ATXFBA City Guide: Austin’s Healthy Vegan Eats

I've explored many new places to eat since going plant-based in February 2012 and wanted to share some of my favorites as part of the Austin Food Blogger’s Alliance’s City Guide! Check out the other vegan posts in the City Guide, including Lizz Delicious on Date Night, Red Hot Vegans on Desserts, and Lazy Smurf's Late Night Vegan Food.

Beets Cafe | 1604 W 5th St. - This upscale raw food always makes me feel super healthy. Among my personal favorites are the Raw Reuben and the Mock Tuna on Greens salad with a spirulina dressing. They also have a wide variety of desserts, which include pies, cookies, and cheezecake. There's plenty of parking in the garage behind it, so there's no worries about finding a spot during busy lunches.

Mother's Cafe | 4215 Duval St. - Their enchiladas can be made vegan and their Bueno Burger has been voted the best veggie burger in town. I can personally attest to their Sloppy Mama Joes and their vegan soups are always amazing. The ambiance is pleasant and the last time I visited there was a musician playing during our dinner. Check out their awesome desserts, too!

Casa De Luz | 1701 Toomey Road - With a menu that changes daily, you're always sure to be served a fresh meal cafeteria-style. One of the best things about this place: you pay and eat immediately. No waiting around! You grab a bowl of soup, a plate full of salad, and then you are given a huge entree plate. The communal eating is also a perk, and I've met many interesting people by sitting at a table that can seat eight.

Counter Culture | 2337 East Cesar Chavez - I've been to Counter Culture for every meal and have always been impressed with the food I received. If you're going to try them out for brunch, try the Stuffed French Toast with cashew cream. I used to visit this place for lunch with a friend and would get the Philly Seitan.  For dinner, I'd recommend the Pesto Rawviolis with a side of Roasted Root Vegetables. | Review

The Vegan Nom | 120 East North Loop-B - We stumbled upon this food truck recently and I couldn't how awesome their Rockin' Vegan Chili Con Queso is. The appetizer is more like chili than anything else, but it has an authentic taste that just blew my expectations out of the water. I've been craving it ever since! Try the Ranchera Luna, a tofu scramble with veggies and a smokey creamy chipotle sauce.

Schmaltz | 913 East Cesar Chavez - I discovered this place during a lunch break with some coworkers and we've been back many times since then. I am in love with the 'Harvey P' Seitan 'Pastrami' Reuben and their 'Frankenthaler' Falafel Wrap. Both are amazing and you can enjoy your food in a cozy little picnic area next to the trailer beneath a parachute. I also recommend the Classic Deli Potato Salad! | Review

Conscious Cravings | 1901 Rio Grande & 1311 South First St. - Once I had my first wrap at this food truck, I immediately began to crave another. We found out this trailer was serving vegan food and had to try them out. I love The Bella and my husband swears by the BBQ Seitan. I've also had the Mango Thirst Quencher and Stawberry Banana Thirst Quencher, both of which complement the wraps so well. | Review

Tarka Indian Kitchen | 5207 Brodie Ln #120 & 2525 W Anderson Ln #300 - When I have a craving for Indian food, I head to Tarka and know it will be quick and the portions will be large. The Roti bread tastes great and I can say from experience that it's hard to make at home. They have several vegan dishes and that alone keeps me coming back to try new ones each time. They also take the Go Local Austin card for 10% off your meal!

The Vegan Yacht | 1110 East 12th St - The 'Freeto' Burrito is their amazing signature meal and while the portion is massive, I have no problem eating it all in one sitting! The outdoor eating area is nice and the trailer has a retro feel to it and even features a large hipster octopus on the front. Be sure to check their website before heading over, as they are popular and tend to sell out of their food quick. | Review