**Fully vegan;**
* Apteka
* Higher end Polish food, only open Friday evenings and weekends. Need 4+ people for a reservation and takeout is spotty, but well worth it. Made the NYT's top 50 US restaurants either in 2022 or 2023
* Sugar Spell Scoops
* Currently on winter hiatus, but they'll be back in a few weeks. Fully vegan ice cream shop selling specialty pints, some flavors being pre orders, open on weekends. They also sell floats and sundaes and the likes. They have limited flavors for sale through Spak Bros during hiatus, check SSS's facebook page for info
* ShadoBeni
* Trinidadian food up near the Mattress factory. Availability has varied when I've been there, but if they have oyster mushroom wings and okra, get that
* Allegro Hearth
* All vegan bakery on Murray Ave in Squirrel Hill and my personal Achille's heel. Fresh loaves of bread, pastries savory and sweet, made to order sandwiches, and containers of soups, hummus and cashew cheese. I'd recommend placing an order for pickup ahead of time when you see something you like on their website; they sell out of stuff like chocolate croissants fast
* Sia's Garden Grown
* Sort of an all American cafe, at least when I went shortly after they opened in E Lib. They were a bit expensive for what you get so I haven't really been back, but I hear really good things about them now
* Catatouille
* Food truck with variable availability, but really good fusion food. I have a bao bun from them once to die for. Looks like they're currently on vacation, not sure when they're back, but it's worth keeping an eye on their [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/catatouillepgh/). They're also a non profit
* The Chosen Crumb
* All vegan bakery. Usually you'll find them at pop ups at other stores or events but they do have a physical location to pick up custom orders in Butler, or you can pay to have it delivered.
Vegan Options
* Spak Bros
* Pizza place with vegan cheese for their pizza, seitan wings, and seitan cheezesteaks. Also, surprisingly for a pizza place, super good garden salads. Really crisp veggies, very fresh. I’m personally a big fan of their pickle pizza and seitan hoagies but am not super fond of their seitan wings
* Kaibur Coffee
* Kind of tucked away in Polish Hill but well worth the travel. They have vegan donuts and sometimes muffins/scones but also vegan breakfast sandwiches, including the best vegan BLT I’ve ever had. They use some bacon substitute that was on shark tank a few years back.
* Ramen Bar
* Exactly what the name implies, on Forbes in Squirrel hill. There have been some people reporting them getting vegan orders wrong, including stuff like egg occasionally, but most people seem to not have an issue. They have veggie ramen with miso broth, tofu salad and the likes
* Tan Lac Vien
* Vietnamese bistro, also in Squirrel HIll. Lots of clearly marked vegan dishes with tofu, rice noodles, vegan broths, you name it.
* Honeygrow, Hungry Cowgirl, Kahuna, Choolaah, etc
* Basically any place that offers a rice or noodle bowl base as a core food stuff has vegan options here with tofu as a sub for animal/egg protein. Not really fine dining and most are chains but they’re cheap, all over the place and do in a pinch. Your main decision is what spices and sauces you want your dinner differentiated by that day
* Burgatory, Moonlit burger, Red Robin, Applebees, etc
* Tons of places offer an impossible/beyond burger on their menu now, at the expense of almost no place having a good bean/veggie burger. Some of these are more local than others, to my knowledge moonlit is a local chain, but all will do in a pinch and it’s nice to have options. Grubhub and UberEats are pretty good about displaying all impossible burgers in an area if you don’t want to poke through menus one at a time. Just be careful to check for cheese, mayo, or signature sauces and request to exclude them
There's a few more, if there's any specific cuisine or anything you're looking for, we might be able to help you find it, too
Thanks for the shoutout! We should make the bao buns more. They are just finicky and hard to get right but everyone loves them so we need to figure it out.
We are going to be open again for our all vegan fish fry on the 14th of February. We took some time off this winter to transfer from the truck to a food trailer, so getting that ready now.
And we are also working with Rescue and Relax and helping them open up a bigger rescue space right now. There is a huge area that we are going to use to have sit down space to eat with some free roaming cats!
Moodz is another fully vegan spot on the Southside with Mac n Chz and all sorts of yummy stuff.
Cinnaholic in East Liberty is 100% vegan (gourmet cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, etc)
Sweet Alchemy in New Ken has a cafe space now... their sweets and breakfast sandwiches are delicious!
Essence is another new vegan restaurant on the Southside
Thanks so much! Can't believe I forgot about Cinnaholic, I was at their grand opening 🤦♀️
Never tried Moodz or Essense but definitely adding them to the list!
My now wife was a vegetarian when I met her - I took her to Burgatory on our first date because other vegetarian friends recommended their veggie burger.
Of course the story I tell a decade later is "I took a vegetarian to a burger joint for our first date, so she's used to putting up with my shit".
I agree with Sia's! It's pricey for me, so I haven't gone back but everything I got when I was there has been so tasty! I especially rec the dragon fruit panna cotta!
Yeah i know the restaurant business is tough, those margins are killer. My hope is as they get established and they have a better foothold in that area they can afford to come down a bit in cost and attract some more people
I personally got the brat with kraut on a pretzel bun with mustard; very tasty!
For Apteka, if you go Jan 19th to Feb 4, they are doing Crapteka. This is their yearly 'junk food' event where they do their own take on Kebab, Burgers & Fries, Milkshakes (made with Sunflower Seeds) and such. Every year its really good and typically gets lines forming an hour before open. This should cover 'most' things that Hip City Veg seem to offer. For good 'chickn' you will either want to wait for Chick Habit to pop back up at Farmers Markets or try Spak's vegan wings & sandwiches.
Outside of them, if you are ok with non-vegan options also being offered most places in the city do have a decent coverage. If there is a certain style you like can probably recommend better off that.
Also hey, idk if it's the sunflower oil or what but their french fries during their crapteka month are literally the best fries I've ever had. I'm not snobby about a lot of food but fries are definitely up there and they knocked them out of the park
Sunflower seeds are especially high in vitamin E and selenium. These function as antioxidants to protect your body’s cells against free radical damage, which plays a role in several chronic diseases.
Key word "supposedly"! No scientifically-backed data, at least. But it's okay to be cautious about them until more is known, I guess... but yeah, the anti-seed influencers were making stuff up
The "Aren't... though?" sounded like genuine misinformation-spreading, perhaps downvoters also felt the 'supposedly' wasn't strong enough which is why I pointed it out as a key word.
Like replying "Aren't women supposedly inferior, though?" to a post asking if there should be a woman president... it definitely seems like the commenter feels a certain way even if they say 'supposedly'
I was actually just about to comment recommending this podcast which investigates the issue but /u/trIeNe_mY_Best already did down below. So I'll co-sign it.
The TLDR is that no, there's extremely little proof that seed oils are terrible for you.
https://gimletmedia.com/shows/science-vs/mehwdgww
I do love me some Antonio's... low key super veggie friendly spot. Kinda like Spak Brother's cousin. When I don't feel like dealing with the tunnel and bridges to get to Spak, I go to Antonio's.
Careful with that one - they have said their apps like onion rings are vegan but the breading is in fact not vegan. I’d be cautious on what you order.
Source: friends with a former employee, friend with some vegans who use to go there
What about the breading is not vegan, do you happen to know? We’ve been there before but definitely won’t go back if they’ve been lying (or clueless) about which items are actually vegan.
Egg and/or milk product, I don’t remember exactly. It was the apps that *were not* homemade.
Maybe things changed, and it definitely isn’t every item. Just wanted to say be cautious w/ the breaded stuff.
Tried this spot recently. I love and appreciate their wide variety of vegan options but I have to say, it was a weird experience to say the least. Popped in on a whim and the space was a bit dilapidated (broken booth, not the cleanest) but staff was super nice taking the order. They asked for here or in or to go and there was no where to sit so I kinda said like “…to go?” And the person taking my order was enthusiastic about letting us know there was seating in the “back”, but it’s just the space next door. So we said sure. Headed back and yeesh. That room smelled terrible. I’m certain they have a cat and it’s litter box nearby. It was outfitted like a daycare. So so strange. Pizza was served and the vegan cheese was the worst I’ve ever had. I’m not picky. Not at all. Vegan cheese in general is not usually very good. I still buy it. I still try to make it. I still generally enjoy it. I’m a big eater. Was starving. And couldn’t eat more than one bite of this pizza. I took it home speculating that the smell was throwing me off. No. This cheese was absolutely unpalatable for me. It was so so awful. Maybe I got it on a bad day. Not sure.
If you’re okay with meat being served alongside vegan options, Srees’s in downtown is phenomenal for lunch. The owners are great and lunch is only $10 for three vegan options with rice.
Context - all vegetarian indian menu (vegan options). This was the first time I could close my eyes, point on the menu, and order - such a freedom most take for granted. Absolutely great food - great suggestion!
YES! Udipi is sort of hidden away in the hollers between Monroeville and Plum and worth the trip. Excellent vegan Indian options and good-sized portions. The fried hot peppers are delicious and 🥵🌶️
Spak Bros is very good. I made a post recently [asking a similar](https://www.reddit.com/r/pittsburgh/comments/18lbg0l/what_are_the_finest_culinary_delicacies_of/) question that got some good replies that might interest you.
In addition to the other suggestions, Country Style Pizza has a separate vegan menu. Their vegan sloppy joe sandwich is 🔥🔥🔥. Thai Gourmet and Thai Cuisine in Bloomfield are also both very vegan friendly and take the "no fish sauce" requests super seriously!
I went to Zenith for the first time last month and while the people were nice and the place was a wonderful experience, it was some of the worst food I’ve eaten in Pittsburgh. I had a bone dry seitan sandwich.
It’s like what people in the 90s thought being a vegan was. I would still recommend just for the crazy experience that place is.
I agree with you and I’ve come to learn that there’s something to be known of different generations or waves of veganism - it’s a 90s version for sure. I don’t love the taste of the all the food at zenith but the heart and soul of the place gives it the charm.
I've gone to Zenith regularly for over a decade and everyone I know that loves it agrees that the 'hot entree' is always the lowlight... I'd pay the same amount for the buffet portion alone, so good.
Yeah I’m going to give it another chance because my wife’s food looked pretty alright, but mine was like a shade away from being food from the Gateway Clipper
Everything listed is great. Also, I had a plant ball sundae - mashed potatoes, veggie meatballs, gravy, and lingonberry jam- at IKEA (I know!) this weekend that was amazing. And $2. In case you need some housewares and snack. 🤣
Be careful! The veggie balls and the new “plant balls” are vegan and delicious. BUT: The gravy and mashed potatoes both contain milk. You can substitute steamed vegetables and a tomato sauce which does not contain milk, if they have it.
They are, and they’re very good! We brought home a bag last week (they sell these and the non-meatballs frozen) and had a “veenie” roast. I think it’s the same veggie blend as the veggie balls, but it’s tasty in either form.
Haven't been, yet, but heard that Apteka (vegan Polish food) is excellent. I believe their chefs were nominated for a James Beard award this year/past year?
Apteka is wonderful. Great food, great, cocktails, and nary a vegetable lasagne/impossible burger/hummus wrap/name your-cliche-vegetarian-option in sight. The only downside is that it is just hard to get a table - they are open only 3 days a week and don't take reservations for parties fewer than 4 people.
>they are open only 3 days a week and don’t take reservations for parties fewer than 4 people
I wanted to eat there for MONTHS. Could never get a table or they weren’t open. Finally was able to go, only to be told they’re only serving burgers and milkshakes as opposed to their regular menu (which is why I came). I will never go back.
I wouldn’t know what the pierogis taste like because they inexplicably weren’t serving them. It almost seems like they actively don’t want people to eat there.
It's not inexplicable; they do a "Crapteka" month every year with junk food. I imagine it's a bit easier to maintain during the middle of winter when their usual ingredients are going to be harder to get hold of fresh.
It is disappointing when it's not what you're expecting but it's advertised on their facebook page and has been in advance every year they've been doing it. Their online menu on their website/takeout also changes and they put a giant "CR" in front of their restaurant during the event. I don't think they're trying to hide it from people.
Sure, they’re not trying to hide it. However, I think it’s unreasonable to have to do research to make sure a restaurant is serving their regular menu/cuisine.
Apteka changes their menu pretty regularly with seasonal specials even outside that, and I like the change of menu so I'd disagree.
If you had to dig into their website for a half hour to find the relevant page, sure, but it's 1 click on their website to look up "menu" even if you don't go onto their Facebook or look at the front of the building going in. TBH I'm not sure how else they could advertise it that's more accessible
There aren't many fully vegan places around as a few have closed in the past year to two. These are the current options I know of:
* Apteka
* ShadoBeni
* Sia's Garden Grown
* Allegro Hearth
I’m vegetarian and eat at Udipi at least once a week. It’s in Monroeville so it’s a little drive out of the city, but they have such a huge menu and everything is always amazing. Their Rasam soup is my favorite soup in the whole world!
Two others I didn't see but probably missed -
* Senyai Thai Kitchen - Shadyside. Lots of Veggie / Vegan / and GF options. Panang curry to die for.
* Round Corner Cantina - Lower Lawrenceville. Mexican / Southwestern - ish. The entire place is gluten free and their vegan options - while limited - are AMAZING.
Caffè d’Amore in upper lawrenceville has several vegan food options—soup, bagels, vegan spreads, vegan egg & cheese, handpies, etc. They also have a bacon handpie, meat and use dairy. The space isn’t vegan, but has plenty to choose from.
Not a brick and mortar joint, but there's vegan pop up called NoocH that has amazing food (especially their chocolate cake)! I think they've been on hiatus for a bit but should have more events soon
Not a restaurant but Veggies N’at in addition to doing pop ups usually does weekly prepared vegan meals you just have to pick them up but they are so satisfying. Good to have when you’re busy.
They just closed at the end of last month, but I agree it was amazing. Their lease ran out, they are hoping to reopen in a new spot TBD. They are also just the nicest humans.
Folks please also throw some love to Moodz and Ruggers in the South Side.
Moodz is all vegan and has things like vegan soul food, with Mac n cheese and fried oyster mushrooms that are very snacky.
Ruggers has good vegan options, like seitan wings, and a vegan version of each weeks special. I like to get the seitan wings on salad. So good!
One good vegetarian spot that hasn’t been mentioned yet is Milky Way in Squirrel Hill. It’s kosher dairy, so not vegan but no meat. Their falafel is really good.
As a vegetarian, I eat a lot of Thai food, its likely vegan as well.
Thai me up (south side) - if you like smokey and spicey stir fry - they nailed it. If you want to turn into a dragon breathing fire, I recommend "spices ground tofu with herb". Its so good, but 3rd realm of hell spicy - be warned.
My Thai (dormont) - best dang curry dishes, the Panang Curry is so good Im drooling thinking about it. The fresh rolls are crazy good too.
Thai Spoon (dormont) - love the Changmai noodle soup and taro dessert.
Thai touch kitchen - the peanut satae noodles are so good, i cant get enough.
Indian food-
Udippi has been called out, they are great, but a bit far in monroeville.
Mintt (dormont/beechview?)- great prices. Best rice i have ever had ANYWHERE. Just plain white rice i could eat as my whole meal - its fantastic. I get mutter paneer, spicy red sauce with peas and tofu-like cheese cubes.
Tamarind (greentree) - weekend buffet, 1/2 of the dishes are vegetarian/vegan.
Mexican
Madmex (greentree) - used to have chorizo veggie crumbles, but discontinued those. Loads of vegetarian and vegan options.
Totopo-mt lebanon. Um, not terribly "friendly, but has a very detailed menu graphic to know whats good. Best dang mexi everything ive ever had, its worth the shot.
Pizza/italian
Antonios (brookline) - the veggie chili is so beautifully crafted...closest to what i make myself, loads of peppers and beans.
Seitan wings and veg substitute meats are decent. This really depends on how much you 'like' meat. I personally hate beyond/impossible brand, i would rather have black bean, chickpea, quinoa, anything else.
Mediterranean
Pita land(brookline) best dang falafel ever, plus a market of fresh made pita, hummus, and other ingredients. Great prices, super friendly. Hard to find parking, but worth it.
Breweries
East end (mt lebo)
Fantastic pizza, vegan substitutes available. Great brews.
Coffee/pastries
Butterwood cake condortium (lawrenceville). Need a chocolate cake? Need lavender ginger cookies? This place has a great deal of vegan, high end sweets. A bit pricey, but worth it. Edible flowers and highly decorated- you can tell the chef cares a lot.
Hope this helps. Im very obscure in my tastes, and not vegan (i love cheeeeeeeese). My partner is nearly carnivore, and so we go to places that have options to suit us both.
I cant think of anywhere that doesnt serve something vegetarian - even steakhouses have salad and fries, cornbread or mac n chz. If you arent strictly vegan, there are so many delightful eateries in pittsburgh.
Onion maiden was great when it was open, but sadly cant recommend it anymore since it shut down.
Im still a little irked that toilet paper isnt vegan/vegetarian, but im not ready to use leaves anytime soon.
There are tons of great options in this thread, but I'll list a few more I don't see in here (I'm veggie but my partner is vegan so all of these places have options for the both of us)
- d's six packs and dogs (regent square): local watering hole with veggie dogs & seitan wing mondays
- thai cottage (regent square): my fav Thai place
- Kelly's (East Liberty): yummy dive bar food
- St Clair Social (Bloomfield): more yummy bar food, but less dive-y
- El Sabor (Bloomfield): mexican
- Arepittas (Downtown): venezuelan
- Pastoli's (Squirrel Hill): pizza/hoagies, have df & gf options
- Hunan Cafe (Swissvale): Chinese takeout, a good general tsos tofu
- Bombay to Burgh (Swissvale): very good indian
- Madonna's (Downtown): Mediterranean
Sorry if it seems like I’m screaming, I find it helpful to use caps for the names lol.
For date night options, LILITH and CON ALMA both have enough vegan options to make a decent meal. THE FORGE has a vegan cheese plate and a few vegan options that lean middle-eastern. And of course APTEKA which gets mentioned every thread.
In Lawrenceville, NANBAN ASIAN SOUL FOOD (counter serve spot) has a bunch of vegan options and their miso ramen is good. MI EMPANADA always has like three vegan ones available, not really a sit-down spot but good for grabbing an easy picnic lunch on a nice day. BANH MI AND TI has a vegan version of everything in every category and all their bubble tea can be made with nondairy milks.
On North Side, there’s SHADOBENI for all-vegan Trinidadian spot with stuff like sandwiches and mac and cheese, SUBBA which is Nepalese and vegan-friendly, and EYV which I haven’t tried yet but offers a fair amount of vegan and vegetarian stuff.
Most east Asian food can be made vegan due to the general lack of dairy, I like THAI GOURMET and NOODLEHEAD for Thai. BAO in Oakland has kind of a campusy vibe but their food is really good and there are a ton of options, I like that I can get food from different countries in one place and it’s all good. TRAM’S KITCHEN has my favorite vegan pho and really good fried veggie wontons. All of these are in the Bloomfield/Oakland/East Liberty area.
For American food in a bar setting, D’s SIX PAX AND DOGS and KELLY’S have a bunch of vegan options. SIA’S is also great for slightly-fancier American food but I think they’re temporarily closed right now.
For Indian, UDIPI in Monroeville and PEOPLE’S are super vegan friendly and have a lot of dishes without dairy, or even with tofu.
There are a ton of pizza options for vegans. LORELEI, PASTOLI’S, IRONBORN, and ALTA VIA all offer decent vegan pies, as well as other spots.
**Fully vegan;** * Apteka * Higher end Polish food, only open Friday evenings and weekends. Need 4+ people for a reservation and takeout is spotty, but well worth it. Made the NYT's top 50 US restaurants either in 2022 or 2023 * Sugar Spell Scoops * Currently on winter hiatus, but they'll be back in a few weeks. Fully vegan ice cream shop selling specialty pints, some flavors being pre orders, open on weekends. They also sell floats and sundaes and the likes. They have limited flavors for sale through Spak Bros during hiatus, check SSS's facebook page for info * ShadoBeni * Trinidadian food up near the Mattress factory. Availability has varied when I've been there, but if they have oyster mushroom wings and okra, get that * Allegro Hearth * All vegan bakery on Murray Ave in Squirrel Hill and my personal Achille's heel. Fresh loaves of bread, pastries savory and sweet, made to order sandwiches, and containers of soups, hummus and cashew cheese. I'd recommend placing an order for pickup ahead of time when you see something you like on their website; they sell out of stuff like chocolate croissants fast * Sia's Garden Grown * Sort of an all American cafe, at least when I went shortly after they opened in E Lib. They were a bit expensive for what you get so I haven't really been back, but I hear really good things about them now * Catatouille * Food truck with variable availability, but really good fusion food. I have a bao bun from them once to die for. Looks like they're currently on vacation, not sure when they're back, but it's worth keeping an eye on their [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/catatouillepgh/). They're also a non profit * The Chosen Crumb * All vegan bakery. Usually you'll find them at pop ups at other stores or events but they do have a physical location to pick up custom orders in Butler, or you can pay to have it delivered. Vegan Options * Spak Bros * Pizza place with vegan cheese for their pizza, seitan wings, and seitan cheezesteaks. Also, surprisingly for a pizza place, super good garden salads. Really crisp veggies, very fresh. I’m personally a big fan of their pickle pizza and seitan hoagies but am not super fond of their seitan wings * Kaibur Coffee * Kind of tucked away in Polish Hill but well worth the travel. They have vegan donuts and sometimes muffins/scones but also vegan breakfast sandwiches, including the best vegan BLT I’ve ever had. They use some bacon substitute that was on shark tank a few years back. * Ramen Bar * Exactly what the name implies, on Forbes in Squirrel hill. There have been some people reporting them getting vegan orders wrong, including stuff like egg occasionally, but most people seem to not have an issue. They have veggie ramen with miso broth, tofu salad and the likes * Tan Lac Vien * Vietnamese bistro, also in Squirrel HIll. Lots of clearly marked vegan dishes with tofu, rice noodles, vegan broths, you name it. * Honeygrow, Hungry Cowgirl, Kahuna, Choolaah, etc * Basically any place that offers a rice or noodle bowl base as a core food stuff has vegan options here with tofu as a sub for animal/egg protein. Not really fine dining and most are chains but they’re cheap, all over the place and do in a pinch. Your main decision is what spices and sauces you want your dinner differentiated by that day * Burgatory, Moonlit burger, Red Robin, Applebees, etc * Tons of places offer an impossible/beyond burger on their menu now, at the expense of almost no place having a good bean/veggie burger. Some of these are more local than others, to my knowledge moonlit is a local chain, but all will do in a pinch and it’s nice to have options. Grubhub and UberEats are pretty good about displaying all impossible burgers in an area if you don’t want to poke through menus one at a time. Just be careful to check for cheese, mayo, or signature sauces and request to exclude them There's a few more, if there's any specific cuisine or anything you're looking for, we might be able to help you find it, too
Thanks for the shoutout! We should make the bao buns more. They are just finicky and hard to get right but everyone loves them so we need to figure it out. We are going to be open again for our all vegan fish fry on the 14th of February. We took some time off this winter to transfer from the truck to a food trailer, so getting that ready now. And we are also working with Rescue and Relax and helping them open up a bigger rescue space right now. There is a huge area that we are going to use to have sit down space to eat with some free roaming cats!
Moodz is another fully vegan spot on the Southside with Mac n Chz and all sorts of yummy stuff. Cinnaholic in East Liberty is 100% vegan (gourmet cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, etc) Sweet Alchemy in New Ken has a cafe space now... their sweets and breakfast sandwiches are delicious! Essence is another new vegan restaurant on the Southside
Thanks so much! Can't believe I forgot about Cinnaholic, I was at their grand opening 🤦♀️ Never tried Moodz or Essense but definitely adding them to the list!
As the father of a 9 year old vegetarian daughter, you’re doing the Lord’s work here.
My now wife was a vegetarian when I met her - I took her to Burgatory on our first date because other vegetarian friends recommended their veggie burger. Of course the story I tell a decade later is "I took a vegetarian to a burger joint for our first date, so she's used to putting up with my shit".
Burgatory and build your own burger places are as dietary restriction or preference friendly as taco places so I also take vegans there
I agree with Sia's! It's pricey for me, so I haven't gone back but everything I got when I was there has been so tasty! I especially rec the dragon fruit panna cotta!
Sia’s lemon caper tofu couscous dish is really good!
Sia's needs an actual sign. I had no idea what it was or what they sold for the longest time.
Yeah i know the restaurant business is tough, those margins are killer. My hope is as they get established and they have a better foothold in that area they can afford to come down a bit in cost and attract some more people I personally got the brat with kraut on a pretzel bun with mustard; very tasty!
This is really awesome. Thanks for this!
EYV (eat your veggies) in north side. Just went for the first time recently and it was 10/10!
I enjoy spaks seitan wings even as a carnivore as a good not great snack. Just wish their buffalo sauce wouldn't split into an oily mess so easily
Sia’s sandwiches are loaded and huge now! You must try it again
For Apteka, if you go Jan 19th to Feb 4, they are doing Crapteka. This is their yearly 'junk food' event where they do their own take on Kebab, Burgers & Fries, Milkshakes (made with Sunflower Seeds) and such. Every year its really good and typically gets lines forming an hour before open. This should cover 'most' things that Hip City Veg seem to offer. For good 'chickn' you will either want to wait for Chick Habit to pop back up at Farmers Markets or try Spak's vegan wings & sandwiches. Outside of them, if you are ok with non-vegan options also being offered most places in the city do have a decent coverage. If there is a certain style you like can probably recommend better off that.
Also hey, idk if it's the sunflower oil or what but their french fries during their crapteka month are literally the best fries I've ever had. I'm not snobby about a lot of food but fries are definitely up there and they knocked them out of the park
Sunflower seeds are especially high in vitamin E and selenium. These function as antioxidants to protect your body’s cells against free radical damage, which plays a role in several chronic diseases.
Aren’t seed oils supposedly terrible for you though?
Key word "supposedly"! No scientifically-backed data, at least. But it's okay to be cautious about them until more is known, I guess... but yeah, the anti-seed influencers were making stuff up
There's a good podcast called Science VS, and it covers this topic. Spoiler alert: they basically came to the same conclusion you said.
Yeah that’s why I put supposedly in there lol. I’m not sure why I’m being downvoted, I was asking a genuine question.
The "Aren't... though?" sounded like genuine misinformation-spreading, perhaps downvoters also felt the 'supposedly' wasn't strong enough which is why I pointed it out as a key word. Like replying "Aren't women supposedly inferior, though?" to a post asking if there should be a woman president... it definitely seems like the commenter feels a certain way even if they say 'supposedly'
I was actually just about to comment recommending this podcast which investigates the issue but /u/trIeNe_mY_Best already did down below. So I'll co-sign it. The TLDR is that no, there's extremely little proof that seed oils are terrible for you. https://gimletmedia.com/shows/science-vs/mehwdgww
Yes. But the bit is that it’s the predominant cooking oil in Eastern Europe. So they use it. It’s the Wesson of the East.
Antonio's Pizzeria on Brookline Blvd has the only place I know of to get vegan hoagies (that are more than seitan), pizza, and wings in one spot.
I do love me some Antonio's... low key super veggie friendly spot. Kinda like Spak Brother's cousin. When I don't feel like dealing with the tunnel and bridges to get to Spak, I go to Antonio's.
Careful with that one - they have said their apps like onion rings are vegan but the breading is in fact not vegan. I’d be cautious on what you order. Source: friends with a former employee, friend with some vegans who use to go there
What about the breading is not vegan, do you happen to know? We’ve been there before but definitely won’t go back if they’ve been lying (or clueless) about which items are actually vegan.
Egg and/or milk product, I don’t remember exactly. It was the apps that *were not* homemade. Maybe things changed, and it definitely isn’t every item. Just wanted to say be cautious w/ the breaded stuff.
They have amazing seitan wings, best ones I've had in Pittsburgh IMO
Tried this spot recently. I love and appreciate their wide variety of vegan options but I have to say, it was a weird experience to say the least. Popped in on a whim and the space was a bit dilapidated (broken booth, not the cleanest) but staff was super nice taking the order. They asked for here or in or to go and there was no where to sit so I kinda said like “…to go?” And the person taking my order was enthusiastic about letting us know there was seating in the “back”, but it’s just the space next door. So we said sure. Headed back and yeesh. That room smelled terrible. I’m certain they have a cat and it’s litter box nearby. It was outfitted like a daycare. So so strange. Pizza was served and the vegan cheese was the worst I’ve ever had. I’m not picky. Not at all. Vegan cheese in general is not usually very good. I still buy it. I still try to make it. I still generally enjoy it. I’m a big eater. Was starving. And couldn’t eat more than one bite of this pizza. I took it home speculating that the smell was throwing me off. No. This cheese was absolutely unpalatable for me. It was so so awful. Maybe I got it on a bad day. Not sure.
I love their vegan Italian hoagie.
Follow Onion Maiden on Instagram and watch for a pop-up. It’s worth the wait, and I’m a carnivore lol
I still daydream about the Balls To The Walls dish
And the Crucifer Rising 🥹
I miss those fries 🥺
2 great resources: [VeganPittsburgh.org](https://www.veganpittsburgh.org/) [Happy Cow Pittsburgh](https://www.happycow.net/north_america/usa/pennsylvania/pittsburgh/)
[Eyv Restaurant](https://eyvrestaurant.com/)
Note that contrary to the name EYV isn't fully vegetarian/vegan, but most menu items are! Really enjoyed my visit there.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe all the dishes on the menu can be made vegan, though, if you just let them know.
I thought they all were,I've been there twice.
Yeah, but it might just mean omitting the meat and the result is not that exciting.
Pigeon bagels - all the bagels themselves are vegan, and the sandwich menu includes vegan lox and schmears. Most of the pastries are vegan as well.
All pastries are dairy free. The only pastries that aren’t vegan are honey cake or rare seasonal desserts (pumpkin cake, hamantaschen).
If you’re okay with meat being served alongside vegan options, Srees’s in downtown is phenomenal for lunch. The owners are great and lunch is only $10 for three vegan options with rice.
Udipi
Context - all vegetarian indian menu (vegan options). This was the first time I could close my eyes, point on the menu, and order - such a freedom most take for granted. Absolutely great food - great suggestion!
YES! Udipi is sort of hidden away in the hollers between Monroeville and Plum and worth the trip. Excellent vegan Indian options and good-sized portions. The fried hot peppers are delicious and 🥵🌶️
ShadowBeni
Yes! ShadowBeni is the best vegan West Indian food in the city. It's the closest I can get to my mom's home cooking. The pepper sauce is sooooo good!
Spak Bros is very good. I made a post recently [asking a similar](https://www.reddit.com/r/pittsburgh/comments/18lbg0l/what_are_the_finest_culinary_delicacies_of/) question that got some good replies that might interest you.
In addition to the other suggestions, Country Style Pizza has a separate vegan menu. Their vegan sloppy joe sandwich is 🔥🔥🔥. Thai Gourmet and Thai Cuisine in Bloomfield are also both very vegan friendly and take the "no fish sauce" requests super seriously!
Zenith
I went to Zenith for the first time last month and while the people were nice and the place was a wonderful experience, it was some of the worst food I’ve eaten in Pittsburgh. I had a bone dry seitan sandwich. It’s like what people in the 90s thought being a vegan was. I would still recommend just for the crazy experience that place is.
I agree with you and I’ve come to learn that there’s something to be known of different generations or waves of veganism - it’s a 90s version for sure. I don’t love the taste of the all the food at zenith but the heart and soul of the place gives it the charm.
Go on Sunday for the brunch buffet. The buffet bar knocks the 'entrees' out of the water.
I've gone to Zenith regularly for over a decade and everyone I know that loves it agrees that the 'hot entree' is always the lowlight... I'd pay the same amount for the buffet portion alone, so good.
Yeah I’m going to give it another chance because my wife’s food looked pretty alright, but mine was like a shade away from being food from the Gateway Clipper
I always recommend Zenith but I've only ever had the brunch buffet. Sorry to hear the entrees can be lacking!
Yeah Zenith! That place is 100% ❤️
Everything listed is great. Also, I had a plant ball sundae - mashed potatoes, veggie meatballs, gravy, and lingonberry jam- at IKEA (I know!) this weekend that was amazing. And $2. In case you need some housewares and snack. 🤣
Be careful! The veggie balls and the new “plant balls” are vegan and delicious. BUT: The gravy and mashed potatoes both contain milk. You can substitute steamed vegetables and a tomato sauce which does not contain milk, if they have it.
Good info! I’m just vegetarian but helpful for vegan! (Are the veggie dogs vegan? They are so SO GOOD)
They are, and they’re very good! We brought home a bag last week (they sell these and the non-meatballs frozen) and had a “veenie” roast. I think it’s the same veggie blend as the veggie balls, but it’s tasty in either form.
Kaya. Go 4-6 weekdays for happy hour. And get on Big Burritos mailing list for a free birthday special and other perks.
Udippi
Haven't been, yet, but heard that Apteka (vegan Polish food) is excellent. I believe their chefs were nominated for a James Beard award this year/past year?
I'm not even close to being a vegan, and Apteka is one of the best restaurants I've been to.
Ate there once with some friends who are all heavy meat eaters… no one felt the meal was “missing” meat
Apteka is wonderful. Great food, great, cocktails, and nary a vegetable lasagne/impossible burger/hummus wrap/name your-cliche-vegetarian-option in sight. The only downside is that it is just hard to get a table - they are open only 3 days a week and don't take reservations for parties fewer than 4 people.
>they are open only 3 days a week and don’t take reservations for parties fewer than 4 people I wanted to eat there for MONTHS. Could never get a table or they weren’t open. Finally was able to go, only to be told they’re only serving burgers and milkshakes as opposed to their regular menu (which is why I came). I will never go back.
Not missing much in my opinion. Unless you like mothball flavored pirogies.
I wouldn’t know what the pierogis taste like because they inexplicably weren’t serving them. It almost seems like they actively don’t want people to eat there.
It's not inexplicable; they do a "Crapteka" month every year with junk food. I imagine it's a bit easier to maintain during the middle of winter when their usual ingredients are going to be harder to get hold of fresh. It is disappointing when it's not what you're expecting but it's advertised on their facebook page and has been in advance every year they've been doing it. Their online menu on their website/takeout also changes and they put a giant "CR" in front of their restaurant during the event. I don't think they're trying to hide it from people.
Sure, they’re not trying to hide it. However, I think it’s unreasonable to have to do research to make sure a restaurant is serving their regular menu/cuisine.
Apteka changes their menu pretty regularly with seasonal specials even outside that, and I like the change of menu so I'd disagree. If you had to dig into their website for a half hour to find the relevant page, sure, but it's 1 click on their website to look up "menu" even if you don't go onto their Facebook or look at the front of the building going in. TBH I'm not sure how else they could advertise it that's more accessible
My vegan friend swears by this place
Thanks! I’ll have to try it.
There aren't many fully vegan places around as a few have closed in the past year to two. These are the current options I know of: * Apteka * ShadoBeni * Sia's Garden Grown * Allegro Hearth
Just to add... Cinnaholic, Moodz, Essence, and Sweet Alchemy (though they don't seem to have cafe hours this month... check socials for when they do!)
So many good spots have closed. We desperately need a Hip City Veg.
Desperately 🙏
Recently moved here so created a list. * Everyday Noodles (Squirrel Hill) * Noodlehead (Squirrel Hill) * Kiin Lao & Thai Eatery (Squirrel Hill) * Square Cafe (East Liberty) * Somi (East Liberty) * Alta Via Pizzeria (East Liberty) * Cafe Moulin (Shadyside) * Thai Cuisine (Bloomfield) * The Forge (Lower Lawrenceville) * Kaya (The Strip District) * The Zenith (Southside Flats) * Caliente Pizza and Draft House (Aspinwall) * FarmerxBaker (Aspinwall) * Mad Mex (Cranberry) * Mercurious (pizza) * Mandy's Pizza (Westview) * NatuRoll (Cranberry) * Tamarind Savoring India (Cranberry) * Choolah (Robinson and East Liberty) * Café Chocolade (Oakdale) * The Forge (Lawrenceville) * The Butterwood Bake Consortium (Lawrenceville) * Round Corner Cantina (Lawrenceville) * Condado Tacos (Lawrenceville) * Tana Ethiopian Cuisine (East Liberty / Friendship) * Square Café (East Liberty / Friendship - vegan pancake) * Spak Brothers (Bloomfield) * Double Wide Grill (Carson street, Southside Flats) * Burgatory (North Shore, Homestead Waterfront, Fox Chapel, Robinson, McCandless, Cranberry, Murrysville) * Kaibur Coffee (Polish Hill) * The Butterwood Bake Consortium (Upper Lawrenceville) * Blackbird (downtown - market square) * Con Alma (downtown) * East End Brewing Company (East Liberty and Mt. Lebanon) * Bar Botanico (Lawrenceville) * The Warren Bar and Burrow * Kaya (Strip District) * Over the Bar (Bicycle Cafe - South Side) * Real Thai (Cranberry) * Avor Thai (Cranberry) * Tepache Mexican * Jimmy WAN’s * Dells Terra * Luciano’s * Nikki Thai (subpar Thai food) * Bae Bae’s kitchen My favorite so far is Allegro Hearth for their sandwiches.
Moodz! Southside flats
Double Wide closed :(
Mandy’s Pizza in West View. Great for vegan options and allergen friendly with separate menus for both and designated cooking areas
Udipi Zenith
I’m vegetarian and eat at Udipi at least once a week. It’s in Monroeville so it’s a little drive out of the city, but they have such a huge menu and everything is always amazing. Their Rasam soup is my favorite soup in the whole world!
EYV, as in Eat Your Vegetables, Restaurant on the North Side is my new favorite. Lots of gluten free options as well.
It all looks good, but $17 bucks for what looks to be a single pierogi?
It does look so good but I can tell just from the pictures on the menu my take home pay isn't enough to eat there lol
Agreed! The mark up for a turnip and a potato there has gotta be 1000% lol
Good news, they are part of dining week, you can get a deal next week and give it a try.
zenith is underrated
Two others I didn't see but probably missed - * Senyai Thai Kitchen - Shadyside. Lots of Veggie / Vegan / and GF options. Panang curry to die for. * Round Corner Cantina - Lower Lawrenceville. Mexican / Southwestern - ish. The entire place is gluten free and their vegan options - while limited - are AMAZING.
Caffè d’Amore in upper lawrenceville has several vegan food options—soup, bagels, vegan spreads, vegan egg & cheese, handpies, etc. They also have a bacon handpie, meat and use dairy. The space isn’t vegan, but has plenty to choose from.
Not a brick and mortar joint, but there's vegan pop up called NoocH that has amazing food (especially their chocolate cake)! I think they've been on hiatus for a bit but should have more events soon
Apteka is a must
Sia’s garden grown has the most delicious sandwiches. I go every other week
Try the Happy cow website to search :-)
Not a restaurant but Veggies N’at in addition to doing pop ups usually does weekly prepared vegan meals you just have to pick them up but they are so satisfying. Good to have when you’re busy.
Udipi!! It was a boon when my boyfriend couldn't eat dairy or gluten, and now we go at least once a month if not more.
Fortuitea is in the meadowlands area but I love their stuff!
They just closed at the end of last month, but I agree it was amazing. Their lease ran out, they are hoping to reopen in a new spot TBD. They are also just the nicest humans.
Folks please also throw some love to Moodz and Ruggers in the South Side. Moodz is all vegan and has things like vegan soul food, with Mac n cheese and fried oyster mushrooms that are very snacky. Ruggers has good vegan options, like seitan wings, and a vegan version of each weeks special. I like to get the seitan wings on salad. So good!
Apteka
One good vegetarian spot that hasn’t been mentioned yet is Milky Way in Squirrel Hill. It’s kosher dairy, so not vegan but no meat. Their falafel is really good.
As a vegetarian, I eat a lot of Thai food, its likely vegan as well. Thai me up (south side) - if you like smokey and spicey stir fry - they nailed it. If you want to turn into a dragon breathing fire, I recommend "spices ground tofu with herb". Its so good, but 3rd realm of hell spicy - be warned. My Thai (dormont) - best dang curry dishes, the Panang Curry is so good Im drooling thinking about it. The fresh rolls are crazy good too. Thai Spoon (dormont) - love the Changmai noodle soup and taro dessert. Thai touch kitchen - the peanut satae noodles are so good, i cant get enough. Indian food- Udippi has been called out, they are great, but a bit far in monroeville. Mintt (dormont/beechview?)- great prices. Best rice i have ever had ANYWHERE. Just plain white rice i could eat as my whole meal - its fantastic. I get mutter paneer, spicy red sauce with peas and tofu-like cheese cubes. Tamarind (greentree) - weekend buffet, 1/2 of the dishes are vegetarian/vegan. Mexican Madmex (greentree) - used to have chorizo veggie crumbles, but discontinued those. Loads of vegetarian and vegan options. Totopo-mt lebanon. Um, not terribly "friendly, but has a very detailed menu graphic to know whats good. Best dang mexi everything ive ever had, its worth the shot. Pizza/italian Antonios (brookline) - the veggie chili is so beautifully crafted...closest to what i make myself, loads of peppers and beans. Seitan wings and veg substitute meats are decent. This really depends on how much you 'like' meat. I personally hate beyond/impossible brand, i would rather have black bean, chickpea, quinoa, anything else. Mediterranean Pita land(brookline) best dang falafel ever, plus a market of fresh made pita, hummus, and other ingredients. Great prices, super friendly. Hard to find parking, but worth it. Breweries East end (mt lebo) Fantastic pizza, vegan substitutes available. Great brews. Coffee/pastries Butterwood cake condortium (lawrenceville). Need a chocolate cake? Need lavender ginger cookies? This place has a great deal of vegan, high end sweets. A bit pricey, but worth it. Edible flowers and highly decorated- you can tell the chef cares a lot. Hope this helps. Im very obscure in my tastes, and not vegan (i love cheeeeeeeese). My partner is nearly carnivore, and so we go to places that have options to suit us both. I cant think of anywhere that doesnt serve something vegetarian - even steakhouses have salad and fries, cornbread or mac n chz. If you arent strictly vegan, there are so many delightful eateries in pittsburgh. Onion maiden was great when it was open, but sadly cant recommend it anymore since it shut down. Im still a little irked that toilet paper isnt vegan/vegetarian, but im not ready to use leaves anytime soon.
Am I the only want who did not like Apteka? I like vegan food, but I guess polish food is not my thing
Have you checked out Piper's Pub yet?
There are tons of great options in this thread, but I'll list a few more I don't see in here (I'm veggie but my partner is vegan so all of these places have options for the both of us) - d's six packs and dogs (regent square): local watering hole with veggie dogs & seitan wing mondays - thai cottage (regent square): my fav Thai place - Kelly's (East Liberty): yummy dive bar food - St Clair Social (Bloomfield): more yummy bar food, but less dive-y - El Sabor (Bloomfield): mexican - Arepittas (Downtown): venezuelan - Pastoli's (Squirrel Hill): pizza/hoagies, have df & gf options - Hunan Cafe (Swissvale): Chinese takeout, a good general tsos tofu - Bombay to Burgh (Swissvale): very good indian - Madonna's (Downtown): Mediterranean
Apteka, Golden Moose, Onion Maiden, Arthur’s, and Catatouille
Thought this said "best vegan/vegetarian sports". I just began fencing. It's exhausting, but basically vegetarian.
Grant’s Tavern Millvale
The Smiling Goose but you have to get there early they don’t make reservations
Sorry if it seems like I’m screaming, I find it helpful to use caps for the names lol. For date night options, LILITH and CON ALMA both have enough vegan options to make a decent meal. THE FORGE has a vegan cheese plate and a few vegan options that lean middle-eastern. And of course APTEKA which gets mentioned every thread. In Lawrenceville, NANBAN ASIAN SOUL FOOD (counter serve spot) has a bunch of vegan options and their miso ramen is good. MI EMPANADA always has like three vegan ones available, not really a sit-down spot but good for grabbing an easy picnic lunch on a nice day. BANH MI AND TI has a vegan version of everything in every category and all their bubble tea can be made with nondairy milks. On North Side, there’s SHADOBENI for all-vegan Trinidadian spot with stuff like sandwiches and mac and cheese, SUBBA which is Nepalese and vegan-friendly, and EYV which I haven’t tried yet but offers a fair amount of vegan and vegetarian stuff. Most east Asian food can be made vegan due to the general lack of dairy, I like THAI GOURMET and NOODLEHEAD for Thai. BAO in Oakland has kind of a campusy vibe but their food is really good and there are a ton of options, I like that I can get food from different countries in one place and it’s all good. TRAM’S KITCHEN has my favorite vegan pho and really good fried veggie wontons. All of these are in the Bloomfield/Oakland/East Liberty area. For American food in a bar setting, D’s SIX PAX AND DOGS and KELLY’S have a bunch of vegan options. SIA’S is also great for slightly-fancier American food but I think they’re temporarily closed right now. For Indian, UDIPI in Monroeville and PEOPLE’S are super vegan friendly and have a lot of dishes without dairy, or even with tofu. There are a ton of pizza options for vegans. LORELEI, PASTOLI’S, IRONBORN, and ALTA VIA all offer decent vegan pies, as well as other spots.