Sierra DawsonSearching for the ultimate meatless feast in the Mile High City can feel like hunting for hidden treasure. Every health-conscious diner and devoted foodie wants to find the best vegetarian restaurants in Denver to satisfy those deep-rooted cravings.
Well, look no further! I’ve actually wandered through buzzing dining rooms and quirky food delivery vans to uncover spots that make vegetables the undeniable star of the plate.
Let’s dive into Denver’s mouthwatering destinations that prove plant-based eating is endlessly creative!
How much does dining at a vegetarian restaurant cost in Denver?
Dining at a vegetarian restaurant in Denver generally ranges from $15 to $30 per person for a casual meal, while upscale tasting menus can exceed $100 per person.
| Restaurant Type | Price Range |
| Casual / Fast-Casual | $15 – $25 per entree |
| Moderate / Upscale | $25 – $40+ per entree |
| Fine Dining / Tasting Menus | $100 – $190+ per person |
1. Watercourse Foods
Website: https://www.watercoursefoods.com
Address: 837 E 17th Ave
Contact: (303) 832-7313
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Stepping into a local institution always carries a certain weight, especially when it has been shaping the city’s meatless scene since 1998.
Operating as a foundational hub, Watercourse Foods serves completely plant-based comfort food in a highly inclusive, accessible atmosphere.
I remember grabbing a quick lunch here recently and being completely blown away by their golden, crispy cauliflower wings.
Plus, their seamless counter-service model gets you fed fast, which is fantastic when you’re ravenous after a long hike.
However, diners expecting a traditional sit-down experience with a dedicated server might find this self-service setup a bit frustrating.
Even without table waitstaff, the lively energy and extensive allergen-friendly menu keep people coming back for more.
They even share ownership with City O’ City, guaranteeing you get those same beloved, scratch-made baked goods to finish your meal on a sweet note.
This food was good!
First of all. Im not Vegan or Vegetarian, however!…. This food was good! Surprisingly i thought i was going to hate the absence of meat products in my food, but i enjoyed the food. I tried the mushroom burrito, turkey and brie, and the Caesar wrap. Fantastic flavor. It doesnt beat meat, but its a great alternative.
- Leo Nunez | Google Review
I’m so happy to have found this place!
10/10 food, atmosphere, decor and service. Recommend the seitan Buffalo wings and Cuban sandwich. Also the Vegan carrot cake cupcake. As a vegetarian who had a hard time giving up wings and roast beef so happy to have found this place!
- Elise Truman | Google Review
2. City O’ City
Website: https://www.cityocitydenver.com
Address: 206 E 13th Ave
Contact: (303) 831-6443 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Finding a reliable spot that transitions flawlessly from a morning espresso joint to an energetic late-night bar is a rare treat.
Serving as an all-day hub where veggies meet heavy comfort food, City O’ City has fostered a massive community following since its opening in 1998.
Here, you can sip a frothy cappuccino surrounded by rotating art installations from local creators, soaking in the eclectic neighborhood culture.
The kitchen shows serious dedication to wholesome ingredients by preparing everything from scratch and avoiding artificial preservatives entirely. If you’re planning an event and talking to various wedding caterers, you’ll appreciate this level of commitment.
One detail to watch out for is the mandatory 3% operations fee applied to all bills, which slightly inflates your final check.
Despite that extra cost, catching one of their dual happy hours for heavily discounted small plates is absolutely worth the trip.
Everyone will love their food 🌱
Outstanding food. I’m vegan, my husband is not and he raved about his cauliflower chicken and waffles. I had the city hash and loved it. Vegan or vegetarian or carnivore, everyone will love their food 🌱
- Estelle Faulkner | Google Review
The type of place I wish existed in my teens/20s.
Seriously, amazing. Came here for a late dinner and drinks and we were not disappointed. As a “Dry” Vegetarian diner, this is the type of place I wish existed in my teens/20s. So many options for Zero proof and Non-Alc. drinks, we will be back! The food has an amazing combination of comfort food with a tasty, worldly twist. Shout out to Tulsi!🌿
- Sanjay Kadiwala (DJ Khiladi) | Google Review
3. Vegan Van
Website: https://www.veganvan.com
Address: 5155 E 39th Ave
Contact: (303) 246-8175 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sometimes you just need to dig into a wonderfully messy, sauce-drenched sandwich that hits every comfort craving imaginable.
Delivering nostalgic plant-based fast food, Vegan Van specializes in completely scratch-made, veganized versions of iconic staples like loaded chalupas and crunchwraps.
I love how they completely avoid processed commercial meat substitutes by crafting their own seasoned wheat gluten beef and fiery taco sauces entirely in-house.
You can even buy bulk portions of their signature ingredients, letting you recreate that fast-food magic in your own kitchen.
Keep in mind that they operate solely as a delivery-and-takeout window within a shared ghost kitchen facility. Because there’s no traditional dine-in ambiance, you’ll have to enjoy your hearty feast at home or a nearby park.
Nonetheless, even without a dining room, their generous daily operating hours make it incredibly easy to grab a satisfying meal whenever hunger strikes.
They have been a go-to since.
Denver Vegan Van has been a favorite of mine for years! Discovered them when I first decided to go vegan and they have been a go-to since. I love their rotating menu, so many great plant-based options. I have introduced Denver Vegan Van to many of my friends who are not vegan/vegetarian and if I’m being completely honest, they have loved all the food they have tried from here (as have I). The staff are always so friendly & kind!!! Denver Vegan Van is amazing and I highly recommend it to anybody looking for a great meal!
- Gisselle Gonzalez | Google Review
Will def be going back again and again.
My husbands vegan, I’m vegetarian, this place is legit. Crunch wrap supreme is fire, buff chix wrap so flavorful (could def use more tofu though), the wings have a great crisp to them too, will def be going back again and again
- Kylie W. | Google Review
4. The Corner Beet
Website: https://cornerbeet.com
Address: 1401 N Ogden St
Contact: (720) 295-4447 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Open Mic Monday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Starting your morning with a nutrient-dense, brightly colored beverage can completely turn a sluggish day around.
Blending an organic juicery with a vegetarian cafe, The Corner Beet focuses heavily on cold-pressed juices and a clean, customizable menu tailored to plant-based diets.
The kitchen here strictly prioritizes fresh, locally sourced produce, elevating its dishes to the highest standards of ingredient purity.
A good friend of mine recently brought me here for brunch, and the pure beet powder latte gave me an incredible natural energy boost.
While exploring robust and hearty flavors at various Indian restaurants is fantastic for dinner, their extremely limited operating hours mean they close promptly at 3:00 PM every day.
With their early closing, they’re entirely inaccessible for evening diners seeking a cozy dinner spot.
Highly recommended.
With a vegan friend, so ate vegetarian at The Corner Beet. Despite the lack of meat, I didn’t feel deprived with the smothered Breakfast Burrito add green chili’s and beyond sausage crumbles to the hearty helping of eggs, beans, avocado, and delicious sauce. Flavors were superb. Highly recommend as a non-vegan eater.
- John ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson | Google Review
THE place to go if you’re looking for quality, vegetarian food.
The Beet is THE place to go if you’re looking for quality, mindfully sourced, delicious vegetarian/vegan food. Intimate setting but large enough to go with a group and be comfortable, funky decor and plants, and shaded outdoor seating. Love all of the community events they host on this block as well.
- Amanda Doukas | Google Review
5. Bang Up To The Elephant
Website: https://banguptotheelephant.restaurant
Address: 1310 N. Pearl St
Contact: (303) 792-4949 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Escaping the chilly mountain air is suddenly possible the moment you walk through these vibrant, brightly painted doors. The massive interior acts as a transportive dining atmosphere, complete with lush living plants and trickling water fountains.
Drawing deep inspiration from the tropical West Indies, The Bang Up To The Elephant delivers an entirely plant-based menu steeped in rich Caribbean flavors within a simulated island environment.
Here, you can easily explore unique flavor profiles that break away from standard fare, like their savory vegan bake and chana.
They also have excellent allergen transparency, clearly marking dishes containing peanuts and offering adaptable gluten-free options.
The major downside to this colorful retreat is its location in the densely populated Capitol Hill neighborhood. Guests must rely heavily on potentially scarce, metered public street parking, which can be frustrating during busy weekend hours.
Will definitely be back!
What an amazing vegetarian experience here! Walking in, the venue is quite huge with some really cool artwork and lighting. Started off with the mofongo plate which was nicely season and at the perfect temperature. The drinks are very crafty so make sure to read up on the ingredients list before making an order. The best was the Under & Over, which was smooth as hell. Will definitely be back!
- Andrew Rogers | Google Review
You won’t regret it!
My go to when it comes to vegetarian in Denver even for non-vegetarians! Great food, really cool vibe in a very cool Denver neighborhood. Seek this one out if you are in Cap Hill, you won’t regret it!
- Jim N | Google Review
