Looking for the top vegan restaurants in Denver? I am a proud Denver native, and I have created a list of the best vegan restaurants in the metro area. All restaurants on the list are vegan only, so there is no worry about cross-contamination. Also included are several other great restaurants with vegan dining options and a list of new vegan restaurants.
Vegan restaurants in Denver have come a long way in the last 20+ years. Denver went from having one vegan restaurant on the side of a Krishna temple to having several great vegan-only restaurants.
As a proud Denver native, I can honestly say the food scene here has improved yearly. We now have unique and creative restaurants all over the city, including several vegan-only restaurants.
Speaking of vegan only, that is the only criterion for this post. The restaurant has to be vegan or plant-based foods only. No animal products and, therefore, no modifications are necessary. No wondering what was in the fryer, cooked on the grill before your food was cooked. The best part is that you are 100% confident the restaurant is vegan when you walk in!
Oh yeah, and the restaurant has to serve delicious food!
Jump to:
Best Vegan Restaurants in Denver(IMHO)
1. Somebody People
"A Vegetable-Forward Dining Experience"
Hands down, Somebody People is my favorite vegan restaurant in Denver. The food is fresh, creative, and daring! If you eat here, I recommend not looking at the menu and going straight to the "Feed Me" option. The server brings out small plates of 6 - 7 sharable items. Do worry about the term"small." You will leave here full and happy!
Somebody People is an excellent place for any occasion, especially a special occasion. The restaurant is a friendly environment with excellent customer service. So great my waitress even went and got my license plate number so I could enjoy my drink.
Somebody People is a bit loud, and I am not talking about the images of David Bowie and Kate Bush. This trendy eatery is always packed. Because of this, I recommend making reservations. You can reserve directly on their website. They are located directly on south broadway, just off I-25. Parking is also limited, so leave a few extra minutes early to find a spot.
Address: 1165 S Broadway #104, Denver, CO 80210
2. Bang Up To The Elephant
"Beach Shack Food. Neighborly Service. Tropical Bar"
Bang Up to the Elephant is self-described as a "Curry, jerk & other Caribbean-inspired dishes meet tropical drinks in a light- & plant-filled space."
I admit that when I first heard of this place, I did not think it was for me. I quickly found out I was wrong! Bang up the Elephant is also creative and daring with the menu. Their food perfectly balances tropical flavors, heat, and sweetness. I tried a few things at this restaurant, and while I especially liked the coconut curry, my favorite was the cassareep rice bowl.
Their happy hour and drink menu specializes in tropical cocktails like Pina Colada, Rhum Punch, and my favorite, the dirty banana.
Leave a little extra time for parking. Bang Up to the Elephant is tucked into Capitol Hill, where parking is limited. But don't let that scare you. Just leave a few minutes earlier. Their food is worth the extra effort!
Address: 1310 Pearl St, Denver, CO 80203
Bang Up To The Elephant Website
3. Wellness Sushi
I found out about Wellness Sushi from a Denver Vegan Facebook group. Every other day, there seemed to be a post of their sushi rolls followed by raving comments. With so many positive reviews, I decided to try it. Oh my, I am happy I did!
Wellness sushi is fresh food you can feel good about eating. They were founded in 2019 by traditional sushi chef Steven Lee and his wife, Phoebe Lee. Together they saw an opportunity to create food where taste was never sacrificed for health.
Wellness Sushi's menu is full of flavorful sushi rolls and bowls of ramen. They focus on using only fresh ingredients (vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, and organic tofu). The menu is also reasonably priced items ranging from $10.99 - $15.75.
Address: 2504 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Looking to Cook at Home? Try These Vegan Recipes
4. So Radish
Located in Old Town Arvada, So Radish brings back American classics in vegan style! The interior is bright and fun, 80's style.
The menu options range from banana foster french toast to chicken fried steak and all the great 80's sides (Did someone say mashed potatoes and gravy?). My favorite is the green chile cheese fries. Their green chile is spicy and perfect!
Breakfast lovers rejoice; brunch is available until three daily! While you are there, check out the breakfast burrito. Prices range from $9 - $18.50. So Radish also has a full-service bar.
After your meal, check out Rheinlander Bakery two doors down. They offer many vegan and gluten-free options.
Address: 5711 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80002
5. Native Foods
Native Foods is the perfect fast-casual vegan restaurant. They offer a lot of vegan versions of traditional meat items, making it a great restaurant to satisfy any meat craving.
Currently, there are 2 locations in Denver (Lone Tree and Glendale) and one in Boulder. They are growing fast, and I expect to see more in the metro area in the coming years.
Addresses:
- 9996 Commons Street Lone Tree Colorado 80124
- 680 South Colorado Boulevard Glendale Colorado 80246
- 2825 Wilderness Place Boulder Colorado 80301
6. Meta Burger
"Plant-Based American Classics"
As vegans everywhere know, sometimes, you want to sink your teeth into a burger. It's not the meat but the sensation of sinking your teeth into a bun, thick tomato, onion, lettuce, mayo, and ketchup.
But when it comes to a veggie burger at a traditional restaurant, vegans and vegetarians are left wondering what was also cooked on that grill. What is floating around that fryer on my vegan sweet potato fries?
Wait no more; Meta Burger is our answer! Meta Burger is a plant-based food-only menu. The menu items include plant-based burgers ($11), plant-based chicken patties ($11), sides ($4 - $5), and shareable ($8 - $10).
Addresses:
- 7950 E Mississippi Ave Denver, CO 80247
- 5505 W 20th Ave Edgewater, CO 80214
- 1905 29th Street #1174 Boulder, CO 80301
7. Watercourse Foods
"Vegan Comfort Food"
Watercourse Foods has long been a Denver Staple. It opened in 1998 in the spot where City O' City is now located. At the time, Watercourse was a vegetarian restaurant with vegan options. Within a few years, Watercourse Foods outgrew that location and moved to 17th Avenue.
In 2015 Watercourse Foods moved to a vegan-only restaurant. When the change happened, I admit I wouldn't say I liked the new menu and stopped. However, I returned at my friend's urging and gave them another chance. I am so glad I did. The watercourse vegan menu is loaded with delicious vegan and plant-based options again.
Watercourse Foods has a full-service menu that includes alcoholic beverage options. Food is served daily, and prices range from $11 to $18. On the weekend, Watercourse is a popular brunch location and usually has a waitlist.
Finally, Watercourse, if you are reading this, please bring back the seitan french dip and curry soup. I miss them.
Address: 837 East 17th Avenue Denver, Colorado 80218
Honorable Mentions
Make, Believe Bakery
Want a vegan dessert, bread, or pastry? Make, Believe Bakery is the place for you. Located on the same street as City O'City, Make, Beleive Bakery proves that vegan baking is just as good, if not better, than traditional baking!
Address: 214 E 13th Avenue, Denver, CO 80203
The Corner Beet
Located in Capitol Hill off of 14th and Ogden, The Corner Beet is a small cafe known as a 'chill vegetarian cafe and juice bar.' Popular menu items include acai bowls, cold-pressed juices, superfood lattes, salads, and sandwiches.
Address: 1401 N Ogden St, Denver, CO 80218
Way Wong Veg
'Scratch-Made Vegan Comfort Food'
Way Wong Veg is Denver's vegan food truck option. While the name might imply they serve a wide range of Asian dishes, the truth is they serve a wide range of dishes from all over the world.
Govindas
Long before Watercourse, there was the Krishna Temple in the Mayfair neighborhood. To the best of my knowledge, this was the first vegan restaurant in Denver serving plant-based only meals, now known as Govinda's.
However, before the Covid pandemic, there was a fire. Since then, Govendias has not reopened. Hopefully, the doors will open again. When they do, I will be there to support this long-standing and probably the first Denver vegan eatery.
Popular Vegan Optional Restaurants
City O'City
Part of the same group that owns Watercourse and Make, Beleive Bakery. City O'City is in the original Watercourse building off of 13th. Their menu is full of vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options.
Address: 206 E 13th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
Rheinlander Bakery
Located in Old Town Arvada, two doors from So Radish. This bakery is filled with lots of vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
Address: 5721 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO 80002
Root Down
Located in the LOHI and in DIA terminal C. Root Down has long been a popular restaurant in Denver. They have vegan options but are not vegan only.
Locations:
- 1600 W 33rd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
- Denver International Airport, C Concorse
Spice Room
Holy Aloo Gobi Batman! Spice Room is an amazing Indian restaurant in Berkley. While Spice Room is not vegan, they have lots of vegan options. I can also say, I lived in India for six months and Spice Room is by far the BEST Indian food I have had in the US.
Locations
- 3157 W 38th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
- 3100 E Colfax Ave,Denver, CO 80206
Vital Root
Tucked in the Highlands, this restaurant is 99% vegan and 100% gluten-free.
Address: 3915 Tennyson St, Denver, CO 80212
Restaurants On The List to Try
It seems almost daily, I learn of a new vegan restaurant in the Denver area. I am so excited about all the choices that are popping up around town. It is happening at such a rapid pace that I cannot keep up. Instead of omitting those restaurants, I will keep a running list here.
Make it Vegan - Take popular non-vegan meals and make them vegan. The menu rotates.
Address: 790 Kipling Street, Lakewood, CO 80215
Website: https://www.makeitvegandenver.com/
Total Vegan Indian Restaurant - 100% vegan restaurant in Highlands Ranch.
Address: 9563 S University Blvd, Ste A, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Website: https://www.totalveganhighlandsranch.com
V Revolution - The website says they are plant-based. However, looking at their menu, I think they are mostly vegan and vegetarian. The menu does look amazing, and I cannot wait to try them!
Address: 3570 S Logan St, Englewood.
Website: vrevoluionusa
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