While veganism is becoming more popular, every person’s journey is different. Some decide to go plant-based for moral or ethical reasons, some have to because of dietary restrictions or health reasons, and others go vegan for the experience. But even as it becomes more prominent in our culture, it can still be fairly difficult to find restaurants accommodating this diet. And even the restaurants that do sometimes offer dishes that lack flavor. Below are some tried-and-tested spots you can enjoy—whether you’re vegan or not.
Vegan Main Courses
Farm Fresh Fast
The concept of this restaurant is perhaps one of the most unique. Not only do they have a full menu for plant-based diets called a “No-Kill” menu, but even their non-vegan options are sourced locally and sustainably with animal welfare in mind. Their goal is to provide healthy options and promote a healthy gut by offering nutrients, proteins, and healthy fats, and leaving hormones and chemicals behind.
860 S. Church St., Greenville, 864.518.1978, eatfarmfreshfast.com
Naked Vegan
Whether you’re looking for comfort food or nutrition, Naked Vegan has it all—or should I say all-in-one. What they provide is more than just plant-based foods. It’s the comfort of eating the foods you once loved without having to sacrifice your health or the welfare of beloved animals. This fully vegan restaurant will leave you wanting more, and they pride themselves on bringing back even the most skeptical meat-eaters.
311 McAlister Rd., Greenville, 864.252.4195, nakedvegan.menufy.com
Sun Belly Cafe
You are bound to find a fresh variety at this vegan cafe, as seasonal dishes are rotated monthly. Along with serving food inside the restaurant, they offer custom meal plans and delivery options for those with a hectic schedule. With health in mind, Sun Belly Cafe works closely with nutritionists and healthcare providers to figure out what’s best for everyone’s nutritional needs. According to community members, Sun Belly’s meals have allowed them to reduce or completely go off of blood pressure and cholesterol medications, and just about everyone says the meals simply make them feel better. Owner Deborah Bouts credits this outcome to the local farms the restaurant works with (True Freedom Farms and Farm in the Wildwood) and the fresh produce they provide.
1409 W. Blue Ridge Dr., Ste. 2905, Greenville, 404.309.7791
Thai Vegan
You’ll be shocked by the menu at Thai Vegan. There are dozens of appetizer, entree, and dessert options—all inspired by recipes handed down for centuries, modernized, and, of course, using vegan ingredients. It’s unlikely you won’t find something to your liking with the variety offered—I’ve quite literally never seen so much vegan food in one place. Fresh herbs, spices, and produce incorporated into their dishes will leave you feeling great.
107 Middleton Way, Greer, 864.334.5962, thaivegansc.com
Vegan House Shack
Hidden on the outskirts of Augusta Road in Greenville is a mobile restaurant that features a plethora of mouthwatering vegan foods. Vegan House Shack offers house- and scratch-made cuisine to accommodate all palates. They restrain from using processed foods, such as meat substitutes, and juices and desserts are prepared with real fruit. Prices are affordable, with both quantity and quality in mind. I can personally attest to having had some of the best tacos and juices of my life here, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
3906 Augusta Rd., Greenville, 864.692.3489, veganhouseshack.com
Sweets
basta.
It doesn’t get much sweeter than a dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, and soy-free bakery! basta offers just about every type of pastry and dessert you can think of, and flavors are rotated weekly—sometimes even daily. Flavor will never be lacking, and custom orders are even available online. Buying basta also helps the community and earth; with each purchase, the company gives back to organizations that positively impact the community and environment. It’s a win-win.
1256 Pendleton St., Unit A, Greenville, 864.256.1080, bastabakery.com
Wildflower Cupcake + Dessert Bar
What makes Wildflower different from other cupcake shops is their ability to create a wide variety of tasty options for multiple diets and occasions. You’ll find both vegan and gluten-free items on their menu. Plus, you even have the option of ordering custom; feel free to mix and match flavors as much as your heart desires—whether adding new flavors to a cupcake or stacking ingredients to your liking in a parfait.
3730 Pelham Rd., Greenville, 864.775.5554, wildflowercupcakesgvl.com
LaRue Fine Chocolate
LaRue’s mission is to simply make people happy. They want customers to feel at home with the cozy space they provide. Whether your palate is craving chocolate or a little more attuned to an alcoholic beverage, LaRue has it all. With owner Elizabeth McDaniel’s background as a fine wine specialist, she has a talent for creating unmatched flavor profiles. But it doesn’t stop with wine. Other drinks and her chocolates have been crafted and designed to perfection, including the copious vegan options.
556 Perry Ave., Ste. B115, Greenville, 864.263.7083, laruefinechocolate.com
More Vegan-Friendly Places to Try
Maestro Bistro & Dinner Club
104 S. Main St., Ste. 105, Greenville
The 05
3016 Augusta St., Greenville
Saffron Indian Cuisine
1178 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 16, Greenville
Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine
8590 Pelham Rd., Ste. 15, Greenville
Exchange Coffee Co.
110 S. Main St., Simpsonville
Old Europe Coffee and Desserts
716-A S. Main St., Greenville
Clare’s Creamery
1635 E. North St., Greenville
Don’t miss what’s coming our way this July. Held for the very first time is the Greenville Vegan Chef Challenge, offering a look into new vegan offerings across the Upstate. You’ll even have the chance to vote on your favorites! Follow along at veganchefchallenge.org/greenville for updates and more info.
