From food trucks to fine dining experiences, vegans and veg-enthusiasts have no shortage of delightful places to enjoy plant-powered meals that are good for your health, the environment and our animal friends here in Pittsburgh. Whether you’re trying out #MeatlessMonday on a whim or looking to expand your culinary horizons, here are ten local spots that will entice you to try the art of vegging out. Lettuce celebrate!
Vegetarians Options For Eating Out in Pittsburgh
El Colibri
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Mexico City-style street food that is affordable and bursting with flavor has become a fan favorite wherever El Colibri pops up. Look for them at farmers markets, like Bloomfield’s on Saturdays during the season, and follow them on social media to stay on top of where they are heading each week with their delicious, plant-forward cuisine. You must try the $5 vegan Mexican street corn elote which is corn on the cob slathered in vegan mayo and sprinkled with vegan cheese, tajin, and lime. Order the oyster mushroom birria: braised in a bold, aromatic chili sauce along with their refreshing aguas frescas or the decadent dairy-free almond horchata to wash it all down. I always go back for seconds (and thirds!).
Virdis
626 Smithfield Street, Downtown
Their Instagram bio says it all: Gay vegan takeout spot, disguised as a greasy Pittsburgh wiener joint. Head downtown for some of the best donuts, banana pudding and breakfast sandwiches you’ll ever have. Vegan or not, this place knows how to cook up what the people want. Whether you’re there for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, you’ll find something tasty and satisfying. Don’t sleep on the crispy chick’n caesar wrap with seitan bac’n or the housemade biscuits, either.
Pino’s
6738, Reynolds Street, Point Breeze
A true hidden gem, this is my go-to place whenever I want to dine al fresco in the sunshine and eat my weight in pasta. All the pastas are vegan and made in house. Try the tastes-like-grandma-made-it red sauce with sauteed mushrooms or have a cheeseless pizza loaded with veggies. The appetizers are endless for veg-friendly folks, like the greens and beans, baked olives with herbs, seasonal soups, and French fries with roasted garlic. Between the delectable salads and elevated wine list, you’ll feel as though you were dropped off in southern Italy … if only for the night.
Senyai
5865 Ellsworth Avenue, Shadyside
If you enjoy Thai food (and who doesn’t) then run – don’t walk – to Senyai’s on Ellsworth Avenue. Vegan options are plentiful, including my favorite kale salad (add some mango – you’re welcome). Their silky and savory tom kha soup is a thing of legend. You also won’t want to miss their pumpkin curry or the delicate lemongrass tea. It’s bright blue and turns purple when lemonade is added to it. It’s just a little bit of magic that I’ve come to expect from this special space. Plus, a charming outdoor patio awaits you in warm weather.
The Forge
3345 Penn Avenue, Lawrenceville
Vegan cheese platter? Say yes. This sexy date-night spot brings a Mediterranean flair complete with veggie-options galore. Try The Rainbow to start, a delightful mix of seven mezze salads including hummus, baba ganoush, grape leaves, cauliflower, house-made pickled veggies, Israeli salad, as well as a rotating salad to excite your taste buds. The cocktails are beautifully crafted, and the menu is clearly labeled with many vegan and vegetarian options. The dairy-free pizza? Be still, my heart. A must-try in Lawrenceville.
Nanban
4407 Butler Street, Lawrenceville
Miso ramen complete with beer battered firm tofu, nori, bean sprouts, kikurage mushrooms, and scallions is just the beginning of this culinary adventure, and home to one of my favorite spots in the city. You must try the fluffy tofu bao buns, savory ‘shroom empanadas, and the waffle fries with nori powder. Want to get a little bit of everything? Opt for the mouth-watering Bonchon: rayu cucumbers, toasted sesame coleslaw, marinated bean sprouts, and kikurage mushroom salad. Sit on the sidewalk and people watch as you nosh. This is Asian soul food at its finest.
Spak Bros
5107 Penn Avenue, Garfield
If you haven’t had Spak in a minute, consider this your invitation to head over to Garfield the next time you are craving a calzone. Do you know how impossible it is to find a vegan calzone anywhere? Spak has upped its vegan game with this one. I tried it with mushrooms and vegan pepperoni. Not only did it give me that nostalgic Friday-night-growing-up-pizza-party vibe, but it wasn’t heavy or greasy, as the vegan ricotta is tofu-based. Their vegan hoagies are also not to be missed, including the Cajun blackened tempeh with house seasoning, pickled red onions, lettuce and tomato, topped with a spicy vegan remoulade. Don’t miss out on the spicy buffalo seitan wings, either. Now it’s a party!
Hidden Harbor
1708 Shady Avenue, Squirrel Hill
When you can’t get to Hawaii, why not bring Hawaii to you? This tiki lounge is one of my favorite places to hang in Squirrel Hill. It has a lovely back patio complete with ceiling fans to keep it breezy on a warm summer night. Beyond their extensive tropical cocktail and mocktail list, try the vegan “crab” Rangoon made from hearts of palm to awaken your taste buds. I also love the crispy Brussels sprouts to start, followed by the fried tofu sandwich with slaw, BBQ sauce, pickles, and a side of fries. Who’s hungry?
Pigeon Bagels
5613 Hobart Street, Squirrel Hill
When I became vegan almost 15 years ago, there were certain things I missed, like bagel sandwiches with lox. Well, goddess bless the wonderful people of Pigeon Bagel who must have heard my prayer and decided to answer it. Pigeon Bagels is a kosher bagel shop nestled in Squirrel Hill complete with an entirely vegan-friendly selection of bagels – including their delicious carrot lox sandwich complete with vegan tofu schmear and capers. They also have a delectable assortment of pastries, many of which are vegan, and their coffee selection can be made with oat milk to complete your experience. I stan for Pigeon Bagels.
Live Fresh Juicery
North Side, Homestead, Regent Square, Oakland, Robinson
Whether you want a grab-and-go juice, a smoothie, or a house-made smoothie bowl, the options are seemingly endless at Live Fresh Juicery. They have multiple locations around the city, but I particularly love the Homestead spot on 8th Ave. where you can enjoy sidewalk seating or relax in their spacious sit-down dining room. One of my personal favorites is the Blue Wave bowl with spirulina, granola, blueberries, bananas and more. It’s filling, decadent, and healthy. And if you are feeling a little run down, try one of their immune-boosting shots like “Potion No. 2” with turmeric, black pepper, orange, lemon and ginger. They also have toasts with avocado or nut butters if the mood strikes.
P.S. Pittsburgh is home to so many vegan options, among them the places I shared in last year’s How to Pittsburgh issue. I would be remiss not to give them some love: Apteka, Shadobeni, Moodz Co., Vibrant Sunshine Cafe, Kaibur Coffee and Cafe, Jak’s Bakery, Allegro Bakery, Antonio’s Pizzeria, Sweet Alchemy Bake Shop, Eat Your Veggies (EYV) and the Zenith Cafe are staples for anyone exploring the vegan scene here in the city and I encourage you to check them all out!
Story by Natalie Bencivenga
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce
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