The Ultimate Vegan Road Trip

There is no better time than the summer to get on the road and eat your way across America! Innovative chefs across the country are serving up plant-based bites that are satiating the palates of carnivores and vegans alike—and these healthful dishes are downright delicious. Social media platforms are proof that America is along for the culinary ride. Some of the most liked posts on Instagram feature colorful, vibrant, plant-based dishes*.

These are just a few of my favorite stops in America to help you keep it healthy while you are on the go. Some spots are exclusively plant-based; others have mouthwatering plant-based options. Pack a bag and get out the map! Adventure lies ahead.

Seattle is bursting at the seams with options like Cafe Flora, Wayward Vegan Cafe, Plum, Vegan Pizza Pi and Araya’s Place. The Golden Beet Poke at No Bones Beach Club is a staple for health enthusiasts. Make a reservation at Harvest Beat and treat yourself to their enchanting farm-to-table seasonally crafted experience. Kansas City has plant-based offerings from joints like Mud Pie Vegan Bakery & Coffee (its selection of healthy grab-and-go sandwiches are perfect for road trippin’!). Blue Nile Cafe, Eden Alley and FüD are staples. The creamy and decadent cashew-based mac ’n’ cheese from FüD is an all-time favorite. It’s unforgettable.

Salt Lake City has a plethora of plant-based eateries like Sage’s Cafe, Buds, Vertical Diner and City Cakes. With a variety of wholesome offerings, Zest Kitchen & Bar is my go-to for seasonal, organic, local and sustainable dishes like the Thai Sunrise stir-fry, jackfruit pizza and cold-pressed juices.

Minneapolis keeps Midwest traditions alive while bringing plant-based cuisine to the forefront. The Herbivorous Butcher provides options to go, ideal for road trip adventures. If time permits, consider HAI HAI, Crepe & Spoon and J. Selby’s. Crisp & Green offers nutritious and delicious greens and grains bowls to fortify you.

San Antonio is our plant-based sleeper with some modern chefs serving up nutritious and delicious plates. La Botanica’s take on ceviche with oyster mushrooms and hearts of palm is not to be missed. Viva Vegeria and Señor Veggie are tied for the best plant-based nacho plate. You be the judge.

New Orleans keeps tradition with Creole influences showcased in plant-based offerings from restaurants like SEED, Sneaky Pickle, Breads on Oak, Good Karma and The Crepe Cart. They’re all staying true to their NOLA roots. Green Goddess in the French Quarter serves up a Lemongrass Tofu that is extraordinary!

Asheville is home to Laughing Seed Cafe, which has a great mix of cooked and raw foods. Plant is one of my top picks: it’s a win from the vegan cheese plate and Applewood Smoked Portobello to the finale, a blondie topped with house-made cookie dough ice cream. Rosetta’s Kitchen has fabulous tempeh wings and a kombucha bar too!

Ann Arbor has been growing its plant-based options. The Lunch Room Diner and Canteen and the affiliated Detroit Street Filling Station lead the way. Ingredients for both establishments are sourced from The Lunch Room’s farm, making your eats of the freshest and highest nutritional quality (plus, everything grown on the farm is pesticide free). Vedge Cafe offers quick salads and sandwiches to go.

Washington, DC, has so much to offer, and it just keeps getting better. Longtime staples like Sticky Fingers, Evolve and Friday night dinners at Elizabeth’s Gone Raw still hold strong. But make time for the Burrata at Fare Well and the Spring Vegetable Ohitashi at Fancy Radish, for sure!

Atlanta is on the cusp of plant-based greatness. Get your green fix at one of the many Kale Me Crazy locations with cold-pressed juices, smoothies, wraps, salads or health shots (KMC shot for the win!). Dulce Vegan, Herban Fix, Cafe Sunflower and Tassili’s Raw Reality offer exclusively plant-based bites.

Philadelphia is the city where you need to plan ahead! Plant-based offerings abound: Blackbird Pizzeria, Bar Bombón, Charlie was a sinner., P.S. & Co., Wiz Kid, Miss Rachel’s Pantry and The Tasty, to name a few. Make a reservation at Vedge and mark the Rutabaga Fondue as a priority.

Boston delivers one of my preferred juice bars, Cocobeet, which also offers a full menu of made-to-order or grab-and-go superfoods. Check out Taco Party’s brick and mortar location for a variety of healthful tacos—score! Veggie Galaxy, My Thai Vegan Cafe and Cuong’s Vegan also make the cut.