5 Eateries With Great Vegan Options In California & Colorado

When you're vegan, it's simply a fact of life that some places are more accommodating than others. Luckily, there are plenty of like-minded folks in Colorado and California, and plenty of great places to eat where you can enjoy tasty favorites from extensive menus. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

5 Dining Options for Vegans in California & Colorado

Name Location
Locali Los Angeles, CA
Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant Boulder, CO
VeganBurg San Francisco, CA
Shine Restaurant and Potion Bar Boulder, CO
No Worries Oakland, CA

Get to Know VeganBurg

Resources For Anyone Considering A Vegan Lifestyle

Resource Description
Camille DeAngelis Author of A Bright Clean Mind: Veganism for Creative Transformation
Trifecta Organic meal delivery service with rotating weekly menus and options like keto, vegetarian, and vegan
Lauren Toyota Author of Hot for Food Vegan Comfort Classics: 101 Recipes to Feed Your Face
Fried Dandelions Blog featuring kid-friendly recipes organized by meal type, along with content about food allergies
Veggies Save The Day Plant-based recipes inspired by the Mediterranean Diet featuring fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans & legumes
Pure Kitchen Recipes and inspirational advice encouraging people to ditch animal products, eat more plants, and consume fewer unhealthy fats and packaged snacks

The People Behind Shine Restaurant and Potion Bar

In Depth

Due to their bountiful natural resources and vibrant local cultures, California and Colorado are popular destinations for free spirits and open minds. Thankfully, both states offer outstanding herbivorous dining options to accommodate a range of dietary needs. Here, in no particular order, are several eateries providing plant-based nourishment in the Golden and Centennial States.

Up first, in the #1 spot, we have Locali. Founded by Greg Horos and Melissa Rosen, Locali provides a healthier twist on the traditional delicatessen. Its menu caters to both vegans and omnivores, featuring plant-based options such as made-to-order paninis, breakfast items, salads, smoothies, and more.

In 2013, CBS News recognized Locali as having one of the top five breakfast burritos in Los Angeles. Health-conscious diners can visit the restaurant's locations in Hollywood, Venice and Downtown LA. Grab-and-go salads and grain bowls are also available in juice bars, cafes and grocery stores throughout Southern California.

Grab-and-go salads and grain bowls are also available in juice bars, cafes and grocery stores throughout Southern California.

Coming in at #2 is Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant. Dishes served at this Boulder eatery utilize freshly harvested ingredients and free range eggs from Three Leaf Farm in Lafayette. The restaurant's chefs work directly with farmers to plan creative menus based around seasonally grown vegetables, fruits and herbs.

Managed by Three Leaf Concepts, its menu features globally-inspired cuisine, with options such as huitlacoche chilaquiles and raw harvest squash lasagna. Leaf's brunch menu includes herbivorous options, such as carrot fritters and vegan french toast. It also serves locally crafted spirits, as well as offerings from the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.

At #3, we have VeganBurg. Driven by its mission to restore the planet through dietary change, this fast casual restaurant provides a completely plant-based dining experience. Its locations in San Francisco and Singapore both utilize green and sustainable practices while serving vegan hamburgers, fries and more.

Driven by its mission to restore the planet through dietary change, this fast casual restaurant provides a completely plant-based dining experience.

VeganBurg's hand-crafted menu items are GMO-free, using organic and locally sourced ingredients when possible. In addition to its regular menu, this restaurant also features seasonal specialties such as the avocado beetroot burger. Launched in 2010, VeganBurg also provides plant-based catering for events and parties.

Next up, #4 on our list is Shine Restaurant and Potion Bar. Founded by triplets Jessica, Jill, and Jennifer Emich, this restaurant features seasonal menus built around nutritious and sustainable ingredients. Located in Boulder, it provides options for a variety of diets and lifestyles, including paleo, vegan and vegetarian.

In addition to nutritious comfort food, customers can also enjoy functional herbal tonics containing juices, herbs, and flower and gemstone essences. Shine Potions can also be upgraded to include vitamin B12 or full spectrum CBD. The Emich sisters also lead a variety of workshops, retreats and other community events that encourage a holistic lifestyle.

Shine Potions can also be upgraded to include vitamin B12 or full spectrum CBD.

And finally, #5 is No Worries. Founded in 1998, this family-owned and operated catering company serves plant-based authentic Filipino cuisine. In order to offer an entirely vegan menu, chef Jay-Ar Pugao adapted his mother's traditional recipes and methods. Meat substitutes such as tofu and seitan are balanced by fresh vegetables.

No Worries is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment by providing meatless versions of Filipino appetizers, desserts and entrees. In addition to catering, Pugao also offers personal chef services, and step-by-step cooking demonstrations. Based in Oakland, this catering company serves the entire Bay Area.