Vegan restaurants in Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas is well-known for being one of the best cities for vegans. Contrary to the rest of Texas, Austin offers a sizable selection of options for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diners. The vegan scene in Austin is very diverse. With everything from a dairy-free ice cream shop to a vegan donut shop, there are endless options for vegan travelers. Here you can find any vegan food imaginable: fantastic raw food, hot cooked comfort foods, and delicious traditionally off limits treats like ice cream. Unlike many cities whose vegan and vegetarian restaurants are very bland, you will quickly see that Austin’s vegan restaurants offer a unique style and great setting not found in most cities.

Although there are dozens of great choices in town, I have listed 3 of my favorites. These restaurants all offer great food, a unique setting, and affordable prices.

Mother’s Cafe and Garden

Update: Mother’s is unfortunately closed!

Mother's Cafe in Austin, Texas

Mother’s Cafe has been serving excellent vegan and vegetarian food since they opened their doors in 1980. This Mexican themed restaurant serves excellent vegan enchiladas and burritos. The weekend brunch menu features an attractive selection of Southwestern dishes in addition to favorites like french toast and waffles. Many dishes can be made with tofu instead of egg. GMO-free canola oil and tofu are used for all dishes containing these ingredients. Many gluten-free items are available as well. Everything on the menu is vegetarian and those that can be made vegan or gluten-free are marked as so.

The restaurant is big, bright, and features lots of plants.
The restaurant is big, bright, and features lots of plants.
The Southwestern Stuffed Pepper (available gluten-free) is a poblano pepper filled with brown rice, corn, peas, tempeh, and cilantro, served with your choice of sauce and topped with regular or Daiya cheese. This tasty dish is served with black beans and sauteed squash.
The Southwestern Stuffed Pepper (available gluten-free) is a poblano pepper filled with brown rice, corn, peas, tempeh, and cilantro, served with your choice of sauce and topped with regular or Daiya cheese. This tasty dish is served with black beans and sauteed squash.
The Spinach Mushroom Enchiladas (stuffed with sauteed mushrooms, spinach, and red onions) and topped with your choice of sauce and regular or dairy cheese is the perfect option for anyone craving a little bit of spiciness but not over the top. This fantastic dish is available gluten-free and is served alongside rice and black beans.
The Spinach Mushroom Enchiladas (stuffed with sauteed mushrooms, spinach, and red onions) and topped with your choice of sauce and regular or dairy cheese is the perfect option for anyone craving a little bit of spiciness but not over the top. This fantastic dish is available gluten-free and is served alongside rice and black beans.

Counter Culture

Update: Counter Culture is now a food trailer.

Counter Culture in Austin, Texas

Counter Culture is one of the best vegan restaurants in Austin or elsewhere for that matter. In addition to the usual fare like salads and wraps, Counter Culture offers an impressive selection of rare offerings such as gluten-free stuffed French Toast, raw jicama ravioli, spicy baked artichoke dip served with bread (can be made gluten-free), and even chocolate covered donuts.

The outdoor patio is perfect for relaxing while enjoying your delicious comfort food favorites.
The outdoor patio is perfect for relaxing while enjoying your delicious comfort food favorites.

There are lot of interesting choices to choose amongst. I recommend the Spicy Spinach artichoke dip, the Caesar Salad, and the East Side Nachos. As an added bonus, organic produce is used when available. Counter Culture is vegan comfort food at it’s best. Any vegan traveling through Austin must check out this delicious restaurant.

The vegan Caesar Salad topped with gluten-free croutons perfectly mimicked the taste of a traditional Caesar.
The vegan Caesar Salad topped with gluten-free croutons perfectly mimicked the taste of a traditional Caesar.
The Spinach Artichoke Dip, conveniently available with GF bread, was the most delicious vegan/GF appetizer I have tasted! So creamy and satisfying!
The Spinach Artichoke Dip, conveniently available with GF bread, was the most delicious vegan/GF appetizer I have tasted! So creamy and satisfying!
Counter Culture's vegan nachos (can be made GF) are simply amazing! Hot homemade queso, beans, avocados, diced tomatoes, and jalapenos create a winning appetizer!
Counter Culture’s vegan nachos (can be made GF) are simply amazing! Hot homemade queso, beans, avocados, diced tomatoes, and jalapenos create a winning appetizer!

 Sweet Ritual

Update: Sweet Ritual unfortunately closed.

Sweet Ritual dairy free ice cream in Austin, Texas

Over the years we have seen more and more dairy-free brands of ice cream pop up at health food stores all over the country. But summer just isn’t the same without getting a sundae at your favorite ice cream shop. Those avoiding dairy no longer have to pass up on an ice cream outing with friends thanks to Austin’s all dairy-free & delicious Sweet Ritual ice cream shop.

The decor inside Sweet Ritual is inviting and eclectic. You will also find a few picnic tables outdoor for enjoying your treat on warm summer nights!
The decor inside Sweet Ritual is inviting and eclectic. You will also find a few picnic tables outdoor for enjoying your treat on warm summer nights!

You will have your choice amongst 16 tempting flavors including Cookies and Cream, Rocky Road, Peanut Butter Cup, and Chocolate Chai. The base is either coconut, cashew, or almond. Some of the flavors are gluten-free and marked as so. In addition, gluten-free waffle cones are available. There are a handful of sundae creations (the Peanut Butter Cup which includes your choice of ice cream, dark chocolate chips, chocolate sauce, and salted peanuts is simply delicious) to choose from or you can make your own with the dozen or so toppings and sauces available. Shakes and banana splits can also be found on the menu, meaning this place isn’t missing a thing! What’s even better is that they offer outdoor seating so you can enjoy the beautiful summer nights!

The Chocolate Chai ice cream, topped with dark chocolate chips and toasted coconut, was so rich and creamy! One of the best vegan desserts you will ever try.
The Chocolate Chai ice cream, topped with dark chocolate chips and toasted coconut, was so rich and creamy! One of the best vegan desserts you will ever try.

Addresses

Mother’s Cafe – 4215 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751
Counter Culture – 2337 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Sweet Ritual – 4500 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751

Have you tried any of the restaurants listed above? What are some of your favorite vegan options in the Austin area?