A Whole Brunch of Vegan Options

A friend recently asked me where to get vegan breakfast beyond the reigning favorites, Squid & Ink and Wayward Cafe (hi Soto!). Made me think that, perhaps, a list of where one can go for vegan delights on a Saturday or Sunday morning in Seattle could be handy.

Of course, I don't know all the places that our little hamlet has to offer, so please, please comment and tell me other places that have good vegan brunch menu items so that I can add them to this list.

As John Gunther said, "All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast." Now go forth, leisure, and break that night time fast!

KEY:
✫= Vegan
v = Vegetarian joint with vegan options
o = Omnivore joint with vegan options

Bang Bang Cafe (o): the vegan breakfast burrito is the thing to order for vegans and omnivores alike. It is packed with tofu, faux meat and comes with with guacamole, etc. They also have vegan muffins and Tofutti vegan cream cheese for their bagels. But only try them on a Saturday, they are closed on Sundays. Neighborhood: Belltown [yelp profile]

Cafe Flora (v): I think of breakfast as a casual affair, and if you are like me, you might think that Flora is a little too fancy for breakfast, but we'd both be wrong. With prices similar to other restaurants, you can get tofu scramble, southern-style fritters, and little vegan cinnamon rolls (the best thing on the menu in my opinion). And you don't have to put on your Sunday best. Neighborhood: Madison Valley [website]



Cafe Venus & Mars Bar (o): a couple of options including a vegan scramble. And good Bloody Marys, if you are into that sort of thing. Neighborhood: Eastlake [website]

Chaco Canyon (✫): oh, you say you DON'T don't want vegan Green Eggs & Ham (photo above right), sourdough Belgian waffles, tofu-crimini scramble, vegan french toast, or house-made granola? Yeah, right. Come and get it, but only on Sundays. Neighborhood: University District [website]

Cortona Cafe (v): they only make one dish. But that dish is done so perfectly and with such love and care, you have to experience it for yourself: a vegan Belgium waffle (photo below left). Psst, it is also wheat free. Neighborhood: Central District [blog post with more info]

5-Point Cafe (o): great for co-dining with drunk carnivores, these guys recently added a tofu scramble to their menu reminiscent of the famous Green Cat tofu scramble. But watch out for the price of this dish, it towers over other diner menu expectations. Neighborhood: Belltown/Denny Regrade/Lower Queen Anne [website]

Flowers Bar & Restaurant (v): not traditional breakfast food, but an entire buffet of vegan food served for bunch. Go here if you are very, very hungry. Neighborhood: University District [yelp profile]

Georgetown Liquor Co (v): One of my very favorite places to eat, brunch or not. They have a make-your-own Bloody Mary bar and the best vegan "Eggs" Benedict north of the Columbia (picture above left). Perfect for groups. Neighborhood: Georgetown [blog post with more info]

Healeo (o): for the health nut in all of us, go to this adorable juice joint for the healthiest smoothy, some raw salads, and vegan muffins by Julia's Bakery. Depending on what you did the night before, I might recommend the Liver Detox juice (wink, wink). Neighborhood: Capitol Hill [website]

Highline Bar (✫): the cuter older brother of Squid & Ink, Highline offers some of the richest hangover curing brunch items and any vegan could ask for. I love the Killer Hash, but I always get a side of the famous vegan cottage cheese. Neighborhood: Capitol Hill [FB Page]

Linda's Tavern (o): these folks are pretty veggie friendly and they always have at least one vegan item on their menu, last time I was there it was a tofu scramble. A good place for your omnivore-friendly outings. Neighborhood: Capitol Hill [yelp profile]

Plum Bistro (✫): by the same owner as Sage, but don't expect the same food. Plum's brunch menu is completely Latin American infused. I can't say enough good things about the Fresh Maize Pancakes. Eat it. Neighborhood: Capitol Hill [website]

Redwood (o): at least 5 different vegan options including a vegan waffle, biscuits and gravy, and a tofu scramble with veggie chorizo. Oh, and mimosas by the jug. (I wouldn't have discovered this place without the painfully talented Scott Garner - Thank you Scott!) Neighborhood: Capitol Hill [yelp profile]

Sage Cafe (✫): UPDATE: heard in Nov 2010 that they are no longer doing brunch. :( Formerly Hillside Quickie, this place is best for 2-3 person brunches, their menu is one of the most creative and delicious in the city (photo above center). Try the homemade bread pudding topped with sauteed leeks in a vegan butter sauce, served with seitan steak and gravy. Neighborhood: Capitol Hill [website]



Silence Heart Nest (v): kind of weird vibe, but if you don't mind, order the Western Round Up: a sweet potato biscuit with vegan sausage, and cashew gravy. They also have a couple tofu scrambles and vegan sesame pancakes. Neighborhood: Fremont [website]

Sunlight Cafe (v): this hippy holdover is a great place to bring mom and dad. Or if you are eating solo you can belly up to the bar just like the diners of ol'. In addition to the usual tofu scramble, they often have fresh baked vegan cookies, pies, and other goodies. Neighborhood: Roosevelt [yelp profile]



Wayward Cafe (✫): the mama of all vegan brunches. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, and it is hard to suggest just one thing, but my current favorite is the cheezy scramble with greens (middle row of photos, right). Oh, also, they have the butteriest butterless cinnamon rolls ever baked (photo above right). Note: they moved last February 27th to 5253 University Way NE. Neighborhood: University District [website]

I do reckon that this (albeit incomplete) list proves that diversity in vegan bunch options is not Seattle's problem. Phew, now we can focus on other things, like, when will I get to open a vegan zine, t-shirt, book, art, accessory store?