As the dining public becomes more diverse in its tastes, so does a population wanting to stick to a plant-based diet. And some omnivores simply like to mix it up, eating less meat now and then. Here’s what’s on the menu when on your vegan or vegetarian ventures.

Austin, TX

When you visit the Capitol City, you’ll uncover rich history, live music, and a depth of dining options. If you’re looking for a meat-free menu, look no further than Nissi Vegan Mexican Vegmex, which is 100 percent plant-based, focusing its tasty tacos, nachos, and burritos on soy proteins. Bistro Vonish dishes out flavorful mac and cheese, sandwiches, and pasta from a food truck in the North Loop neighborhood. Rebel Cheese makes artisan charcuterie-style vegan and dairy-free cheese that will delight the cheese-lovers in your group. Order one of their special boxes and add a dip, then head outdoors for a picnic. Or dine-in and enjoy delicious vegan and vegetarian sandwiches, salads and soups, and charcuterie plates. Enjoy the homey dining experience and an afternoon tea at Casa de Luz. Located in a leafy setting, the menus change depending on ingredient availability.

Fort Worth, TX

Cattle (and steak!) are big in Fort Worth — but there are still plenty of options for vegan dining. Located in the Fairmount-Southside Historic District, Spiral Diner beats all odds, immediately becoming a mainstay in a place once called “Cowtown” upon its 2002 opening. Vegan to the core, this upbeat café delights with its organic spiced pancakes (get blueberries and pecans on those) with Beyond sausage patties on the side for all-day breakfast. Vegan burgers are a big hit, as are the scratch-made soy-milk shakes. Next door, the very elegant sister restaurant Maiden serves four- and eight-course high-end vegan tasting menus (poached cream of cauliflower with zucchini peanut pasta, anyone?) that change with the season.

Also try Belenty’s Love, serving vegan Mexican food that encompasses plates, bowls, burgers, nachos, a kids menu, and a range of beverages and cocktails. Boulevard of Greens offers healthy and tasty plant-based meals all made without preservatives, dairy, animal products, chemicals, or refined sugar. Try their new sister shop Vice Burger, offering plant-based burgers, hot dogs, shakes, and more.

Dallas, TX

In Lower Greenville, HG Sply is Dallas’ go-to hangout where vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters mingle effortlessly. Its creative, customizable menu caters to all, making it a perfect launchpad for a night out—think happy hour vibes with plant-based bites, followed by exploring the neighborhood’s quirky shops or live music scene. TLC Vegan Cafe, helmed by Chef Troy Gardner and dubbed D Magazine’s “best vegan restaurant,” pairs its inventive plant-based fare with a cozy vibe, ideal before hitting nearby trails at White Rock Lake or catching an indie film at the historic Granada Theater. D’Vegan spices things up with Vietnamese and Asian-inspired dishes, offering a fresh stop amid a day of browsing the Dallas Farmers Market or kayaking along the Trinity River. For a low-key evening, World Party Pizza (delivery or pickup only) brings Chef Troy Gardner’s vegan and veggie-friendly creations to your door—perfect after a day wandering the Dallas Arboretum or catching a sunset at Klyde Warren Park.

Houston, TX

Vegans craving baked goods in Houston head to Midtown’s Sinfull Bakery, the first vegan bake shop in town. The sweet tooth gets its fair share of treats in pastries with flavors like strawberry, pumpkin pie, and strawberry cheesecake, tres leches cakes and many more. Take care of that sweet tooth after a day outdoors at the Houston Zoo or Memorial Park. On the savory side, broccoli quiche and pot make lunch and dinner super special. Ask about daily take-and-bake meal offerings. Another great spot is Govinda’s Vegetarian Cuisine, serving lunch featuring buffet-style vegetarian Indian favorites in a peaceful space alongside the ISKCON of Houston Temp and Cultural Center. 

Bryan, TX

If you find yourself in Bryan for a Texas Aggies football game, Ronin Farm & Restaurant offers a welcoming table for all diners, whether vegan or meat-loving. With a menu that evolves weekly based on farm-fresh ingredients, every dish highlights the restaurant’s commitment to seasonal flavors. Thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail pairings enhance the experience, making each visit a unique culinary delight.

Lubbock, TX

For vegan creations teased with Latin flavors, head to Lubbock’s Cocina de La Sirena. A family spirit infuses each plate, as a mother-daughter chef team brings its New Mexico roots to their slow-food cooking fashion. A sharable appetizer, crispy Brussels sprouts are dipped in lemon-garlic aioli. Consider the Mexican squash and potato soup or smoked tomato risotto. Note that this special bistro does offer meat, fish, and dairy, but will gladly modify many of its menu items to accommodate vegan and gluten-free patrons. So bring the whole gang for a stay in Lubbock, home to musical icon Buddy Holly and the beloved Texas Tech Red Raiders.

San Antonio, TX

At Pharm Table in Southtown, the “apothecary kitchen” approach to its menu creations illustrates an Ayurvedic (referring to a holistic medical system from the Indian subcontinent) eating philosophy. Healthy choices include a smoked mushroom ceviche, a roasted root vegetable salad, as well as the most beautiful hummus ever made with beets, chia seeds, cilantro oil, and hemp almond cream, served with heirloom tortillas. Do peruse the organic wine list — a glass or two is the perfect way to start your evening before catching a show at the Alamodome or going out on the town.

Viva Vegeria is a vegan and gluten-free Tex-Mex restaurant with such tempting dishes as mole poblano, enchiladas verdes, hot wings, and vegan nachos. Blissful Burgers' signature burgers begin with a Beyond Meat patty, vegan cheese, and plenty of veggies. Leave room for Blissful Cravings, such as tossed “chicken”,  vegan Philly cheesesteak, and chili cheese fries. A kids menu offers their favorites.

No matter where in Texas you find yourself, you’re also sure to find a vegan meal to fuel your packed travel itinerary! 

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