At first glance, bars might seem like an easy go-to for plant-based eaters, but it’s not always that simple. Some alcohol isn’t vegan-friendly due to hidden ingredients or animal-based filtration methods (substances like isinglass, casein, and egg whites are sometimes used to clarify alcohol). And when it comes to cocktails, ingredients like egg whites, cream, and honey sometimes sneak into the mix.
Then there’s the food. Having a bite with your drink is a smart move, especially if you’re settling in for a few rounds. But while some bars offer impressive menus, finding solid plant-based options isn’t always easy.
Thankfully, that’s starting to change. A growing number of bars and lounges across the US are serving up standout dishes that just happen to be vegan. We rounded up some of the best spots where you can sip and snack with ease.
All-vegan spots for drinks and bites
Charlie was a sinner.
1Charlie was a sinner.
Philadelphia, PA
There’s a reason this Philly mainstay won Best Vegan Bar in the VegNews Restaurant Awards. The bar’s cool, low-lit atmosphere, small plates, and strong cocktails make it a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike. The cocktail (and zero-proof) selection is experimental and extensive, though not to be outdone by the worldly cuisine. From zucchini crab cake sliders to Turkish lamb kofta, the chefs here show an impressive range. Reservations are highly recommended.
Mothership
2Mothership
San Diego, CA
The beverage and food menus at this outer-space-meets-tiki-bar establishment are inspired by tiki-themed pop-ups hosted by its sister restaurant Kindred, though the décor and mood speak to another worldliness inspired by the galaxies. Expect to sip on beverages like the Away Mission, which features two different types of rum and crème de banane, and Saturn, which features Mothership’s own Saturnalia Gin, passionfruit, lemon, and piloncillo orgeat. Tasty food options include sandwiches, pancakes, and soft-serve ice cream.
Throne Room
3 Throne Room
San Diego, CA
Kory Stetina, the force behind Kindred and Mothership, has another themed vegan cocktail bar: Throne Room. And just like Mothership, it’s a fully immersive experience—this time, think Dungeons & Dragons vibes. “Providing a sense of escape is probably the most important element of our hospitality,” Stetina told VegNews. “How deep that escape leans towards total immersion and vibrant storytelling depends on the project.” The bar offers a fully seated cocktail experience, alongside a menu of mezze-style dishes such as cashew brie and grilled flatbread.
4 Bar Bombón
Philadelphia, PA
Bar Bombón will make you feel like you’re on vacation—no plane ticket required. Sip on one of its signature margaritas or a Puerto Rico Punch while tucking into a plant-based feast. We’re talking Spanish meatballs, Peruvian yuca, Mexican street corn, Latin chop salad—the lot. After all, you’ll need plenty of good food to soak up those boozy cocktails.
5 Fitz on 4th
Philadelphia, PA
Tapas and cocktails are a match made in heaven. Get your fix at another Philadelphia hot spot: Fitz on 4th. We’ve got our eye on the Blueberry Margarita with a side of Crispy Broccoli and sourdough. Or maybe a glass of vegan wine with a mushroom slider? Looks like we’ll have to make multiple trips. See you there.
Monster Vegan
6 Monster Vegan
Philadelphia, PA
If you’re the type of person who loves spending weekends sipping cocktails and eating good vegan food, it seems you need to relocate to Philly. Yep, this next bar is also in the Pennsylvania city, and not only does it serve up hearty plant-based comfort food, but the whole place is horror-themed. That means you can sip brightly colored cocktails from monster-shaped glasses while you eat. What’s not to love?
The Bye & Bye
7 The Bye & Bye
Portland, OR
This vegan bar is quintessentially Portland. Casual, no-frills, and a bit quirky, it serves up a comprehensive beverage menu with a wide range of warming comfort food. Yes, the cocktails are great, and the craft beer selection is impressive, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t order the pretzel knots with vegan beer cheese. It’s the first thing on the food menu for a reason.
Pig Minds Brewing
8Pig Minds Brewing
Machesney Park, IL
Pig Minds’ claim to fame is establishing the first vegan brewery in the US, and it’s not on either of the coasts. Located in Machesney Park, IL, this 14-year-old spot specializes in animal-free German lagers and ales, though you can find other types of beer on tap, too. The brewery is family-friendly—complete with a kid’s menu—and cranks out an impressive selection of vegan menu items, including Crispy Popcorn Chikin, Reubens, Mushroom Wings, and much more.
Coffee Beer
9Coffee Beer
Portland, OR
Portland’s Coffee Beer offers exactly what you’d expect: coffee and beer to an incredibly high standard. This dual coffee shop and bar also serves up plant-based burritos, and it’s also home to Phatt Dawgs, a vegan hot dog concept inspired by convenience stores (you know the kind, hot and straight off the roller!). Fill up on brews and dogs all under one roof.
Modern Times
10Modern Times
San Diego, CA
This all-vegan brewery and coffee purveyor has one tasting room: Flavordome in North Park. Customers can reliably find homemade brews on tap and by the can, along with a handful of seasonal IPAs and stouts. Those who don’t partake in alcohol can grab a house-roasted coffee or a bag of beans to go.
@joshdobayproductions/Cloak & Dagger
11Cloak & Dagger
Cleveland, OH
In Cleveland’s historic Tremont neighborhood, you’ll find Cloak & Dagger, a classy cocktail lounge that offers an array of unique, delicious cocktails (like the Jesus Take the Wheel and Don’t Forget the Pickles) and an all-vegan food menu. The latter features tasty bites like vegan seitan steak, truffle fries, and arancini.
Phonobar
12Phonobar
San Francisco, CA
If jackfruit flautas, chorizo breakfast bowls, and ceviche tostas sound delicious to you (and why wouldn’t they?), you need to check out Phonobar. The bar, which houses vegan restaurant Om Sambor, offers an extensive vegan menu, which you can wash down with a range of fun, creative cocktails.
Garrett Born
13Francis
Minneapolis, MN
For a drink and more than just a bite, head to all-vegan Francis. This burger joint and bar delivers when it comes to classic bar eats made better. Choose between hefty burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and loaded fries to pair with your choice of beer, wine, cocktails, and more.
Life On Mars
14 Life On Mars
Seattle, WA
Music lovers will adore Life On Mars, a popular Capitol Hill bar that doesn’t just sell cocktails, but a range of vinyls, too. After you’re done browsing new records to add to your collection, treat yourself by ordering a tasty feast from the bar’s all-vegan menu. One standout dish is the Mars Platter, which comes loaded with cauliflower wings, samosa cakes, vegan Boursin cheese, and gluten-free crackers. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to a burger, vegan fish tacos, or maybe a Fiery Chick’n Sandwich.
Bars with great vegan options
Beelman’s
15Beelman’s
Los Angeles, CA
Set in Downtown Los Angeles, Beelman’s offers a casual yet often crowded space for Angelenos to grab a beer and watch a game, enjoy a boozy brunch, or sip a flavored mule alongside a thoughtful fusion menu of bar snacks, salads, and mains. While not entirely vegan, Beelman’s offers an extensive vegan menu (in fact, it says it’s the “only mostly vegan pub in beautiful DTLA”)—you can’t go wrong with any of the craft cocktails, and tots are a must. From tacos to totchos (aka tater tot nachos), Beelman’s knows how to transform basic bar food into something to fawn over.
Pedal Haus Brewery
16Pedal Haus Brewery
Multiple locations, Arizona
Cornhole pro? Check out Pedal Haus the next time you’re in Arizona. The vegan-friendly brewery boasts four locations across the state, in Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, and Mesa. The beer selection is based on location, but each offers something for every beer connoisseur, from stouts to ales. For non-beer drinkers, there’s also a selection of wine and cocktails. Cold glass in hand, check out the dedicated vegan menu for everything from Bavarian soft pretzels served with “haus mustard” to larger entrée items like Green Chile Burgers and pizza.
Tony’s Darts Away
17Tony’s Darts Away
Burbank, CA
For a night of billiards, bar games, California brews, and vegan fare, head to Tony’s Darts Away. While not entirely vegan, this neighborhood beer bar offers an extensive menu of carefully crafted plant-based bites. Options range from Bavarian pretzels to smash burgers, jackfruit tuna melts, and more. Wash it all down with a California-made craft beer.
Justine’s Wine Bar
18 Justine’s Wine Bar
Los Angeles, CA
If you’re looking for a “sexy little wine bar behind a vegan bakery,” you’ve found it. Justine’s Wine Bar offers an array of indulgent, flavor-packed food options, including Moroccan Cigars made with Impossible meat and polenta with meatballs. Just make sure to specify you want your order plant-based, as the wine bar itself is no longer fully vegan.
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Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.
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