Unearth The Voyage
Colorado’s plant-based food scene isn’t just for vegans anymore. Across the state, restaurants are proving that meatless meals can be just as satisfying, and sometimes even more exciting than traditional fare. From crispy seitan wings to creative sushi rolls, these spots are turning skeptics into believers, one delicious plate at a time.
1. City O’ City (Denver – Capitol Hill)
Since opening its doors in 1998, this Capitol Hill favorite has been changing minds about plant-based eating. Everything on the menu is now completely vegan by default, which means no awkward substitutions or special requests needed.
The comfort-food lineup reads like a greatest-hits album of American classics. Crispy seitan wings arrive with your choice of sauces, while the chicken-and-waffles plate delivers that perfect sweet-and-savory combo. Mac and cheese comes creamy and rich, proving dairy isn’t necessary for ultimate comfort.
Regulars swear by the bakery case, stocked daily with treats that disappear fast. The laid-back vibe and consistently satisfying food keep both vegans and curious carnivores coming back week after week.
2. Watercourse Foods (Denver – Uptown)
Denver’s plant-based pioneer has been serving up all-vegan everything since the beginning. This trailblazing spot helped prove that meatless menus could fill bellies just as well as any traditional diner.
Brunch here is legendary, with biscuits and gravy that convert skeptics on first taste. Fluffy biscuits get smothered in rich, peppery gravy that hits all the right comfort notes. The burger selection rivals any steakhouse, with juicy patties stacked high with all the fixings.
Cocktails flow freely, making this a go-to for weekend gatherings and weeknight unwinding alike. Whether you’re nursing a hangover or celebrating with friends, the diner-style plates satisfy big appetites without compromise.
3. Somebody People (Denver – South Broadway)
Mediterranean flavors take center stage at this South Broadway gem, where vegetables shine without pretending to be anything else. Chef-driven plates celebrate seasonal produce with techniques that bring out deep, complex flavors.
Sunday Supper has developed a cult following among Denver foodies. The natural wine list runs serious and deep, curated to complement the vegetable-forward menu perfectly. Plates arrive beautifully composed, each ingredient thoughtfully prepared and placed.
Forget fake meats—this kitchen doesn’t need them. Roasted vegetables, grains, and legumes get elevated through skillful cooking and creative combinations. The result? Dishes that outshine meat-heavy competitors through pure flavor and finesse.
4. Vital Root (Denver – Tennyson St.)
The Edible Beats team brought their restaurant expertise to the plant-forward world with this Tennyson Street favorite. Bright, fast-casual vibes make healthy eating feel effortless rather than virtuous.
Flavor comes first here, with vegetables getting star treatment in every dish. Bowls arrive loaded with colorful produce, grains, and bold sauces that keep taste buds engaged. Noodle dishes satisfy cravings for something hearty, while fresh juices provide quick nutrition on the go.
Gluten-free options run deep throughout the menu, making this a safe haven for multiple dietary needs. The fast-casual format means you can grab something nourishing without sacrificing time or taste, perfect for busy schedules.
5. Wellness Sushi (Denver – East Colfax)
Colorado’s first completely plant-based sushi restaurant proves raw fish isn’t required for amazing rolls. East Colfax’s newest culinary star brings Japanese flavors to the vegan world with serious creativity and skill.
Rolls arrive artfully arranged, packed with colorful vegetables, creative sauces, and surprising textures. Omakase-style presentations showcase the chef’s imagination, with each piece designed to impress visually and taste-wise. Bowls offer heartier options for those wanting more than finger food.
Skeptics arrive doubting that sushi without seafood can satisfy. They leave planning their next visit, converted by the bold flavors and thoughtful preparations that make fish seem optional rather than essential.
6. Vegan Van (Denver – Park Hill Kitchens)
What started as a beloved food truck has grown into a brick-and-mortar destination for over-the-top comfort food. Park Hill Kitchens now houses this fan-favorite permanently, much to the relief of devoted followers.
Crunchwraps arrive stuffed to bursting with savory fillings and crispy shells. Hot dogs get loaded with creative toppings that transform simple franks into flavor bombs. Breakfast sandwiches stack high with plant-based eggs, cheese, and proteins that fuel morning adventures.
Big flavors define every menu item here—subtlety takes a backseat to satisfaction. Portions run generous, and smiles are guaranteed. This is junk food done right, proving indulgence doesn’t require animal products.
7. Gladys (Edgewater Public Market – Denver Metro)
Punk-rock energy meets serious culinary chops at this Edgewater Public Market standout. Recently expanded into a larger, full-service space, the restaurant now has room to showcase even more creative vegetable-focused dishes.
Small plates arrive showcasing real vegetables in their glory—no fake meats, no apologies. Seasonal ingredients drive the constantly evolving menu, with chef-driven preparations that highlight technique and flavor. Roasted, pickled, raw, or charred, each vegetable gets the treatment it deserves.
Wildly craveable describes both the food and the atmosphere. The expanded space allows for more ambitious dishes and a fuller bar program. This isn’t your typical health-food joint—it’s bold, flavorful, and unapologetically plant-based.
8. Native Foods (Glendale – Denver Metro)
One of the few remaining Colorado locations of this veteran vegan chain keeps slinging crowd-pleasers in Glendale. Native Foods built its reputation on indulgent classics that satisfy cravings without compromise.
Orange cauliflower delivers that sweet-and-tangy punch reminiscent of takeout favorites. The chicken-and-waffles plate stacks crispy plant-based protein atop fluffy waffles, drizzled with maple syrup for the perfect balance. Burgers, bowls, and wraps round out a menu designed for broad appeal.
Chain status doesn’t mean boring—these recipes have been refined over years to nail texture and flavor. The Glendale outpost remains a reliable destination for familiar comfort food with a plant-based twist.
9. The Corner Beet (Denver – Capitol Hill)
Sunshine seems permanently baked into this women-owned Capitol Hill cafe. Light, bright, and welcoming, the space invites lingering over coffee and nourishing plant-based plates.
Toast gets elevated here beyond simple bread and butter. Avocado, hummus, nut butters, and seasonal toppings transform basic slices into Instagram-worthy meals. Salads arrive crisp and colorful, loaded with vegetables and creative dressings. Fresh juices and smoothie bowls provide lighter options for those wanting something refreshing.
While not exclusively vegan, plenty of menu items cater to plant-based eaters beautifully. The cafe’s lighter approach offers a satisfying alternative to heavier comfort-food spots, perfect for midday refueling or casual meetups.
10. Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant (Boulder – Downtown)
Boulder’s long-running vegetarian staple sources produce from its own farm, ensuring peak freshness and flavor. The Three Leaf group’s commitment to quality shows in every thoughtfully composed plate.
Seasonal menus shift with Colorado’s growing cycles, highlighting what’s ripe and ready. Many dishes come vegan or easily adapt, with ingredients that taste like they were picked that morning—because often they were. Preparations lean comforting yet polished, striking that sweet spot between casual and refined.
Farm-to-table isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s the business model. The connection between soil and plate creates food that tastes alive, vibrant, and deeply satisfying without relying on heavy processing.
11. Tasty Harmony (Fort Collins – Old Town)
Fort Collins’ answer to comfort-food cravings happens to be completely vegetarian. Tasty Harmony has built a reputation for converting meat-eaters on their very first visit, thanks to bold flavors and generous portions.
Seitan wings arrive crispy and saucy, perfect for sharing—or not. Jackfruit carnitas poutine takes loaded fries to ridiculous heights, with savory shredded jackfruit and rich gravy. Burgers stack tall with multiple patties, cheese, and all the fixings, challenging even the biggest appetites.
First-bite conversions happen regularly here. Skeptics arrive doubting, then leave planning their return trip. The food simply tastes too good to care about what’s missing—it’s all about what’s present on the plate.
12. Santana’s Vegan Grill (Colorado Springs – North Academy)
Drive-thru convenience meets completely vegan indulgence at this Colorado Springs favorite. Santana’s proves fast food can be plant-based without sacrificing the flavors omnivores crave.
Burgers come loaded with all the classic toppings, juicy and satisfying enough to fool even dedicated carnivores. Chicken sandwiches deliver that crispy-tender combo people love, minus the actual poultry. Thick milkshakes round out meals with creamy, sweet perfection.
The fast-food format makes plant-based eating accessible and convenient. No need to sacrifice speed or classic junk-food flavor—just pull through, order, and enjoy. Decadent, quick, and surprisingly convincing, Santana’s wins over skeptics daily.
13. The Burrowing Owl (Colorado Springs – Ivywild)
Colorado Springs’ only 100% vegan bar has cultivated a fiercely loyal following in the Ivywild neighborhood. Scratch-made comfort food and cold drinks create the perfect combination for casual nights out.
Sloppy joes arrive messy and delicious, just as they should. Mac and cheese comes rich and creamy, perfect alongside a craft beer. Late-night eats keep the kitchen busy after other spots have closed, making this a destination for night owls and industry workers alike.
The neighborhood-bar vibe welcomes everyone, vegan or not. Regulars pack the place on weekends, drawn by consistently good food and a friendly atmosphere that feels like home.
