PETA’s Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Cities of 2025
As more people begin to understand the impact that going vegan has on animals, the planet, and their own health, cities across the U.S. are stepping up to the plate with diverse plant-powered options. From major chains to small pop-ups, the most vegan-friendly cities offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting your journey, these vibrant urban destinations make it easy to thrive while staying true to your values. Here’s our list of the top vegan-friendly cities of 2025, which are paving the way for a brighter future for animals.
1. Chicago
Chicago, known for deep-dish pizza and meaty sandwiches, serves an impressive array of vegan foods that delight locals and visitors alike.
The Windy City has blown away the competition, nabbing the top spot on the list with its plethora of plant-powered choices. The award may surprise fans of the Emmy Award–winning series The Bear, which cooked up the idea that Chi-town is all about beef—but despite what viewers see in Carmy’s kitchen, more Chicagoans than ever are ditching meat (as well as eggs and dairy).
Buona is getting in on the animal-friendly action by offering an Italian Beefless Sandwich and Bowl—perfect for diners who want to try an animal-free version of The Bear’s famous menu item. Chicago’s ever-expanding vegan dining scene also includes craveable comfort food classics, like the Radical Reuben at The Chicago Diner, and delectable dairy-free delights, such as the Cheddar Broccoli Soup at the award-winning restaurant Kale My Name. And for a sweet treat, Alliance Bakery offers custom vegan cakes that are as beautiful as they are compassionate.
Other vibrant vegan food options that earned Chicago the top spot include the meat-free Chicago Style Frank at Soul Veg City, the plant-powered Meatball Sub with dairy-free provolone at Native Foods, vegan Chicago-style deep-dish and pan pizzas at Kitchen 17, Soy al Pastor tacos at Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria, decadent nondairy cheesecakes at Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen, and creamy oat milk ice cream treats at Runaway Cow.
A short drive to Winnetka brings you to Spirit Elephant, a stunning vegan restaurant and bar. Dishes like the Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls and the hearty Chicken Parmigiana prove that vegan fare can be both elegant and delicious.
To celebrate Chicago’s big win, PETA headed to Chicago’s City Hall to present the Mayor’s office with a beautiful vegan cake from Alliance Bakery and a framed certificate. Outside, PETA’s lettuce lady and lad handed out over 200 scrumptious slices of vegan deep-dish pizza from local joint Kitchen 17. It was a fabulous day in the Windy City, showing everyone just some of the delicious cruelty-free cuisine the city has to offer.
2. Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love, once ranked one of the unhealthiest cities, has rebranded itself by becoming one of the most vegan-friendly.
From The Nile Cafe—a longstanding staple offering comfort food classics—to Vedge, which serves upscale dishes in a cozy setting, Philly has something for everyone.
Horror movie lovers flock to Monster Vegan for its craft cocktails and decadent dishes, such as The Cheese Plate—a charcuterie board with dairy-free artisan cheeses, including two from local vegan deli Ladybug—and a classic “cheesesteak” served with your choice of vegan meat and housemade “cheese” whiz.
Speaking of vegan cheesesteak, LUHV Vegan Deli offers one with melted dairy-free provolone as well as other favorites made with animal-friendly ingredients, such as the seitan Corned Beef sandwich and Reuben and the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese. For burgers, you can’t miss “The Philly Philly” at Vegan-ish (two vegan patties with long hot peppers, sautéed onions, barbecue sauce, and melty Chao Creamery dairy-free cheese).
For dessert, Crust Vegan Bakery has all sorts of baked goods and soft serve.
3. Washington
The nation’s capital offers a growing vegan food scene with fresh, farm-to-table dining and options around every corner.
If you head to landmark restaurant Ben’s Chili Bowl for a bowl of vegan chili, you might spot a top politician or a celebrity.
Try vegan chains PLNT Burger, which is owned by celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn, or HipCityVeg for fast-casual fare like soft-serve ice cream, “cheesy” stacked burgers, and even a 20-piece vegan chick’n nugget deal.
Near Howard University, stop by Black-owned business NuVegan Cafe for vegan soul food, including the creamiest dairy-free mac and cheese. It also serves a stellar weekend brunch, with “shrimp” and grits, chick’n and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and more.
International fare is also on the menu in D.C. Try Pow Pow’s Dan Dan Carbonara, VEGZ’s Masala Dosa, and El Tamarindo’s Jackfruit “Carnitas” Empanadas.
4. Denver
Denver’s outdoor-loving, eco-minded culture pairs perfectly with its abundance of vegan restaurants.
Two of Denver’s top vegan-friendly restaurants were founded in the ’90s and are still going strong as local favorites. The Classic Philly, French Toast, and rotating desserts are highlights at all-vegan spot Watercourse Foods, and City, O’ City serves an impressive vegan Buffalo Chicken Pizza with housemade “chicken,” nondairy cheese, and mushroom bacon.
The Easy Vegan—winner of The Great Food Truck Race on Food Network—is a pop-up kitchen that offers upscale comfort food and has a sister spot, Other Dog, which serves vegan hot dogs, burgers, burritos, chocolate cake, and Italian ice.
Try the vegan Cheeseburger in Pizzadise at Mora Pizza, the Seitan Cubano at Bang Up to the Elephant, and the Crunchwrap with nacho “cheese” and dairy-free sour cream at Vegan Van.
For dessert, grab an Organic Cookies N’ Cream shake at Next Level Burger or the Peach Cheezecake at WongWayVeg.
5. New Orleans
New Orleans, famous for its rich food culture, brings a vegan twist to Cajun and Creole cuisine.
The Pumpkin Cheddar Biscuit Sandwich at Breads On Oak is a perfect way to start a day in New Orleans—and if it’s Mardi Gras season, don’t forget to try the king cake, too.
Meals From the Heart Cafe has Cajun classics like fluffy beignets, okra gumbo, crabless cakes, and the Vegan Hot Sausage Philly Po’boy.
You can find other Southern staples like jambalaya and bread pudding at the Black-owned spot Sweet Soulfood and creamy, “meaty” Cajun pasta at I-tal Garden.
E’Co Vegan Cuisine serves gumbo filled with animal-free shrimp and sausage as well as several varieties of po’boy sandwiches. For more po’ boys, head to 2 Phat Vegans.
While Cajun and Creole food is a major draw in New Orleans, the city also offers other vegan favorites, including Homegrown Vegan Café’s sweet treats and 1000 Figs’ Vegan Falafel Feast.
6. Atlanta
Atlanta has a booming food scene that offers everything from Southern-inspired comfort food to vegan bar bites.
We can’t talk about Atlanta’s vegan food scene without mentioning the popular burger chain Slutty Vegan. Try the One Night Stand, a burger loaded with Slutty Strips pig-free bacon and creamy Slut Sauce, and add a side of fries topped with vegan cheese sauce.
The seitan Carne Asada Tacos at La Semilla, the Breakfast Burrito at Dulce Vegan Bakery & Cafe, and the Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Panini at Cafe Kulture are all delicious options.
Atlanta is home to Hippie Hibachi, the nation’s first vegan hibachi restaurant.
Bar Vegan is a popular late-night spot, where you can work up an appetite dancing to music played by a DJ and then fuel up with satisfying snacks like Cheezesteak Eggrollz or The Booze Brownie, a warm fudge brownie topped with a scoop of Hennessy-infused or vanilla ice cream.
Other vegan dessert options include the Key Lime Cheesecake at PLANTA and creamy shakes at Soul Vegetarian.
7. Charlotte, North Carolina
This Southern gem is becoming a vegan haven with its ever-expanding selection of restaurants and businesses.
Charlotte has a wide variety of vegan-friendly options, which seem to be constantly growing. In the NoDa art district, try the South African–inspired Macho Nachos at vegan spot Oh My Soul.
You can find Southern favorites everywhere, like the Pimento Cheesish Dip at Bean Vegan Cuisine, Biscuits and Gravy at fine-dining spot Sanctuary Bistro, and Chick’n & Waffle at Love in Action Cafe.
For fresh sushi, try the deep-fried Peluche Roll, which is one of several rolls that are served with cow-friendly cream cheese and egg-free spicy mayo at Bachi.
Araya Sunshine’s Vegan Hot Dogs are a tasty street food option.
8. Detroit
Detroit’s resurgence has led to a vibrant vegan food scene.
Stop by Detroit Vegan Soul for the vegan Bacon Cheese Burger and Fried “Catfish” Tofu. Trap Vegan is the perfect spot for casual eats like the “D.Boy” burger with vegan cheese and a crispy onion ring. Creamy, “cheesy” delights abound at Spacecat V-stro, including the stretchy cashew cheese sticks.
Ale Mary’s Beer Hall serves a gastropub menu complete with a vegan Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich you can wash down with a beer or a creamy dairy-free shake.
Pizza spots include Pie-Sci Pizza (where vegan meats are plentiful and housemade cashew cheese is the star), Michigan & Trumbull Pizza (which serves Detroit-style options topped with Violife cheese), and Grandma Bob’s Handmade Pizza (which offers animal-free deep-dish pizza and vegan shakes).
Selections at food trucks and pop-ups include Khana Detroit’s Vegan Spicy “Meatball” Sub (with a Pakistani twist) and Yeah It’s Vegan’s Vegan Fried Lasagna with Sweet Potato Cornbread.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, head to Cold Truth for soft-serve ice cream.
9. Los Angeles
LA is a vegan paradise with a vast selection of animal-friendly restaurants, food trucks, and pop-ups.
Start your day with a pastry at Just What I Kneaded or a breakfast sandwich at Little Barn Coffee House—or head to PLANTA or Gracias Madre for a sit-down brunch.
Tacos are necessary in the City of Angels, and tons of vegan choices are available in every area. In Hollywood, grab a carnitas taco at Doomie’s NextMex. In the Valley, try the Birria Tacos at El Cocinero Restaurant. Or head to the Cena Vegan pop-up for Tacos al Pastor or Pollo Asado.
Local vegan chain Monty’s Good Burger has you covered for burgers, hot dogs, and creamy milkshakes. Neighborhood favorite Vegan Glory serves Thai and American food. (Try the green curry with “chicken” and an order of spring rolls.)
Pop-ups are everywhere in LA—including Alchemy Organica, which serves Mesoamerican fare.
You can go celeb-spotting and enjoy an upscale vegan meal at several restaurants. Try the “cheese” plate and Tagliatelle Bolognese at Crossroads Kitchen, the Baked Cashew Ricotta and Carbonara (with smoky shiitake bacon) at Pura Vita, or the Vegan Chicken Parmigiana and dairy-free ice cream at Craig’s (if you can nab a reservation).
10. New York
The City That Never Sleeps has endless vegan dining choices, from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants.
New York City is truly a melting pot, as its vegan selections show. You can enjoy a classic Korean meal at HanGawi (try the Plant Based Korean “Bulgogi” Stone Bowl Rice), French cuisine at Délice & Sarrasin (try the melty Brie Roti Végétal and “Steak” Frites), dim sum at Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant (get the barbecue vegan meat), and Mexican cuisine at Jajaja Mexicana—all in one day if you want to.
It’s also easy to find the city’s staple dishes made vegan. For bagels with tofu cream cheese, try Liberty Bagels or Tompkins Square Bagels. Grab a vegan Bowery BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese) at Orchard Grocer. And don’t forget to grab a classic pizza slice from Screamers Pizza.
For casual, comforting fare, try Vegan on the Fly (which serves gyros, “chicken” sandwiches, and mac and cheese) or Jerrell’s Betr Brgr (which offers hip burgers and oat milk shakes).
In Brooklyn, enjoy a nice dinner at Modern Love, grab a Three Cheeses vegan charcuterie board at Garden Carver, and stop by Le Petit Monstre for a flaky, “buttery” pastry.
To really enjoy the most of what New York has to offer, book a tasting at the three Michelin–starred Eleven Madison Park.
Pledge to Go Vegan Today!
Lots of other cities could’ve made the list, but even if you don’t live near one of this year’s hotspots—or if you live in a food desert—it’s easy as vegan pie to spare animals and eat well (and deliciously).
The meat, egg, and dairy industries see animals as something, not someone. But cows, chickens, pigs, fish, and all other animals are living, feeling individuals who don’t want to be exploited and killed for their flesh or secretions. It’s speciesist for humans to assume that they’re entitled to use animals. So please, go vegan today and help spare nearly 200 animals each year.
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