photo from Bodhi Express

The Vegetarian Resource Group maintains an online Guide to Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in the USA and Canada. Here are some recent vegan restaurant additions. The entire guide can be found here: http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/index.php

To support the updating of this online restaurant guide, please donate at: www.vrg.org/donate

Here are some new additions to VRG’s guide:

BARE Blends, 7545 South University Blvd., Centennial, CO 80122; 1425 2nd St., Sarasota, FL 34236; 1310 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446; 15 Clifton County Rd., Clifton Park, NY 12065; 1475 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203; 380 Fuera Bush Rd., Glenmont, NY 12077; 262 Saratoga Rd., Glenville, NY 12302; 664 New Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12180; 26 North Greenbush Rd., North Greenbush, NY 12180; and 18 Congress St., Saratoga, NY 12866

BARE Blends is proof that food can be both delicious and good for you, which is exactly the mission of this woman-owned juice and smoothie bar that is expanding franchises beyond its original location in Albany, New York. “Bare” may describe the fact that there are no added sugars or preservatives in its food, but the expansive menu of yummy smoothies, refreshing juices, and mouthwatering smoothie bowls is the exact epitome of bare. Menus have some variations depending on location, but examples include the Green Giant Smoothie (pineapple, orange, mango, kale, lime, matcha, ginger, and oat milk); the Tickled Pickle fresh juice (ginger, pineapple, cucumber kale, and lime); and the Banana Cream Pie smoothie bowl, which has a base of banana, cashew cream, and oat milk, topped with banana, plain granola, coconut, golden raisins, and cashew cream. They also offer waffles with toppings and meal-sized salads that can be made into a grain bowl with the addition of whole grain brown rice. And if you’re needing a pick-me-up, grab a coffee and protein blend, such as the Vanilla Coffee Blend, made with coffee, cashew cream, vanilla protein, and oat milk. Let’s hope that BARE Blends continues to grow, because every state in the country needs at least one!

Bodhi Express, 135 Market St., Westlake, OH 44145

Striving to promote healthy, ethical veganism, Bodhi Express espouses a commitment to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. They make all their sauces in house.  Appetizers include Veggie Tempura, Vegan Potstickers, Vegan Spring Roll, Veggie Tempura, or Crispy Tofu. Some Entrée options are breaded and fried Orange Garden™ Chicken with red Bell peppers, chili flakes and orange sauce, sliced, and fried King Oyster Beijing Mushroom in a sweet and sour sauce and Beyond™ Beef & Broccoli with ginger to name a few. Pick a Side. Like rice? Choose White, Brown, or Fried with peas, carrots and cabbage. There’s also Lo Mein or Mixed Greens. Sweeten the deal with Fruit Cup or Almond Jelly—a gelatin-like dessert made with agar agar.

Cosmic Bird, 619 Baxter Ave., Louisville, KY 40204

Cosmic Bird is THE restaurant to find crispy and delicious chicken sandwiches that are entirely plant-based. From a Hot Chick’n sandwich to a General Tso Chick’n sandwich, Cosmic Bird has a plethora of options for you to try and enjoy.

Don Vegane, 97 Rue du Sault-au-Matelot, Québec, QC G1K 3X7, Canada

Don Vegane has developed its uniqueness by offering a hip ambience and an eclectic menu with an international flair. Diners can travel the world through its menu, from the spicy Thai soup to the Spaghetti Bolognese served with a Caesar salad to the Burrito Bowl made with BBQ jackfruit and pico de gallo to the Curry Masala with butternut and cauliflower. Dessert offerings include chocolate cake and Poor Man’s Pudding, a French-Canadian specialty. The adult beverage offerings are likewise broad, including after-dinner drinks, hard liquors, and cocktails, as well as mocktails such as Le Mojito Virgin and Le Betteroyal. Brunch items include a Morning Burrito and gluten-free pancakes with fruit—and mimosas.

Gray Leaf Café, 58 Thoreau Dr., Freehold, NJ 07728

Looking for a healthy and delicious café? Green Leaf Café is a must try for your wraps, salads, smoothies, and more. Wraps include Grilled Falafel wrap, Buffalo Cauliflower wrap, and more. Pair your wrap with a favorite fruit-filled smoothie, such as Acai Berry, Tropical Kale smoothie, and Strawberry and Banana.

GRN Burger, 946 Grady Ave., Ste. 101, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Can a burger be delicious and plant-based? At GRN Burger this dream becomes a reality. From their vegan pulled pork sandwiches, to their saucy and cheesy burgers, their vegan delights will have your heart. GRN also has simple salads, including a Caesar flavored salad, a mushroom salad, and a deluxe salad topped with vegan bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. For the kids, try GRN’s “Smiley Meal” with a cheeseburger or kids sized vegan grilled cheese.

La Veganeria, 921 W. Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75208

Looking for authentic Mexican meals that are both delicious and plant-based? Then, La Veganeria is THE plant-based Mexican scratch kitchen to try out. La Veganeria has a deep connection to traditional Mexican gastronomy and the love of vegan food. Their menu features veggie-packed items including for breakfast, try their “El Azteca” Waffle Sandwich, filled with savory vegan sausage, melted vegan cheddar cheese, and a hint of sweetness from strawberry preserves. For lunch or dinner, La Veganeria has a plethora of taco varieties to try, including a chicharron taco, tacos made with slow cooked oyster mushrooms, and much more.

Vegan Quick Bites, 1636 St Nicholas Ave., New York, NY 10040

Vegan Quick Bites is a small store in New York City that serves Mexican/American type food from burritos to bowls, beans, and sautéed vegies. Also, they have a popular plant-based mac and cheese.