Gone are the days of the mushed, the washed-out, and the wilted. Yes, vegetables are having their moment. The more inventive of the Denver chef community are now trying out plant-based meals and menu items. They're shooting for delicious staples, rather than your standard side dishes.
Last year, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer also warned us about processed meats – bacon, hot dogs, corned beef – labeling the food products "carcinogenic" along with cigarettes and asbestos.
So there you have it. While we wouldn't dream of talking meat-eaters out of their carnivorous cuisine of choice, we would like to welcome the next generation of vegetarian- and vegan-friendly establishments to the table. Read on for the freshest of vegetables and the most deceptively delicious of meat substitutes. In Denver and beyond, here are our favorite veg-forward restaurants.
Note: Map points are listed in geographical order and are not ranked. Did we miss your favorite vegetarian spot? Show it some love in the comments, send us an email, or start a forum thread in its honor.
Start the morning bright and early with pastries or vegetarian and vegan breakfast items from this hippie haven in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Or go all day and all night (closes at 2 a.m.) for the lunch, dinner, and late-night fare packed with local ingredients and influenced by French, Mediterranean, Italian, and American cooking. The coffee house and edgy, full-service eatery features a full bar as well.
Though this authentic, family-owned Middle Eastern eatery just off the University of Denver's campus serves up lamb, chicken, and other meat-based dishes, the Mediterranean menu also is jam-packed with vibrant flavors in a variety of veg-friendly fare. Try the sample platter with hummus, tabouleh, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, baba ganouj, and more.
This original Denver watering hole and heavenly hamburger joint has successfully filled Denver bellies with burgers and beer since 1945. But order any of the creative combos with a veggie burger, and prepare to be both amazed and full afterward.
Rooted in the craft and quest of transforming raw ingredients into delicious delights, this vegan bakery and cafe serves up cakes and pastries – croissants, muffins, and tarts – as well as breads and sandwiches. Try the the ABC, with roasted almonds, beets, cashew cream cheese, butter lettuce, and whole-grain mustard on country bread.
A healthy eater's dream, this not-entirely vegetarian eatery has plenty of options to satisfy the hungry herbivore and includes all-grain and gluten-free items.
Amidst the buffalo wings, burgers, and beer, Fire on the Mountain also features vegetarian and vegan fare, with options such as vegan chicken, portobello mushrooms, and seitan.
This laid-back, spiritual space prepares seasonal vegetarian and vegan specialities. Devotees of the Ayurvedic selections can enjoy various buffet-style dishes. Entrées are always accompanied by steamed veggies, daily soup, organic rice, homemade organic whole wheat bread, crispy lentil wafers, and a heart-healthy salad bar, with all the raw fixings. All 100 percent plant-based and vegan.
This vegan-only diner serves comfort breakfast and lunch to the Five Points neighborhood. The menu has a few hearty entrees: chickpea fried steak, lentils and onions, shepherd's pie, and a chili bowl. Breakfast is served all day, with pancakes, tofu scrambles, carrot bacon, and oatmeal. Vegan baked goods and Copper Door coffee are available as well.
Owned and operated by Chef Rachel Best, Leaf is the epitome of Boulder's health-centric mindset and lifestyle. The restaurant is dedicated to creating an outstanding and creative vegetarian dining experience, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For another week or so until its closing, Love, Peace & Sol Cafe is Denver's premiere vegan soul food eatery. Try the Black Folk Quesadilla, or the Étouffée BayBay with zucchini, squash, peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms over brown rice, or the Freedom Tata with greens from the on-site garden.
With specialties such as the Suzie’s Herbed Tofu, Tofu Rancheros, and Grilled Tempeh with black bean sauce, the Merc may not be veggie-only, but they're more than a little veg-friendly. Serving locally-sourced vegetables, fruits, grains, and bar selections, the menu is organic with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, and shows love and loyalty to local farmers, ranchers, vintners, and distillers.
Offering several vegetarian and vegan options, Sputnik also has a full espresso bar and free wifi. Try the Zucchini Dog or the Loretta Tempeh, with diced tomato, onions, peppers, and vegan mayonnaise, served on a hoagie.
Specializing in cold-pressed juice, Capitol Hill's The Corner Beet serves up both hot and toasty, as well as cold and fresh sandwiches, and also an assortment of salads chock-full of veggies and healthy goodness.
Opened in 1998, this kitchen puts out nothing but meat-free cooking. WaterCourse has become a community for vegetarians, vegans, and others with dietary restrictions. The menu features dishes that rotate seasonally.
Start the morning bright and early with pastries or vegetarian and vegan breakfast items from this hippie haven in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Or go all day and all night (closes at 2 a.m.) for the lunch, dinner, and late-night fare packed with local ingredients and influenced by French, Mediterranean, Italian, and American cooking. The coffee house and edgy, full-service eatery features a full bar as well.
Though this authentic, family-owned Middle Eastern eatery just off the University of Denver's campus serves up lamb, chicken, and other meat-based dishes, the Mediterranean menu also is jam-packed with vibrant flavors in a variety of veg-friendly fare. Try the sample platter with hummus, tabouleh, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, baba ganouj, and more.
This original Denver watering hole and heavenly hamburger joint has successfully filled Denver bellies with burgers and beer since 1945. But order any of the creative combos with a veggie burger, and prepare to be both amazed and full afterward.
Rooted in the craft and quest of transforming raw ingredients into delicious delights, this vegan bakery and cafe serves up cakes and pastries – croissants, muffins, and tarts – as well as breads and sandwiches. Try the the ABC, with roasted almonds, beets, cashew cream cheese, butter lettuce, and whole-grain mustard on country bread.
A healthy eater's dream, this not-entirely vegetarian eatery has plenty of options to satisfy the hungry herbivore and includes all-grain and gluten-free items.
Amidst the buffalo wings, burgers, and beer, Fire on the Mountain also features vegetarian and vegan fare, with options such as vegan chicken, portobello mushrooms, and seitan.
This laid-back, spiritual space prepares seasonal vegetarian and vegan specialities. Devotees of the Ayurvedic selections can enjoy various buffet-style dishes. Entrées are always accompanied by steamed veggies, daily soup, organic rice, homemade organic whole wheat bread, crispy lentil wafers, and a heart-healthy salad bar, with all the raw fixings. All 100 percent plant-based and vegan.
This vegan-only diner serves comfort breakfast and lunch to the Five Points neighborhood. The menu has a few hearty entrees: chickpea fried steak, lentils and onions, shepherd's pie, and a chili bowl. Breakfast is served all day, with pancakes, tofu scrambles, carrot bacon, and oatmeal. Vegan baked goods and Copper Door coffee are available as well.
Owned and operated by Chef Rachel Best, Leaf is the epitome of Boulder's health-centric mindset and lifestyle. The restaurant is dedicated to creating an outstanding and creative vegetarian dining experience, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For another week or so until its closing, Love, Peace & Sol Cafe is Denver's premiere vegan soul food eatery. Try the Black Folk Quesadilla, or the Étouffée BayBay with zucchini, squash, peppers, tomatoes, and mushrooms over brown rice, or the Freedom Tata with greens from the on-site garden.
With specialties such as the Suzie’s Herbed Tofu, Tofu Rancheros, and Grilled Tempeh with black bean sauce, the Merc may not be veggie-only, but they're more than a little veg-friendly. Serving locally-sourced vegetables, fruits, grains, and bar selections, the menu is organic with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, and shows love and loyalty to local farmers, ranchers, vintners, and distillers.
Offering several vegetarian and vegan options, Sputnik also has a full espresso bar and free wifi. Try the Zucchini Dog or the Loretta Tempeh, with diced tomato, onions, peppers, and vegan mayonnaise, served on a hoagie.
Specializing in cold-pressed juice, Capitol Hill's The Corner Beet serves up both hot and toasty, as well as cold and fresh sandwiches, and also an assortment of salads chock-full of veggies and healthy goodness.
Opened in 1998, this kitchen puts out nothing but meat-free cooking. WaterCourse has become a community for vegetarians, vegans, and others with dietary restrictions. The menu features dishes that rotate seasonally.
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