Being vegetarian or vegan in New York city is not very hard, but sometimes it's hard to find good food that isn't going to break the bank and that will still be satisfying. These are my go-to lunch spots near NYU that will fill you up without emptying your pockets or taking too much time out of your busy schedules.
1. Red Bamboo
This completely vegan/vegetarian restaurant is like a dream come true for me. I can eat a BLT and not worry that there is going to be a sneaky piece of pig flesh hidden in between the tomato and lettuce. I can eat a delicious mac and cheese without worrying that my body is going to hate me for the next day or so.
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2. Kiin Thai
Kiin Thai serves your classic thai food: Pad Thai, Pad See-ew, Spring Rolls, etc., but is styled like a cute hipster restaurant. The walls are white and rustic looking. The entire front wall is a window to the street so it lets in a lot of light. This place has less vegan options than Red Bamboo but every entree has a tofu option so it can be easily made vegetarian.
3. Chipotle
Y’all know what Chipotle is about, so I’m just gonna tell you my typical order. I always get a salad because it is basically a burrito bowl but with more lettuce. On my salad, I put black beans, SOFRITAS (the vegan meat option), brown rice, grilled veggies, corn, and guacamole. Always get the salad dressing too, it’s so good!
4. Pizza Mercato
This is not a great option for vegans as almost everything has cheese or butter in it but it is great for vegetarians! Their white stone pizza is incredible and they have great garlic knots. It’s also super quick and convenient for when you don’t have much time but really need to eat.
5. Sacred Chow
This is another completely vegan/ vegetarian restaurant. While I prefer Red Bamboo, Sacred Chow has great salads, paninis, tapas, and power bowls that are all packed with protein and pretty inexpensive. They also have the best coconut milk cheesecake I have ever eaten. Highly recommend.
6. by CHLOE
by Chloe has a casual vibe with a menu that has a rad salad selection (including a kale caesar), and hearty main dishes that replace meats with plant-based proteins, made of nut and wheat combos, like a vegan burger made with a tempeh, lentil, chia seed and walnut patty or a portabello mushrom-based whiskey BBQ. They have great dairy free options as well, a to-die-for mac n’ cheese and ice cream sandwiches in flavors like roasted banana bourbon and coffee chip.
7. Juice Generation
Juice Generation is all about fresh squeezed juices and gluten free baked goods. They are great because all their ingredients are local and organic. One of my favorite drinks is the Lemon Lozenge. It is served hot, and is a healthy, energizing alternative to coffee or tea.
8. Blossom on Carmine
Blossom is a cute boutique restaurant that serves vegan comfort food. Like Red Bamboo it has great options of traditionally non-vegan foods made vegan without the worry that you will accidentally eat an animal product. It is a bit more expensive than Red Bamboo but has a clean, rustic interior design perfect for all of your Instagramming needs.
9. Halal Carts (usually near Stern)
These carts are great if you only have a few minutes between classes or work and need to grab something quick and filling. I always go for the falafel wrap and if I want it to be completely vegan ask for "no white sauce."
