Austin Ranks High for Vegan Dining Options
The city of Austin has made a splash in the culinary world, especially when it comes to vegan dining. Over the past year, the vibrant food scene in the Texas capital has seen an impressive growth in vegan offerings, catapulting Austin to the No. 6 spot in a recent study examining the best U.S. cities for vegans and vegetarians.
Austin’s Rise in the Rankings
Austin moved up three positions in the WalletHub annual “Best Cities for Vegans & Vegetarians” report, climbing from No. 9 in 2023 to No. 6 this year. The study analyzed 100 cities based on various factors like grocery affordability, vegetarian restaurant diversity, and quality of dining options.
One notable highlight for Austin is its affordable grocery prices, landing the city the sixth-lowest cost for vegetarian groceries among the 100 cities assessed. The top contenders for grocery affordability were Laredo at No. 1, Greensboro, North Carolina at No. 2, Oklahoma City at No. 3, San Antonio at No. 4, and Tulsa at No. 5.
Expanding Vegan Scene
This year, several factors have enhanced the vegan culinary scene in Austin. New establishments have opened, such as a bakery that specializes in vegan olive oil cakes. Additionally, all four Home Slice Pizza locations in Texas have introduced non-dairy mozzarella. This change required 19 years of search for the right non-dairy cheese, showcasing the dedication of businesses to meet vegan needs.
Chain Restaurants Join the Trend
Even large chains have started to cater to vegans and vegetarians, evident in the offerings of fast food giants like McDonald’s and Burger King, which have begun to include Beyond Meat and Impossible burgers on their menus. Chip Lupo, an analyst from WalletHub, remarked that rising meat prices may encourage more individuals to explore vegetarian or vegan lifestyles.
Legacy Vegan Restaurants
Austin is home to acclaimed vegan establishments such as Bouldin Creek Cafe, Zucchini Kill, and The Beer Plant, which have established themselves over the years. These legacy restaurants are not immune to the struggles that many Austin eateries face in today’s market. Meanwhile, newer spots like Fabrik, an entirely plant-based fine-dining venue, and Nori, a vegan sushi place, keep the options fresh for residents.
Culinary Developments
Austin stands out as the only Texas city among the top ten cities for plant-based dining. Other Texas cities making the top 30 include Houston at No. 18, San Antonio at No. 20, and Dallas at No. 30. This recognition reflects a broader trend of growing support for plant-based options in the Austin dining scene.
New Offerings in the Food Scene
In addition to vegan developments, Austin’s food scene is continuously evolving with new openings and changes. For instance, Estelle’s has been replaced by a private events space called Tiger Lilly, emphasizing a more eclectic design. Meanwhile, popular tapas bar Kalimotxo has relocated to the Arrive Austin hotel, and is set to reopen on October 11.
A new café, Terrible Love, has also opened near Hyde Park, serving coffee, pastries, and tacos. Lefty’s Brick Bar is reviving its Halloween pop-up, Lefty’s Shop of Horrors, featuring creative drink specials that embrace the spooky season.
Future Changes and Celebrations
Another familiar spot, L’Oca d’Oro, is switching to a prix fixe style service while still keeping its popular à la carte items. Meanwhile, Gati, the East Austin vegan ice cream shop, is celebrating its fourth anniversary with new pumpkin-flavored treats and a party expected to draw food lovers from across the community.
Austin’s culinary landscape reflects a shift towards embracing diverse plant-based options, affirming its reputation as a haven for vegans and vegetarians alike. As new venues continue to emerge and traditional restaurants adapt to changing tastes, the future of vegan cuisine in the city looks promising.
