When I first booked a work trip to St. Louis earlier this year, I had to admit that I was apprehensive about the eating situation. Conferences usually aren’t vegan-friendly, and even though St. Louis is a bigger city, I was skeptical. But my apprehension was completely unfounded. I discovered that St. Louis has a plethora of vegan restaurants, but also many non-vegan restaurants with vegan-friendly options if you’re traveling with non-vegan companions or just in the mood for something else. So, here we go: here’s an inexhaustive list of non-vegan places where you can find vegan food in St. Louis:
Aubergine
Thai food is my absolute favorite; it’s what I ask for for dinner on my birthday each year. So, none of my lists would ever be complete without a Thai food recommendation. In St. Louis, that’s Aubergine. The stir-fry aubergine and tofu, sweet chili basil bomb, Thai fried rice, yellow curry, and a few other dishes can be made vegan-friendly. Essentially, their vegetarian dishes can easily be made vegan upon request (be sure to specify no egg or fish sauce), and they do have aubergine (eggplant) on their menu. They are open for lunch and dinner on Mondays to Wednesdays and Fridays, and dinner only on the weekend. They are closed on Thursday.
Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery
Not quite a restaurant, but I always need a sweet treat after a meal. Especially during the summer months, that sweet treat is ice cream. In St. Louis, Clementine’s Creamery has some vegan options in rotation! These aren’t just limited to sorbets (which tend to be the only vegan-friendly options at most ice cream parlors), but other flavors, including strawberry crunch and blueberry crumble. They’re open seven days a week.
Station No. 3
Though not 100% vegan, Station No. 3 is very close to it. They describe their menu as “plant-forward comfort food”, which couldn’t be closer to the truth, and now have just a single location in Kirkwood. They have a plethora of options, their menu is clearly labeled, and they also have a brunch menu! When I ordered from them, I got a vegan bacon avocado wrap with skinny fries, which I did really enjoy, and vegan mozzarella sticks, which I will order every and any time that they’re available. And for dessert, I tried their vegan vanilla soft serve ice cream, which was incredible.
HandleBar
Another gastropub option, like Station No. 3, HandleBar, has quite a few vegan-friendly options, including vegan pizzas (with an upcharge for vegan cheese). They do have an Impossible vegan pizza too! It’s a popular spot with a great atmosphere, and perfect for a night out with friends who might be non-vegans.
Kalbi Taco Shack
If you’re in the mood for Asian-Mexican fusion food, look no further than Kalbi Taco Shack. They’ve been around for nearly a decade, and they are a nut and MSG-free kitchen with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly options. You build your own entree from a selection of tacos, burritos, rice bowls, quesadillas, brunch burritos, or protein boxes. Their vegan-friendly protein options include sweet-and-spicy jackfruit, roasted sweet potatoes, and sautéed tofu. The Asian slaw, and chips and salsa are also vegan, and they make their own vegan aioli in-house. They’re open seven days a week with varied hours.
Kimchi Guys
Though they don’t have a ton of vegan options, Kimchi Guys is a popular, casual, local chain. Vegans can order the vegan bibimbap, which includes plant-based protein, sautéed veggies, KG sauce, green onions, romaine lettuce, rice, sesame seeds, and sesame oil, or the vegan tako trio, which comes with plant-based protein and romaine lettuce. It does leave a little something to be desired from my perspective, but it’s not bad in a pinch and is walking distance to landmarks like the Gateway Arch.
Latté Lounge + HG Eatery
Latté Lounge + HG Eatery is a coffee lounge and restaurant that has a few vegan-friendly options, including breakfast fried rice, avocado toast, breakfast scramble, and more. Plant-based milk, cheese, eggs, and meats are also available. The vibe feels a little more upscale, and great for a weekend brunch. They are closed on Mondays.
Saucy Porka
When I was doing my initial research, Saucy Porka kept coming up. They have a separate vegan menu, which includes a Puerto Rican rice bowl, a tofu banh mi, a veggie buddha, a panang tofu taco, a panang tofu taco, and fries. They have a few locations (including one in Chicago), and are open seven days a week with varied hours.
Sylvia Dee’s
Another non-vegan ice cream spot, Sylvia Dee’s has coffee, ice cream, and other treats. They have two vegan flavors and non-dairy milks for coffees, and according to a HappyCow review, the chocolate cones are also vegan. They’re open seven days a week with varied hours.
Pad Thai St. Louis
Of course, I had to round out this list with another Thai restaurant: Pad Thai St. Louis. Because who would I be if I didn’t? Thai food is usually vegan-friendly, so it’s no surprise that I’ve included two on this list. Their menu is clearly labeled with allergen information, which is always a nice surprise. They have plenty of vegan-friendly options, including siam curry, vegan fried rice, vegan spicy basil, and tofu pad pug. They’re open seven days a week, but half an hour later on weekends.
Did I miss your favorite spot to get vegan food in St. Louis? Let me know what it is in the comments below!
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