Animal rights charity PETA has published a list of the top ten most vegan-friendly cities in the United States in 2025. Each location offers a diverse range of plant-based options, from major chains to small pop-ups.
The top three
Despite its reputation for deep-dish pizza and meaty sandwiches, Chicago tops this year’s list. PETA praises options such as Buona’s Italian Beefless Sandwich and Bowl, the Radical Reuben at The Chicago Diner, and custom vegan cakes from Alliance Bakery.
Philadelphia, once considered one of the US’s unhealthiest cities, has now been named the second-most vegan-friendly. The Nile Cafe serves plant-based comfort food classics, while Vedge offers upscale dishes. Meanwhile, Monster Vegan serves craft cocktails and dishes such as a charcuterie board with dairy-free artisan cheeses.
In third place is the nation’s capital, Washington. PETA recommends visiting eateries such as Ben’s Chili Bowl, Spike Mendelsohn’s PLNT Burger, and Black-owned business NuVegan Cafe.
Other leading cities
The top ten is completed by:
- Denver — Colorado’s capital boasts two vegan restaurants that were founded in the 1990s and are still going strong today — Watercourse Foods and City, O’ City. It is also home to The Easy Vegan, a pop-up kitchen that won The Great Food Truck Race on Food Network.
- New Orleans — The ideal destination for those who want to experience a vegan twist on Cajun and Creole cuisine. Top spots include Meals From the Heart Cafe and Sweet Soulfood.
- Atlanta — PETA recommends that visitors to Georgia’s capital try out popular burger chain Slutty Vegan, Dulce Vegan Bakery & Cafe, and more.
- Charlotte — This North Carolina city is an ideal spot for vegan Southern dishes such as the Pimento Cheesish Dip at Bean Vegan Cuisine, Biscuits and Gravy at fine-dining spot Sanctuary Bistro, and Chick’n & Waffle at Love in Action Cafe.
- Detroit — Choose from dishes such as Fried “Catfish” Tofu at Detroit Vegan Soul, stretchy cashew cheese sticks at Spacecat V-stro, and many more.
- Los Angeles — Described as a “vegan paradise”, LA is home to options such as pastries by Just What I Kneaded, tacos from Doomie’s NextMex, and burgers at Monty’s Good Burger.
- New York City — NYC completes the list with vegan cuisines from all over the world, including Korean meals at HanGawi and dim sum at Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant. Visitors can also sample the city’s staple dishes, such as bagels with tofu cream cheese at Liberty Bagels.
“Lots of other cities could’ve made the list, but even if you don’t live near one of this year’s hotspots, it’s easy as vegan pie to spare animals and eat well (and deliciously),” says PETA.
