Best of Denver
🦄 Most Unique Restaurants in Denver
Denver’s best vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants offer more than just salads—they shape the city’s reputation for health-conscious, innovative cuisine. From plant-based brunches and gluten-free bakeries to global flavors and fast-casual cafes, these spots prove you can dine out with any dietary preference and never sacrifice taste or creativity.
Look for everything from cozy coffee shops to vibrant neighborhood favorites, each dishing up bold vegetarian plates, vegan comfort food, and standout gluten-free fare. Whether you’re meat-free or simply craving healthier options, these picks spotlight Denver’s top destinations.
🥑 Best Brunch Classic: Snooze, an A.M. Eatery — Beloved for creative pancakes and plentiful vegetarian options.
🥗 Best Plant-Based Bowls: Flower Child — Vibrant salads, vegan bowls, and gluten-free comfort food in Cherry Creek.
🍛 Best Global Flavors: SPICE ROOM — Standout Indian and Nepalese dishes with exceptional vegan and gluten-free selections.
🍹 Happy Hour Perks: Frequent visitors love the Monday to Friday happy hour from 4 to 6 PM for great drinks and appetizers.
🌱 Vegetarian Friendly: Half the menu caters to vegetarians and vegans with standout dishes like corn gnocchi and arepas.
⏰ Plan for Dinner Timing: Food service starts at 5 PM; arriving earlier may require patience as doors open at 4 PM but food isn't served yet.
🎨 Funky Ambiance: The colorful art decor enhances the dining experience, making it a favorite for those who appreciate creative surroundings.
🍹 Best Bartender Experience: Regulars rave about the skilled bartenders crafting great cocktails to complement spicy dishes.
🌿 Gluten-Free Friendly: Several dishes cater to gluten-free and dairy-free diets, popular among health-conscious diners.
🕒 Happy Hour Perks: The 3–5 PM daily happy hour offers excellent drink and food deals worth timing your visit around.
🚗 Ample Free Parking: Free parking lots and street parking make access easy even during busy dinner hours.
🍳 Brunch Reservations Recommended: Book ahead for brunch to secure a spot during peak weekend hours.
🐕 Dog-Friendly Patio: Enjoy meals outside with your canine companions in the pet-friendly patio area.
🍹 Expert Bartenders: Ask for customized cocktails; bartenders are known for their skill and attentiveness.
🚗 Paid Street Parking: Parking can be tricky; consider arriving early or using ride-share services.
🌞 Beat the Brunch Rush: Arriving before 10 AM helps avoid the busiest breakfast times on weekends.
🚗 Parking Ease: Plenty of free parking in the lot makes dining convenient despite being in a busy area.
📲 Multiple Delivery Options: Use DoorDash, UberEats, Seamless, or Grubhub for quick gluten-free meals at home.
🍰 Don't Miss the Desserts: The homemade gluten-free brownies are a standout treat recommended by many repeat visitors.
🌿 Embrace the Vegan Options: Flower Child clearly marks vegan and vegetarian dishes, making it easy for plant-based diners to navigate the menu.
☀️ Patio Perks: Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, perfect for pet owners wanting to dine with their furry friends.
🕒 Avoid Peak Lunch Hours: Saturdays around 1 PM are busiest; visiting earlier or later ensures a more relaxed experience.
🍹 Must-Try Drinks: The house-made kombucha and organic rose hips lemonade are customer favorites for refreshing beverages.
🥗 Healthy and Fresh: The Thai Coconut Salad and smoky chicken are standout favorites among regulars.
🕑 Visit Mid-Morning or Late Afternoon: Avoid peak lunch hours around 11 AM to 1 PM for a quieter, faster experience.
🍵 Great Tea Selection: Don’t miss their notable tea options which complement the light menu well.
🚗 Plenty of Parking: Free parking lot and street parking usually available, making visits hassle-free.
☕ Coffee Lovers Rejoice: Moxie’s great coffee pairs perfectly with their breakfast sandwiches for a morning pick-me-up.
🥪 Try the Gluten-Free Bread: The highly-rated gluten-free bread is a standout and rare find in Denver eateries.
🌱 Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly: Several menu items cater to plant-based diets without compromising flavor.
🚗 Parking is Easy: Expect usually plentiful free and paid street parking in the Speer area.
☕ Specialty Drinks: The maple latte and Chacca Maca Mushroom latte are standout favorites worth trying.
🍪 Vegan Treats: Starfish Bakery's vegan and gluten-free pastries, especially the cheddar herb scone and chocolate chip cookies, are highly recommended.
🎶 Chill Vibe: The record player and retro decor create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for casual mornings or solo visits.
🚗 Parking Ease: Free street parking is usually plentiful, making visits stress-free even during busy mornings.
🕗 Best for Early Meals: Arrive shortly after 8 AM to beat the lunch rush and enjoy a peaceful breakfast experience.
🛍️ Order Online for Convenience: Use their online ordering through Seamless or DoorDash to avoid wait times, especially on weekends.
🥑 Must-Try Menu Items: Don't miss the quinoa French toast and purple açaí bowl, often highlighted by regulars.
🐕 Dog-Friendly Outdoors: Dogs are welcome outside, making it a great spot for pet owners to grab a healthy bite.
⏰ Beat the Rush: Arrive early on weekends before 9 AM to avoid long waits and enjoy a relaxed meal.
🥞 Pancake Flights: Try the pancake flight to sample multiple flavors without feeling too full — a fan favorite.
🍹 Cocktail Hour: Enjoy unique brunch cocktails paired with your meal for a lively start to the day.
🌿 Vegan Options: The vegan berry bliss pancakes are exclusive to this location and highly recommended by regulars.
Top choices in Denver include Root Down for innovative vegetarian small plates, Snooze for classic breakfast favorites with vegan twists, and SPICE ROOM for standout Indian and Nepalese plant-based curries. Flower Child and Modern Market Eatery offer fresh, colorful bowls and salads with clearly marked vegan or gluten-free options. For dedicated gluten-free, paleo, and vegan fare, Just BE Kitchen in LoHi is a must. Each venue offers creative menus, attentive service, and flavors that highlight Denver’s commitment to healthy, plant-forward dining.
Yes, many of Denver’s vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants go out of their way to accommodate gluten-free and allergy-conscious diners. Just BE Kitchen is entirely gluten-free and paleo-focused, while restaurants like Flower Child, Modern Market Eatery, and Moxie Eatery mark gluten-free and vegan dishes on their menus. SPICE ROOM and Green Collective Eatery also provide a wide range of allergy-friendly choices. Always notify your server about specific allergies so the kitchen can ensure your safety.
Absolutely. Denver is home to several vegetarian- and vegan-friendly brunch spots. Snooze is renowned for inventive pancakes and egg dishes with vegan and gluten-free adaptations. The Pig & The Sprout serves both classic and plant-based breakfast favorites in a lively, spacious setting. Just BE Kitchen is a gluten-free favorite for wholesome brunch options, and Flower Child’s colorful bowls are great for a midday pick-me-up. Reservations are recommended at popular brunch venues, especially on weekends.
Green Bus Cafe is perfect for quality coffee, vegan and gluten-free pastries, and casual breakfasts. Moxie Eatery also offers excellent coffee alongside health-focused sandwiches and breakfast fare. Just BE Kitchen includes paleo treats and brownies, catering to both gluten-free and vegan preferences. For something sweet and vibrant, Flower Child’s olive oil cake and gluten-free mac and cheese are hits. These spots are ideal for those seeking a relaxing catch-up or a solo lunch with standout plant-based treats.
Yes, most of Denver’s top vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants also welcome families. Green Collective Eatery provides a kids’ menu and high chairs, while Flower Child features child-friendly meals and a lively, casual atmosphere. Just BE Kitchen is popular with families seeking healthy comfort foods for breakfast and lunch. The Pig & The Sprout offers a broad menu with plenty of plant-based and kid-pleasing options, plus a dog-friendly patio—great for gatherings with little ones.
Many vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Denver accept walk-ins, but reservations are a good idea for brunch, dinner, or popular times—especially at Root Down and The Pig & The Sprout. Restaurants like Snooze and Flower Child are first-come, first-served, so expect wait times during peak hours. Booking ahead is recommended for groups or weekend brunch. Check individual restaurant policies online or call ahead for the latest information on wait times and reservations.
