Denver is a top destination for plant-based dining, with a thriving scene of fully vegan restaurants that go far beyond salads. From creative comfort food and street-style eats to upscale dining and cozy cafés, the city offers a wide range of options for vegans and the veg-curious alike.
In this guide, we spotlight some of the best vegan restaurants in Denver and share why the Mile High City stands out as a haven for plant-based food lovers.
Is Denver a Vegan-Friendly City?
Absolutely—Denver is a vegan-friendly city with a diverse and growing plant-based dining scene. According to HappyCow, Denver boasts approximately 322 vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants, encompassing a variety of eateries from fully vegan establishments to those offering substantial plant-based options.
Statewide, Colorado is recognized for its accommodating stance toward plant-based lifestyles. A 2021 study by KCR College Radio ranked Colorado third in the U.S. for vegan population per capita, highlighting the state’s strong interest in veganism. This growing demand is reflected in the state’s dining scene, with numerous establishments offering vegan options and a supportive community for those embracing a plant-based lifestyle.
This expansion reflects a broader trend of rising interest in plant-based diets, with more residents and visitors seeking ethical and sustainable food choices. Denver’s vibrant array of vegan-friendly restaurants, cafés, food trucks, and dessert shops makes it an ideal destination for those pursuing a plant-based lifestyle.
Now, we’ve already explained there are hundreds of vegan-friendly establishments across Colorado, numerous within Denver, but we’re going to list restaurants and cafes we believe are a must go for all Vegans.
6 Of The Best Vegan-friendly Restaurants In Denver
Edible Eats
Root Down, located in a reclaimed service station in Denver’s Highlands neighborhood, is the flagship of the 100% Employee-Owned Edible Beats restaurant group. Celebrated for its bold, vegetable-forward menu rooted in fresh-from-the-earth flavors, Root Down thoughtfully caters to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diners with dishes intentionally crafted for all dietary preferences. The restaurant also reflects a deep commitment to sustainability: 75% of the space was built using recycled materials and is powered by wind energy. Chef & Founder Justin Cucci curated the space with vintage treasures from the web, including rainbow-colored Knoll chairs and bathroom walls papered with retro recipe clippings and rotary phones, creating a dining experience that’s as funky as it is flavorful.
Vital Root, located on historic Tennyson Street in Denver, is part of Edible Beats, Denver’s first and only 100% Employee-Owned restaurant group. The fast-casual, plant-friendly spot is Gluten-Free Certified by the National Celiac Association, offering peace of mind for guests with dietary restrictions. Its all-day, brunch-inclusive menu features sustainably sourced fare, weekday happy hour, and grab-and-go options. Vital Root also shares its space with BeatBox Farms, Edible Beats’ self-contained hydroponic farm that grows pesticide & insecticide free produce to all Edible Beats restaurants year-round.
Bang Up To The Elephants
Nestled among the leafy streets of Denver’s Capitol Hill, Bang Up to the Elephant is a whimsical, plant-based escape where lush ambiance meets bold, globally inspired flavor. A standout in Colorado’s plant-focused food scene, this beloved spot is known for its sustainability ethos and joyful, creative approach to food and community. Its name –a cheeky Victorian phrase meaning “properly done”– hints at the thoughtful playfulness woven throughout the experience.
Menus here are ever-evolving, featuring fresh, scratch-made dishes that dance with adventurous spices and vibrant ingredients, all rooted in thoughtful sourcing and environmental concern. From tropical cocktails to bold, plant-happy creations that surprise and delight, each bite tells a story of exploration and care. Guests are treated to rotating art displays and intimate performances, echoing Capitol Hill’s rich creative spirit.
For travelers seeking something more soulful and intentional, Bang Up to the Elephant offers a dining experience as nourishing as it is delightful –a true not-to-miss gem.
Somebody People
Set along South Broadway in Denver’s artsy Overland neighborhood, Somebody People is a vibrant, design-forward vegan restaurant where Mediterranean flair meets eco-conscious mission. The bright, retro-inspired interior—think Palm Springs meets Scandinavian minimalism—sets the stage for a dining experience that’s both relaxed and deeply intentional.
Menus evolve with the seasons and are entirely plant-based, showcasing house-made pastas, inventive small plates, and bold vegetable-forward dishes that steer clear of processed meat substitutes. Ingredients are thoughtfully sourced from local farms, and the kitchen operates with a zero-waste philosophy—composting scraps, using reusable containers, and even furnishing the space with sustainable materials like Piñatex, a pineapple-based textile.
Somebody People isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a statement. A celebration of sustainability, creativity, and community, it offers a soulful, future-facing dining experience that’s as nourishing for the planet as it is for the plate. For conscious diners and curious travellers alike, it’s a Denver standout not to be missed.
Corner Beet
The Corner Beet is a vibrant vegetarian café nestled in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, offering a welcoming space adorned with lush plants and local artwork. Known for its commitment to organic, locally sourced ingredients, the café provides a menu rich in vegetarian dishes, many of which can be customized to be vegan or gluten-free. Standout options include the Thai Peanut Salad with tamari-baked tofu and the vegan Breakfast Burrito featuring tofu scramble and vegan cheddar.
Beyond its culinary offerings, The Corner Beet fosters a sense of community through events like Open Mic Mondays and Tarot Tuesdays, and it shares its space with neighboring wellness ventures such as Rooted Heart Yoga and Balanced Root Apothecary. Whether you’re seeking a nourishing meal, a creative atmosphere, or a place to connect, The Corner Beet stands out as a cherished spot in Denver’s plant-based dining scene.
City O City
Nestled in Denver’s Capitol Hill, City, O’ City is a vibrant, plant-forward eatery and bar that has been serving inventive vegetarian cuisine since 1998. With a menu where everything is default vegan unless specified otherwise, the restaurant offers a diverse array of dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. Signature offerings include the chicken-fried cauliflower & waffles drizzled with bourbon maple syrup, the BBQ mac wrap featuring BBQ tofu or seitan with mac & cheese and coleslaw, and a selection of handcrafted 14” pizzas topped with vegan mozzarella or cashew ricotta.
Beyond its culinary delights, City, O’ City is a community-centric space that celebrates creativity and inclusivity. The restaurant showcases local art, hosts open mic nights, and maintains a welcoming atmosphere for all patrons. As a women, family, and queer-owned establishment, it stands as a testament to Denver’s diverse and progressive dining scene.
Whether you’re stopping by for a morning latte, an afternoon happy hour, or a late-night bite, City, O’ City offers a unique and satisfying experience for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike.
Watercourse Foods
Located in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood, Watercourse Foods has been a cornerstone of the city’s plant-based dining scene since 1998. As Denver’s original vegan restaurant, it offers a diverse menu of comfort foods crafted entirely from scratch.
The menu features hearty dishes like the Cuban Sandwich with marinated seitan, the Sweet Potato Gnocchi, and the Tofish’n’Chips. Breakfast favorites include biscuits & gravy and burritos smothered in vegan green chile.
Beyond its culinary offerings, Watercourse Foods is committed to sustainability and community engagement. The restaurant uses biodegradable packaging, recycles diligently, and hosts rotating exhibitions showcasing local artists.
With its welcoming atmosphere, innovative menu, and dedication to environmental responsibility, Watercourse Foods continues to be a beloved destination for both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Finding Local Vegan Restaurants
While we’ve highlighted some of Denver’s most standout vegan establishments, there are plenty more to discover depending on your tastes, location, and mood. We highly recommend trying any of the spots we’ve featured, but if you’re looking to explore further, there are easy ways to find more options.
Simply entering “vegan restaurants” into Google Maps while in Denver will pull up a wide range of plant-based eateries near you, often complete with reviews, photos, and menus. For more tailored or current recommendations, consider heading to Reddit — especially forums like r/Denver — where locals often share their favourite hidden gems and personal go-to spots.
Whether you’re in town for a weekend or a long-time local diving deeper into the plant-based scene, Denver’s vegan offerings are accessible, welcoming, and always evolving.
