Colorado Vegan Choices Bring Forth the Flavor

By Natasha Lovato

You don’t have to be a vegan to eat healthy foods.

Consumers are enjoying plant-based buffalo wings, cheesecake, burgers and tacos that are delectable. It’s easy to partake in all the juicy and flavorful qualities of meat and dairy foods, without the meat and dairy.

Acknowledging carnivores and herbivores alike, these Colorado restaurants break the stigma that vegan menus are limited to meals featuring kale and tofu.

City O’ City - Denver

Whether its breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night, specialty coffee, craft beer, wine or cocktails, there is something for everyone at City O’ City. This eclectic Cap Hill restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for your morning latte or a late night seitan buffalo wing wrap and a hard cider. City O’ City reaches beyond the importance of vegan needs and seeks to reduce their carbon emissions through purchasing locally from vendors whenever possible and using their own urban micro farm in the summer. Not only are local businesses supported by this one-of-a-kind restaurant but local artists are as well with monthly in-house gallery shows. City O’ City strives to serve their community in all of the most delicious ways.

Watercourse - Denver

The name Watercourse comes from the Taoist philosophy of the "water course way" meaning to take the path of least harm. Thus, the 100 percent vegan restaurant in Uptown was born. Through a scratch kitchen, Watercourse focuses on utilizing local vendors and sustainable business practices. They try to give more than they take from the community. The menu items are free of artificial colors, preservatives and hydrogenated fats so that it’s good for the human body.

Make, Believe Bakery - Denver

This vegan bakery is the sister restaurant of City O’ City and Watercourse, all owned by the same do-gooders, Jennifer Byers and Lauren Roberts. Whatever customers can dream up, the Make, Believe Bakery can make it happen while specializing in allergy-free, organic, GMO-free, gluten free and vegan baking practices.

Santana’s Vegan Grill - Colorado Springs

This drive-through restaurant makes for the perfect plant-based lunch break. You can order a burger, chicken fingers or meatball sandwich for the feeling of a fast food, meaty lunch that’s all vegan.

Sprig - Colorado Springs

Drive through, or dine in. Sprig is a new breed of a fast and casual dining experience with healthy nourishing food and beverages. The plant-powered recipes are all vegan, preservative free, gluten free, non- GMO and include no added sugar.

Thrive - Boulder

You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy the food at Thrive. With a mission to nourish their customers, Thrive uses organic, soy-free and gluten-free ingredients while constantly searching for new and delicious combinations in the many soups, dishes and desserts offered.

Native Foods - Denver and Boulder

You’ll find this chain vegan restaurant across the country with a delicious array of vegan options offered. With two locations in Colorado, you’ll have plenty of options across the state, or wherever your travels take you.