These Buzzy Vegan Restaurants In DC Are Rewriting The Capital City’s Foodie Scene

December 11, 2017

Washington DC’s food scene is known to be more on the traditional side, and there’s a belief that vegans won’t find many options in the country’s capital. I used to go to DC quite a bit for work, and although I wasn’t really dining at vegan restaurants at the time, I still found myself thinking that the culinary scene was a bit conservative. I honestly missed the flavors and edginess that you can find in NYC for example. While the quality of the food in DC was always impeccable, I often thought that the offerings lacked flair.

24 Vegan Hours in Washington, DC

Fear not, however, DC’s vegan food is actually delicious! Although DC doesn’t have as many vegan restaurants per capita (like  Philadelphia or NYC), the options are solid. On a recent, day-long visit to DC, I gave the city’s dining scene another chance, and I’m so glad I did. I was impressed by how many juice and smoothie places are in DC, and I also found a lot of places that have vegan options on their menus, even if they aren’t 100% vegan restaurants.

24 Vegan Hours in Washington, DC

Green juice from Fruitive in Washington, DC.

If you’re planning to travel to DC in the near future, keep these spots on your radar for some delicious vegan grub in the capital city.

Vegan Breakfast in Washington, DC

24 Vegan Hours in Washington, DC

For breakfast, we stopped at Busboys and Poets. With multiple locations across DC, this fun, inviting restaurant has an extensive vegan menu with phenomenal tofu scramble, delicious tempeh sandwiches, and plenty of oatmeal and granola options. (The menu also offers gluten-free fare as well!) The atmosphere is fun and laid back and the bookstores inside the restaurants make for some nice browsing.

Vegan Brunch in Washington, DC

24 Vegan Hours in Washington, DC

Fare Well is an all-vegan, full-service diner, bakery and bar that offers a casual atmosphere couples with veggie-centric comfort food. It’s owned by the same owner as Sticky Fingers Bakery and is a recent addition to the DC vegan scene. All day, you can enjoy a variety of pancakes as well as sandwiches, burgers, frittatas and other breakfast options. The desserts are rich and won’t disappoint!

Vegan Dinner in Washington, DC

24 Vegan Hours in Washington, DC

Vegan foodies don’t want to miss Kapnos Taverna. While not strictly vegan, this fancy Middle Eastern place offers a variety of mezze that are easy to veganize. The yellow lentil dip is divine. We also loved the falafel shawarma made with fresh flatbread.

24 Vegan Hours in Washington, DC

Also, be sure to stop by Hip City Veg. I’m obsessed with this place! Originally from Philadelphia, Hip City Veg expanded to DC’s Chinatown. The banana whip is my favorite treat, and the burgers are on point!

Vegan Snacks in Washington, DC

24 Vegan Hours in Washington, DC

For an afternoon craving, check out Fruitive. This juice and acai bowl place offers fresh green juices, smoothies and a delicious Pb and J toast. I also love the collard wraps that make for a light lunch or a great snack.

Have you stopped in DC recently? What are your favorite places for vegan grub?

Also by Isabelle: Stronger Bods *Plus* Smoldering Sex Drives?! 4 Reasons Vegan Men Have It Better

Related: 6 Vegan Meals At Top American Restaurants Better Than Parts Unknown (Anthony Who?)

5 Magical London Vegan Spots That Will Inspire You To Book A Flight, STAT

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Photo: Ashton Bingham via Unsplash, Fruitive via Instagram, Isabelle Steichen, Fare Well via Instagram, Hip City Veg

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​Isabelle grew up in Luxembourg and transitioned from an omnivore, cheese loving life to a plant-based diet after she finished her master's in urban studies in Paris and moved to NYC in January 2013. Her decision was triggered by environmental, ethical as well as health reasons. She is passionate about veganism and health and has a plant-based nutrition certificate from e-Cornell. The Plantiful is her blog and creative outlet that she uses to share her love for all things plant-based. Isabelle is also a health coach and a certified yoga teacher with focus on restorative.

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