12 Colorado Plant-Based Restaurants Even Meat Lovers Crave
Colorado’s food scene has evolved way beyond just steakhouses and burger joints. Plant-based eateries across the state now create dishes so mouthwatering and satisfying that even dedicated carnivores find themselves coming back for more.
These 12 restaurants prove that plant-based eating isn’t about sacrifice, it’s about celebrating incredible flavors that happen to be good for you and the planet too.
1. Somebody People
Mediterranean magic happens at this stylish South Broadway spot where vegetables take center stage without apology.
The menu changes with what’s fresh and seasonal, featuring handmade pastas and creative small plates that burst with flavor. What makes carnivores convert? The deeply satisfying umami elements in every dish.
No fake meats here, just vegetables treated with the respect they deserve. Their focaccia alone has been known to cause spontaneous happy dances at the table.
2. Vital Root
Fast-casual meets farm-fresh at this Tennyson Street gem where global flavors transform ordinary vegetables into extraordinary meals.
The sunny patio makes the perfect backdrop for their famous banh mi tacos and nutrient-packed bowls. Meat lovers particularly gravitate toward the hearty mushroom dishes that deliver that satisfying chew they crave.
The kitchen doesn’t shy away from bold spices and creative techniques that make each bite memorable without a trace of animal protein.
3. Watercourse Foods
Denver’s longest-running plant-based restaurant has mastered the art of vegan comfort food that satisfies on a soul-deep level.
The Southern-fried cauliflower “chicken” and waffles create instant believers out of the most dedicated meat enthusiasts. Breakfast served all day means you can score their famous biscuits and gravy whenever the craving strikes.
The homey atmosphere and hearty portions explain why this place has thrived for decades while converting countless diners to the plant-side.
4. Root Down
Housed in a converted gas station with killer city views, Root Down isn’t exclusively vegan but deserves major props for its plant-forward philosophy and separate vegan menu that never feels like an afterthought.
The vegetable-centric dishes showcase Colorado’s seasonal bounty with global influences. Carnivores regularly abandon their meat-eating ways for the sweet potato gnocchi that melts in your mouth.
Their cocktail program featuring garden-fresh ingredients pairs perfectly with the innovative menu.
5. Meta Burger
When the burger craving hits hard, Meta Burger delivers that classic fast-food experience without the guilt. Their plant-based patties have that perfect char and juicy bite that satisfies even the most discerning burger connoisseurs.
The loaded fries and creamy milkshakes complete the nostalgic experience. What sets them apart? Their ability to nail those familiar flavors while keeping everything 100% plant-based. Even hardcore carnivores admit they can’t tell the difference in a blind taste test.
6. City O’ City
This eclectic Capitol Hill institution buzzes with energy from dawn till well past midnight. The diverse menu ranges from savory breakfast burritos to their legendary seitan wings that pack all the flavor and none of the guilt.
Coffee by day, cocktails by night, with art-filled walls and a crowd as diverse as the menu. The magic happens when meat-eaters reluctantly tag along with vegan friends, only to discover the ‘chicken’ and waffles are better than the original version they remember from childhood.
7. Vegan Van
Food truck magic happens at this permanently parked purple van where comfort food classics get a plant-based makeover.
The Buffalo Mac sandwich, crispy battered cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce with creamy mac, creates instant converts. Lines form early for their weekend brunch featuring impossibly fluffy pancakes and savory breakfast burritos.
The casual outdoor seating area becomes a community gathering spot where you’ll regularly hear carnivores exclaim, “Wait, this is vegan?” between satisfied bites.
8. Gladys
Tucked away in Edgewater, this neighborhood spot serves up plant-based pizza that will make you forget all about pepperoni. The house-made cashew mozzarella achieves that perfect stretch and melt that cheese lovers crave.
Beyond pizza, their small plates and natural wines create the perfect date night vibe. The cozy, unpretentious atmosphere welcomes everyone from curious first-timers to committed vegans.
Most telling? The number of meat-eating locals who have made this their regular Friday night tradition.
9. Bang Up To The Elephant
Caribbean flavors explode in this wildly colorful space where tropical plants hang from the ceiling and reggae fills the air.
Their plant-based take on island cuisine brings vibrant spices and fresh ingredients to every plate. The jackfruit ropa vieja fools even Cuban food purists with its tender, shredded texture and complex flavor profile.
Rum cocktails in quirky glassware complete the vacation vibe. The festive atmosphere and bold flavors explain why meat-eaters happily return for more plant-based island goodness.
10. The Corner Beet
Sunshine streams through the windows of this charming cafe where health-conscious eaters gather for colorful smoothie bowls and hearty avocado toast.
The relaxed vibe makes it perfect for lingering over a book or catching up with friends. Cold-pressed juices and superfood lattes complement the plant-based menu.
What surprises meat-eaters most? The substantial, filling nature of seemingly simple vegetable-forward dishes. Their tempeh BLT delivers that satisfying savory crunch that bacon-lovers miss when going plant-based.
11. Next Level Burger
America’s first 100% plant-based burger joint delivers fast food nostalgia without the environmental impact. The signature Next Level Burger features a umami-rich patty that satisfies that primal craving for a juicy burger.
Loaded shakes topped with house-made coconut whip and crumbled cookies take indulgence to new heights.
The family-friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone from curious flexitarians to committed vegans. Most telling sign of success? The number of burger enthusiasts who can’t believe they’re eating plants.
12. Somebody People (Additional Denver Location)
The newest outpost of this beloved plant-based eatery brings their zero-waste philosophy and vegetable wizardry to a fresh neighborhood.
The expanded kitchen allows for even more creative Mediterranean-inspired dishes that celebrate produce in its purest form. The chef’s tasting menu creates converts out of the most dedicated carnivores.
What makes the difference? Their commitment to letting vegetables shine without trying to mimic meat. Instead, they focus on building complex flavors and satisfying textures that stand proudly on their own merits.
