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Vegan and vegetarian eats in Louisville

Dig into delicious and meat-free fare all over Derby City.

Cosmic Bird sandwich

Cosmic Bird’s Razzy sandwhich features chick’n-fried cheese atop a burger.

Photo by Cosmic Bird.

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Eating meat-free hasn’t always been easy, but in Louisville, it can be a piece of (vegan) cake.

Derby City’s food scene is as vibrant as ever, it’s no surprise that there are a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, meat-free bites across town. From vegetarian burgers to scrumptious vegan desserts, here are 19 restaurants serving up vegan and vegetarian fare in the 502.

a crunchwrap cut in half and sitting on a bed of fries

The crunchwrap at V-Grits is spicy, salty, and satisfying.

Photo by LOUtoday.

100% vegan eats

Cosmic Bird, 619 Baxter Ave. | Even vegan Louisvillians can get in on the fried chicken at one of LOU’s newest vegan restaurants. Try this: General Tso chick’n sando.

V-Grits, 1001 Logan St. | You’d never guess that the fast-casual comfort food here — like burgers, nacho fries, and a crunchwrap — are completely vegan.

fried oyster mushrooms and lettuce on a white plate

The Korean rice bowl at Roots is available with or without a fried egg.

Photo by LOUtoday

Casual eating

Heart & Soy/Roots, 1216 Bardstown Rd. | Home to Kentucky’s only tofu factory, this two-sided restaurant features a casual space for takeout + a more upscale, full-service option.
Try this: Steamed bun with spicy sauce + BBQ tofu sandwich.

Shreeji Indian Vegetarian Street Food, 1987 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy. | From South Indian dishes and Indo-Chinese fare to sandwiches and naan pizza, it’s all on the menu at this Forest Hills street food spot.

Cold Smoke Bagels, 1001 Logan St. | This Jewish comfort food spot in Logan Street Market features a vegetable-packed veggie sandwich and housemade vegan cream cheese.

Copy of LOU-Lead Story Image Crop (6).png

Shahar’s taco nights feature chorizo potato, chicken thingas, and carne asada tacos, plus quesadillas and nachos.

Photo by LOUtoday

Pop-ups

Annie May’s Sweet Cafe, East End Farmer’s Market Tuesdays + Saturdas, Rainbow Blossom Farmer’s Market Sundays | Everything from this bakery is gluten-free, vegan, and free of allergens. Pro tip: Check out our guide to Louisville farmers markets — that’s where you’ll find Annie May’s.

Soul Hi Vegan, Fridays 2 p.m.-7 p.m. at Americana World Community Center, 4801 Southside Dr. | This Jamaican ghost kitchen serves soul food like mac and cheeze, “moxtail,” and jerk chicken drums made by its chef + owner.

Shahar Cafe, First Monday of the month 6 p.m. at The Merryweather, 1101 Lydia St. + Sundays 1 p.m. at Canary Club, 1247 S. Shelby St. | Get a vegan Sunday brunch or a Monday night dinner with a drink at this all-vegan pop up — and keep an eye on their Insta for Taco Tuesdays at ShopBar, 950 Barret Ave.

Delicious vegan desserts

Dairy Del, 1516 S. Shelby St. | One of Louisville’s oldest ice cream spots serves vegetarian burgers + hot dogs and features a rotating selection of dairy-free ice cream flavors.

Half-Peach Bakery & Cafe, 170 Sears Ave. | Order delivery or get takeout from this kitchen + bakery. It has everything from chicken tenders and pizza to caramel apple bread and cake slices.

not cauliflower Naiive Louisville

The Nashville hot cauliflower at Naiive offers just the right amount of spice.

Photo by LOUtoday

Vegetarian-friendly fare

Absynnia Ethiopian Restaurant, 554 S. 5th St. | Though a lot of Ethiopian cuisine includes spicy meat dishes, the menu here serves up an entire vegetarian section + several veggie appetizers.

Addis Bar & Grill, 109 S. 4th St. | This Mediterranean grill can accommodate all diets, with vegetarian plates and vegan samplers on the menu.

The Grape Leaf, 2217 Frankfort Ave. | The vegetarian section of this Mediterranean restaurant menu includes curry masala, biryani, samosas, and more.

Naiive, 1001 E. Washington St. | This brunch + dinner spot in Butchertown has plenty of vegetarian brunch and dinner dishes, like crispy rice with chimichurri or the dark chocolate torte with an orange butter glaze for dessert.

Pizza Lupo, 1540 Frankfort Ave. | In addition to vegetarian pies like the Margherita DOP, topped with imported buffalo milk mozzarella, Lupo has a pie specifically designed to be vegan. The Marinara ditches cheese in favor of two kinds of tomatoes and local garlic — all on Louisville’s best crust.

Queen of Sheba, 2804 Taylorsville Rd. | This Ethiopian restaurant serves its veggie dishes traditionally, which are meant to be eaten with your hands.

The Silly Axe Cafe, 1001 Logan St. | With 100% gluten-free fare, this takeout spot accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and nut-free diets, too.

Ramsi’s Cafe on the World, 1293 Bardstown Rd. | Featuring dishes from around the globe, Ramsi’s offers something for everyone. Try this: the Egyptian kitchen, or kusheri.

Toasty’s Tavern, 1258 S. Shelby St. | A smashed vegan burger, vegan fish and chips, friend mushroom planks, and vegan sauces are just a few of the options at this Shelby Park joint.

Chef it up at home

Check out our favorite tips and tricks for serving veggie-focused fare from your own kitchen:

Bonus: Need a vegan snack fix on the go? You already know Louisville Vegan Jerky has your back.

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