Whether you’re a vegetarian, a vegan, or just someone who doesn’t eat meat, there are plenty of great restaurants in Milwaukee for you to check out. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite, or a fancy dinner, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Strange Town
Located on the East Side of Milwaukee, Strange Town is a 100% plant based/vegan restaurant. It offers an eclectic menu of vegetarian and vegan dishes. The restaurant’s unique vibe and charming decor make it a nice spot for a date night or an event. It’s also a great place to have a casual meal.
The menu at Strange Town changes seasonally. The food options include tacos, acai bowls, and salads. The restaurant’s wine menu features natural wines and Old World imported beers. The menu also includes simple apertifs, including a ‘cheese’ based margarita.
Maya Ophelia’s
Located in Bay View, Maya Ophelia’s has been around for a few years now. Their restaurant has made the rounds at several local spots, including The Mothership and Cactus Club. They have also been known to host special events such as their monthly vegan taco pop-ups. Their menu is no doubt a blend of traditional and modern gastronomic delights, with the most popular items on the menu being the Filipino and Mexican categories.
The restaurant is notable for its high quality food, attentive service, and a funky environment. There are two locations, both of which are open for business.
Beans & Barley
Whether you’re in the mood for a tasty vegan lunch or brunch, Beans and Barley Cafe is the place to go. With a huge menu and attentive service, this cafe provides an all-around dining experience.
Beans and Barley is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving vegan food in Milwaukee for years. They started out as a small health-food store in 1973, and have since grown to become a full-service restaurant and catering service.
Beans and Barley serves three meals a day, including lunch, dinner, and brunch. The menu offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including salads, smoothies, vegan sandwiches, and burritos.
On the Bus
Located in the Milwaukee Public Market, On The Bus offers a variety of vegan options. The restaurant is located in a vintage 1971 Volkswagen bus. This is a convenient locale for those who enjoy a beer and a bite to eat. The restaurant is also an excellent jumping off point for those who are planning a day of exploring the city’s many offerings. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating.
On the Bus also offers vegan snacks and drinks. The menu features the usual suspects as well as a few notable surprises. One of the most intriguing offerings is a smorgasbord of vegan confections. Another novelty is a small-batch maker of vegan ice cream. The food is of a high quality and is sure to please both the palate and the wallet.
Royally Vegan
Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Royally Vegan is a vegan restaurant that caters to vegetarians and vegans. In addition to serving comfort food, Royally Vegan also educates customers about meatless diets.
While Milwaukee is known for its meat and potatoes, the city has a burgeoning vegan food scene. From innovative cafes to late-night bar eats, vegans will have no problem finding a place to eat in Milwaukee.
Beerline Cafe is an award-winning “fresh-casual” cafe that features an extensive menu of plant-based cuisines. In addition to an extensive selection of salads, smoothies, and breakfast items, the cafe also offers a variety of specialty dishes.
Purple Door
Located in the Walker’s Point neighborhood, Purple Door is a modern ice cream shop that focuses on artisanal scoops in fun, innovative flavors. The Purple Door is also known for its recycled decor. This ice cream shop offers tasting flights as well as vegan pops.
Purple Door also serves sandwiches, shakes, and cakes. The shop’s vegan “ice cream” is a riff on the classic flavor, Blue Moon, which is made with coconut milk. The vegan “ice cream” will be available at Purple Door locations and select area grocers. Some of the flavors include Peach Raspberry, Dark Chocolate, and Cold Brew Coffee.
Vanguard
Located in downtown Milwaukee, The Vanguard is a counter-service bar-restaurant with an impressive beer and cocktail list and exceptional appetizers. Open seven days a week, it features tubed and tube-less meat delicacies in a modern setting. It offers a menu of creative sausages and has vegetarian and vegan options. Guests can also enjoy solid craft cocktails, a variety of beers and wines, and outdoor seating. It’s a fun, charming place with a great atmosphere. The staff is friendly and can help newcomers to the restaurant find a seat.
The Vanguard’s menu is always evolving, and it phases out old menu items. A popular item is the Fried Pork Belly, which is served with mustard BBQ sauce, corn fritters, pickles, toasted sourdough and a side of house habanero. Another menu item is the Hungarian Sausage, which is topped with cheddar, pineapple, cream cheese, and bourbon mornay. The menu also features the Soy Meets World, an Italian dish made with soy sauce and seitan, and the Lambo 3: Third Blood, which features lamb and chicken sausage, pork rinds, queso fresco, tomato, and salsa.
