Whether for ethical reasons or health reasons, going plant-based has become more popular than ever — especially in the LGBTQ community.
Here in South Florida, there are many quality places to choose from — for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Lucky for you readers, I am an obsessive foodie going on three years of veganism and I have ordered from many plant-based menus in the area. Here are just a few local completely vegan spots for vegans and the vegan-curious to explore (Photo: Photo by Vegan Liftz from Pexels).
Inika Foods
2410 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors
https://www.instagram.com/inikafoods/?hl=en
Keeping things fresh in more ways than one, Inika Foods’ menu always offers something new, often changing completely on a daily basis. Given the diversity of the foods offered this is a vegan foodies dream. On any given day, you can choose from Italian, Middle Eastern, Korean, Japanese, Mexican—you name it! In addition, they offer a beautiful assortment of desserts, including banana-split bowls, rainbow candy cakes, cookies, muffins and more. I special order an orange creamsicle cake from Inika that even the non-vegans in my life have specifically requested for their birthdays.
PAC Pastries
2348 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors
https://www.instagram.com/pac_pastries/?hl=en
Conveniently located on the main drag in Wilton Manors, everything at PAC Pastries is vegan, as well as Gluten-free. They specialize in delicious baked and raw pastries but offer savory items as well. They also have a large coffee and tea menu and offer Delta8 edibles. My favorites are their slutty brownies and vanilla rainbow cake! It is an adorable place certain to woo all of your friends with food allergies!
The Rabbit Hole
2659 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach
The Rabbit Hole specializes in classic American comfort food. Anyone thinking that vegan alternatives can do no justice to this category are in for a pleasant surprise. The platter that reeled me in was their vegan barbecue rib platter called Smoke in the Woods. It has citrus lime marinated BBQ spare ribs, mac and cheese, grilled corn on the cob and garlic Texas toast. They also offer vegan wings, shrimp and grits, burgers and more. On a recent trip, I treated myself to their epic loaded fries. So good your carnivorous friends may rethink their dietary habits.
SoBe Vegan
110 Washington Ave # Cu-3, Miami Beach
401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale
Sobe Vegan offers healthier versions of fast-food favorites. We’re talking real junk-food staples here with all the taste and no junk to be found. Burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, milkshakes, fries, mac and cheese. You’ll swear it’s the real thing. They also note on their menu which items have nuts and which items are Gluten-free. My favorite order is their vegan Queso burger, which is topped with SoBe V cheese sauce, pico de gallo, fresno chili, crispy tortilla, lettuce and SoBe V sauce. For those who insist they also offer incredible salads and bowls.
Parlour Vegan Bakery
1487 S University Drive, #3, Plantation
415 S. Federal Highway, Boca Raton
Gave up on finding plant-based desserts that taste how you remembered? Well, vegans with a sweet tooth are in for a treat. Parlour Vegan Bakery first opened in Plantation, and soon opened another location in Boca Raton. I have only been to the Boca location and have enjoyed their sweet and savory options. I found myself in sweet heaven, stuffing my face with their to-die-for chocolate chip dough cookie sandwich. They also offer a variety of cupcakes and donuts and—if you can keep your sights off the sweets—empanadas and baguette sandwiches. Wash it all down with a cashew milk Iced Coffee and call it a day.
The New Vegan
528 NE 2nd St, Delray Beach
When I was just a newbie vegan, I happened upon The New Vegan while exploring Delray Beach and instantly fell in love and have returned a few times. Their tasty vegan fried chicken is made from jackfruit and was my first realization that vegan cuisine did not have to settle sub-par versions of the real thing. Further epiphany came when I experienced their No Cheese Mac N Cheese—who needs dairy when this creamy-cheesy wonder exists? Their Waffle with cashew-milk based ice cream make an amazing desert. The menu also includes Patty Palm Cakes and Palm Toona wraps. Their whole menu is vegan, gluten-free and soy-free. Another ideal place for friends with food allergies.
These are just a few local places. There are many more in the south Florida area to explore. Also, there are many, many omnivorous places that offer fabulous plant-based options on their menus.
