The Vegan Guide to Portland Oregon (Restaurants, Bars, Coffee Shops, & More)
Shortly after moving to Portland, I adopted a vegan lifestyle. I’d previously been vegetarian, but had found it difficult to conceive a life without dairy and eggs. Mostly, from lack of education on substitutes, but Idaho was not the most vegan friendly of locations. When I arrived in Portland, I was shocked with how many restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and even grocery stores were fully vegan or had significant vegan options. I also saw my friends leading happily vegan lives. There is a reason that Portland is consistently voted the most vegan friendly city in the United States.
Here’s a guide to my favorite vegan spots in Portland after living here almost a decade.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Portland, Oregon
Portland is home to well over 50 fully vegan restaurants. Let’s break down my favorites.
Vegan Mexican Food
- Mis Tacones – This is a somewhat longtime favorite. They were first a food truck next to a favorite coffee shop mentioned below (Jet Black). They now have a physical restaurant on Killingsworth and an expanded menu. It’s well worth the trip.
- La Taquiza Vegana (Permanently Closed) – This one hurts, it was my favorite spot for tacos in Portland. They closed their food truck in mid-January 2023.
- Robo Taco – While this isn’t a fully vegan restaurant, they have a wide variety of vegan tacos/burritos. The faux pork taco is my go to!
- Taquería Los Puñales – This spot surprised me, I was looking for a bite to eat after a drink at the vegan bar next door (Sweet Hearafter) and went for their vegan mole taco.. incredible. They also have a very tasty vegan tinga!
Vegan Breakfast Restaurants
- Paradox Cafe – This is an old-school classic vegan spot for breakfast in Portland. The P-dox Benedict is one of my all-time favorite breakfasts.
- Off The Griddle – This vegan brunch spot sets the standard in Portland, the Brisket Hash is incredible.. as is the blue plate.. or the full mess.. it’s impossible to go wrong.
- Harlow – They now have two locations, Hawthorne and NW 23rd. This place is a staple for a clean simple menu, juices, or smoothies.
- DC Vegetarian – They’re well known for the burgers and sandos, but the breakfast sandwiches are one of the best deals in town!
- Vertical Diner – This restored roadside diner is the perfect spot to grab breakfast or brunch. A bit outside of town, off SW Barbur, it’s worth the trip.
Nectar Cafe – A quiet cafe, a block off Sandy in Hollywood. The breakfast burrito is a classic.Sad Update – Nectar Cafe is closed.
Top Vegan Coffee Shops in PDX
- Jet Black – This is one of my favorite spots to go hang out, grab a great coffee, maybe a vegan breakfast sandwich, and sit in their beautiful space. The decor is a tasteful collection of tattoo flash, lovely indoor plants, and music history.
- Nectar Cafe
– Good spot for a coffee, juice, or smoothie in Hollywood.Sad Update, Nectar Cafe is closed. - Oracle Coffee – lovely spot on the South Waterfront. They make a killer cappuccino. Good food as well!
- La Perlita – This shop in North Portland is definitely worth checking out. Try it on a Sunday.. free conchas!
- Daylily – This super cute shop has some seriously amazing latte art.. and a great vegan menu.
Vegan Pizza
- Secret Pizza Society – This was a surprise addition to my neighborhood a few years ago, the Classique Pepperoni is my go to pie. Their caesar salad is delightful as well.
- Boxcar Pizza – Detroit style pizza in the zipper. Fun flavor combos and they are now serving slices.
- Virtuous Pie – They’re a bit expensive, but you get those high-end flavors.
- Sizzle Pie – They always have at least one or two vegan slices available. The Spiral Tap is a classic.
- Rudy’s Pizza – I’m a big fan, their garlic cheezy bread is unreal.
Vegan BBQ
- Homegrown Smoker – A classic BBQ spot in St. Johns. The tempeh ribs are my fave.
- Dirty Lettuce – Great Southern BBQ in a cute spot. Former food truck favorite.
- The Mockingbird – Fried Chick’n Sandos that will blow your mind.
Favorite Vegan Bars in Portland
- Black Water
- Sweet Hearafter (RIP)
- Bye & Bye
- Victoria
- Thunderbird
- Hungry tiger
- SportsBox
Vegan Food Trucks
- Chilango
Vegan Junk Food
- Vegan Junk food
- Next Level
- DC Vegetarian
- Chubby Bunny
- Super Deluxe
- Plant Based Papi
Vegan Sushi
Fancy Vegan Restaurants
Vegan Dessert Shops in Portland
- Sweet Pea Baking
- Shoofly Vegan Bakery
- Rawdacious Desserts
- Petunia’s Pies & Pastries
- Unicorn Bake Shop
- Doe Donuts
- Tiny Moreso
- Hail Snail
- Kate’s Ice Cream
- Ramblin’ Rose Vegan Ice Cream
- Ice Queen
- Carina’s Bakery
Hello! I visited 3 of the coffee shops on the list today: Daylilly, Jet Black Coffee, and Perlita. The staff for all of them were knowledgeable and kind, but I just wanted to reach out to let you know that Perlita is not (or no longer?) vegan. The staff there told me that none of the pastries are vegan and many of the syrups contain honey. I just wanted to let you know so that you can update your information! They still have plant milk options, though.
Thank you!
Oracle coffee has now closed 🙁
Nora is the best vegan Thai!!
Ugh, probably my favorite restaurant in Portland!! <3