Ann Arbor is a vibrant city located in Michigan, United States, known for its picturesque streets and university-town charm. The city was founded in 1824 and named after the founders’ wives, both named Ann. Over the years, Ann Arbor has become a hub for culture, education, and innovation. It is home to the University of Michigan, one of the leading public research universities in the country, and a bustling downtown area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Ann Arbor is a city where people from all walks of life come together to share their experiences and celebrate their differences. The city has a rich cultural heritage, and you can see its influence in the numerous festivals and events that take place throughout the year. We particularly enjoyed attending the Ann Arbor Art Fair, one of the country’s largest outdoor art fairs. From the bustling downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options to the picturesque streets and charming university town feel, there’s never a dull moment in this city. Its lively and inclusive atmosphere is striking.

But that’s not all Ann Arbor has to offer. The city also leads the way in plant-based dining options, making it a must-visit destination for vegan foodies. With a diverse population and a commitment to sustainability, Ann Arbor has become a hotbed for vegan cuisine. Many of the city’s restaurants have incorporated vegan dishes into their menus, and several dedicated vegan restaurants will blow your mind with their inventive and delicious plant-based creations. Eating vegan in Ann Arbor is a dream!

So whether you’re a vegan, a foodie, or just someone looking for a new and exciting adventure, Ann Arbor is the place for you! Its commitment to diversity, sustainability, and innovation has made it a model for other cities around the world, and you won’t want to miss out on all the amazing experiences it has to offer.

So grab your fork and get ready to indulge in some seriously delicious vegan cuisine. Here are our top vegan options in Ann Arbor!

The Lunch Room 

Price: $$$

Cuisine: Bakery/cafe

Website: https://thelunchrooma2.com

You won’t want to miss this cozy vegan cafe filled with friendly vibes and mouth-watering plant-based dishes. From stacked sandwiches to nourishing salads, The Lunch Room has it all. But let’s talk about their tempeh Reuben. This delightful dish is a recommendation because of its flavor bomb that’ll make your taste buds dance. Thinly sliced tempeh, tangy sauerkraut, melty vegan Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing all come together on grilled rye bread. Trust us; you’ll be craving this Reuben for days to come!

Vedge Cafe 

Price: $$$

Cuisine: American

Website: https://foursquare.com/v/vedge-cafe/581e283a3993254a04158762/menu

Vedge Cafe is a small but mighty vegan spot located in the heart of Ann Arbor. Vedge Cafe’s cuisine is inspired by different culinary traditions from around the world, with a focus on plant-based ingredients. The menu is always evolving, with seasonal dishes and specials that reflect the freshest ingredients available. Our advice? Vegan breakfast isn’t always easy to find. But Vedge has the best vegan breakfast in Ann Arbor! This bright and cheery spot has an array of vegan dishes, but the tofu scramble is a standout. Packed with protein-rich tofu, veggies, and savory seasonings, it’s the perfect way to start your day. Plus, it comes with a side of crispy hash browns and toast – what more could you want?

The Beet Box 

Price: $$

Cuisine: Breakfast, lunch, smoothie

Website: https://www.thebeetboxcafe.com

You’ll feel like you’re in vegan heaven at this charming cafe and bakery. From savory breakfast options to decadent baked goods, The Beet Box has something for everyone. But we have to give a shoutout to their vegan bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich – it’s a breakfast dream come true. Tofu scramble, smoky vegan bacon, creamy vegan cheese, and ripe avocado all come together on a toasted English muffin. You won’t believe it’s all plant-based, and so it is our favorite.

Jazzy Veggie  

Price: $$$

Cuisine: Vegan

Website: https://jazzyvegetarian.com

Step into this trendy vegan spot and get ready for some seriously tasty eats. The menu is packed with creative plant-based dishes, but the Jamaican jerk burger is a standout. This burger is a true flavor explosion with a flavorful house-made patty topped with spicy jerk sauce, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomato, and sweet onion. You’ll be licking your fingers clean and craving another bite. Our favorite? The Cashew Stuffed Artichokes are a must-try.

Detroit Street Filling Station 

Price: $$

Cuisine: Classic pub fare

Website: https://thelunchrooma2.com

This trendy vegan spot is located in an old gas station, but delicious plant-based food is the only filling up you’ll be doing here. Located in nearby Ypsilanti, Detroit Filling Station is a vegan gastropub that’s worth the trip. The interior is cozy and eclectic, with vintage decor and funky artwork lining the walls. 

The menu features creative twists on classic pub fare, like the Beet Reuben; a sandwich made with marinated beets, sauerkraut, and tangy Thousand Island dressing, served on rye bread. It’s a flavorful and satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, be sure to try their vegan soft-serve ice cream; it’s the perfect way to end your meal. Their inventive menu takes classic comfort foods and transforms them into plant-based masterpieces. 

A recommendation? The BBQ jackfruit pizza is a must-try, with its crispy crust, tangy BBQ sauce, smoky jackfruit, and melty vegan cheese. It’s the perfect example of how vegan food can be just as indulgent and satisfying as non-vegan options.

Seva Tote

Price: $$

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Website:  https://www.sevarestaurant.com/annarbor_menu_new/

Seva is a vibrant and cozy spot that serves up some seriously delicious vegan eats and is a great option for anyone looking for healthy and tasty plant-based snacks. A recommendation? The coconut jerky. A tasty and healthy alternative to traditional meat jerky. The coconut jerky is made from organic coconut meat that is marinated in flavorful seasonings and dehydrated to create a chewy texture. It’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends.

Cinnaholic

Price: $$$

Cuisine: Bakery

Website: https://www.cinnaholic.com

At Cinnaholic, you are believed to have the power to positively change the world for people, animals, and the planet. All of their products are made with the highest quality ingredients and are 100% vegan, dairy & lactose-free, egg-free, and cholesterol-free, so you can feel good about your choices. Cinnaholic is known for its delicious cinnamon rolls, which are completely vegan and can be customized to your liking. They offer a variety of frosting flavors, including cream cheese, chocolate, and maple, as well as a range of toppings such as fruit, nuts, and sprinkles.

One popular vegan cinnamon roll flavor at Cinnaholic is the “Cookie Monster,” which is a cinnamon roll topped with cookie dough frosting, chocolate chips, and cookie dough pieces. Another tasty option is the “Fudge Brownie” cinnamon roll, which is topped with fudge frosting and brownie crumbles. And that is a recommendation.

North Star Lounge 

Price: $$$

Cuisine: American/atmosphere/queer/bar

Website: https://www.nstarlounge.com

The North Star Lounge is a small-scale music venue and vegan bar created by the people behind The Lunch Room and Detroit Street Filling Station. Their menu features a variety of vegan comfort food options, such as burgers, sandwiches, and mac and cheese. They also offer a range of appetizers, salads, and desserts. In addition, North Star Lounge has an extensive drink menu that includes vegan beer, wine, and cocktails.

Our Advice? For a delicious vegan dish, I would recommend trying the “Buffalo Cauliflower Wings.” These are crispy and spicy battered cauliflower florets that are served with a vegan ranch dipping sauce. They’re a tasty and satisfying appetizer that will please both vegans and non-vegans.

To pair with the Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, we would suggest the “North Star Mule” from North Star Lounge’s drink menu. This refreshing cocktail is made with vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer and is garnished with a slice of fresh ginger. The zesty ginger flavor in the cocktail pairs perfectly with the spicy and tangy flavor of the cauliflower wings.

Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Ann Arbor

The following restaurants and cafes have made an attempt to provide options for vegans, even though their menus are not entirely vegan. We want to give them all a shoutout for their experimentation with vegan food- and let them know how successful a plant-based menu can be! Here are our recommended vegan-friendly cafes in Ann Arbor:

Go! Sy Thai

Price: $$$

Cuisine: Thai

Website: https://www.gosythai.com

Not a strictly vegetarian restaurant, but it’s easy to stay veggie or even vegan here. If you’re in the mood for Thai cuisine, Go! Sy Thai is the place to be. This vegan-friendly spot offers all the classic Thai dishes you know and loves with a plant-based twist. The interior is modern and bright, with pops of color and playful decor throughout. Our go-to dish here is the Pad Thai, which features perfectly cooked rice noodles tossed with veggies, tofu, and a tangy peanut sauce. It’s a dish that’s both savory and sweet, and it’s sure to leave you feeling satisfied. 

The Clean Plate

Price: $$$

Cuisine: Healthy

Website: https://thecleanplatechef.com

Located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, The Clean Plate is a vegan diner that offers comfort food favorites with a healthy twist. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with rustic decor and plenty of natural light streaming in. One of our favorite dishes on the menu is the BBQ Tempeh Burger – a hearty burger patty made from organic tempeh, topped with smoky BBQ sauce and crispy onions, and served on a fluffy bun. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a mid-week lunch.

Bløm Meadworks 

Price: $$$

Cuisine: Mead

Website: https://www.drinkblom.com

This meadery and taproom is not your average watering hole! Bløm Meadworks has a seriously surprising menu of vegan eats that’ll blow your mind. The mushroom banh mi is where it’s at – with savory mushrooms, tangy pickled veggies, and spicy sriracha mayo; it’s a sandwich that’ll take your taste buds on a wild ride. And with its cozy and inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to chill with your homies.

Bløm Meadworks is a unique and trendy spot in Ann Arbor that serves up vegan-friendly mead and light bites. The menu features a wide variety of meads made with locally-sourced honey and fruits. They also have a small food menu with vegan options that pair perfectly with their mead. 

An advice? One of the standout dishes at Bløm Meadworks is the Vegan Charcuterie Board, which features a selection of vegan cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers. The presentation is beautiful, and the flavors are perfectly balanced, making it a great sharing option for a group.

Seva Tote

Price: $$

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Website:  https://www.sevarestaurant.com/annarbor_menu_new/

Seva is a vibrant and cozy spot that serves up some seriously delicious vegan eats and is a great option for anyone looking for healthy and tasty plant-based snacks. A recommendation? The coconut jerky. A tasty and healthy alternative to traditional meat jerky. The coconut jerky is made from organic coconut meat that is marinated in flavorful seasonings and dehydrated to create a chewy texture. It’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends.

Fresh Forage 

Price: $$$

Cuisine: Farm-to-table.

Website: https://www.freshforage.com

Hey, health nuts! If you’re looking for fresh and wholesome vegan eats, you have to check out Fresh Forage. They serve a variety of vegan and gluten-free options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu features a range of plant-based dishes, including salads, bowls, sandwiches, and sides, as well as fresh juices, smoothies, and coffee. They source their ingredients locally and strive to use organic and non-GMO produce whenever possible.

A recommendation? Their build-your-own grain bowl is the way to go; packed with colorful veggies, hearty grains, and flavorful sauces, it’s a dish that’ll leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the day. And with their friendly and efficient service, you’ll be in and out in no time.

Earthen Jar

Price: $

Cuisine: Indian

Website: https://www.earthenjar.com

For a taste of authentic Indian cuisine, look no further than Earthen Jar. This mostly vegan restaurant has been serving up traditional Indian dishes for over 40 years, and it’s a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike. The interior is simple and understated, with colorful Indian art and decor lining the walls. When it comes to food, the menu is extensive and filled with delicious options, but Our favorite is the Chana Masala, a spicy chickpea curry that’s bursting with flavor. Served with fluffy basmati rice and warm naan bread, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.