Thanks to a slew of new and established plant-based eateries, the Valley is quickly becoming a burgeoning hub for vegan and vegetarian fare. Whether you’re a veteran vegan or just looking for a meat-free meal, here are a few of our fave local dining establishments that avoid animal products.
24 Carrots
Daily specials and a cozy, coffee shop vibe make this vegan café a regular destination on our rotating list of Valley eateries. Billed as “botanically inspired cuisine,” 24 Carrots offers a slew of sweet and savory veg-friendly options, from traditional raw vegan delights (salads and bowls) to more creative concoctions (a Sonoran hot dog and Nashville hot chicken sandwich).
1701 E. Guadalupe Rd., Tempe, 480-753-4411, 24carrotscafe.com
Dark Hall Coffee
A sleek storefront? Fresh, plant-based pastries? Oh, yeah! Friendly staff? Cute merch? Milk alternatives? Dark Hall has it all! The Golden Mylk is a must-try, as is the spicy-sweet Witch – a chocolate mocha with charcoal, red pepper flakes, cayenne and ghost pepper.
3343 N. Seventh Ave., 602-277-5507, darkhallcoffee.com
Earth Plant Based Cuisine
Cute, family-owned Earth specializes in 100 percent vegan, organic, non-GMO grub that will satisfy customers of all diets. The Boss Nachos, buffalo wings and shrimp tacos are all home runs. Homemade horchata and sweet treats like a churro ice cream sandwich will also keep you coming back.
1325 Grand Ave., Phoenix, 480-465-2110, earthplantbased.com
Giving Tree Café
This organic vegan and gluten-free café serves high-vibe comfort cuisine aimed to heal and empower the mind, body and soul. The Giving Tree team hopes to embolden its customers to embody the best version of themselves through healthy, sustainable ingredients, whether it’s a Buddha Bowl or buckwheat pancakes.
2024 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, 480-630-0200, givingtreecafe.com
Gooder Goods
Soul-satisfying snacks are the name of the game at this (mostly) vegan spot. The mushroom birria is a great alternative to the traditional delicacy and healthy smoothies are a hit – you can even add espresso to amplify the dairy-free delights.
3802 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, 602-368-6464, getgoodergoods.com
Green New American Vegetarian
Inspired by several cultures and cooking styles, the menu at Green features all the comfort food classics – with a 100 percent plant-based twist. Think buffalo wings, burritos and burgers – including a vegan take on a certain fast food chain’s signature sammie – but it also boasts healthful salads and bowls and organic hummus.
Two Valley locations, greenvegetarian.com
Baja Pescado tacos at GuacStar Kitchen & Cantina | Photo by Mirelle Inglefield
GuacStar Kitchen & Cantina
Signature dishes at this rock ‘n’ roll-themed modern Mexican spot include a grilled guac pocket, chimi cheeseburger and seasonal roasted vegetable enchiladas. The Baja Pescado tacos are a crave-worthy vegan riff on fish tacos that even carnivores can appreciate. Inexpensive, innovative margaritas are also a must.
920 E. University Dr., Tempe, 480-219-9272, guacstar.com
Pachamama
Pachamama translates to “Mother Earth” in the Quechuan language, alluding to this new vegan Mexican restaurant’s use of fruits and vegetables instead of mock meats. Find burritos and tacos loaded with healthy hibiscus “carne asada” and walnut-cauliflower “chorizo” on the menu, plus rotating daily specials.
4115 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix, 602-586-399, pachamamaphx.com
Pomegranate Café
Superfood smoothies, a rotating pastry selection and raw vegan bites are the main focus at this cute café in Ahwatukee. Everything on its menu is vegan, organic, locally sourced and can be made gluten-free. Salads and bowls are the stars of the show, but you can also opt for mac and “cheese,” veggie burgers or tacos.
4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, 480-706-7472, pomegranatecafe.com
The Coronado PHX
Perch on the dog-friendly patio at The Coronado (located in a cozy cottage in Phoenix’s historical Coronado neighborhood) and dine on southwestern-slanted vegan munchies such as a cashew cheese quesadilla, potato tacos and elote. Plant-based pastries, coffee and a bar serving locally sourced beer, wine and cocktails add to its charm.
2201 N. Seventh St, Phoenix, 602-252-1322, thecoronadophx.com
Vegan House
Plant-based pad Thai, colorful vegetable curry and soy orange chicken are highlights at this Asian-influenced eatery in Downtown Phoenix. Though no animal products are used in the kitchen, it serves mock meats that taste like the real thing, including faux fish.
20 W. Adams St., Phoenix, 602-258-3426, veganhouseaz.com
Veggie Village
Soy Pan-Asian proteins at Veggie Village include orange chicken, sweet and sour fish and salt and pepper shrimp. Though these mock meat meals dominate the extensive menu, tofu and veggie dishes are also available. Heck, it even has a veggie burger.
1255 E. Northern Ave., Phoenix, 602-944-1088, veggievillage888.com
Verdura
We love the innovative eats and hip environs at Verdura, which is nestled in a corner of the Cinema Park Village Shopping Center next to a hardware store. Don’t be deterred by its unassuming exterior – some of the best vegan food in the Valley comes out of its kitchen. Try the Goth Waffles or “carne asada” nachos. Local beer and craft cocktails, too.
5555 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, 602-283-5168, verduraphx.com
Whyld Ass
You may recognize this vegan café’s irreverent name from our list of reasons to get stoked about Valley dining – the black bean chipotle chili and cornbread is a revelation. The chef-driven menu has other standouts, though – biscuits and gravy topped with sautéed kale, nachos made with sunflower seed cheese and vegetable pho, to name a few.
4810 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, 602-237-6724, whyldass.com
