Each place in the South holds its unique style of cooking and flavors, and that extends to plant-based dishes. You may find a little bit more vegan barbecue in Texas and several variations of vegan gumbo in Louisiana. No matter where you are going, one thing will remain true while traveling in the South—it’s all going to be delicious. Whether you are road-tripping or choosing a place to stay for a few days, you’ll more than likely be passing through these hub cities on our list. Be sure to check out these vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants on the way!
Bouldin Creek Cafe
Austin, Texas
If you’re making a trip through this funky city or this is your final destination, Bouldin Creek Cafe is a must-try for delicious vegan food. Not only are they eco-friendly, but their bohemian vibe features a patio to enjoy your food on with friends. Their tofu scramble is a must-try.
Govinda’s Vegetarian Cuisine
Houston, Texas
Nestled in the Garden Oaks area of Houston sits Govinda’s, accompanied by the ISKCON of Houston temple. You can catch their all-vegan menu on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The other days have a vegetarian/vegan menu with Indian cuisine inspiration. Govinda’s operates cafeteria style, offering the ability to go and get the food you’d like to eat while dining in their open seating concept. Make sure to admire the temple after your meal. It is truly incredible.
The Daily Beet
Fayetteville, Arkansas
This funky stop in Arkansas has something for everybody. While The Daily Beet has a few Southern locations, we recommend stopping at their West Avenue one. The menu isn’t entirely vegan, making it a perfect stop for both you and any non-plant-based travelers you have with you. Their Vegan Banana Oatmeal Pancakes cannot be passed up during your breakfast travel plans.
MJ’s Café
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
As you pass over the Mississippi Bridge, MJ’s Café is waiting with new menu items and a schedule perfect for your weekend travel needs. If we had to choose something to recommend, it would definitely be the Buffalo Cauliflower Wrap on their lunch menu, filled with Buffalo-smothered chickpeas, avocado, sprouts, and vegan ranch wrapped in a soft, delicate pita. Getting brunch? Try the Game Changer—a vegan scramble mixed with homemade MJ’s hash, kale, avocado, coconut baecon, chipotle sauce, and other yummy veggies. Enjoy vegan breakfast items Saturday and Sunday.
Sweet Soulfood
New Orleans, Louisiana
This delicious plant-based Southern restaurant made our “How to Eat Vegan in New Orleans” guide, and we couldn’t help but add it here too. If you’re traveling through Louisiana and want traditional flavors, this is the spot. Their rotating menu offers the option of Southern Soul Food on a plant-based diet.
Slutty Vegan
Birmingham, Alabama
Slutty Vegan has many locations, but we recommend stopping by while in Birmingham, Alabama. You’ll recognize their big red and yellow sign. We’ve explored Southern Soul Food, but now we are talking about delicious Southern comfort food. Their plant-based burgers are unmatched and coated with toppings. Choose between the One Night Stand loaded with vegan bacon, vegan cheese, caramelized onions, and Slut Sauce on a vegan Hawaiian bun, or tons of other sandwich options. Add fries with your favorite sauce choice and maybe enjoy a sweet treat.
Cafe Sunflower
Atlanta, Georgia
This delicious vegan hidden gem has been open since 1994 and is a consistent stop when we visit ATL. The Buffalo Lollipops are the ultimate plant-based drumsticks you have to try, followed by the “Shrimp” Tacos or Spicy Pad Thai Noodles. They also serve brunch on Saturdays, where you can enjoy some “Chicken” and Waffles before you head to the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art or Piedmont Park for your next travel stop.
The Sentient Bean
Savannah, Georgia
This sustainable coffee shop sources from local farmers and is a perfect morning stop in Savannah for vegan options. We say coffee shop, but The Sentient Bean offers so much more. You can get breakfast all day long or head over on Sundays for a Farmers Market Brunch, with brunch bowls and vegan pancakes made with seasonal ingredients. We are big breakfast foodies and recommend trying the Vegan Breakfast Burrito, filled with tofu scramble, house vegan “sausage,” spinach, black beans, and spicy vegan mayo.
Love Life Cafe
Miami, Florida
We’ve gone from Texas to Florida on our Southern vegan foodie road trip. Miami not only brings the party, but also incredible dishes to try. This cafe offers various plant-based protein add-ons to customize each dish, however you want while dining. Choose between dalfu, chickn, crispy tofu, a crispy chickn patty, a Beyond Meat patty, or a superfood veggie patty. They even have vegan sushi. Need we say more? Their Truffle n’ Shrooms roll is gluten-free and filled with truffle, porcini mushroom tamagoyaki, caramelized king oyster mushrooms, cashew cream cheese, and wasabi-truffle cream.
The Cafe
Key West, Florida
Key West is a funky, historical stop in Florida with incredible options for vegan food. The coastal vibe everywhere you go isn’t so bad either. The Cafe is a dream for any plant-based tourist looking for a bite to eat. Everything is made with fresh ingredients. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner before heading to Rick’s Bar on Duval Street for a drink and some really good music.
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