No eggs, no cheese, no butter, no seafood, no meat—no problem? Then you’re probably a vegan.
Whether chosen as a matter of health, conscience or both, it’s a lifestyle that requires a bit of research to ensure a truly vegan experience when patronizing South Carolina restaurants. After all, you’re in the land of barbecue, macaroni and cheese, shrimp and grits, fried chicken and biscuits, which can pose more than a few dining challenges.
If you’re a vegan dining out in Columbia, there are vegan-friendly restaurants waiting to exceed your expectations. Here some that cater to the plant-based loving crowd:
A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen
If you want to indulge in all your favorite meat dishes without the meat, A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen is the place for you. Though the cuisine is purely plant-based, this cafe doesn’t give off a heavy health-food vibe. You can still dig into a chili-cheese dog without ingesting one iota of animal product.
Satisfy your craving for soul food, too, with sides like creamy mac and cheese, locally grown collards and black-eyed peas. Even chicken and waffles make an appearance from time to time. Open for breakfast and lunch.
Vegan raves: Mac and cheese, fried chicken slider, purple cabbage, carrot cake
Tasty As Fit
A grab-and-go eatery, Tasty As Fit offers smoothies, salads, wraps and vegan chili and other seasonal fare. For the vegan sweet tooth, the no-bake turtle brownies, chickpea truffles, chia seed pudding and lots of other tasty options.
Vegan raves: Thai crunch salad, vegan soups, Lucky Charm smoothie
Reizod Vegan Experience
An eclectic menu woven with raw dishes, soul food and Indian cuisine draws a discerning crowd to the Reizod Vegan Experience. The proprietors pride themselves on operating a restaurant that strives for a non-GMO, organic and largely soy-free lineup of dishes. If you’re considering adopting a vegan lifestyle, at this cafe you’ll find plenty of tasty reasons to follow through.
Vegan raves: Philly Cheezsteak, Jerk Chikin, empañadas, samosas, fresh juices
The Hoot
This quirky bar/cafe on Rosewood Drive specializes in 100% vegan food and drinks. Enjoy a tasty cocktail then dig in to burgers, sandwiches, nachos, hummus, boiled peanuts and other delicious plant-based munchies and plates.
Vegan raves: Philly Sando, Shroom Mac-n-Cheez, hushpuppies, chai martini
