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Photo courtesy of The Kitchen by Cooking with Que
Here in Metro Detroit, there are several local spots committed to serving vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. From delicious street food to nutrient-packed lunches, there are a plethora of choices that cater specifically to those seeking plant-based options. Let’s dive into some of the most exciting vegan and vegetarian menus in the area, showcasing the unique offerings and the passionate restaurants behind them…
ALE MARY’S
316 South Main Street, Royal Oak
At first glance, you wouldn’t think Ale Mary’s would be a spot for vegetarian or vegan fare. But the main menu is sprinkled with vegetarian options and there is a whole-page menu for vegan selections as well. The vegan menu has a wide variety from burgers to entrees and even shakes made with vegan ice cream that are mouthwatering. There are options like veggie tacos, Mediterranean bowls, and more, with shareables like vegan Korean fried shrimp or chili cheese fries too. Ale Mary’s ensures that plant-based eaters don’t have to compromise on flavor or menu options. It’s a local favorite for a reason!
BREADLESS
2760 Larned Street, Detroit
181 South Livernois Road, Rochester Hills
Breadless is the top spot for those who are looking to eat lighter and cleaner by getting reacquainted with vegetables. According to Marc Howland, Breadless CEO and co-founder, Breadless is the only restaurant of its kind in the nation to offer chef-crafted sandwiches wrapped in nutrient-rich leafy greens. “Breadless also offers diverse rice bowls and salads. Breadless offers in-store dining, takeout, preorder pickup, delivery, and catering, and aims to create a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy our innovative, healthy meals,” said Howland. He shares, “Breadless is Black-owned and was founded by Marc Howland, LaTresha (LC) Howland, and Ryan Eli Salter, driven by the need for accessible, tasty, and healthy offerings.” The sandwiches, salads, and bowls combine the nutrition of super greens with the flavor you’re craving. They have a ton of options that are vegetarian and vegan friendly including wraps and bowls with falafel, veggies, and mushrooms as meat substitutes. The sweet potato and squash bowl stands out, as does the spicy falafel sandwich. For a custom meal, each entree has a build-your-own option available as well.
NEEHEE’S
4924 Rochester Road, Troy
45656 Ford Road, Canton
Neehee’s is an Indian street food restaurant that serves delicious meals to accommodate just about every type of diet. Dipali Patel, CMO, shares, “Neehee’s stands out for its extensive and diverse menu, which blends traditional flavors with a modern twist. The restaurant is noted for its authentic offerings, from chaat and dosas to unique fusion dishes, appealing to both traditional tastes and adventurous palates. Neehee’s also shines in its community engagement and dedication to quality. The founders’ passion for their heritage and culinary excellence is evident in every aspect of the restaurant, from the carefully curated menu to the welcoming ambiance.” With an extensive vegan menu, ranging from Gobi Manchurian (crispy fried cauliflower and bell peppers tossed in Manchurian sauce) and Vada Sambhar (savory lentil donuts with sambhar and chutneys) to Szechuan fried rice and samosas, there are delicious options for everyone.
UNBURGER GRILL
22018 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn
At Unburger Grill, the mission is simple: to redefine the fast-food experience with healthy, delicious, and extensive plant-based offerings. Located in Dearborn, Unburger Grill serves up a range of vegan burgers, sandwiches, and sides that are sure to satisfy. The burgers are made with house-made black bean patties or Ultimate Beef patties ‘without the moo’, and the chicken options are plant-based as well. As for sides, the loaded fries and nachos are a must, as are the maple mustard slaw and Hippie Hash. With a welcoming atmosphere and a menu designed to cater to diverse tastes, Unburger Grill is perfect for anyone eager to explore the benefits of plant-based dining without sacrificing flavor.
THE KITCHEN BY COOKING WITH QUE
6529 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
The Kitchen by Cooking with Que is a testament to the culinary vision of Chef Que Rice, also known as Chef Que. As the founder, she proudly shares, “Detroit’s only demonstration kitchen and restaurant, The Kitchen by Cooking with Que serves as a cafe experience by day & event space by night serving healthy and happy dining options for vegans and meat eaters to dine under one roof.” This dual-purpose space not only offers a delicious array of plant-based dishes but also serves as a hub for culinary education and community events. On the menu, guests will find fresh salads, scrumptious appetizers like pan-fried Brussels sprouts and cauliflower wings, along with handhelds like the Oh Kale Yeah Burger and vegan Caprese panini. For weekend brunch, check out the apple butter pancakes, vegan chicken and waffles, or the stacked waffle sandwich.
TRAP VEGAN
20198 Livernois, Detroit
Trap Vegan makes waves in the Detroit vegan scene with its bold flavors and creative menu. Known for its airy atmosphere, Trap Vegan offers a variety of plant-based dishes that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans alike. From the barbecue jackfruit burger with grilled onions, spicy vegan cheese, and avocado spread, to the deep-fried cauliflower and loaded nachos with pineapple salsa, vegan queso, and more, every dish is crafted with a focus on flavor. For a sweeter choice, check out the acai bowls or the extensive smoothie menu.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on June 29, 2023, and was authored by Katie Goncalves.
