Unearth The Voyage
Colorado might be famous for its mountains and outdoor adventures, but tucked away in its cities and towns are some incredible vegan cafes you probably haven’t heard about yet. These spots serve up plant-based meals that are so delicious, even meat-lovers can’t resist. Whether you’re exploring Denver’s vibrant neighborhoods or visiting mountain towns like Breckenridge, these hidden gems offer flavors and vibes that’ll surprise you in the best way possible.
1. Bang Up To The Elephant – Denver
Capitol Hill’s most colorful secret brings Caribbean and global flavors to your plate without a single animal product in sight. This 100% plant-based restaurant explodes with bold spices and tropical vibes that transport you far beyond Colorado’s borders.
Try the Buss Up Shot, a Trinidadian curry bursting with chickpeas and vegetables, or grab some doubles, a beloved Caribbean street food. The modern setting features bright colors and creative cocktails that match the adventurous menu.
Locals love this spot for date nights and celebrations because it proves vegan dining can be exciting and exotic. The atmosphere feels like a party, and the food tastes like vacation.
2. The Corner Beet – Denver
Art meets breakfast in this cozy Capitol Hill hideaway where creativity flows from the walls to the plates. Walking into The Corner Beet feels like entering your coolest friend’s kitchen, complete with mismatched furniture and local artwork covering every surface.
The Loaded Breakfast Burrito has become legendary among Denver vegans, stuffed with hearty ingredients that fuel your morning adventures. Their organic cold-pressed juices come in rainbow colors and taste like liquid sunshine.
People camp out here on lazy Sunday mornings, sipping coffee and soaking up the relaxed energy. It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends over shared tables and amazing food.
3. Watercourse Foods – Denver
Since going fully plant-based in 2014, this Denver institution has been serving comfort food that makes you forget you’re eating vegan. Watercourse specializes in scratch-made dishes that taste like grandma’s cooking, minus any animal ingredients.
Their Southern Fried Cauliflower delivers all the crispy, savory goodness you crave, while the Tofu Scramble with green chili brings Colorado flavors to your brunch plate. Everything here gets made fresh daily with quality ingredients you can actually pronounce.
Regulars swear this place converted their skeptical relatives into vegan believers. The portions are generous, the staff is friendly, and the food proves plants can be seriously satisfying.
4. Piante Pizzeria – Breckenridge
High in the mountains, this pizzeria serves wood-fired pies that mountain town visitors never expect to find. Piante uses authentic double zero crust and creative plant-based toppings that rival any traditional pizza joint in Colorado.
The Mountain Mushroom pizza celebrates local fungi with earthy flavors, while the Margherita features cashew ricotta that melts beautifully. Each pie comes out of the wood-fired oven with perfectly charred edges and bubbling toppings.
Worth noting: the restaurant added dairy options in July 2025 and meat in August 2025, though plant-based pizzas remain available. Skiers and snowboarders flock here after hitting the slopes for fuel that doesn’t weigh them down.
5. Fellow Traveler – Englewood
This vegan bar hides in Englewood with a menu that changes every single week, keeping regulars constantly surprised. Fellow Traveler treats jackfruit like an art form, transforming it into Nashville Hot and Carolina Gold versions that taste nothing like fruit.
The creative cocktails match the adventurous food, with bartenders mixing up drinks that complement the bold flavors perfectly. The vibrant atmosphere buzzes with energy from diners discovering new favorite dishes each visit.
Because the menu rotates weekly, you’ll never get bored here. Locals treat it like a culinary adventure, never knowing exactly what delicious surprises await but trusting the kitchen completely every time.
6. Gladys – Denver
Punk rock meets vegetables at this Edgewater Public Market stall where chefs Rocky Hunter and David Grant shake up vegan dining. Gladys doesn’t follow rules, serving seasonal dishes that change constantly and challenge what people think plant-based food should be.
Sweet Beets get glazed with miso for umami depth, while Fried Brussels Sprouts come slathered in chili salsa macha that adds serious heat. The rotating menu means you’re tasting whatever’s freshest and most inspiring to the chefs that week.
The attitude here is rebellious and fun, proving vegetable-focused cuisine doesn’t have to be boring or predictable. It’s small, it’s loud, and it’s absolutely delicious.
7. Vital Root – Denver
A former candy factory now glows with natural light and thriving plants, housing one of Denver’s brightest fast-casual vegan spots. The Highlands neighborhood embraced Vital Root immediately for its quick service and seriously tasty plant-based creations.
Korean BBQ Cauliflower brings Asian-inspired flavors with a spicy-sweet kick, while the Vegan Reuben stacks up like the classic deli sandwich you remember. The space feels airy and alive, filled with greenery that makes you feel healthier just sitting there.
Perfect for grabbing lunch between errands or meeting friends for a casual dinner. The light-filled atmosphere and speedy service mean you can eat well even when time is tight.
8. Sacred Grounds Cafe – Colorado Springs
Nestled at the base of Pikes Peak, this neighborhood cafe serves mountain air alongside plant-based cuisine and craft cocktails. Sacred Grounds combines coffee shop vibes with bar energy, creating a unique space that works for morning lattes or evening drinks.
Their vegan menu spans savory dishes and freshly baked goods that smell incredible from the moment you walk in. The patio seating offers front-row views of the foothills, making every meal feel like a mini mountain retreat.
Colorado Springs locals guard this spot like a secret, but visitors who stumble upon it always leave impressed. The welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel like a regular from their very first visit.
