From Country music to monthly celebrations, a rich history and overwhelming sense of community, Nashville is one of those cities that makes you feel like a local homebody from the moment you step foot across city lines. Here in Nashville, Tennessee, there’s never a shortage of that good old fashioned southern charm. Everyone who comes through is instant family, whether they know it or not. There’s nothing to be done about it either, we’re just welcoming like that. We are happy to have you here whether you’re new to the area or are a local legend, and we know the one way to keep folks coming back this way is to make sure that they are well fed.
Now, if you’re a regular visitor to the Nashville Bar Bike blog, then you already know how much we enjoy talking about the food made around here. If you’re new here, don’t forget to take a look at our past posts, we cover everything from chicken to bar food and back. We’ve talked about pizza, coffee and even Latin food. Even with all of the restaurants and eateries we have covered in the past, no real dent has been made in the food discussion as it pertains to Nashville. As we attempt to scratch the surface of a well that is vast and full of sustenance, we at Nashville Bar Bike invite you to come along for the ride, similar in the way we encourage you to take a ride on the #BarBike, but more on that later.
This week, here on the blog, we’d like to take a moment to spotlight the Vegan/Vegetarian options available throughout the city. You might find yourself surprised when options like “Southern Style Vegan” restaurants show up on the list. More than just a salad and side dishes, Vegan/Vegetarian dishes have been growing in popularity, even among meat eaters. While not all of the choices mentioned on this particular list are not home to fully Vegan/Vegetarian menu options, they found a spot because of the ability to substitute protein. Like we’ve said time and time again, if you leave here hungry then that’s on you. Whatever you’re craving, no matter the dietary restrictions, you’re bound to find your new favorite restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee.
P.S. Don’t forget, the best way to find out about local restaurants is to ask a local. If you book a tour on our #BarBike, you’re not only guaranteed an out of this world experience discovering what Nashville has to offer, but your guide will be happy to give out suggestions when approached. If there’s one thing we love more than living in Nashville, it’s telling guests why we feel that way and the guides that host our Bar Bike are no exception to that rule.Find out everything you need to know about our tours by clicking the FAQ tab at the top of this page. We can’t wait to have you and your party take a ride with us. When the seats start at 25$, there’s no reason to not check it out!
Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Cuisine
★ 4.2
Not often will you find a restaurant that serves all Vegetarian and mostly Vegan Indian dishes but Woodlands gets to be the exception. Unlike your standard Indian restaurant or Vegan/Vegetarian spot, there’s no meat products available at all, but you’ll find more than a veggie burger and salads up for grabs. Classic Indian culinary favorites line this menu and are available as full meals or as side dishes. While they open daily at 11am every day of the week, from 2:30-5 during the day they are closed. Find Woodlands on West End Ave and enjoy a Vegan/Vegetarian experience that is truly unmatched by any nearby eating establishments.
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AVO
★ 4.6
Even though more restaurants have taken to having a veggie burger on their menu, a visit to AVO is necessary for anyone trying to experience something more than a frozen patty made of random processed vegetables. Alongside an entirely Vegan set of options is a lentil-walnut patty version of the classic burgers we all love. Get your grub on and even order a drink, AVO has tons of options that all sound scrumptious. You can find AVO on City Ave but be sure to check the website for their new hours that vary depending on the day.
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The Wild Cow
★ 4.7
One rule that seems to have no exception is this, house made sauces are ALWAYS the best sauces. The Wild Cow, while known for their Vegan/Vegetarian menu primarily, are also infamous for their selection of in house made sauce options. Just try their Vegan ranch or Ginger Miso and you’ll be an instant fan. Open from 11am-9pm every day except Tuesday, you’ll find The Wild Cow on Fatherland Street. Check out their Vegan queso, you won’t regret the decision.
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The Southern V
★ 4.7
Here you have it, one of the few places in Nashville where you’re able to find entirely plant-based, Southern style, soul food. One thing about this location that matters most is this, they have Vegan mac n’ cheese on the menu. You read that right, entirely plant-based macaroni and cheese can be found at The Southern V. If that’s not reason enough to make a trip inside, we don’t know what is. Though current restrictions aren’t allowing for their dining room to be opened, you can call ahead or order online through the website. Pick up is on Buchanan Street in Nashville.
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Vegan Vee
★ 4.8
Due to current conditions, Vegan Vee Gluten Free Bakery’s storefront is not open to the public but they are still accepting pick up and mail in orders. Trying to find baked goods that feel good to eat can be a struggle even if you’re not on the hunt for plant-based products. Look no further than Vegan Vee Gluten Free Bakery for options galore, sans gluten, nuts and animal products. Normally, the struggle is real when browsing the gluten free desserts that are readily available, even in plant-based eateries but that is not the case at Vegan Vee. If someone in your life has specific allergies, you’ll find saving grace at Vegan Vee.
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Grins Vegetarian Cafe
★ 4.2
Though Grins Vegetarian Cafe is a part of the Vanderbilt University, this locations invites any and all visitors, regardless of collegiate status. Not only is any excuse to visit to the beautiful Vanderbilt Campus a good one, there’s a wicked Vegetarian Cafe on campus that features a menu that never stays the same for long. Open every weekday from 7:30-3, check the website for regular updates on availability to the public due to covid restrictions.
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Graze
★ 4.7
What better name for an entirely plant-based restaurant could you possibly think of other than Graze? If you manage to think of one, let us know because “Graze” has got to be up there. Though they are currently not able to house indoor diners, call in and delivery are worth a look from this Vegan restaurant. Find Graze in Lockeland Springs and don’t forget to ask about their “chicken” meals. This location prides itself on providing affordable, plant-based food for anyone interested.
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Sunflower Cafe
★ 4.8
Hippies of all ages and backgrounds flock to Sunflower Cafe for Vegan food (Vegetarian if you’d like to add cheese) options that seem endless. Boasting the most extensive plant-based menu in the city of Nashville, your only potential problem with taking a meal at Sunflower would be an inability to make a choice in just one trip. You’ll want to visit this cafe on Azalea Pl again and again just to get a taste of everything the vast menu has to offer. Come in and say hello any day except Sunday from 11-9 and don’t be surprised if you never want to leave. Sunflower Cafe is known for being one of the more cozy spots to wander into.
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Vege-licious
★ 4.7
Just as the name suggests, Vege-licious is a menu stocked full of veggie options that cover a wide range of soul food options. Feeding the masses with large portion sizes and all of the classics you didn’t even know could be made in a plant-based setting, this restaurant should be at the top of your list of places to eat in Nashville. Open from Tuesday through Saturday until 7pm, you can find Vege-licious on Fisk St.
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I Dream of Weenie
★ 4.8
*Features Vegan Options
A hot dog truck with the option to switch out any regular dog for a tofu based one? Sign us up. You can’t miss the oldschool Volkswagon Bus on 11th street. Whatever your heart’s desire on a hot dog, you can ask for tofu protein as an alternative to the original. On any day outside of Monday, head over to I Dream of Weenie between 11-2 to get the hot dog fix of your dreams.
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‘Za
★ 4.4
*Features Vegan Options
Who doesn’t love a good pizza after a day full of excitement and exploration? Well if you’re looking to satisfy that pizza craving without having to alter menu options, ‘Za features more veggie options on their house pizzas than not. This menu is as interesting as it is inclusive. Find them in Hillsboro Village but check the website for hours as they close between lunch and dinner.
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Conclusion
So there you have it, a list of Vegan/Vegetarian restaurants in Nashville. As always, our goal here at Nashville Bar Bike is to assist in the preparation stage of your visit here with us. There’s already entirely too much on the “to-do” for the vacation planner, and taking the time to research individual storefronts can become exhausting quite quickly. Whatever type of experience you are on the search for, we here in Nashville are usually prepared with an activity, restaurant or live show that will tickle your fancy, no matter how specific. You’d be surprised to find out how many niche communities we show support for in this community.
Even though we are known in Nashville for an immense amount of music produced, there’s much more going on. Shows, activities, new restaurants and goodness knows what else is regularly being added and adapted within the city limits. There’s potentially no bar to set for what we have going on around here. Even if there was a standard set, we’d surpass it. If you can think of it, Nashville is probably already home to one so keep reading along with us here at Nashville Bar Bike to try and keep up while we do!
Oh and one last thing, the most important thing, don’t miss out on a tour of the city on the #BarBike! We are always booking and stoked to have your company while pedaling around Nashville so reserve your spot today!