At first glance, bars might seem like an easy go-to for plant-based eaters, but it’s not always that simple. Some alcohol isn’t vegan-friendly due to hidden ingredients or animal-based filtration methods (more on that below). And when it comes to cocktails, ingredients like egg whites, cream, and honey sometimes sneak into the mix.
Then there’s the food. Having a bite with your drink is a smart move, especially if you’re settling in for a few rounds. But while some bars offer impressive menus, finding solid plant-based options isn’t always easy.
Thankfully, that’s starting to change. A growing number of bars and lounges across the US are serving up standout dishes that just happen to be vegan. We rounded up some of the best spots where you can sip and snack with ease.
Is alcohol vegan?
It might come as a surprise, but not every beer, wine, or spirit is made the same way, and some go through a fining process that uses animal-derived ingredients. Substances like isinglass (from fish), casein (from milk), and egg whites are sometimes used to clarify alcohol and mellow out certain flavors.
These agents typically don’t remain in the final product, but since they’re used in production, some drinkers choose to steer clear. The good news? Many producers are moving toward plant-based alternatives. If you’re curious or want to be sure, our guides to vegan-friendly beer and wine or websites like Barnivore are great resources.
Getty
As for cocktails, things like egg whites, dairy, and even clam juice (in some Bloody Marys and Micheladas) can make an appearance. Drinks like White Russians or Irish Coffees tend to rely on cream-based ingredients, too.
When in doubt, simplicity is key. Classic options like a gin and tonic, vodka soda, or dry martini are typically safe bets. More creative or colorful drinks may be vegan-friendly, but they might require a quick ingredient check.
19 vegan-friendly cocktail bars and breweries
These 19 bars across the country (in no particular order) are serving up standout drinks and delicious plant-based food, so you can kick back, relax, and let the good times roll.
Bar Vegan
1 Bar Vegan
Atlanta, GA
Philanthropist and Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole Hayes opened this concept inside Atlanta’s chic Ponce City Market in 2021. Guests can expect a club-style vibe accompanied by inventive cocktails, mocktails, and an elevated bar food menu. Even for those who don’t partake in alcohol, the fun vibe and Cheezesteak Eggrollz are reason enough to visit Bar Vegan.
Find it here
Charlie was a sinner.
2Charlie was a sinner.
Philadelphia, PA
There’s a reason this Philly mainstay won Best Vegan Bar in the inaugural VegNews Restaurant Awards. The bar’s cool, low-lit atmosphere, small plates, and strong cocktails make it a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike. The cocktail (and zero-proof) selection is experimental and extensive, though not to be outdone by the worldly cuisine. From zucchini crab cake sliders to Turkish lamb kofta, the chefs here show an impressive range. Reservations are highly recommended.
Find it here
Clemente Bar and Studio
3 Clemente Lounge and Studio
New York City, NY
Tucked above the acclaimed three-Michelin-star Eleven Madison Park, Clemente offers a more intimate experience with the same commitment to innovation and elegance—this time, in bar form. Settle into the lounge with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail and share refined bar snacks like sake pickles and thrice-fried potatoes. For something truly elevated, reserve a seat at The Studio’s nine-seat tasting counter, where plant-based dishes and inventive cocktails come together in a front-row culinary performance.
Find it here
Ladybird
4Ladybird
New York, NY
This vegan tapas and wine bar is one of the finest vegetable-forward restaurants in New York City. Each small plate is crafted with whole foods, and it’s a fantastic display of just how magnificent vegetables can taste. The bao buns (any variety) are a must-order, along with the kimchi mac and cheese and strawberry cheesecake. Pair your meal with any of the botanical-inspired cocktails or simply enjoy a glass of wine or beer on tap.
Find it here
Mothership
5Mothership
San Diego, CA
The beverage and food menus at this outer-space-meets-tiki-bar establishment are inspired by tiki-themed pop-ups hosted by its sister restaurant (Kindred), though the decor and mood speak to another worldliness inspired by the galaxies. Expect to sip on beverages like the Away Mission, which features two different types of rum and crème de banane, and Saturn, which features Mothership’s own Saturnalia Gin, passionfruit, lemon, and piloncillo orgeat. Tasty food options include sandwiches, pancakes, and soft-serve ice cream.
Find it here
The Bye & Bye
6 The Bye & Bye
Portland, OR
This vegan bar is essentially Portland. Casual, no-frills, and a bit quirky, it serves up a comprehensive beverage menu with a wide range of warming comfort food. Yes, the cocktails are great and the craft beer selection is impressive, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t order the pretzel knots with housemade cashew cheese sauce and stone-ground mustard. It’s the first thing on the food menu for a reason.
Find it here
Pedal Haus Brewery
7Pedal Haus Brewery
Multiple locations, Arizona
Cornhole pro? Check out Pedal Haus the next time you’re in Arizona. The vegan-friendly brewery boasts four locations across the state, in Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, and Mesa. The beer selection is based on location, but each offers something for every beer connoisseur, from stouts to ales. For non-beer drinkers, there’s also a selection of wine and cocktails. Cold glass in hand, check out the dedicated vegan menu for everything from Bavarian soft pretzels served with “haus mustard” to larger entrée items like Green Chile Burgers and pizza.
Find it here
Pig’s Mind Brewing
8Pig’s Mind Brewing
Machesney Park, IL
Pig’s Mind’s claim to fame is establishing the first vegan brewery in the US, and it’s not on either of the coasts. Located in Machesney Park, IL, this 12-year-old spot specializes in animal-free German lagers and ales, though you can find other types of beer on tap, too. The brewery is family-friendly—complete with a kid’s menu—and cranks out an impressive selection of vegan menu items, including Crispy Chikin Curls, Olive Tapenade Hummus, Reuben Sandwiches, and much more.
Find it here
Beelman’s
9Beelman’s
Los Angeles, CA
Set in Downtown Los Angeles, Beelman’s offers a casual yet often crowded space for Angelenos to grab a beer and watch a game, enjoy a boozy brunch, or sip a flavored mule alongside a thoughtful fusion menu of bar snacks, salads, and mains. While not entirely vegan, Beelman’s offers an extensive vegan menu—you can’t go wrong with any of the craft cocktails, and tots are a must. From tacos to totchos (aka tater tot nachos), Beelman’s knows how to transform basic bar food into something to fawn over.
Find it here
Coffee Beer
10Coffee Beer
Portland, OR
Portland’s Coffee Beer offers exactly what you’d expect: coffee and beer to an incredibly high standard. This dual coffee shop and bar is also home to Phatt Dawgs, a vegan hot dog concept inspired by convenience stores (you know the kind, hot and straight off the roller!). Fill up on brews and dogs all under one roof.
Find it here
Modern Times
11Modern Times
San Diego, CA
This all-vegan brewery and coffee purveyor has two tasting rooms: The Far West Lounge in Encinitas and the Flavordome in North Park. Customers can reliably find homemade brews on tap and by the can, along with a handful of seasonal IPAs and stouts. Those who don’t partake in alcohol can grab a house-roasted coffee or a bag of beans to go.
Alternatively, skip the brews and head straight for the food menu—it’s that good, but you’ll only find eats at the Encinitas location. Here, the kitchen offers bulgogi fries, smash burgers, pretzels, flatbreads, and salads. It’s an eclectic mix of excellently executed bar food staples with a few pleasantly surprising global dishes.
Find it here
@enroutebooze/Izzy Rose
12 Izzy Rose
Brooklyn, NY
There’s something to be said about a solid neighborhood bar. With live jazz on weekdays and a DJ on weekends, Izzy Rose is designed for patrons to have a good time, whether they’re visiting for a casual happy hour or ready to dance the night away. The bar offers spirit-heavy cocktails, a handful of mocktails, natural wine, and both draft and canned beer.
Find it here
@joshdobayproductions/Cloak & Dagger
13 Cloak & Dagger
Cleveland, OH
In Cleveland’s historic Tremont neighborhood, you’ll find Cloak & Dagger, a classy cocktail lounge that offers an array of unique, delicious cocktails (like the Jesus Take the Wheel and Don’t Forget the Pickles) and an all-vegan food menu. The latter features tasty bites like quinoa-stuffed peppers, polenta donuts, and tempeh bbq skewers.
Find it here
Justine’s Wine Bar
14 Justine’s Wine Bar
Los Angeles, CA
If you’re looking for a “sexy little wine bar behind a vegan bakery,” you’ve found it. Justine’s Wine Bar offers an array of indulgent, flavor-packed food options, including Moroccan Cigars made with Impossible meat and polenta with meatballs.
Find it here
Phonobar
15Phonobar
San Francisco, CA
If hisbiscus flower tacos, coconut ceviche, and furikake crab cakes sound delicious to you (and why wouldn’t they?), you need to check out Phonobar. The restaurant offers an extensive vegan menu, which you can wash down with cocktails like Cosmic Disco (with vodka, Cointreau, hibiscus, lemon, and orange), The Manilow Sour (with bourbon, lemon, lime, and blueberry), and Nu-Wave Fashion (a Mezcal Old Fashioned).
Find it here
Garrett Born
16Francis
Minneapolis, MN
For a drink and more than just a bite, head to all-vegan Francis. This burger joint and bar delivers when it comes to classic bar eats made better. Choose between hefty burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and loaded fries to pair with your choice of beer, wine, cocktails, and more.
Find it here
Tony’s Darts Away
17Tony’s Darts Away
Burbank, CA
For a night of billiards, bar games, California brews, and vegan fare, head to Tony’s Darts Away. While not entirely vegan, this neighborhood beer bar offers an extensive menu of carefully crafted plant-based bites. Options range from Bavarian pretzels to vegan wings, smash burgers, tuna melts, and more. Wash it all down with a California-made craft beer.
Find it here
Life On Mars
18 Life On Mars
Capitol Hill, DC
Music-lovers will adore Life On Mars, a popular Capitol Hill bar that doesn’t just sell cocktails, but a range of vinyls, too. After you’re done browsing new records to add to your collection, treat yourself by ordering a tasty feast from the bar’s all-vegan menu. One standout dish is the Mars Platter, which comes loaded with cauliflower wings, Brussels sprouts, potato salad, lots of vegetables, and hummus. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to a burger, vegan fish tacos, or maybe a Fiery Chick’n Sandwich.
Find it here
This post was originally published on VegNews.com.