Getting your child to eat their veggies just got easier! These plant-based restaurants serve up tasty treats that even a meat-eater couldn’t refuse. Whether you’re a vegan family, or prefer a plant-forward diet, the DMV has plenty of choices for even the pickiest of eaters, grown-ups included!

Fruititive

Ilana C. via Yelp

Come here to get your waffle fix! This plant-based smoothie bar also serves up nutritious breakfasts, like the Sweet Berry waffle (with just a hint of lavender!) or the Almond Chocolate Banana waffle. New to the menu: plant-based pizzas with cashew cheese. Want to get this organic goodness on the reg? Fruitive just finished up a pilot program for at-home meal kits and will soon be offering their delivery in the DC metro area. 

1094 Palmer Alley NW
Citycenter
202-836-7749
Online: fruitive.com

Fancy Radish

Fancy Radish via Yelp

This H Street Corridor restaurant has elevated plant-based dishes into "rich, composed plates." Meat-eaters and cheese lovers will be pleasantly surprised at this DC outpost (a sister restaurant to Philly's Vedge). You'll find elegant apps, like a stuffed avocado and hearty, seasonal dishes, like a rutabaga fondue. Kids will want to tuck into the crispy cauliflower tacos. The restaurant is currently offering limited indoor seating, but they also offer carry-out and delivery. 

600 H St NE
H St. Corridor
202-675-8341
Online:

HipCityVeg

HipCityVeg

At the local outpost of Philly-based HipCityVeg, kids will love the Ziggy burger (they won’t even realize it’s a tempeh patty) and the Crispy HipCity Ranch sandwich. The latter is a pretty awesome riff on a fried chicken sandwich. Save room for banana whip, a frozen banana treat with your choice of toppings. The small fast-casual venue, however, is best for take-out or during nonpeak hours.

712 Seventh St. NW.
Penn Quarter
202-621-8057
Online:  hipcityveg.com

NuVegan Cafe

NuVegan Cafe via Yelp

Known for their plant-based twist on soul-inspired comfort foods, NuVegan is a favorite among District vegans. Their juice bar churns out delicious smoothies, and who doesn’t love fried chicken and collard greens? Favorites like the Garvey burger, “chicken” drummies with homemade honey mustard, and vegan lasagna get cheers all round. Both laid back locations have speedy service, and the D.C. location is spacious enough to accommodate families.

2928 Georgia Ave.
Columbia Heights
202-232-1700

Black Burn Center
2397 6th St. NW
Howard University Campus

8150 Baltimore Ave.
College Park, MD
202-232-1700
Online: nuvegancafe.com

Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant

Jhia B. via Yelp

This Asian-inspired restaurant is adorned with—you got it—sunflowers! Food-wise, there’s something for everyone here. Mom can slurp up some spicy noodles, dad can dig into a vegi-bacon potato pie, and the kids can pull together a tapas menu from appetizers like fried “chicken” on a stick, spring rolls, sushi, and more. Note: you will find a few items that include dairy here. This restaurant is currently offering carry-out and delivery due to COVID. 

2531 Chain Bridge Rd.
Vienna, VA
703-319-3888
Online: crystalsunflower.com

Shouk

Shouk via Yelp

This Israeli street food restaurant doesn’t need to use the “v word to describe their restaurant; their Middle Eastern-inspired menu speaks for itself. In addition to an assortment of plant-based pita sandwiches, Shouk’s polenta fries and choc chip cookie have bona-fide kid-appeal. Bonus: all items are certified Kosher by DC Kosher. 

655 K St. NW
Mt. Vernon Square
202-945-4747

395 Morse St. NE
Union Market District
202 945 4747
Online: shouk.com

Yuan Fu Vegetarian

Eileen C. via Yelp

This casual, intimate spot offers vegan versions of popular Chinese dishes such as hot and sour soup and kung pao chicken. Both the mock Peking duck and moo shu pork are fun, eat-with-your-fingers foods that little hands will love. Other winners include the fried black mushrooms and beef and broccoli.

798 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD
301-762-5937
Online: yuanfuvegetarian.com

Everlasting Life Restaurant

Robbin D. via Yelp

For almost 20 years, Everlasting Life (ELife) has been serving up their eclectic vegan soul food menu. Crowd favorites include two types of mac and cheese (cashew and soy), curried maple drumsticks, jerk chicken, and more. On weekends, brunch items span tofu scramble, organic corn grits and whole wheat pancakes. If you or your tot is undecided, feel free to ask the friendly staff for samples

9185 Central Ave., Ste A
Capitol Heights, MD
301-324-6900
Online: facebook.com/ELifeRestaurant

Sticky Fingers

Michael U. via Yelp

A longtime district fixture, Sticky Fingers bakery sells baked goods sans dairy, many allergen-free too. So even if your little veganino can’t have soy or nuts, they can still relish a cupcake or two. Craving something more substantial? They have brunch and lunch choices too: Think breakfast burritos, pancakes, alt-tuna sandwiches, and buffalo seitan wrap. (Their sister diner, Fare Well, is at 406 H St. NE)

1370 Park Rd., NW.
Columbia Heights
202-299-9700
Online: stickyfingersbakery.com

WORTH-THE-DRVIE

Kulture Kitch’n

Kulture Kitch'n

Baltimore Chef Chris Harrell of Kulture Kitch’n is a must-follow on Facebook. Also known as #datplantbasedbrotha, Harrell's recipes and cooking videos have been featured on PETA's IG and on Britain's BoshTV. You don't have to live in B'more to enjoy his food; Facebook followers get hands-on, kid-friendly tutorials (sometimes featuring his super adorable daughter) and easy-to-follow recipes so you can cook up these dishes at home. Or order directly from Kulture Kitch'n: Menus are posted each week for weekend pick-up in the Baltimore area and limited delivery in the DC area on select weekends. 

Online: facebook.com

 

Kelley Farm Kitchen

Kelley Farm Kitchen

If you’re looking for a scenic drive to go with some amazing food, Kelley Farm Kitchen fits the bill. After a 70 minute drive to Harpers Ferry (known for its waterfront vistas), your effort will be paid off in sweet, vegan bites. Kelley Farm Kitchen serves up plant-based comfort foods like Impossible Tacos, Black & Bleu Burgers, Chickn’n & Waffles and Baked Mac & Cheese. Not to be left out, the kids menu offers finger-favorites like grilled cheese and plain cheeseburgers. 

1112 Washington St.
Harpers Ferry, WV
304-535-9976
Online: facebook.com/KelleyFarmKitchen

—Meghan Yudes Meyers and Pat Tanumihardja

featured photo: Kulture Kitch’n

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