From vegan hot dogs and “Big Macs” to complex, globally-inspired main courses, Arizona’s vegan dining scene boasts a multitude of options for local vegans that proves veggie-based plates can be more than a simple green salad.
Nami
Tempe
Serving up breakfast, brunch and an almost endless sweet treat lineup, Nami is a vegan’s paradise where every item on its menu is entirely vegan. Try the big ol’ breakfast burrito made with an organic tofu scramble, seasoned seitan steak, melty “cheddar cheese” and homestyle potatoes in a toasty flour tortilla with a side of namibertos salsa. Though only available on Sundays, the brunch is a must to try and includes staples like the sinful sticky buns, huevos rancheros and a tres leches French toast–all made with vegan ingredients, of course. But a trip to Nami would not be complete without trying one of its famous soft serves, with concrete mixes like the banana cream pie, made with fresh bananas, banana syrup and vanilla wafers topped with a house-made whip, or the Donatello with house-made caramel, pecans, chocolate chips and organic chocolate syrup.
To learn more about Nami, visit www.tsoynami.com.
24 Carrots
Tempe
Known as “the veggie oasis in the Arizona desert” to locals, 24 Carrots is a globally-inspired botanical-based restaurant in Tempe. With a chef-driven, seasonal menu, 24 Carrots offers breakfast dishes served until 8 p.m. daily, dinner mains and shareables. Each dish is crafted with locally sourced ingredients, with only the freshest, seasonal veggies available. Plus, each plate has the option to be prepared gluten-free, and some seasonal musts to try include the Nashville hot chikun, the Arizona bowl and the Mac and Trees.
To learn more about 24 Carrots, visit www.24carrotscafe.square.site.
Green New American Vegetarian
Tempe
Housed right next to Nami, Green is a vegan- and vegetarian-friendly destination in Tempe. The spot offers handhelds, like the vegan Big Mac-style burger, with a hand-packed veggie patty topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles and ketchup on a sesame seed bun, and garden burritos like Thee Fighting artichoke, handcrafted with artichoke hearts, palm hearts, kalamata olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes over fresh greens tossed in a creamy tahini lemon dressing with crunchy tortilla strips. Each dish can be ordered gluten- or soy-free and is only made with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.
To learn more about Green, visit www.greenvegetarian.com.
The Coronado
Phoenix
The Coronado is a neighborhood staple in Downtown Phoenix. The all-vegan menu features breakfast, dinner mains, shareables, sweet bites and a locally-sourced cocktail and beer lineup. Each menu item is served all day regardless of the time, allowing visitors to enjoy dinner for breakfast or a burger at 8 a.m. if they please. For breakfast, we highly recommend the chilaquiles, with refried black beans topped with corn tortilla chips smothered in red sauce with a tofu scramble, pickled onions and crema, or if you’re visiting for dinner, the jackfruit flautas is a local favorite, in addition to the tepary bean burger handcrafted with a tepary bean and mushroom patty topped with arugula, tomato, pickles, onion and a “secret sauce.”
To learn more about The Coronado, visit www.thecoronadophx.com.
Pita Jungle
Valleywide
With a multitude of locations across the Valley, Pita Jungle is the perfect spot for vegan, vegetarian and meat-eaters alike. The Mediterranean spots offer a fresh and healthy take on the culture’s dishes, with some vegan favorites including the tofu pesto lavash wrap, with griddled marinated organic tofu, pesto, roasted tomatoes and onions; the black bean pita pocket, with a homemade black bean patty formed with chipotle jalapenos and a plethora of veggies; and the tofu tikka masala with griddled marinated organic tofu, coconut masala sauce, turmeric brown rice and sprouts. Pita Jungle is open daily and also offers a full bar.
To learn more about Pita Jungle, visit www.pitajungle.com.
Veggie Village
Chandler
A southeast Asian-inspired eatery, Veggie Village in Chandler houses vegetarian and vegan-friendly bites. Veggie Village focuses on fueling its guests with healthy dishes that are high in nutrients and healthy components. The stir-fry bean sprouts are a go-to for vegan locals, in addition to the kung-fu noodles, Vietnamese pho and much more. The Veggie Village is open daily and also offers online ordering and dine-in.
To learn more about Veggie Village, visit www.vegvillage888.com.
Fresh Mint
Scottsdale
A small cafe in Scottsdale, Fresh Mint specializes in vegan, vegetarian and kosher dishes with a Vietnamese-inspired twist. Run by owner and chef Mai Ly, Fresh Mint only offers made-to-order dishes, crafted with the freshest ingredients available. The spot also offers a gluten-free menu, and some of Chef’s recommendations include the spicy lemongrass noodle soup that has been made with fresh tofu, seaweed and bean curd rolled and seasoned with lemongrass and onion, served with tangy sweet red sesame ginger sauce and the golden curry veggie bowl with potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes and tofu infused in the restaurant’s signature curry sauce served with your choice of rice or vermicelli. Fresh Mint closed on Mondays.
To learn more about Fresh Mint, visit www.myfreshmint.com.
Simon’s Hot Dogs
Scottsdale
A more low-key, hidden spot in Old Town Scottsdale, Simon’s Hot Dogs offers veggie-based hot dogs with unthinkable, eclectic toppings including pineapple “cheese,” nori, vegan bacon bits, teriyaki onion, vegan chili and much more to dress up your veggie dogs. Simon’s Hot Dogs also offers traditional beef dogs for your meat-eating friends and a small selection of vegan burgers and sandwiches. Tip: If you dine in on Meatless Mondays, you will receive 20 percent off your order!
To learn more about Simon’s Hot Dogs, visit www.simonshotdogs.net.
