Top Vegan-Friendly Restaurants In Denver

Watercourse Foods (credit: Watercourse Foods)

Denver has been recognized as one of the healthiest and fittest states in the union so it's no surprise that eating healthy, fresh fare is important to many locals. Many people have opted to leave all animal products and by-products behind, instead opting to eat wholesome raw veggies and fruits for nutrition. The restaurant world saw this niche and has capitalized with many fine and casual dining locales that serve vegan dishes. Below are the top five vegan restaurants in Denver.

Watercourse Foods
837 E. 17th Ave.
Denver, CO 80218
(303) 832-7313
www.watercoursefoods.com

Watercourse Foods serves a strictly vegan menu and it is adoringly called a "vegan comfort food" restaurant. Serving breakfast all day, along with lunch and dinner, Watercourse is open seven days a week. This spot is a favorite of vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters alike because its unique dishes and delicious recipes please the palate, leaving no one disappointed.

City O' City
206 E. 13th Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 831-6443
www.cityocitydenver.com

When you're looking for a hip option, City O' City is as cool as it gets. The strictly vegetarian and vegan restaurant has a large and diverse menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Because the options are limitless, City O' City keeps patrons coming back time and time again for the great food and trendy atmosphere.

Root Down
1600 W. 33rd Ave.
Denver, CO 80211
(303) 993-4200
www.rootdowndenver.com

Root Down, located in North Denver (the Highlands, to some), is a "field to fork" restaurant that caters to all dietary restrictions. From vegetarian to vegan to gluten intolerant to the typical omnivore, Root Down will serve a dish to delight everyone. Its cuisine is "globally influenced" and its menu caters to seasonal availability ensuring that the decadent dishes are as fresh as possible.

Related: Top Food Trucks In Denver

Denver Lotus
1015 S. Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO 80219
(303) 936-5610
www.denverlotus.com

For a healthy, vegetarian (and vegan) menu that evokes the tastes of Vietnam, authentically, Denver Lotus excels. Thuy, the head chef and owner, has been cooking since she was a child. Her time learning how to prepare vegan dishes at a Buddhist temple is apparent in the diverse and delicious menu. Denver Lotus, though meat-free, has been known to convert even the most passionate carnivore.

Beet Box
1030 E. 22nd Ave.
Denver, CO 80205
(303) 861-0017
www.beetboxdenver.com

When you're looking for a quick bite or a vegan baked item, then Beet Box Bakery and Cafe is ideal. Using mostly organic and non-GMO ingredients while guaranteeing no artificial colorings or preservatives, Beet Box is the bakery for anyone with special dietary needs or food allergies. Everything at Beet Box is made from scratch and is vegan, using raw ingredients. This spot is happy to make special orders or discuss the ingredients with any patron, so stop by to grab an easy breakfast or have Beet Box cater your next big event.

Related: Top Food Shares In The Denver Area

Nicole Cormier is a hip-hop head with business ambitions who stumbled awkwardly into journalism in 2007 as Colorado Music Buzz's hip-hop editor. She is the publisher and editor of the Colorado hip-hop e-magazine. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.