Eating meat-free hasn’t always been easy, but in Madison, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake.
Our local food scene is as vibrant as ever, so it’s no surprise there are a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, vegetarian bites across town. From vegetarian barbecue to scrumptious vegan tacos, here are 15 restaurants serving up meat-free fare in the 608.
🍊 The brunch bunch
Willalby’s Cafe, 1351 Williamson St., Madison
The menu includes multiple options specifically for vegetarians and vegans. Try this: Vegan biscuits and gravy.
Monty’s Blue Plate Diner, 2089 Atwood Ave., Madison
This spot offers a full vegan menu and is retro-fitted into an old gas station, for a 50s-diner-meets-hipster atmosphere.
Short Stack Eatery, 301 W. Johnson St.
This popular breakfast spot is now open six days a week featuring a menu sprinkled with vegan and vegetarian plates. Try this: Check out the Vegan Hacks menu.
☕ Coffee shops
Indie Coffee, 1225 Regent St., Madison
One of City Editor Ally’s favorite spots — the food menu includes plenty of vegetarian options and you can choose from soy, almond, or oat milk for your latte. Try this: The grasshopper waffles have walnuts cooked in, but you can tell your kids they’re bugs.
Black Locust, 829 E. Washington
This menu is equal parts vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore-friendly. Try this: The avocado toast is Instagram-worthy.
Daisy Cafe and Cupcakery, 2827 Atwood Ave.
All food items are made from scratch, including the separate vegan menu. Try this: Don’t forget to save room for a cupcake.
🧁 Delicious desserts
Level 5 Donuts, 3241 Garver Green Ste. 140 (Pick-up only, Ledger Coffee)
These donuts are a crowd-pleaser for vegans and omnivores alike. Try this: Cherry almond donut.
Fifth Scoop, (Order online or find at participating restaurants)
Vegans won’t be sequestered to a limited menu, all of the ice cream flavors are 100% plant-based. Try this: Tropical Birthday Cake.
Paleo Mama, 409 S. Few St.
This bakery has 40 different products, which are all dedicated to being gluten-free and grain-free. Check out their dedicated vegan menu to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try this: Vegan Twix bars.
🌱 100% vegetarian/vegan eats
The Green Owl, 1970 Atwood Ave.
Everything on this menu is vegetarian but can be made vegan upon request. Try this: Cajun tofu avocado melt.
The Green Owl is a SASY Neighborhood favorite. | Photo by 608today
Sookie’s, 502 State St.
Curb your burger craving at his spot that’s self-proclaimed as"100% plant-based, and tasty as hell.”
The Vibrant Veg, (Order online)
Chef Lauren specializes in innovative, nutrient-rich, plant-based dishes that you can get delivered right to your doorstep on a weekly basis.
🍸 Date night
Jardin, 829 E. Washington Ave.
This is the perfect spot for a more upscale plant-based dining experience. Try This: The quesabirria is made with braised lion’s mane + wood ear mushrooms.
Himal Chuli, 318 State St.
Vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters can all enjoy this Nepalese spot before grabbing drinks on State. Try this: Don’t skip dessert, order the vegan peda.
Everly, 2701 Monroe St.
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner — the modern ambiance and Californian-style dishes (vegan and vegetarian included) make for a great summer spot.
🍽️ Chef it up at home
Check out our favorite tips and tricks for serving veggie-focused fare from your own kitchen:
- To make zucchini, carrot, or beet noodles, try a veggie spiralizer that magically turns vegetables into noodles.
- Tired of wasting money on spices you use once? Broth Bomb combines all the spices you need for a flavorful meal.
- Harness the power of fresh and high-quality spices from James Beard Award-winning chef Meherwan Irani.
- A tofu press draws out water and can help tofu firm and crisp up once you cook it — the one linked here is dishwasher safe + works in twenty minutes.
- If your least favorite part about veggie prep is chopping, this all-in-one vegetable chopper can minimize prep time.
- Use a sprouting jar kit to grow microgreens and sprouted beans at home.
- If you’re making fresh bread, this Sourhouse starter jar was designed to be the easiest-to-clean sourdough starter jar in the world.
- For the ultimate veggie food prep, this glass storage container set keeps lunches and leftovers organized.
Need some good recipes? Browse cookbooks “Inspiralized: Turn Vegetables into Healthy, Creative, Satisfying Meals” for veggie spiral recipes, “The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100” for plant-based ideas, or “The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook” from America’s Test Kitchen
What did we miss? If you know a restaurant that’s not on the list, guide us in the right direction using this survey.
