New York Nabs Third Place On PETA’s ‘Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Cities’ List

PETA Honors Gotham for Grand Selection of Animal-Friendly Grub

For Immediate Release:
April 21, 2016

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

New York’s vegan scene is among the most dynamic in the country, with rapid-fire “pop-ups” offering cutting-edge vegan meals and goods and a powerful community of animal advocates in action—which is why the city has nabbed third place on PETA’s list of the Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Cities in the U.S. First place went to Portland, Oregon, where Paul McCartney kicked off this year’s list by presenting the top honor. A photo is available here.

“Whether you’re looking for Zagat-rated artisanal fare, a decadent dessert, or a low-key lunch, New York has the vegan restaurant for you,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA loves New York for its top-notch cruelty-free grub that satisfies tummies while being kind to animals.”

Among the city’s best vegan fine dining, the crème de la crème—literally—may be the Cashew Cream Ravioli and tiramisu at Blossom, although its quick-service offshoot, Blossom du Jour, steals hearts for its vegan Egg, Cheese & Bacon Muffin. Few menus hold a flame to Candle 79—which offers a Wild Mushroom Crêpe and Herb-Grilled Tempeh Tartine—except, perhaps, its uptown spinoff Candle Café, with its delicious Buffalo Cauliflower and Chile Relleno.

New York is also home to Franchia—one of the best Asian-fusion restaurants in the country, featuring vegan chicken curry bibimbap and vegan beef pho—and the chic by CHLOE, serving vegan takes on classic comfort food. For Latin fare, New York University students flock to VSPOT, where three empanadas are just $10. In Brooklyn, the Pancake Slam at Champs Diner sets the standard for brunch, while the peanut-butter-and-jelly flavor doughnut at Dun-Well Doughnuts has devoted fans.

Beyond cruelty-free cuisine, New York boasts vegan fashion shops like the legendary MooShoes, high-fashion Vaute Couture, and menswear outfit Brave GentleMan. Opportunities to network are also plentiful at the well-attended monthly bar meetup Vegan Drinks and the annual Veggie Pride Parade.

Rounding out PETA’s list are Los Angeles; Detroit; Nashville, Tennessee; San Diego; Honolulu;  Austin, Texas; Seattle; and Richmond, Virginia.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.