Getting your child to eat their veggies just got easier! These plant-based restaurants serve up tasty treats that even a meat-eater couldn’t refuse. Whether you’re a vegan family, or prefer a plant-forward diet, the DMV has plenty of choices for even the pickiest of eaters, grown-ups included!
Fruititive
Come here to get your waffle fix! This plant-based smoothie bar also serves up nutritious breakfasts, like the Sweet Berry waffle (with just a hint of lavender!) or the Almond Chocolate Banana waffle. New to the menu: plant-based pizzas with cashew cheese. Want to get this organic goodness on the reg? Fruitive just finished up a pilot program for at-home meal kits and will soon be offering their delivery in the DC metro area.
1094 Palmer Alley NW
Citycenter
202-836-7749
Online: fruitive.com
Fancy Radish
This H Street Corridor restaurant has elevated plant-based dishes into "rich, composed plates." Meat-eaters and cheese lovers will be pleasantly surprised at this DC outpost (a sister restaurant to Philly's Vedge). You'll find elegant apps, like a stuffed avocado and hearty, seasonal dishes, like a rutabaga fondue. Kids will want to tuck into the crispy cauliflower tacos. The restaurant is currently offering limited indoor seating, but they also offer carry-out and delivery.
600 H St NE
H St. Corridor
202-675-8341
Online:
HipCityVeg
At the local outpost of Philly-based HipCityVeg, kids will love the Ziggy burger (they won’t even realize it’s a tempeh patty) and the Crispy HipCity Ranch sandwich. The latter is a pretty awesome riff on a fried chicken sandwich. Save room for banana whip, a frozen banana treat with your choice of toppings. The small fast-casual venue, however, is best for take-out or during nonpeak hours.
712 Seventh St. NW.
Penn Quarter
202-621-8057
Online: hipcityveg.com
NuVegan Cafe
Known for their plant-based twist on soul-inspired comfort foods, NuVegan is a favorite among District vegans. Their juice bar churns out delicious smoothies, and who doesn’t love fried “chicken” and collard greens? Favorites like the Garvey burger, “chicken” drummies with homemade honey mustard, and vegan lasagna get cheers all round. Both laid back locations have speedy service, and the D.C. location is spacious enough to accommodate families.
2928 Georgia Ave.
Columbia Heights
202-232-1700
Black Burn Center
2397 6th St. NW
Howard University Campus
8150 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD
202-232-1700
Online: nuvegancafe.com
Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant
This Asian-inspired restaurant is adorned with—you got it—sunflowers! Food-wise, there’s something for everyone here. Mom can slurp up some spicy noodles, dad can dig into a vegi-bacon potato pie, and the kids can pull together a tapas menu from appetizers like fried “chicken” on a stick, spring rolls, sushi, and more. Note: you will find a few items that include dairy here. This restaurant is currently offering carry-out and delivery due to COVID.
2531 Chain Bridge Rd.
Vienna, VA
703-319-3888
Online: crystalsunflower.com
Shouk
This Israeli street food restaurant doesn’t need to use the “v” word to describe their restaurant; their Middle Eastern-inspired menu speaks for itself. In addition to an assortment of plant-based pita sandwiches, Shouk’s polenta fries and choc chip cookie have bona-fide kid-appeal. Bonus: all items are certified Kosher by DC Kosher.
655 K St. NW
Mt. Vernon Square
202-945-4747
395 Morse St. NE
Union Market District
202 945 4747
Online: shouk.com
Yuan Fu Vegetarian
This casual, intimate spot offers vegan versions of popular Chinese dishes such as hot and sour soup and kung pao “chicken.” Both the mock Peking “duck” and moo shu “pork” are fun, eat-with-your-fingers foods that little hands will love. Other winners include the fried black mushrooms and beef and broccoli.
798 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD
301-762-5937
Online: yuanfuvegetarian.com
Everlasting Life Restaurant
For almost 20 years, Everlasting Life (ELife) has been serving up their eclectic vegan soul food menu. Crowd favorites include two types of mac and cheese (cashew and soy), curried maple drumsticks, jerk “chicken,” and more. On weekends, brunch items span tofu scramble, organic corn grits and whole wheat pancakes. If you or your tot is undecided, feel free to ask the friendly staff for samples.
9185 Central Ave., Ste A
Capitol Heights, MD
301-324-6900
Online: facebook.com/ELifeRestaurant
Sticky Fingers
A longtime district fixture, Sticky Fingers bakery sells baked goods sans dairy, many allergen-free too. So even if your little veganino can’t have soy or nuts, they can still relish a cupcake … or two. Craving something more substantial? They have brunch and lunch choices too: Think breakfast burritos, pancakes, alt-tuna sandwiches, and buffalo seitan wrap. (Their sister diner, Fare Well, is at 406 H St. NE)
1370 Park Rd., NW.
Columbia Heights
202-299-9700
Online: stickyfingersbakery.com
WORTH-THE-DRVIE
Kulture Kitch’n
Baltimore Chef Chris Harrell of Kulture Kitch’n is a must-follow on Facebook. Also known as #datplantbasedbrotha, Harrell's recipes and cooking videos have been featured on PETA's IG and on Britain's BoshTV. You don't have to live in B'more to enjoy his food; Facebook followers get hands-on, kid-friendly tutorials (sometimes featuring his super adorable daughter) and easy-to-follow recipes so you can cook up these dishes at home. Or order directly from Kulture Kitch'n: Menus are posted each week for weekend pick-up in the Baltimore area and limited delivery in the DC area on select weekends.
Online: facebook.com
Kelley Farm Kitchen
If you’re looking for a scenic drive to go with some amazing food, Kelley Farm Kitchen fits the bill. After a 70 minute drive to Harpers Ferry (known for its waterfront vistas), your effort will be paid off in sweet, vegan bites. Kelley Farm Kitchen serves up plant-based comfort foods like Impossible Tacos, Black & Bleu Burgers, Chickn’n & Waffles and Baked Mac & Cheese. Not to be left out, the kids menu offers finger-favorites like grilled cheese and plain cheeseburgers.
1112 Washington St.
Harpers Ferry, WV
304-535-9976
Online: facebook.com/KelleyFarmKitchen
—Meghan Yudes Meyers and Pat Tanumihardja
featured photo: Kulture Kitch’n
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