Does your meat-free lifestyle keep you from venturing out to eat with the kids? Believe it or not, Portland is packed with great family and animal-friendly eateries. Serving everything from bowls to burgers, the vegetarian restaurants in Portland have a variety of plates to please every palate. Find out where you might find your next best meal. We’ve rounded up some of the best veggie spots and we even tracked down some vegan joints for you. Read on to find out more.
photo: Nectar Cafe via facebook
Nectar Cafe
Located in the Hollywood District, this cafe serves only vegan fare. They pride theirselves on serving up the best house roasted coffee—the perfect pick-me-up for parents. Their fresh juice bar is sure to light young smiles up as are the real-fruit smoothies.
One of the best things about this vegan restaurant is that it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their waffle options range from sweet to savory and for lunch you can enjoy a sandwich or wrap. Consider having breakfast for dinner with one of their tasty scrambles. Made with tofu or tempeh, these dishes are packed with filling veggies and meatless meats that satisfy.
1925 NE 42nd Ave.
Portland, Or
971-302-6359
Online: nectarcoffeebar.com
photo: La Vida Veggie via facebook
La Vida Veggie
Beaverton is lucky to have this Latin-inspired vegan restaurant. Fill your table with tapas like the salsa sampler plate and then follow them up with grilled sandwich. Little eaters will love the grilled cheese, and who could resist a Portobello pesto lunch? If you feel like having a bowl you can choose between brown rice or quinoa and then choose from the winter, taco or green goddess bowl. For more traditional Mexican fare there are enchiladas, quesadilla’s and tostadas—but you don’t have to stop there. Before you get up and go, grab a gluten free cupcake or slice of cake for desert! Or maybe just order one to go.
Check out Sunday brunch, too. In a hurry? Text or call in an order for pickup.
4925 SW Angel Ave.
Beaverton, Or
503-939-8176
Online: lavidaveggie.com
Next Level Burger
If you are looking for a fast, friendly meal and you are in the mood for a burger, shake and fries, there’s only one place to go: Next Level Burger. This small chain that started in Bend, Oregon is perfect for the family-on-the-go. All of their menu items are 100% plant-based and kids can order veggie burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, nut butter and jelly and hummus sandwiches from the children’s menu. Seating is limited.
A bit of a surprise for a burger joint, this place serves breakfast. Order up some pancakes or a breakfast bowl. There’s even Tempeh Bacon. Online ordering is available too.
4121 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, Or
503-719-7058
Online: nextlevelburger.com
photo: Sweetpea Baking via facebook
Sweetpea Baking
Get your sweet tooth ready, this bakery will have you saying, “I can’t believe it’s not butter!” They serve up delectable cakes with names like Chocolate Decadence and Vanilla Cloud. You can even order a Confetti Cake or Boston Cream Pie.
If you are just in need of a meal, grab a bowl of granola or a quiche with a hash brown crust. From bagel sandwiches to small plates to soups and salads—there’s plenty for your clan to choose from. Stop by for fresh cronuts on Mondays at 9 a.m. or fresh doughnuts starting at 9 a.m. on Saturdays.
1205 SE Stark St.
Portland, Or
503-477-5916
Online: sweetpeabaking.com
Off the Griddle
You’ve probably seen the line wrapped around the corner outside this vegetarian and vegan spot. People hit this eatery in droves for the waffles with inventive toppings, hash browns, gravy and breakfast burritos. While every dish is delectable, waffles are this restaurant’s specialty. It got its start as the “Off the Waffle” cart. Everything is vegan except for poached eggs and (optional) Tillamook cheddar cheese. The warm and welcoming atmosphere is perfect for bringing the kids, especially on a quieter weekday.
5420 E Burnside St.
Portland, Or
503-233-4550
Online: offthegriddle.com
photo: Vita Cafe via Yelp
Vita Cafe
Are you in the mood for Biscuits & Gravy? How about a big ol’ burger? You can get both at this local restaurant and they are both meat free! You kids will smile with glee over the multiple mac and cheese options and you can fill your belly with a vegetarian-friendly french dip, ruben or tuna melt. Buy your kids a root beer to sip on while you enjoy one of their many cocktail creations!
3023 NE Alberta St.
Portland, Or
503-335-8233
Online: vita-cafe.com
Virtuous Pie
Get ready to experience some of the best vegan slices of pie you’ve ever had. Virtuous Pie is a Vancouver, BC-based restaurant founded in 2015 with mission of promoting the plant-based diet by creating food options that are affordable, fast and delicious. The wide variety of pizza options offered is almost as shocking as how incredibly good they are. The Meatball + Chevre Pizza($14) tastes a whole lot like a traditional pie. The kids are sure to love it and you are bound to wonder if the cheese isn’t actually cheese made from dairy. The answer is, “no”! The cheese is nut-based and made in-house as is their three-day dough, which makes incredible crust—not too thick and not too thin.
It’s hard to believe you can get full-flavored, creamy ice cream with out even a dash of milk in it, but Virtuous delivers in the frozen dessert department. Choose from a list of options that includes Pumpkin Pie + Pecan, Hawaiian Vanilla, Mint+ Dark Chocolate, Lavender + Lemon, Double Chocolate + Salted Caramel, and our favorite: Turmeric + Black Pepper. That’s right! Turmeric + Black pepper makes for a beautiful yellow scoop that is surprisingly sweet and sure to bring smiles.
Virtuous Pie
1126 SE Division St.,
Portland
503-334-2073
Online: virtuouspie.com
What’s your favorite meat-free kid-friendly restaurant in Portland? Let us know in the comments!
—Annette Benedetti
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