Whether you are looking to explore vegan restaurants in Ames IA or you are a resident who needs to find a place to eat that is both healthy and delicious, this list will help you find the best vegan restaurants in Ames IA. The article will cover several different locations, including Oasis, Scratch Cupcakery, Odd Fellows, Lalibela, West Street Deli, and Three Happiness Express.
Dodge Street Coffeehouse
Located on the northeast corner of Iowa City, Dodge Street Coffeehouse is a family-friendly cafe offering a drive-thru coffee service, play area for kids, and healthy offerings from local food businesses. It was recently voted one of the best vegan restaurants in Ames, Iowa.
The coffeehouse is attached to a Subway restaurant. The building is also home to a BP gas station, making it a convenient location. Several businesses are also located on nearby Northgate Drive.
Oasis
Founded by a couple who were looking to recreate Mediterranean food from their family’s recipes, Oasis Falafel has become a beloved Iowa City institution for 15 years. Their first brick and mortar restaurant opened in 2004 in Iowa City, and a second one opened in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2018. In addition to the original location, there are also two locations in Iowa City and one in Des Moines.
Stomping Grounds
Located near Iowa State University, Stomping Grounds is a vegan restaurant that offers both gourmet and refined vegan dishes. This establishment is noted for its good service and quiet atmosphere. The cafe is also noted for its affordable prices.
The cafe’s menu features crepes, soups, salads, sandwiches, and wine. The restaurant also offers a variety of seating options, including a sun-soaked patio. The cafe offers a vegetarian option for spaghetti, and the food is gluten-free.
Three Happiness Express
Located inside a renovated grain mill, this is a vegetarian cafe that serves vegan dosa and portobello gyro. Their sandwiches, soups and a variety of other items are fresh, flavorful and generously portioned.
This is a new venture for Beth Jackson. Her previous endeavors include Nourished and Great Plains Sauce and Dough Company. She is currently getting ready to launch a new venture in the Des Moines area. It will be a seventy five percent women owned venture.
Odd Fellows
Those in search of a vegan restaurant in Ames, Iowa, can be reassured that there is a good selection to choose from. There are a number of places that specialize in traditional burgers, while others have a large selection of vegan options. You can also find plant-based milk options in hot drinks. There are plenty of opportunities for dining with the whole family, too.
Lalibela
Located in the Tempe strip mall, this Ethiopian restaurant has been around for a long time. The menu offers a number of items on the menu, but the “Veggie Utopia” is what sets it apart. It’s also a great place to test the water for your next trip to Ethiopia. They have a great selection of injera and other traditional Ethiopian foods.
Cortado
Whether you’re in the mood for a cortado or a latte, the Cortado vegan restaurant in Ames, IA, offers you an assortment of warm caffeinated beverages. You’ll also find Mediterranean salads, sandwiches and fresh baked goods.
Cortados, located near the Old Capitol dome, was started by Yochai Harel and Ryan O’Leary. The coffee shop quickly established a following in the Clinton Street area.
Nodo
Located in the Prairie Lights Bookstore complex, Nodo is the kind of restaurant that’s hard to ignore. It’s the kind of place where you can build your own sandwich and it’s easy to spot the vegan options.
The restaurant does a fair amount of business during lunchtime, but it’s still worth a stop if you’re in the mood for a burger, salad or sandwich. The vegan options on the menu include a portobello gyro, a quinoa bowl and a mushroom and spinach quiche.
Scratch Cupcakery
Apparently, Scratch Cupcakery isn’t the only local bakery that offers vegan cupcakes and scones. The company has bakeries in Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and West Des Moines. Some locations even have outdoor seating in the warmer months. The company has been around for a long time, and has some enviable perks. The best part is that you don’t have to be a vegan to dine here.
West Street Deli
Whether you are a vegan or just someone who doesn’t like meat, you’ll love the West Street Deli. They serve a variety of breads, sauces, and toppings so you can build your own sandwich. This deli is also great for people who like to try different types of meats.
The front patio is a great place to sit during warm weather. There is also a play area for kids.
