Vegan soul food is sweeping the nation—think black-eyed peas, collard greens, cornbread, fried green tomatoes, grits, mac ‘n’ cheese, and fried “chicken” (for starters). Is your mouth watering yet? Visit one of these soul food joints to experience scrumptious, compassionate down-home cooking:
Detroit Vegan Soul
CNN called this soul food restaurant “the shiniest rising star in the vegan world.” Popular dishes include the Seitan Pepper Steak, the “Catfish” Tofu, and the Smothered Tempeh.
Souley Vegan
You can peruse the vegan menu online, but beware of drooling on your computer keyboard. The Oakland, California, restaurant’s soulful offerings include Creole Style Spaghetti, Black Eye Pea Fritters, Souley V’s Chick’in (Seitan) Nachos, and okra gumbo.
NuVegan Cafe (Formerly, Woodlands Vegan Bistro)
If you are what you eat, we want to be anything that the NuVegan serves. That’s because everything there is 100 percent vegan, with organic and raw options.
B’Gabs
Located in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, B’Gabs offers delicious items such as the Loaded Smashed Potato Bowl, nacho salad, jicama fries, and so much more that we want right now.
Original Soul Vegetarian
This Chicago-based gem of a restaurant is dedicated to delicious vegan cuisine—and it’s been open for more than 33 years and counting.
Soul Vegetarian South
This popular Atlanta-based spot isn’t related to the Chicago restaurant of the same name, but they both serve delicious food.
Soul Vegetarian Restaurant No. 2
Feast your eyes on this plate of tofu, mac ‘n’ cheese, yams, and cornbread from another Atlanta restaurant.
Stuff I Eat
Reading the descriptions of chef Babette Davis’ menu items is like being transported to vegan heaven. Also check out this video, which will take you on a field trip to Inglewood, California, to experience these divine dishes.
The Southern V
This Nashville, Tennessee, hot spot will satisfy your sweet tooth with doughnuts, sweet potato pie, caramel apple pie, ice cream cake, and more—in addition to classic savory dishes.
Moor Herbs
This Detroit-based restaurant and nutrition store serves as a complete marketplace for those looking for plant-based products and meals. Check out this pumpkin pecan pie, gasp!
Khepra’s Raw Food Juice Bar
Raw foodists in Washington, D.C., are lucky to have Khepra’s nearby. Dishes such as Avocado Plantain Pie, Creamy Collards, and Jerk Eggplant and sweet treats such as Cashew Cheesecake and Apple Pear Goji Pie also make this restaurant a must-taste destination for visitors.
Seasoned Vegan
Harlem’s first full-service vegan restaurant, this family-run operation serves up gourmet soul food that puts a “soul food” twist on Asian, Italian, and Middle Eastern dishes. Its motto is “The food you love, veganized.”
Belmont Vegetarian
Your taste buds will be tantalized by dishes such as vegan BBQ Chicken, Pepper Steak, and Curry Chicken.
Drop Squad Kitchen
This 100 percent vegan restaurant based in Wilmington, Delaware states their mission clearly: “In this wilderness of the Standard American Diet, our kitchen represents a new beginning for food, business, and community…unapologetically!”
Vegan’s Delight
Specializing in Jamaican soul food, this Bronx-based restaurant, grocery store, and juice bar has been thriving since 1992. Interesting menu items include vegan fish and prawn dishes, pepper “steak,” and Eggplant Mélange.
Go Vegan Grill
This Atlanta-area restaurant doesn’t shy away from vegan meat and features items such as BBQ Vegan Pull Steak Sandwich, BBQ Vegan Rib Tips, and Vegan Sliced Roast Steak with Gravy, among many other hearty dishes.
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Interested in incorporating some soul food recipes into your cooking repertoire? Check out one of Bryant Terry’s soul cookbooks, like Vegan Soul Kitchen, to help get you started. You can also check in with your local soul food restaurant and encourage the owners to add some vegan fare to their menu.
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