Welcome back to Detroit Mom’s Starting a Plant-Based Diet Made Easy!
In Part 1 and Part 2, we talked about how to start a plant-based diet in a no-stress and healthy way, and how to cook nutritious meals at home. Now that you’ve got the tricks of the trade down, it’s time to have some fun and explore plant-based options in Metro Detroit!
So, grab your purse, we’re going out for dinner tonight! (Or, maybe just bringing some take-out home!)
Eating Plant-Based Around Detroit
Going out for lunch or dinner, or in big groups, can sometimes feel impossible for those on a meat-free diet. Luckily, Metro Detroit has a large variety of restaurants that cater to vegans and vegetarians, with plenty of options for your carnivorous friends and family to enjoy, too! Check out this list of tasty places to try:
Burgers, Pizza & All Your Faves!
Unburger | Dearborn
Burgers, “chicken” sandwiches, and even a Philly Cheesesteak headline this all plant-based menu. Unburger is favorite amongst vegan metro-Detroiters.
Grandma Bob’s Handmade Pizza | Detroit
Everything from salads to pizza, and even their ranch comes in a vegan option!
ShimmyShack | Plymouth
Sassy, fast-food, and vegan describe this fun spot! Keep an eye out for their food truck, too!
Ale Mary’s Beer Hall | Royal Oak
Chili Cheese Fries, Chorizo Tacos, and S’mores Milkshake…all vegan? You bet! Ask for the vegan menu to have your taste buds blown away!
Berkley Common | Berkley
A great spot for groups with a large selection of plant-based menu options and modifications.
The Old Shillelagh | Detroit
This downtown Detroit staple has come a long way from just your St. Patrick’s Day hangout. They have a full vegan menu with all your favorite bar food, plant-based style!
PJ’s Lager House | Detroit
Come hungry as this menu features vegan biscuits and gravy and a Tempeh “Bacon,” Lettuce, Avocado, Tomato sandwich, among other delicious options.
Lighter Fare
Cacao Tree Cafe | Royal Oak
Grab a fresh juice and a tasty lunch at this entirely plant-based eatery.
Chive En Casa | Farmington
If you’re looking for true vegan takeout, this place offers hot and ready daily specials along with plant-based groceries and beverages, too! For a fun outing, check out their ticketed five-course vegan dinners.
Inn Seasons Cafe | Royal Oak
This farm-to-table restaurant puts a whole new spin on Sunday brunch with their tasty all-vegetarian offerings.
Asian Appetites
Maru | Detroit (+multiple locations across Michigan)
These aren’t your typical veggie rolls! Try their innovative take on vegetarian sushi rolls, sharing plates, and sides.
Red Star | Dearborn
If you’re craving some “beef” and broccoli or a nice General Tso’s “chicken,” this is the place to go for all your favorite Chinese meals, the plant-based way.
ima | Detroit (Corktown/Midtown)/Madison Heights
In the mood for Ramen? You won’t be disappointed with the variety of plant-based options available at this casual spot.
Takoi | Detroit
Eclectic and fun, Takoi doesn’t just offer a large variety of vegan and vegetarian meals, but also has an inspiring “true Detroit” story!
The Peterboro | Detroit
If you’re searching for a great date spot or girl’s night out, this chic restaurant has a dish for everyone and doesn’t shy away from plant-based offerings.
Looking for a Little Spice?
Mr. Kebob & Mr. Kebob Xpress | Metro Detroit (multiple locations)
If you’ve got a hankering for some hummus and falafel, look no further!
Taste Of Ethiopia | Southfield
For a true cultural dining experience, check out this family-owned restaurant which features a separate vegetarian menu.
NeeHees | Troy/Canton
Serving a 100% vegetarian menu, you can’t go wrong with these delicious Indian dishes!
2941 StreetFood | Metro Detroit (multiple locations)
With so many options to choose from, everyone will find something they love at this tasty Mediterranean eatery.
The Blue Nile | Ferndale
Enjoy an authentic Ethiopian meal by ordering the “Vegetarian Feast” at this unique, local destination.
Comfort Food For the Soul
Seva | Detroit
Totally vegetarian, the menu has a little bit of everything to satisfy whatever you’re in the mood for PLUS it’s great for kids!
Detroit Vegan Soul | Detroit (West Village/Grandmont-Rosedale)
Get your fix of your favorite southern classics at Detroit’s most popular plant-based spot.
Chili Mustard Onions | Detroit
All vegan Coney Dogs, do we really need to say more?! Plus, all your other favorites.
Nosh Pit | Hamtramck
Mac n’ Cheese, Sloppy Joe, and Mozzarella Sticks are just some of the comfort foods you’ll find on this all plant-based menu. Find their food truck around town, too!
Pietrzyk Pierogi | Detroit
We all crave a taste of grandma’s pierogi every now and then. This Polish shop offers an extensive menu of vegetarian fillings to fill your heart and your stomach.
Sweet Treats
Good Cakes & Bakes | Detroit
This colorful bakery is all about organic and yummy plant-based options so you can be vegan and eat your cake, too!
iFreeze Creamery | Sterling Heights
Give in to your sweet tooth with a menu of non-dairy ice cream flavors available and an entire box of vegan toppings to choose from.
Donut Bar | Troy/Southfield
Get ready for the tastiest vegan donuts of your life! Flavors like Peanut Butter Chocolate Oreo, Strawberry Sprinkles, and more!
Ice Cream Plant | In stores
It’s literally in the name, ice cream made from plants! This Detroit-based company offers your favorite flavors plus some out-of-the-box originals. Check their website to find them in a store near you.
Shopping Plant-Based Around Detroit
When going out or getting takeout aren’t an option, you can always recreate that restaurant experience at home by purchasing some fun items like veggie dogs, vegan marshmallows, or meat-free burger patties. I’m happy to report that, as a plant-based Metro Detroit mom, I’ve never had an easier time locating the products I need.
- Look for the vegan refrigerated sections at any major grocery like Kroger or Meijer. They also have dry goods across various aisles.
- Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, and Nino Salvagio will carry more speciality brands like the popular Beyond Burger or Just Egg.
- For every day staples, check Target or Walmart. They sell easy-to-find essentials, vegan mayo, non-dairy milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips!
- You can look around your area for any specifically plant-based stores like natural food markets or health food stores.
More Ways to Experience The Yum!
When people think about Detroit, the phrase “vibrant plant-based food scene” doesn’t necessarily spring to mind. However, there are a lot of fun ways to keep experiencing all the different restaurants and brands Detroit has to offer.
VegMichigan | The best resource for all things vegan in Michigan. They also put on Michigan’s VegFest every year as well as free food festivals where you can come and discover new restaurants.
Street Beet Detroit | This is a fun way to try out new plant-based creations. This kitchen is a pop-up shop that finds its way into your favorite bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. Follow them on social media to see where they’ll “pop-up” next and for carry-out info.
Sports & Sounds! | Headed out to a concert? Ready to cheer on your favorite Detroit Tiger? Have no fear, LCA, Ford Field, and Comerica all serve veggie dogs alongside other plant-based options. If DCFC is more your thing, I’ve got even better news for you—they have a food truck corral with some of our favorite restaurants and plenty of meat-free options.
