggies and plant-based baked goods spread across the table, but the real prize is the falafel.
Spear it
If you’re looking for a nice sports bar and a big juicy (bean) burger, then Spear-it’s your place. Sit back, watch the game, grab a drink and dig in.
Midtown Reader
On the second floor of Midtown Reader sits a small bakery: Lucy’s and Leos. If you’re a nerd like me, you can munch on your cupcakes as you scour the shelves for a stack of books to buy.
Olive Garden
PSA: Olive Garden breadsticks are vegan (the garlic topping is made with soy, not butter)! If you want to just go and load up on breadsticks and salad, feel free, this is a no-judgment zone. If you do decide to eat something your parents would consider “a real meal,” order the create-your-own pasta with a topping of Garden Veggies. For only $10 this meal leaves your stomach full and your budget happy.
Wells Brothers
Wells Brothers is another sports bar that offers a large selection of vegan options, you just might have to ask them to hold the cheese.
Black Dog
Black Dog offers a variety of plant-based goods, including sweet potato empanadas, chocolate chip cookies, chai lattes and more! There are two great locations for you to choose from. At Lake Ella, you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air, especially now that Florida’s winter season has arrived. Or, you could check out local art galleries and channel your inner hipster at the Railroad Square Art Park location.
The above choices are perfect for a night out with your meat-eater friends, but there are some completely plant-based restaurants in Tallahassee, including Sweet Pea Café, The Bark and All Saint’s Café. All of which I would recommend exploring. Now go and get your veggie on!