Blowing Away the Competition! PETA Names Top Vegan-Friendly Cities in the U.S.

From peta.org

With the demand for vegan dining options skyrocketing from coast to coast, PETA is naming its picks for the Most Vegan-Friendly Cities in the U.S.—and is now sharing all the delicious details about the winners.

Chicago (aka the “Windy City”) earned the top spot on the list with its plethora of plant-powered choices. The honour may surprise fans of the Emmy Award–winning series The Bear—which cooked up the idea that Chi-town is all about beef—but despite what viewers might see in Carmy’s kitchen when season four debuts on June 25, more Chicagoans than ever are ditching meat (as well as eggs and dairy). Restaurants that helped secure Chi-town’s top spot include Buona and its Italian Beefless Sandwich and Bowl, as well as The Chicago Diner, which offers a Radical Reuben and other veganized comfort food classics, and Kale My Name, an award-winning vegan restaurant known for its delectable, dairy-free Cheddar Broccoli Soup.

Other cities that made the list include the following.

• Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Love is showing love for vegans, too, with an abundance of animal-friendly eateries, including pizza joint 20th Street Pizza and fast-casual burger restaurant HipCityVeg.
• Washington: Restaurants like DC Vegan and NuVegan Cafe are putting the nation’s capital on the map for plant-powered eating.
• Denver: The Mile High City is setting an elevated standard for vegan dining, with animal-friendly eateries such as Watercourse Foods and The Easy Vegan.
• New Orleans: The Big Easy boasts an abundance of vegan eateries, including Sweet Soulfood and Breads On Oak.
• Atlanta: Slutty Vegan’s bangin’ plant-powered burgers and La Semilla’s unbeatable Latin flavours are among the plethora of vegan eats that make Hotlanta a hot spot for animal-friendly dining.
• Charlotte, North Carolina: Vegan fare rules in the Queen City, with restaurants that include Bean Vegan Cuisine and Oh My Soul.
• Detroit: Vegan restaurants in the Motor City are outperforming the competition, with options that include Detroit Vegan Soul and comfort food favourite Trap Vegan.
• Los Angeles: The City of Angels includes a host of heavenly vegan options, such as Cruzer Pizza and dairy-free ice cream destination Creamo.
• New York City: Meat, eggs, and dairy? Fuhgeddaboudit! Vegan options are endless in The Big Apple, including P.S. Kitchen’s animal-friendly cuisine and soul food favourite Uptown Veg.

                                                                                     Buona’s Italian Beefless Sandwich. Credit: Buona

“Hearty meat-free burgers, delicious dairy-free desserts, and other plant-powered foods are as American as apple pie, and cities across the country have taken note,” says PETA President Ingrid Newkirk. “Every city on PETA’s list has cemented its status as a vegan dining destination, proving that delicious animal-friendly fare is available from sea to shining sea.”

Every person who goes vegan spares the lives of nearly 200 animals each year. PETA’s free vegan starter kit can help those looking to make the switch.

https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/blowing-away-the-competition-peta-names-top-vegan-friendly-cities-in-the-u-s/

Las Vegas named second best city in US for vegans and vegetarians. See who's No. 1.

From eu.rgj.com

As it turns out, they don't call themselves Las Vegans for nothing.

Las Vegas was named the second best city in the country for vegan and vegetarian food by Buycycle, a blog focused on all things cycling.

Buycycle based its study on plant-based restaurants per capita. Las Vegas, which has 507 vegan eateries, was beat only by Portland, Oregon, for density of meat-free food opportunities.

Forbes also named the Southern Nevada city as a top destination for vegan food last year, and WalletHub ranked Las Vegas high on its list of best vegan cities in the country in 2025.

Here's a look at Buycycle's list of the best vegan and vegetarian destinations in the country and what animal product-free restaurants locals recommend.

What are the most vegan- and vegetarian-friendly cities in the U.S.?

Buycycle's list of the most vegan and vegetarian eatery dense cities in the U.S. are ranked below.

It's worth noting Buycycle used the population of the urban cities within city limits, not the major metropolitan area. That means Las Vegas' population does not count Henderson, Paradise or the other various towns and unincorporated areas we commonly refer to as Las Vegas.

1. Portland, Oregon: 639 restaurants for a city with 622,882 population
2. Las Vegas: 507 restaurants, 665,640 population
3. San Francisco: 593 restaurants, 788,478 population
4. Seattle: 571 restaurants, 759,915 population
5. Atlanta: 366 restaurants, 514,465 population
6. Washington, D.C.: 420 restaurants 681,683 population
7. Denver: 438 restaurants, 716,234 population
8. Tampa, Florida: 244 restaurants, 408,510 population
9. Miami: 247 restaurants, 460,289 population
10. Minneapolis: 222 restaurants, 423,250 population
11. 
    

Highly rated vegan and vegetarian restaurants on the Strip

• Crossroads Kitchen has been featured in Forbes, Yelp and City Cast Las Vegas for its vegan fine dining experience. According to Forbes, Crossroads, which is in Resorts World, is the first ever fully plant-based upscale restaurant. The menu features vegan caviar, grilled lion's mane steak and eggplant filet. Location: 3000 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
• Sinatra is one of the restaurants in the Wynn that was highlighted on Las Vegas Reddit boards as the casino with the best vegan options, as long as visitors are OK with a more expensive experience. Sinatra offers various plant-based options including a vegan chick'n parmesan and mushroom agnolotti. Location: 3131 Las Vegas Blvd.
• Din Tai Fung in the Aria offers vegan buns, vegan wonton soup and a variety of vegan greens. Din Tai Fung was named in Yelp's vegan fine dining in Las Vegas list and featured in Conde Nast Traveler. Location: 3730 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
• Truth & Tonic in the Venetian has options including vegan banh mi sandwiches and red lentil hummus toast. The restaurant was featured in Las Vegas Restaurant Week and Visit Las Vegas. Location: 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Level 4, follow the signs for the Canyon Ranch Spa.
• Slice of Vegas in the Mandalay Bay has a full vegan menu that has typical pizzeria bar food like buffalo cauliflower bites and half Sicilian non-meat lovers pizza. Slice of Vegas was mentioned on Reddit and Vegas Means Business. Location: 3930 Las Vegas Blvd., Suite 120.
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What is the difference between vegan and vegetarian?

A vegetarian does not eat the flesh of an animal, but may eat animal by-products such as milk, cheese or eggs. Vegans do not eat animal flesh or any animal by-products.

https://eu.rgj.com/story/life/food/2025/02/17/what-u-s-city-has-the-most-vegan-vegetarian-restaurants-per-capita/78472222007/ 

The Top Vegan Cities in the US

From vegoutmag.com

Book your flight now to one of these vegan-friendly cities! 

Need a weekend away? Book your flight now to one of the top vegan cities in the US! Catch a show, browse the museums, and hit all the tourist sights. You’re sure to enjoy a wide selection of vegan eats during your stay.

Los Angeles, CA

Consistently ranked as one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the US, Los Angeles is the place to go for plant-based eats! Whether your cravings are for tacos, burgers, sushi, or pasta, you have a variety of options to choose from. Looking to support women-owned restaurants? Try Hey, Sunshine Kitchen; Pura Vita; and Little Barn Coffee House to start. Want to uplift Black-owned businesses? We suggest Coffee and Plants; Hart House; Berbere; and more.

New York, NY

NYC never looked so good! This vegan hot spot not only boasts plant-based eats, but also offers a number of vegan-friendly sustainable hotels. From 1 Hotel Central Park to citizenM Times Square, you can rest in planet-conscious comfort while exploring the town. Might we suggest starting your vacation food journey with pasta? Try Soda Club. Or maybe you prefer burgers, pizza, cookies, or bagels. No worries! They’ve got all of that and more!

                                                                                COURTESY OF SODA CLUB

Atlanta, GA

From gluten-free stir-fries to elevated plant-based dining, Atlanta knows where it’s at when it comes to vegan eats! We’re talking Stir House, PLANTA, La Semilla, and more. And let’s not forget the area’s own Slutty Vegan. There you will find burgers like the One Night Stand, Dancehall Queen, Fussy Hussy, and beyond. Want to have a little plant-based fun? Use the “10 Black-Owned Vegan Restaurants to Support in Atlanta” as your bucket list while you’re there.

Portland, OR

What’s not to love about 100% plant-based ice cream, craft cocktails, vegan caviar, and more? Whether you are searching for brunch or dinner and drinks, Portland has what you need. Check out Vertical Diner, Fermenter, and Blossoming Lotus, among others. In addition to all-vegan eateries, you will find a wide selection of vegan-friendly mainstream spots like Salt & Straw! Vegan cities for the win!

Austin, TX

One of our favourite vegan cities is Austin. The famously rebellious, quirky Texas town offers a plethora of vegan options. From restaurants and food trucks to a vegan Queer-owned bar and nightclub called Cheer Up Charlies, this city can’t be beat. We’re especially loving Casa De Luz, a vegan sanctuary right in the middle of Texas, offering communal macrobiotic meals, meditation, and more. And hat tip while we’re at it to University of Texas Austin. Half of all meals served there are now 100% plant-based!

                                                                                         COURTESY OF CASA DE LUZ

Philadelphia, PA

You will find more in Philly than just vegan cheesesteaks! The city offers some great brunch spots like Bar Bombón, Fitz on 4th, and Primary Plant Based. Or grab an ice cream at Van Leeuwen or Scoop DeVille. Of special note is that Philadelphia has recently been home to plant-based product testing such as Oatly’s new cream cheese! Before you catch your flight back home, be sure to pick up some vegan donuts from Dottie’s Donuts.

Las Vegas, NV

Check out our Guide to Vegan Dining at Las Vegas Resorts if you’re headed to Caesars, the Bellagio, or Mandalay Bay. At The Venetian, be sure to hit up Truth & Tonic. They offer frittatas, smoothies, wraps, and other nutrient-dense picks. At Resorts World, head to LA’s own Crossroads for Fusilli Pesto, Spaghetti Carbonara, Tagliatelle Bolognese, and more. There are also numerous vegan restaurants located off the strip, such as Chef Kenny’s, The Modern Vegan, and Plant Power Fast Food.

https://vegoutmag.com/travel/top-vegan-cities-in-the-us/

Atlanta Gave the World Slutty Vegan. Its Vegan Ice Cream Scene Is Pretty Epic, Too.

From vegnews.com

Atlanta has epic vegan burgers from Slutty Vegan, but its dairy-free ice cream scene is just as amazing

Vegan ice cream is delightful no matter the weather or time of year, and yet with summer winding down we are yearning for a big, sweet scoop as a send-off to the sun-soaked days. While most ice cream is made with cow’s milk, animal products aren’t at all essential when it comes to enjoying this frozen treat. 

Now more than ever, ice cream parlours are offering ice cream with vegan bases instead, such as cashew, coconut, and oat. 

Atlanta’s growing vegan scene

Over in Atlanta, GA, the vegan scene is most known for renowned vegan burger chain Slutty Vegan, which offers handholds with names such as Sloppy Toppy, One Night Stand, and Fussy Hussy.

Sweet Stack

But with veganism’s uptick, the city’s plant-based eateries have seen some growth, too. Many now offer an array of food and beverages, including dairy-free ice cream. Here are seven notable spots to choose from. 

Atlanta’s vegan ice cream offerings

1The Creamy Spot

An all-vegan creamery that opened earlier this year, The Creamy Spot offers a variety of dairy-free frozen desserts. Think vegan soft serve, ice cream sandwiches, and pints in rotating seasonal flavours such as cookie dough (aptly named Dough Boy); orange creamsicle (Dreamy); peach cobbler (ATLien); and butter pecan (Pecan Tan). 

In the future, The Creamy Spot will also offer milkshakes and the trendy rolled ice cream.

Aside from nostalgia-inducing ice cream flavours, the goal of The Creamy Spot, according to founder Wendy Golding, is to foster community. 

The Creamy Spot

“We are by the community, for the community. We are the community,” Golding previously told VegNews.

“I honestly cannot formulate words to express how grateful we are for our community,” she said. “Complete strangers coming together to help you actualize a dream to do good in that very community is mind-blowing.”

2Eighty7sweets Vegan Ice Cream Company

Another all-vegan ice cream shop is Eighty7sweets offering flavours such as Buckhead Mocha, Edgewood Oreo, and Lenox Lime and Avocado. Be sure to select the cookie bowl, made entirely of a chocolate chip cookie, as an edible serving dish. 

Eighty7Sweets

Eighty7sweets is also a nut-free and soy-free shop, making for an even more inclusive option to get your vegan ice cream fix.

3Big Softie

Although not entirely vegan, Big Softie is worth the trip for its vegan oat-based vanilla soft serve.

Big Softie

The shop has offered at least one vegan option since it first opened in an effort to make dairy-free options more accessible, and since then the vegan options have grown to make up half the menu.

“We wanted our soft serve to be accessible to as many folks as possible, and we were confident we could come up with a delicious plant-based option,”  Sarah O’Brien, Baker and Founder of Big Softie and Little Tart Bakeshop, tells VegNews. “We certainly did.”

“Our vegan oat vanilla is one of our top-selling flavours, and we just added our vegan matcha to our year-round menu because folks love it so much,” she says. “We now usually have three vegan flavours on the menu at all times, which is half our menu.”

4Cereal and Cream

Cereal and Cream is a unique dessert spot that pairs ice cream and cereal for a crunchy creamy treat. The current vegan ice cream flavours include banana pudding and caramel crunch.

Cereal and Cream

Visit the brick-and-mortar location or the food truck that tours the city to indulge ice cream, and choose from the cereals and toppings to create a custom multi-tiered ice cream-based dessert. 

5Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has an entire dairy-free collection made up of seven enticing flavours. Caramel pecan sticky buns, frosé sorbet, and cold brew with coconut cream are just a few of the flavours to choose from. 

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Order vegan ice cream by the pint through the website or visit the physical location to browse the selection.

6Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the ice cream right in front of you as you order. It offers a vegan base that you can then modify with mix-ins at your desire.

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

 In fact, there are over 40 vegan flavours to choose from, including bubble gum, black raspberry, cotton candy, and pumpkin spice. Select toppings such as almonds, Oreos, or mixed berries. 

7Sweet Stack Creamery

This downtown parlour scoops both rotating dairy and vegan ice cream. Its “Vegan Vibes” menu features classic flavours such as lemon, mango, cookies and cream, and vanilla. 

Sweet Stack

Be sure to get a double scoop so you can enjoy it a little longer.

https://vegnews.com/2023/9/atlanta-slutty-vegan-ice-cream

People are queuing for hours to eat at the ‘Slutty Vegan'

From metro.co.uk

The plant-based burger joint in the US city of Atlanta has become a sensation in the city and on social media. Having just celebrated its first birthday (for which it handed out free fruit and vegetables), the Slutty Vegan has 252,000 followers on Instagram and hundreds of people queue up for hours every day in order to try the dishes – which includes the ‘One Night Stand’, ‘Ménage à Trois’ and ‘Sloppy Toppy’ burgers.

The ‘One Night Stand’ is an Impossible Burger patty (which ‘bleeds’) topped with vegan bacon, vegan cheese, caramelised onions, lettuce, tomato, and ‘slutty vegan sauce’ on a vegan Hawaiian bun, while the ‘Ménage à Trois’ includes vegan shrimp. Everything comes with a side of ‘slutty fries’.

                      People are very keen to try the burgers (Picture: Slutty Vegan; CNN)

‘Slutty Vegan has nothing to do with sex,’ founder Pinky Cole told CNN. ‘Being sluttified means to have the ultimate euphoric experience from eating a plant-based burger. ‘But it’s bigger than just the food, it’s about creating a cultural experience for people to help them to re-imagine food.’

Cole opened the restaurant to bring a unique source of accessible, tasty vegan food to the black community in the rapidly-gentrifying neighbourhood west of downtown Atlanta – where barbecued meat is popular. The Slutty Vegan and Cole have positioned themselves at the heart of the black vegan movement in the US, with many black celebrities – including Tiffany Haddish, Tyler Perry, and Snoop Dogg – becoming ‘sluttified’ patrons.

Following such a successful first year, Cole is planning to open a whole chain of ‘slutty’ restaurants in Atlanta. We can’t wait for them to come to the UK.

https://metro.co.uk/2019/08/07/people-are-queuing-for-hours-to-eat-at-the-slutty-vegan-10532195/