In writing this article, I hopped right into the top vegan restaurants in the US without even thinking whether or not you the reader even knew what I was talking about, so first I want to rewind and explain a little bit about vegan before we discuss where you should be going to enjoy some vegan cuisine.

So, what is a vegan ? ? ?
According to wikipedia.org, vegans endeavor not to use or consume animal products of any kind – This means no meat (fish, chicken, lamb, pork, beef, etc.) or dairy made with animal products. And yes, this includes eggs, sushi, and even Jello. (you would be shocked at how many things are made with animal products) If you have the pleasure of meeting a vegan, know that they are approximately 0.2% – 1.3% of the population – they are like an endangered animal, so protect them.

Why you might ask? ? ?
Some of the most common reasons for becoming a vegan are:
– human health
– ethical commitment
– moral conviction concerning animal rights or welfare
– protecting the environment (lowering one’s carbon footprint)
– Spiritual or religious concerns

So now that you understand what we are dealing with when we discuss vegan cuisine, here are my favorite Vegan Restaurants in the United States that you need to go to:

1. Inn Season (Royal Oak, MI) – for over 29 years Inn Season cafe has been dishing up some of the best in Vegan foods. You will not want to miss their Sunday brunch with home made cinnamon rolls and a tofu frittata.

2. Sublime (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) – Sublime offers a fine dining experience like no other. Sublime has a lively and fun atmosphere and unique dishes that caters to vegans and non-vegans alike.

3. Cafe Sunflower (Atlanta, GA) – In 1994 the first Cafe Sunflower was opened in Sandy Sprints. Since than, owner Lin Sun has been offering wonderfully satisfying entrees often filled with fresh vegetables.

4. Candle 79 (New York, NY) – It seems to be unanimous that Candle 79 is quite the experience and definitely worth the wait. The menu and atmosphere are like no other spot in the United States.

5. Green Zebra (Chicago, IL) – Chef and owner Shawn McClain won the 2006 James Beard award for Best Chef in the Midwest – this is no small feat. After your first bite, you will see why Green Zebra has become a Midwest Mecca for vegan Cuisine.

6. Dragonfly Neo-V (Columbus, OH) – If you ever make it to Dragonfly Neo-V, request to experience the community table. And after dinner, make sure to get a tour of the garden behind the restaurant where they grow most of their vegetables.

7. Madeleine Bistro (Los Angeles, CA) – In a city full of healthy eats, Madeleine definitely takes the cake (vegan of course) for its cutting edge vegan cuisine.

8. Millennium (San Francisco, CA) – If you are planning to head to Millennium, plan it around one of their Special Events. From an Annual Farmer’s Market Dinner to The Frugal Foodie Menu to Convert a Carnivore, Chef Eric Tucker creates an eclectic vegan cuisine.

Take the time to eat at any of these restaurants and you will find an amazing menu that brings out mainstream meals with a vegan twist. So, before you pass on dinner at the vegan restaurant, remember not to judge a book by its cover, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Let us know where we should stop and eat on our travels. What is your favorite vegan restaurant? Why?