Eating meat-free hasn’t always been easy, but in Kansas City, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake.
Our local food scene is as vibrant as ever, so it’s no surprise there are a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, vegetarian bites across town. From vegetarian barbecue to scrumptious vegan tacos, here are 25 restaurants serving up meat-free fare in KC.
Casual eating
Gigi’s Vegan + Wellness Café, 1103 Westport Rd., KCMO | Try a smoothie or chow down on a wrap at this sustainable, zero-waste spot.
Billie’s Grocery, 3216 Gillham Plaza, KCMO | This spot is perfect for on-the-go moments or work-from-home days, with a robust menu and immaculate vibes.
Mattie’s Foods, 633 E. 63rd St., KCMO | Enjoy plant-based comfort food with dine-in or to-go options.
Mildred’s, two locations | KCtoday runs on Mildred’s — the A1 work-from-home spot serves meat-free seasonal specials, but we recommend a menu staple: its vegan breakfast hash + an iced latte (with oat milk, of course).
King G Bar + Deli, 500 E. 18th St., KCMO| King G’s oyster mushroom panini is Editor Maddie’s favorite end-of-the-night grub after any First Fridays adventure.
The cupcakes at Mud Pie are a real treat.
Photo via @mudpieveganbakery
Date night
Café Gratitude, 333 Southwest Blvd., KCMO | With 100% organic and plant-based options, this spot is centered around gratitude — perfect for an intentional + romantic date night.
LuLu’s Thai Noodle Shop, multiple locations | Arrive early for a happy hour drink and stay for a delicious meal. Pro tip: The Westwood location has dive bar The House right next door for a post-meal bev.
Chewology, 900 Westport Rd., KCMO | Talk about immaculate date night vibes. This contemporary Taiwanese eatery offers bites like bok choy and three cup mushroom ramen.
Westport Cafe, 419 Westport Rd., KCMO | Transport you + your special someone to France for an unforgettable meal and drinks.
Café Sebastienne, 4420 Warwick Blvd., KCMO | Pop into this cafe after browsing the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
Delicious desserts
Mud Pie, 7319 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS | This spot features 100% plant-based coffee + bakery treats featuring seasonal sweets and fan-favorite staples alike.
Betty Rae’s, multiple locations | While the menu is rotating, you can always count on dairy-free options here.
The Littlest Bake Shop, 645 E. 59th St., KCMO | Cookies, cupcakes, and cakes — oh my. Plus, they’re all vegan and gluten-free.
Sweet EMOtion, 312 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO | It was never a phase. Channel your inner emo kid with themed ice cream flavors, all vegan and some gluten-free.
The smoked Portobello Z-Man at Joe’s KC BBQ is the stuff of vegan dreams.
Photo via @joeskc
Barbecue joints
Char Bar, multiple locations | Used to calling out “brisket on bun” at Gates? Perhaps it’s time to remix the classic combo with Char Bar’s smoked jackfruit on bun.
Joe’s KC BBQ, multiple locations | Try the Portobello Z-man sandwich to experience classic KC barbecue while meeting vegan requirements.
Q39, multiple locations | Piled high with provolone, onion straws, and a healthy helping of barbecue sauce, this veggie burger is anything but an afterthought.
For the vegan carnivore
The Fix!, 600 E. 31st St., KCMO | Plant power is the word at this entirely plant-based eatery.
Tailleur, 3933 Main St., KCMO | Chow down on the Garden Burger with a side of fries while sipping on a glass of wine.
The Brick, 1727 McGee St., KCMO | Order the vegetarian meatloaf at this restaurant featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.”
The Peanut, multiple locations | Watch the Chiefs game while eating the veggie burger at one of KC’s oldest bars.
Vegan breakfast, anyone? Find these treats at Mud Pie Vegan Bakery.
Photo via @mudpieveganbakery
The brunch bunch
Seven Swans Crêperie, 1746 Washington St., KCMO | You can find an entirely vegan, seasonal menu featuring sweet + savory options.
Succotash, 2601 Holmes St., KCMO | With plenty of build-your-own options, this spot is great for brunch — party of many.
Blue Bird Bistro, 1700 Summit St., KCMO | Start your day with dishes like the tofu scramble or the veggie bowl.
The Wooden Spoon, two locations | This brunch option boasts its fresh ingredients and house classics.
Chef it up at home
Check out our favorite tips and tricks for serving veggie-focused fare from your own kitchen:
- To make zucchini, carrot, or beet noodles, try a veggie spiralizer that magically turns vegetables into noodles.
- A tofu press draws out water and can help tofu firm and crisp up once you cook it — the one linked here is dishwasher safe + works in twenty minutes.
- If your least favorite part about veggie prep is chopping, this all-in-one vegetable chopper can minimize prep time.
- Use a sprouting jar kit to grow microgreens and sprouted beans at home.
- For the ultimate veggie food prep, this glass storage container set keeps lunches and leftovers organized.
- Need some good recipes? Browse cookbooks “Inspiralized: Turn Vegetables into Healthy, Creative, Satisfying Meals” for veggie spiral recipes, “The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100” for plant-based ideas, or “The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook” from America’s Test Kitchen
What did we miss? If you know a restaurant that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey.
