8 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Denver, CO

By VI Staff on May 18, 2020 - Updated

Courtesy of alicjane - Fotolia.com

Commonly known as “cow town” when it comes to dining, Denver presents a dining scene that has always been on the meat-heavy side. Now, the food scene is moving beyond juicy steaks and thickly stacked burgers and offering more vegetarian and vegan options alongside the usual meat-centric offerings. The city has plenty of places that still serve the regular menu with additional vegan options, as well as those that forgo meat altogether with choices so delicious, they’ll leave even the most skeptical carnivores duly impressed.

1.City O' City

A longtime favorite, City, O' City is open all day serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so it is ideal for an early morning coffee or a late-night snack. The casual, family-friendly eatery has an expansive menu that features plenty of stalwarts and all-time favorites, as well as changing specials and artistic creations. Signature dishes, which boast French, Mediterranean, Italian, and American influences, include kimchi pancakes topped with spicy kimchi, sesame seeds, pickled carrots, and a sweet soy sauce, as well as crispy fried garbanzo curry cakes topped with cranberry pineapple chutney, mint sauce, and micro coriander. The coffee house and edgy, full-service eatery feature a full bar as well.

206 E 13th Avenue, Denver, CO 80203, Phone: 303-831-6443

2.WaterCourse Foods

Established in 1998, WaterCourse has been serving up all-vegan fare ever since and has become one of Denver’s classic vegan eateries. Open all day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, WaterCourse serves a variety of vegetarian and vegan options made with locally sourced organic ingredients and freshly prepared every day. Hearty breakfasts include favorites like burritos with green chile and biscuits and gravy, while lunches and dinners have regulars such as salads, soups, and hearty entrées, including meat-free versions of some classic such as Beet Wellington and Tofish'n'Chips. The beverage menu offers a variety of beers, wines, and handcrafted cocktails, as well as hot drinks and sodas.

837 East 17th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80218, Phone: 303-832-7313

3.Beet Box Bakery and Cafe

Beet Box Bakery and Café is a vegan bakery and café that serves a small sandwich menu and selection of baked goods that promise to delight. This under-the-radar vegan bakery offers simple yet mouthwatering treats from melt-in-your-mouth light croissants and creamy cakes to healthy muffins and decadent donuts. Also on the menu are a variety of sandwiches with various toppings like the ABC stacked with beets, roasted almonds, cashew cream cheese, butter lettuce, and whole-grain mustard on thick country bread and the Breakfast Sandwich with chickpea frittata, smoked tempeh and mushrooms, arugula, and tomato on a fresh brioche. For something heartier, try the curry cauliflower and black bean poblano. Beet Box Bakery and Café is open daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. More Things to Do in Denver

1030 E 22nd Avenue, Denver, CO 80205, Phone: 303-861-0017

4.True Food Kitchen

While not entirely vegetarian and boasting multiple locations around the country, one might think True Food is just another eatery. However, it’s signature Inside Out Quinoa Burger will turn the tables, along with its rotating menu of seasonal salads bursting with freshness and flavor, not to mention the hand-tossed, wood-fired pizza, which also comes in a vegan option. The Ancient Grains Bowl with Miso glazed sweet potato, grilled Portobello, hemp seed, and avocado and the Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl with broccoli, bok choy, heirloom carrot, brown rice, and avocado topped with toasted sesame shouldn’t be missed!

2800 E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 101, Denver, Colorado 80206

5.Sputnik

Espresso bar and vegan diner in one, Sputnik offers a fresh and eclectic take on traditional pub grub style fare in a relaxed and laid-back environment. The full-service restaurant and bar are open daily from 10:30 am until late, and you’ll find a seasonal and vegan menu of delicious cuisine accompanied by an extensive list of libations. Tuck into quinoa cakes or tofu scramble for brunch or healthy sandwiches stacked with a variety of fillings for lunch. Snacks range from sweet potato fries and zucchini dogs to fried pickle chips and fried Brussel sprouts – ideal for nibbling on with late-night drinks.

3 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209, Phone: 720-570-4503

6.The Corner Beet

Specializing in cold-pressed juice and fresh vegan fare, Capitol Hill's The Corner Beet serves an assortment of delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine made with fresh locally sourced organic ingredients accompanied by small batch, cold-pressed juices in a variety of flavors. Sandwiches are served hot and toasty or cold and fresh, salads are made to order and packed full of crispy salad and vegetables, and juices are pressed daily on a Norwalk juicer. The Corner Beet is open Monday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch and is closed on Sundays.

1401 Ogden Street, Denver, CO 80218, Phone: 720-295-4447

7.Modern Market - 16th St. Mall

Modern Market is a favorite neighborhood franchise that serves healthy artisan fare in a casual setting. The simple, counter-serve style restaurant offers scratch-made food that nourishes both the body and the mind using fresh, naturally sourced and organic ingredients to ensure maximum freshness and taste. The menu features paleo, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes, including crisp salads, homemade soups, toasted sandwiches, brick-oven pizzas, and home-style plates and sides such as rosemary sweet potato mash, sesame tofu, and lemon garlic asparagus. A special children’s menu is available, as well as catering services. Modern Market in the 16th Street Mall is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

900 16th Street, Denver, CO, 80202, Phone: 303-534-0190

8.Ph 95 Noodle House

Named for the year that the owners of this fantastic Vietnamese restaurant first immigrated to the United States, Pho 95 Noodle House serves mouthwatering Vietnamese fare with influences from both the northern and southern parts of the country. The extensive menu boasts a wide variety of options from pan-fried noodles and pho rice noodle soup to fresh salads, satay, steamed rice plates, and vegetarian selections. Classic dishes include Vietnamese Crispy Chow Mein and Sprouting Green Beans with Tofu, while other delicious vegan options include Fiery Asian Eggplants and steamed pot stickers. For those who are feeling brave, the Pho-King Challenge calls for a giant bowl of traditional Vietnamese Pho soup to be eaten in one sitting to become the Pho-King winner.

1401 S. Federal Blvd, Denver, CO, 80219, Phone: 303-936-3322