Here are our picks for the best brick-and-mortar vegan restaurants in Denver, listed in alphabetical order, followed by some of our favorite vegan food trucks and pop-ups.
Bang Up to the Elephant
1310 Pearl Street
303-792-4949
Bang Up to the Elephant is reminiscent of a breezy beach getaway, with island-inspired decor and a laid-back vibe. It’s named for a Victorian phrase meaning “well done,” and this descriptor very much applies to its Caribbean menu, which comprises tropical cocktails and savory dishes. Expect vegan takes on classic fare like the scratch-made seitan Cubano, which is bolstered by added veggies, and plates like the flavorful cassareep rice bowl and coconut-chickpea curry.
Fellow Traveler
3487 South Broadway, Englewood
303-635-6621
Vintage world maps and pull-down images of iconic travel vistas line the walls at Fellow Traveler. The airy interior complements the transcontinental menu, which features a coconut curry aloo gobi, green chile chilaquiles, pineapple fried rice and a jackfruit sandwich smothered in Carolina Gold-style barbecue sauce. The back bar is also an international affair, with bottles of housemade limoncello and deep dives into Mexico's agave spirits — which is one of the reasons this spot was our 2024 Best of Denver pick for Best Rotating Weekly Margarita.
Gladys
5505 West 20th Avenue, Edgewater
303-276-3309
Founded by former Fruition chefs Rocky Hunter and Dave Grant, this Edgewater Public Market vendor highlights local produce through seasonal New American dishes. Gladys’s current “beginnings” menu has options like its popular root-vegetable Reuben; spring fried rice with cashew cream; and a seafood-inspired linguine tossed with saffron brodo, sunchoke confit and royal trumpet mushrooms. “Plants forever” is the eatery’s ethos, and whole foods are undoubtedly the star of the show.
Meta Burger
5505 West 20th Avenue, Edgewater
720-897-8222
1905 29th Street, Boulder
303-449-0151
Meta Burger is another Edgewater Public Market vendor and also has an outpost in Boulder. Not long ago, online vegan restaurant guide HappyCow named it the best plant-based burger restaurant in the world. Both signature burgers and hearty sandwiches appear on the menu — like the Godfather, topped with a housemade “beef” patty, grilled mushrooms and plant-based Gouda; and the crispy Buffalo chicken drizzled with ranch and served on a hoagie roll. Round out your meal with cheese fries and a milkshake complete with sprinkles and whipped cream.
Native Foods
680 South Colorado Boulevard, Glendale
303-758-3440
Once 26 locations strong, the only remaining Native Foods Colorado location is now independently owned by Michael Olivas, who’s bringing a craft approach back to the former chain. Housemade seitan, scratch-made sauces and fresh-cut vegetables now appear on a variety of bowls, generous salads and popular handhelds like its Nashville hot “chicken” sandwich and Munchwrap Supreme.
The Chik’n Bacon Ranch sandwich at Next Level Burger, paired with a chocolate chip cookie dough shake.
Abigail Bliss
1605 East Evans Avenue
720-640-6900
Founded in Oregon a decade ago, Next Level Burger opened its first Colorado outpost in the University neighborhood in 2022. When it debuted, we were impressed with the large number of options on its menu. The vegan fast-food chain grills up several plant-based burgers, some of which resemble meat while others lean into whole ingredients, like the chipotle black bean patty and the mushroom-quinoa patty. Toppings include plant-based cheeses, tempeh bacon and organic veggies, which combine into more than a dozen options. Chik’n sandwiches, comforting sides and hand-spun milkshakes add even greater variety.
Other Dog
525 Santa Fe Drive
720-389-7502
Easy Vegan co-founders Alexi Mandolini and Taylor Herbert describe Other Dog as their “side quest,” but the plant-based hot dog stand is very much an impressive concept in itself. Now open at Town Hall Collaborative, it serves creative and regionally inspired dogs, like its Chicago- and Carolina-style dogs and the loaded potato dog topped with sriracha aioli and garlicky sour cream. Combine these with deli sides, including creamy potato salad with chile oil, and big-as-your-head slices of chocolate cake. Italian ices and rotating menu items add more reasons to keep visiting.
Somebody People
1165 South Broadway
720-502-5681
Somebody People was our 2022 Best of Denver pick for the Best Vegan Restaurant, and the internationally inspired eatery continues to impress with its local ingredients and focus on flavorful whole foods created by chef Justin Freeman, who took over the kitchen last year and is also behind the Monarch pop-up. Dine on vadouvan-spiced cauliflower with pistachio pesto; bagna càuda-dressed cabbage topped with toasted hazelnuts; and housemade pastas including campanelle, orecchiette and orzo. Pair these plates with natural wines and finish the meal with vegan desserts that rival those of any traditional bakery.The owners of Somebody People also recently launched a new vegan pop-up, Pickpocket Pita, at its "multisensory gastroclub," Stay Tuned, in the Ballpark neighborhood.
Total Vegan Indian Restaurant
9563 South University Boulevard A, Highlands Ranch
303-728-9177
Much of Indian cuisine is traditionally plant-based, but ingredients like yogurt and ghee can sometimes sneak into dishes unknowingly. However, diners at this Highlands Ranch gem need not worry, as everything from its curry to korma is entirely vegan. Favorites on the menu include its vegetable pakora served with mint and tamarind chutney; classics like saag and tikka masala; and three styles of biryani made with vegetables, mushrooms or tofu.
Former mobile food business Vegan Van now has a permanent home.
Vegan Van/Instagram
3900 Elati Street
303-246-8175
After Vegan Van was forced to relocate in late 2022, its founder, Brittney Gurule, parked her food truck and posted up inside the Assembly Student Living building just off 38th Street and I-25. Now the eatery operates on a consistent schedule and is open six days a week. Enjoy meatless takes on familiar fast foods like the “McLovin” breakfast sandwich made with plant-based JUST egg; its crunchwrap featuring seasoned seitan; and a variety of personal pan pizzas.
V Revolution
3570 South Logan Street, Englewood
303-781-2296
V Revolution specializes in Asian-inspired plant-based dishes that take cues from several global cuisines. Savor flavorful soups like tofu pho and spicy miso ramen; plates like pad Thai and dan dan noodles with crumbled Beyond meat; and bao filled with “pork belly,” orange chik’n or black pepper mushrooms. The menu is extensive at this fast-casual eatery, though every dish pairs well with its assorted bubble teas.
Watercourse Foods
837 East 17th Avenue
303-832-7313
Watercourse Foods was the city’s first fully vegan eatery, and for more than two decades, it’s served plant-based renditions of comfort foods and globally inspired fare. Brunch favorites, available Friday through Sunday, include scratch-made breakfast empanadas; waffles with swirls of chocolate and dulce de leche; and a roasted-tomato Benedict topped with crispy tofu. Pop in for delicious happy-hour specials or opt for wholesome dinner options like its sweet-potato gnocchi and raw pad Thai with ginger-almond dressing.
Wellness Sushi
2504 East Colfax Avenue
720-306-4989
Wellness Sushi in north Capitol Hill uses fresh vegetables and plant-based seafood alternatives to create its vegan maki, many of which resemble the appearance and flavor of familiar options like California and shrimp tempura rolls. Select from more than a dozen sushi choices, along with a variety of onigiri, rice bowls and ramen creations. Small plates like shiitake-stuffed tofu and grilled vegetable gyoza also appear on the menu.
Tamales from Cholo Ass Vegan.
Cholo Ass Vegan/Instagram
Cholo Ass Vegan
970 Yuma Street
720-382-3847
Seek out Cholo Ass Vegan pop-ups across the city to savor authentic Mexican food without the meat. Using seasonings and flavorful marinades, co-founders David and Jessica Alires transform seitan into plant-based versions of ground beef, al pastor and carne asada, available by the pound and in the form of tacos, tortas, loaded fries and more. Several styles of tamales, pozoles and more craveable dishes make up the rotating selection.
Dos Santos Pastéis
With traditional dough recipes containing butter and eggs, it’s rare to come across a vegan empanada. Fortunately, Dos Santos Pastéis delivers with entirely plant-based empanadas in traditional Latin American flavors like guava and cheese, picadillo and carne asada. Other Brazilian street foods add to the selection, which can be ordered online and enjoyed at various pop-ups.
Matt Heikkila (left), Taylor Herbert and Alexi Mandolini represented the Easy Vegan in The Great Food Truck Race.
Food Network
675 South Broadway
Offering flavorful dishes made entirely from whole plant-based foods, the Easy Vegan is our pick for this year’s Best Vegan Pop-Up. Its rotating street food menu features kimchi melts, pierogi platters, elote loaded potatoes and more internationally inspired fare, available at farmers' markets and other events. The Easy Vegan also hosts special plated dinners with multi-course menus, offers catering and recently launched its sister concept, Other Dog, in addition to teasing a future brick-and-mortar location using its winnings from the Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race.
Kids Table
Kids Table is best known for comfort foods like its mac and cheese loaded with plant-based bacon bits, jackfruit coated in Carolina barbecue sauce and other meaty ingredients. But founder Melissa Mooney also leans into her cultural heritage in offering vegan versions of Filipino staples like pandesal, chicken adobo and lumpia. Find Kids Table pop-ups at festivals and various restaurants, including MAKfam, where it will appear on May 2 during Mile High Asian Food Week.
Mora Pizza
While he briefly had a brick-and-mortar location on Colfax, Jonathan Mora is now operating Mora Pizza from a food truck, slinging vegan slices and whole pies. Expect out-of-the-box creations like baked ziti and cheesy lasagna pizzas, along with slices piled high with plant-based chicken, waffles and maple syrup. Everything on the menu takes a maximalist approach, including the thick calzones, fried seitan wings and mouthwatering cannolis.
The Savage Beet
A restaurant love story sparked the beginning of the Savage Beet food truck, which chefs Rachel Talady and Randy Reynolds launched in 2022. The concept serves global fusion dishes such as five-spice Asian tacos, loaded nachos with roasted green chile and various styles of curry — including its reaper green curry, which won an award during Denver’s inaugural Vegan Chef Challenge last year. The truck is out and about weekly, often parked outside breweries and at special events.
WongWayVeg
1460 Leyden Street
Food truck WongWayVeg offers approachable creations from various locations across Denver, including Sun Market, Town Hall Collaborative and its kitchen at the Art Gym. The menu changes often but never disappoints, with such globally inspired bites as steamed bao buns, hearty burritos and its popular chik’n and waffles served with spicy maple syrup. Also not to be missed are its sweet treats such as vegan doughnut holes, cake slices and pop tarts, all of which satisfy without the use of butter and cream.
