Colorado is one of the most vegetarian-friendly places in the country, and Denver is no exception. Whatever your reason for eating vegetarian or vegan — whether it be for health reasons, animal rights, sustainable farming or simply just curiosity about the lifestyle in general — there is no shortage of restaurant options in Denver that cater to vegetarians and vegans alike.
206 E 13th Ave
Hours: 7 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Located on Capitol Hill just blocks from the Denver Art Museum is City O’ City, a unique restaurant because its focus changes as the day goes on. If you go early in the morning, it has more of a coffee shop vibe. Stop in any time during the afternoon or early evening and you will find yourself in a bustling and energetic restaurant serving some of the best vegetarian/vegan food in the city. And if you head to City O’ City any time after 11 p.m. get ready to indulge in a late night menu and packed bar.
Any meat-lover eating at City O’ City will be sorely disappointed, as the entire menu is 100 percent vegetarian, with most items having gluten-free and vegan options as well. However, this isn’t the bland, boring food that comes to mind for many people skeptical of vegetarianism and veganism. A quick glance at the menu reveals options such as savory Kimchi stew, Mac and Cheese, and their signature Savory Waffle, topped with vegetables, cheese and an egg.
837 E. 17th Ave
Hours: Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Watercourse Foods makes you forget any preconceptions you have about eating vegan. A Denver staple for almost 20 years, the restaurant offers a 100 percent vegan menu that caters to a wide variety of eating styles. Whether you are craving a breakfast burrito, a stack of pancakes or BBQ “wings” (prepared with fried cauliflower instead of chicken) there is something for everyone.
Many people who are vegan may miss eating specific desserts that are traditionally prepared with animal-based ingredients. Here, everything from ice cream shakes to their take on Ho-Ho cupcakes to homemade cookies are offered in vegan forms, allowing you to eat vegan desserts without compromising flavor.
Also, if you’re a fan of kombucha, they have it on tap, so be sure to ask your server about that week’s flavor.
1600 W. 33rd Avenue
Monday – Thursday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
If you are looking for a nicer, sit-down restaurant with a vegetarian focus in Denver, consider Root Down. Although it has a higher price point than the other two on the list, and is more suited for a night out rather than a quick bite to eat, you really get what you pay for. Root Down also offers meat on their menu, perfect if you are looking for a primarily vegetarian meal but would still like some meat here or there.
Gourmet food with a focus on sustainability, locally-sourced products, and having as organic a menu as possible is the priority at Root Down, and it shows through the innovative and sometimes exotic menu. Offering everything from bar-made sodas to Colorado Lamb Sliders, dinner is sure to be an awesome experience.
They are also notable for their Raw Food night, scheduled on the first Tuesday of every month. During this event, the head chef prepares a multiple-course all-vegan menu, perfect for those who enjoy gourmet dining while still holding true to eating vegan.
