Memphis Vegan Dining Guide

A-Tan Chinese Restaurant — Chinese restaurant with sushi and hibachi grill. Menu features several vegetarian selections. If you drink alcohol, try the Flaming Volcano (a tropical, flaming cocktail served in a ceramic volcano-shaped bowl). 3445 Poplar (901-458-8877).

Absynnia Restaurant – This Ethiopian restaurant features a number of low-fat vegetarian dishes served with endless spongey injera bread. Don't miss their amazing weekend buffet where almost every dish offered is vegetarian. 2600 Poplar (901-321-0082).

Arnold's Smokehouse — Meat and vegan barbecue joint with a huge full-page vegan menu that includes a BBQ sandwich, BBQ jackfruit flatbread, garlic butter noodles with smoked shiitakes, BBQ jackfruit nachos, a house-made black bean burger, fried oyster mushrooms, and much more. 2019 East Person. 

Babalu — This Overton Square tacos and tapas bar has a few veganizable items. The veggie tacos can be made without cheese, and the homemade veggie burger patty can be made without eggs by request (but be sure to ask!). Also, the tableside guacamole is HUGE and delicious, and they have black-eyed pea hummus. If you're drinking, note that the housemade sour mix contains egg, but they're happy to swap it out for lemonade in any cocktail. 2115 Madison Ave. (901-274-0100).

Bala's Bistro — African/American restaurant with a vegan menu! Try the Curry Rout Vegetable Stew (root veggies in a coconut curry sauce) with jasmine rice! They also have vegan saka saka, vegan fataya hand pies, and vegan kimchi wraps and veggie burgers. 2160 East Raines Rd. 

Brother Juniper’s – Scrambled tofu and other vegetarian breakfast items. Order the Fahim's Special with roasted red peppers and portabella mushrooms or the amazing tofu scramble potato bowl with fresh guac. The diced, fried hash browns are to die for. Located in the University of Memphis area. 3519 Walker Ave. (901-324-0144).

Cafe Eclectic — Coffeehouse with a few vegan food items. There's a black bean & hummus wrap, some awesome sweet potato hash, and guacamole. For brunch, they have vegan pancakes (but be sure and ask them to leave off the honey granola) and a build-your-own tofu scramble. 603 N. McLean (901-725-1718).

Cameo — Cocktail bar inside The Citizen. They have a tasty Buffalo Vegan sandwich with buffalo lion's mane and vegan slaw (served with vegan chips!), and you can build your own charcuterie board with bread, pickles, olives, and jam (though they do not carry vegan meats and cheeses). Only complaint is the taxidermy on the walls. Watch out for that. 1835 Union Ave., Suite 103.  

Casablanca– Moroccan/Middle Eastern fare. Their falafel is to die for, especially when served on their "Big Mac of the Middle East" falafel pita sammy (ask for no sauce). Also check out the rice-stuffed grape leaves. Also, they have the best baba ganoush in the world. 1707 Madison (901-421-6949).

Chang’s Bubble Tea – Numerous vegan bubble teas options! Stick with the fruit-flavored teas, as the milk teas and creamy teas (like coconut and chai) contain dairy. The food menu has a few vegan options, like curry tofu, vegetable tofu, and vegetable fried rice. 8095 Macon Road (901-682-7229).

Cheffie's Cafe — This build-your-own salad and sandwich cafe is ripe with vegan possibilities! While they have a vegan sandwich (The Garden) and a vegan salad (The Veggie Delite) on their set menu, you can also have their employees build you a salad or sandwich with anything you wish. Vegan options include mixed greens, baby spinach, romaine, arugala, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, carrots cucumber, pickle slices, banana peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, black beans and corn, roasted red peppers, a bell pepper mix, red onions, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, almonds, artichoke hearts, French fried onions, balsamic vinaigrette, and sun-dried tomato hummus. 483 High Point Terrace; 6903 Great View Dr. N. (at Shelby Farms).

City Silo Table + Pantry — Mostly vegan diner with a focus on fresh, organic, locally grown produce and superfoods. Located in the former Cosmic Coconut location, City Silo has held onto some of their favorite Cosmic juice and smoothie recipes, but the rebranded restaurant is also offering buffalo tempeh & cauliflower wraps, black bean burgers, quinoa salads, smoothie bowls, and superfood-infused wellness lattes. Order the Foxy BBQ — a spaghetti squash BBQ sandwich — for a really inventive spin on Memphis 'cue. Vegan beware: City Silo does serve some chicken and eggs, but most menu items are totally vegan! 5101 Sanderlin Ave., Suite 104B (901-729-7134).

Crazy Noodle — This Midtown noodle shop has a number of vegan options. And OMG, they have VEGAN RAMEN!! They use vegetable broth in some soups (Tofu Ramen, Vegetable Ramen, etc.), and others that aren't vegan on the menu can be made vegan by request. I love the Vegan Mandou-Guk, a soup with veggie dumplings, shiitakes, and Korean rice cakes. It typically has chicken broth and eggs, so be sure and ask for the vegan version! Also there are some vegan cold noodle dishes on the menu too. And the veggie sushi is hands-down the best in town. 2015 Madison. (901-272-0928).

Curry Bowl — Authentic South Indian cuisine! Curry Bowl has a massive lunch buffet with lots of veg options and fried awesomeness (dosa, pakora, vada, etc.). And they have a huge veggie selection on their regular menu. 4141 Hacks Cross. 901-207-6051.

DWJ #2 — Korean BBQ joint serving bibimbap with tofu (hold the egg), jobchae (clear rice noodle stir fry with tofu & veggies, and more. 2156 Young Ave. (901-207-6204).

El Mero Taco — Vegan-friendly taco shop that always has one or two cruelty-free tacos on the menu! El Mero Taco impresses with creative taco fillings and sauces like pulled jackfruit, pumpkin seed mole, or cashew crema. They also operate a food truck that can be found at local events. (8100 Macon Station, Suite 102, Cordova, TN). 

Evelyn & Olive — This Jamaican restaurant and wine bar has several delicious vegan options. The black bean & tofu tacos (topped with kiwi salsa) is hands down the best thing on the menu, but the Kingston Cabbage is legendary. 630 Madison. (901-748-5422).

Farm Burger — Burger joint in Crosstown Concourse offering a house-made vegan burger and the Beyond burger!! Plus, a tasty vegan kale superfood salad and sweet potato fries. Local craft beer on tap. 1350 Concourse Ave. (901-800-1851).

Global Café — This international food hall inside Crosstown Concourse hosts three immigrant/refugee food entrepreneurs cooking and selling an eclectic mix of affordably priced cuisines. And there are always vegan options! Try the vegan rice/bean/plantain plate from Venezuela or the Somalian spaghetti (ordered vegan-style). Stop by on Taco Tuesday and try the best-ever black bean tacos (served with free chips and salsa and margaritas are just $2.95 with taco orders).

Good Fortune — Best vegan-friendly place in Memphis, hands-down. Lots of options, including multiple ramen bowls, tofu bites, Impossible dumplings and more.  Only drawback: No takeout and no reservations. 361 S. Main St. 

Hopdoddy Burger Bar — Chain burger joint serving the Impossible Burger! Plus, a vegan black bean & corn burger. Vegan smoked gouda can be added to any burger. The Kennebec fries and sweet potato fries are vegan. And they serve beer in 18-ounce goblets. 4584 Poplar Ave.

Huey’s – Famous Memphis burger joint offering three vegan burger options. There's a chargrilled veggie patty, a chipotle black bean burger, and a Beyond Burger. Plus, there's vegan cheese and mayo!. 77 S. Second (901-525-4839); 1927 Madison (901-726-4372); 4872 Poplar (901-682-7729); 7825 Winchester (901-624-8911); 1771 N. Germantown Pkwy. (901-754-3885); 2130 W. Poplar, Collierville (901-854-4455).

I Love Juice Bar — Mostly vegan Midtown juice bar. Only a few items contain bee products, but everything else is vegan. Juices, smoothies, essential oil shots, and a few grab-and-go vegan food items, such as salad rolls, kale salad, pad thai, and sprout sandwiches. 553 S. Cooper. 

Imagine Vegan Cafe — Memphis' totally vegan cafe! Imagine offers a HUGE menu of veganized comfort food classics — vegan chicken & waffles, Philly cheesesteaks, buffalo "wings," vegan beef tips with rice, you name it. There's also a build-your-own vegan cheese pizza option. And let's not forget dessert. There's a Bianca Sundae (named after me!!) with a chocolate peanut butter brownie topped with vegan soft serve and chocolate syrup. The peanut butter milkshake will change your life, and the cakes, pies, and cookies are to die for! Imagine offers Sunday brunch too! The Memphis Slam (biscuits topped with sausage, gravy, tofu scramble, and vegan cheese sauce) is amazing!! 2299 Young Ave. (901-654-3455).

India Palace — Lots of veggie options are offered at this Midtown institution. Try the chana masala, dhal soup, or the extensive buffet. 1720 Poplar (901-278-1199).

Inspire Community Cafe — Small cafe serving breakfast and lunch with a few vegan options, like veggie & black bean quinoa or rice bowls. Any salad can be made vegan. Plus, there's a veggie chili that can be served over quinoa or rice. Inspire also sells locally made vegan cookies by Araba's Sweet Spot. Bonus: They pay their employees a living wage. 510 Tillman St.

Java Cabana – This Cooper-Young coffeehouse serves vegan tacos, soy burgers, vegetarian sausage and biscuits, giant vegan cookies, and vegan cappuccinos. 2170 Young Ave. (901-272-7210).

Juice Almighty — Juice bar inside Memphis Rox Climbing Gym offering Beyond Meat for sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Plus, they sometimes do vegan brunch! Of course, they also have smoothies and juices. 879 E. McLemore (901-401-6104).

Knifebird — Vegan-friendly wine bar with vegan charcuterie, kale salad, and vegan bruschetta! Plus, great happy hour wine specials. 2155 Central Ave. 

Kwik Chek – Who says convenience store food has to be unhealthy? At the Kwik Chek on Madison (across from the Blue Monkey), they’re serving up Korean-style bibimbap (order it vegan-style with tofu and no egg). And they also have fantastic falafel and hummus pitas (vegans: ask them to leave off the cucumber sauce). 2013 Madison (901-274-9293).

The Liquor Store — Former liquor store-turned-retro diner in the hip Broad Ave Arts District with vegan entrees. Try the Cuban Platter with black beans, yellow rice, seasonal veggies, and THE BEST PLANTAIN CHIPS EVER. Try the Before the Butcher patty (like Impossible) with vegan cheese as a burger or patty melt. And ask about the housemade vegan chorizo, which can be added to anything! 2655 Broad Ave.

Loflin Yard — Outdoor bar with lots of lounging space, firepits, corn hole, and volleyball nets. They offer Beyond Beef and Beyond Sausage as substitutes on a number of dishes, including the sausage po'boy, tacos, nachos, and the sausage/cheese plate. They do not have vegan cheese, but you can ask them to leave cheese off any dish. 7 West Carolina Ave.

Lucchesi's Beer Garden — Laidback neighborhood beer garden offering 540 craft beers (!!!) and delicious Mediterranean food. The Lettuce Turnip the Beet pita sandwich has falafel, hummus, and pickled beets, turnips, and cauliflower, and it is DELISH! Also, don't sleep on the Devil'd Mash (avocado dip served with fresh pita). 84 South Reece St. 

Marciano — Hidden gem! This Italian spot in East Memphis typically doesn't fill up with reservations, so it's great when you need a last-minute date-night spot. And they have the best fettuccini primavera in Memphis! It's loaded with veggies and a great olive oil-white wine sauce. 780 E Brookhaven Cir. (901-682-1660)

Mellow Mushroom — Vegan-friendly pizza parlor offering Daiya vegan cheese (OMG y'all!), BBQ tofu, pesto tofu, and tempeh toppings. Also offering tofu and tempeh hoagies. 3075 Village Shops Dr. (901-907-0243).

Moe’s Southwest Grill – This national chain of burrito restaurants offers marinated tofu in place of chicken or steak on burritos and tacos. And bring your appetite because the burritos are super-fat! 3546 Walker; 6300 Poplar (881-6012); 465 N. Germantown Pkwy. (901-737-5058).

Molly's La Casita — Mexican restaurant with a full vegan menu that includes Impossible enchiladas, tacos, and chalupas. Plus, there's a vegan chili con queso, vegan cheeseburgers, and vegan-stuffed spuds. 2006 Madison Ave. (901-726-1873).  

Mosa Asian Bistro — This Asian fusion eatery offers an assortment of Chinese and Thai dishes, most of which can easily be made vegan. Tofu is offered as a protein choice for almost every dish, and most are fish sauce-free. The friendly staff is happy to help vegans decipher the menu. 1825 Kirby Parkway (901-755-6755); 850 S. White Station (901-683-8889).

Mulan Asian Bistro — The Midtown location, situated in the heart of the hip Cooper-Young Historic District, offers an array of vegan dishes, like General Tso's Tofu, Curry Tofu, Crispy Tofu, and more. There are also Thai options, like Drunken Noodles and various curries (most of which can be made vegan). They also have an extensive sushi menu with vegan options. 2149 Young Ave. (901-347-3965).

Otherlands – This quaint little Midtown coffeeshop serves vegan frozen coffee drinks, juices, locally made Dave's bagels with various spreads, soups, and other yummy quick items. 641 S. Cooper (901-278-4994). 

Plant Based Heat — Totally vegan and Black-owned! Burgers, wings, chick'n sammys, phillys, BBQ, and more! Plant Based Heat has some items with vegan meats (like Beyond) and others that use whole plants, like BBQ jackfruit, cauli wings, and pecan meat phillys. Personally, I recommend the Fye Junt (a Beyond burger with jalapenos, spicy BBQ sauce, and spicy mayo). There's something for everyone! Main location is at 669 S. Highland and Express location is at 363 S. Front St. 

Pyro's Fire Fresh Pizza — This build-your-own pizza joint has vegan cheese! And the pizzas come in lovely single-serve 11-inch sizes. You get a crust and then pick your sauce, cheese, and as many of the 40 toppings as you want (LOTS of those toppings are veggies, btw). Then they fire the pizza in a wood-fired grill. You can also build salads. And they have a great selection of local craft brew. 1199 Ridgeway in East Memphis (379-8294); 2035 Union in Midtown (208-8857).

Raw Girls — Awesome women-owned, queer-owned, totally vegan cafe offering whole food whole food, plant-based soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. Plus, juice cleanses! The baked falafel bowl and the protein noodle dishes are must-trys! Downtown (actual store): 150 S. Second St., Suite 118; East Memphis (food truck): 5502 Poplar.

RP Tracks — This U of M bar & grill serves YUMMY barbecue tofu nachos, a barbecue tofu burrito, a barbecue tofu sandwich, a tofu club sandwich, buffalo tofu wings, and some damn good hummus. Plus, they have the Beyond Burger and the Beyond Brat (try it with black bean chili!). A must for any local or visiting vegetarian! 3547 Walker. (901-327-1471).

Sen Trang — This Vietnamese spot replaced Midtown's beloved Pho Binh, but they have many of the same recipes, including one for Pho Binh's famous Lemongrass Tofu. They also have vegan tofu pho! 1615 Madison Ave. (901-276-2006)

Sabor Caribe — Venezuelan restaurant serving arepas, yucca fries, fried plantains, and other traditional dishes. The Veggie Arepa (with black beans and avocado) can be ordered without cheese. 662 Madison. (901-425-5889).

Seasons 52 — This high-end chain offers a vegan menu that changes with the seasons. Seasonal entrees range from cedar-roasted tofu (on a cedar plank!!), black bean tacos, quinoa-citrus salad, pasta with veggies, salads, and seasonal soups. Perfect for date nights!! 6085 Poplar (901-682-9952).

Slider Inn — This Midtown slider joint offers vegan buffalo wings (made from tofu and cauliflower!), served with vegan ranch. They also have a vegan slider made from brown rice, black beans, beets, onion, and jalapeno and topped with avocado and sprouts. Order a plate of three and consume with Slider Inn's amazing French fries. The falafel sliders are vegan if ordered without tzatziki, and there's also a PB&J slider. No visit to Slider is complete without a Jameson slushie. 2117 Peabody Ave. (901-725-1155); 363 Mulberry (901-729-6900).

Slim & Husky's — Black-owned, hip-hop-themed pizza & beeria! The Nothing But a V Thing pizza features vegan sausage and vegan pepperoni with red onions, spinach, and red sauce. Each pizza comes with two complimentary drizzles, and the garlicky garden butter, balsamic molasses, peach mustard, and chipotle BBQ are all vegan! Click here for a list of other vegan options at Slim & Husky's! 634 Union Ave.

Stick Em — Ethiopian/kabob restaurant with LOTS of vegan options. You can order the big vegetarian platter with tofu tibs, lentil stews (wats), greens, cabbage, potatoes, other veggies. Stick Em no longer serves injera bread, so entrees come with rice. The tofu kabobs are made with THE BEST TOFU IN TOWN. Seriously. So many options. So amazing. 1788 Madison. (901) 474-7214. Also a food truck!!

SriMu — Vegan cheese and wine shop in Crosstown Concourse! These aged, artisan nut-based cheeses are served on beautiful charcuterie boards and paired with wines (NA wines and kombucha are available, too). Cheese wheels can also be purchased to take home. Open 3-7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 1-7 p.m. on Saturdays. 1350 Concourse Ave.

Tonica  — This Spanish tapas bar specializes in gin and tonics (try the classic Ginraw!) and offers several vegan tapas options. The Espinacas con Garbanzos are to die for. 1545 Overton Park Ave. 

Young Avenue Deli – Not only do they boast the best homemade French fries in town, they also serve The Beyond Burger! Plus, several delicious veggie wraps. Fried tofu is available to add to any sandwich, and the veggie chili is fantastic. 2119 Young Ave. (278-0034).