By Clara Bartels
Being a vegetarian in Texas is not for the faint of heart. When I told my cousin I was becoming vegetarian, he looked at me and asked: “Can you still be considered a Texan?” While Austin does have amazing barbeque eateries, it also has tons of vegetarian spots that need some recognition. After being a vegetarian for over a year, I share with you some of the best vegetarian options that Austin has to offer.
Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S 1st Street, Austin TX, 78704
When you search “vegetarian restaurants in Austin,” Bouldin Creek Cafe will always be at the top of the list. It is strictly a vegetarian restaurant with many vegan options as well. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, dinner or a cup of coffee, Bouldin Creek Cafe is the place to be. I would recommend their lavender latte with oat milk. I highly recommend the Massaman Curry Bowl – broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes plus sesame tofu in a mild Massaman sauce and served with brown rice.
Magnolia Cafe
1920 S Congress Ave, Austin TX, 78704
2304 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin TX, 78703
When I was younger, my grandma would take us to Magnolia Cafe for brunch every time we saw her. While it isn’t strictly a vegetarian restaurant, Magnolia Cafe offers many options for vegetarians. It’s open 24/7 and serves breakfast all day which expands the availability for vegetarians. They offer three different kinds of pancakes with a variety of extras to add on – bananas, blueberries, seasonal fresh fruit, pecans, and chocolate chips. If you aren’t a big pancake person, I would recommend the migas or the vegetarian omelette. If you aren’t a breakfast person, the Veggie Reuben is never a bad idea.
Shady Grove
1624 Barton Springs Road, Austin TX, 78704
Shady Grove is the perfect place to go either before or after any event happening at Zilker Park. While it isn’t strictly a vegetarian restaurant, it has the best vegetarian sandwich I have ever had. The Hippie Chick is grilled eggplant, squash, zucchini, roasted red bell peppers, mushrooms, arugula, tomato, mozzarella cheese, and pesto mayo on their hippie bread. A big fan of their queso!
Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress Ave, Austin TX, 78704
If you don’t stand in line to get in and order Home Slice Pizza, have you ever really experienced it? It’s well worth the wait, especially because they give vegetarians so many options. The pizza is great and, if you’re in a time crunch, they also have a take-out option directly next door for a quicker experience! My personal favorite is the Margherita pizza – fresh mozzarella, diced Roma tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and basil.
Tacodeli
301 Congress Ave, Austin TX, 78701
4200 N Lamar Blvd, Austin TX 78756
Austin takes great pride in our many taco spots but Tacodeli gets special props for its many options for vegetarians. With breakfast and lunch tacos, the possibilities are almost endless! If you’re in search of the perfect vegetarian breakfast taco, look no further! The Migas taco is incredible or you can create your own. Just a tip, I highly recommend one with black beans, avocado, pico de gallo, and scrambled eggs.
Enjoy this vegetarian-approved journey to good food!