Molly Woodstock
Molly Woodstock has been writing and editing content for Travel Portland since 2014. Read More
Vegan Guide to Portland
Dozens of all-vegan businesses make the city a heaven for herbivores.
Molly Woodstock
Molly Woodstock has been writing and editing content for Travel Portland since 2014. Read More
The Rose City routinely ranks among the best destinations worldwide for vegetarian and vegan travelers — just ask CNN or PETA. Many of the city’s eateries, including dive bars, brunch spots and even Voodoo Doughnut (notorious for its bacon maple bar), offer plant-based options, making dining out a cinch for vegans.
Don’t want to settle for limited options? Nearly 50 local spots feature offerings that are 100% vegan. Whether you’re hankering for pastries, pizza or sushi — or shopping for cruelty-free fashion — these all-vegan spots have you covered.
From vegetarian/vegan-friendly bed-and-breakfasts to the world’s only all-vegan strip mall, compassionate choices rule many establishments in this city.
CNN Travel
Stylish Dining
For a once-in-a-lifetime eating experience, reserve a spot for the nightly nine-to-12-course tasting menu at Farm Spirit, where farm-to-fork plates might include braised artichoke, sweet and sour squash, herb-crusted filbert cheese or lemon-spruce vegan meringue with berry sorbet.
Speaking of brunch, the pumpkin cinnamon rolls at Blossoming Lotus are legendary — these gooey treats pack the heft of a small gourd. Other popular plates at this globetrotting eatery include live nachos, bibimbap and Thai salads.
Everyday Eats
Ikea-chic Canteen offers addictive whole-food dishes like walnut taco salad, maca-banana-almond butter smoothies and hearty quinoa bowls topped with maple tempeh and hazelnuts. Raw foodies must try Pixie Retreat, purveyors of crave-worthy “bakn’ cheez burger” collard wraps and decadent desserts oozing with caramel, almond butter and rich vanilla cream.
Dairy-free folk flock to Vtopia Cheese Shop and Deli for gooey melts and platters loaded with nut-based cheddars and bries. Bend-based Next Level Burger re-imagines classic diner chow with six types of juicy patties, hot dogs, chili cheese fries and creamy milkshakes.
Bars
Believe it or not, many of Portland’s best plant-based eats double as drinking snacks. Vegans love sister bars Bye and Bye and Sweet Hereafter , located in Northeast Portland’s Alberta Arts District. Both bars are known for their flavorful tofu bowls, and even carnivores crave their signature subs st\uffed with meatballs and buffalo soy curls. (Looking for a vegan-friendly place to stay on Alberta? Check out Portland Eco House, where all amenities offered are 100% organic and sustainably sourced.)
Also in Northeast Portland, Indian-inspired The Sudra serves some of the city’s healthiest (and tastiest) bar food, including cruciferous pakora, chickenless tikka masala and kale-infused dosas. For classic greasy goodness, feast on faux mozzarella sticks and bacon cheeseburgers at punk music venue Black Water Bar.
Bakeries
Gluten-free vegans get twice their share of sweets in Portland — Back to Eden Bakery and Petunia’s Pies & Pastries both run gluten- and animal-free kitchens. Each location sports savory lunch menus and dreamy ice cream sundaes as well as plenty of cupcakes, cookies and doughnuts. Vegan Sweetpea Baking Company also offers a terrific savory lunch menu — think hot seitan-stacked sandwiches and cheesy bacon croissants — in addition to an extensive list of pastries and baked goods.
Food Carts
North Portland’s St. Johns neighborhood is home to one of the world’s most famous plant-based food carts: Homegrown Smoker Vegan BBQ satisfies comfort food cravings with smoked tempeh rib platters, mock pulled-pork sandwiches and even mac-and-cheese burritos. On North Mississippi Avenue, Native Bowl loads rice bowls with garlic tofu and “fire-breathing dragon” sauce.
One-Stop-Shop
Pressed for time? You’ll only need an hour to explore the world’s first vegan mini-mall, located in Southeast Portland, across the street from Revolution Hall. Score coconut caramels, dairy-free cheddar kettle chips and other unique snacks at Food Fight! Grocery, cruelty-free tees and accessories at Herbivore Clothing or sweet treats at Sweetpea without ever leaving the block. Those wishing to memorialize the moment can even get a guaranteed vegan tattoo at Scapegoat Tattoo!
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