Columbus Vegan Info

I'm starting this list, with a little info, about all the vegan restaurants, vegan accessible restaurants, and grocery stores with vegan stuff in Columbus, OH. I don't think many realize what a mecca of vegan food exists in Columbus. When I first moved here from Cali I envisioned crazy hicks and housewives galore. I was sure it would be a flashback to the 50's or something. The crazy thing is, parts of Columbus are probably some of the most progressive areas in the country. I know there's more places, so if you know of any, let me know. This is a WIP.

Last updated 5/17/11 ; ** = favorites

RESTAURANTS
.::Now organized by location, in alpha

.::CAMPUS::.

**The Blue Nile on High:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, ABOUT $10-15, ALCOHOL SERVED, CAMPUS

• Definitely try out the Blue Nile. It's an Ethiopian restaurant located near campus. Really good vegetarian menu, pretty cheap. You eat with spongy bread and it's very authentic. [[More info here]]

Dragonfly on King Ave.:
ALL VEGAN, $20 & UP, ALCOHOL SERVED, SOUTH CAMPUS

• NOT 100% vegan. If you ask, they'll say that they never claimed to be a vegan restaurant. However, you'll see them in VegNews and in The Conscious Cook-- certainly taking the title of one of the best vegan restaurants. They started serving eggs sometimes. And their alcohol is not vegan. Basically, they are kind of shady, vegan deniers. The mother restaurant to On The Fly. High end, yet casual. The menu changes seasonally so check their website. Foods great, but pricey. It's more for your "vegan" special occasion. [[More info here]]

**Mad Mex on High:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, ABOUT $10-15, ALCOHOL SERVED, GATEWAY DISTRICT

• I love this place. Great, unhealthy Cali-Mex for vegans. Including soy cheese, soy sour cream, soy chipotle ranch, tofu, and a clearly labeled menu. Gets really crowded on the weekend evenings, lots of drunk college kids. They have good take-out service for those nights. [[More info here]]

On The Fly on King Ave.:
ALL VEGAN, UNDER $10, ALCOHOL SERVED, SOUTH CAMPUS

• NOT 100% vegan take out. (see Dragonfly) Including [[menus change]] chili, cornbread, falafel, hand rolls, and others. Check out their menu. Along with various other desserts. [[More info here]]
• JUST GOT WORD, ON THE FLY WILL BE CLOSING THEIR DOORS. (1/1/11)

Taco Ninja on Summit St.:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, UNDER $10, CAMPUS

• I can't speak for the food, because I haven't tried it. It all sounds very inventive-- falafel in a burrito-- and some classics -- black bean hummus [[which I normally hate]] and veggie burritos. No tofu or vegan sour cream, unfortunately. They deliver and they're dirt cheap. Free condoms anyone? [[More info here]]

Taj Mahal on High:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, ABOUT $10-15, ALCOHOL SERVED, CAMPUS

• This is another great North Indian cuisine restaurant. They offer old favorites like Aloo Saag and Roti and Lentil Soup. Really cute front patio for outdoor dining. I loved it! Try them out if your near campus. [[More info here]]

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.::CLINTONVILLE::.

**Pattycake Vegan Bakery on High St.:
ALL VEGAN BAKED GOODS, OFFERS GLUTEN FREE, CHEAP, CLINTONVILLE

• 100% vegan bakery. They're actual bakery is teeny tiny, so it's not much to hang out in. They can make custom cakes for your vegan events. You can find their cookies at Stauf's coffee on Grandview or at Cup O' Joe's in the Lennox. There's also a Cup O' Joe's in the short north on High. Grab a soy latte and try them out. [[More info here]]
• ALSO, for amazing sticky buns, head over early on Saturday mornings. And when the weather is good, go for the Rad Dog/Sticky Bun challenger. Eat a hot dog and a whole bun while your there, and get your picture on the wall of fame.
  

**Whole World Natural Bakery & Restaurant on High:
ALL VEGETARIAN/VEGAN, SERVES COFFEE/TEA, UNDER $10, CLINTONVILLE

• It's all vegan/vegetarian. They offer a variety of international items, as well as pizza. And they have an AMAZING Sunday brunch with tofu scramble, french toast, and pancakes. Finishedlast gave me the heads up on this one. [[More info here]]
• They are open again after that fire!!
  

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.::BETWEEN DUBLIN & UPPER ARLINGTON::.

Akai Hana off Henderson:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, ABOUT $10-15, ALCOHOL SERVED, COLUMBUS

• A great little sushi place. Really nice inside, GREAT AMAZING WONDERFUL service. I don't exaggerate. They offer brown rice sushi, tofu dynamite roll [[with out spicy sauce]], tofu steak, tofu age, various vegetable rolls. All really good. The breading on the tofu is confirmed vegan. [[More info here]]
• Great and regiment approved. Seaweed and avocado are super foods, paired with the brown rice, this is a completely healthy, delicious option.

Banana Leaf on Bethel:
ALL VEGAN/VEGETARIAN, UNDER $10, COLUMBUS

• I have heard good things about this place but have not tried it. Morgan [[of Morgan Avocado]] mentioned it to me. It's an all vegan/vegetarian Indian restaurant. Their website is full of great pictures and menu listings; check it out. [[More info here]]

Cuco's on Henderson and Dierker:
OFFERES VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, ABOUT $8-15 , ALCOHOL SERVED, COLUMBUS

• Try the vegetarian burrito, no cheese or sour cream. Also, the torte aguacate is delicious [[it's an avocado sandwhich with jalapenos!]]. Their refried beans are vegetarian, too.
  

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.::DUBLIN::.

Matt the Millers Tavern on Avery Muirfield Dr.:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, ABOUT $8-15 DOLLARS, ALCOHOL SERVED/BAR, DUBLIN

• They have a burger called "The Vegan". It's a pretty unique burger, and the black bean patty is kind of mushy, but it packs a lot of flavor with cilantro pesto (cheese free) and sauteed mushrooms on top. Plus it's on a whole wheat bun. Their hummus appetizer is AMAZING, too. It's a cool little tavern that gets swamped on Friday nights. But if you ever find yourself there, know there is a solid vegan option. [[website]]
• Recently opened a second location in Grandview!
  

**Mellow Mushroom at Sawmill Rd. & 161.:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, ABOUT $8-15 DOLLARS, ALCOHOL SERVED/BAR, DUBLIN

• This place is the shit. There is another location in Polaris that I've never been to. It is a chain. They have Daiya vegan cheese, tempeh, tofu, and various veggie options for your pizzas. They also have this bbq tofu hoagie and a tempeh hoagie. The staff is super friendly and really knowledgeable about their vegan items. They also have a great selection of beers. It has a great and fun atmosphere that Andrew and I really dig with a slightly out of place stoner motif. Check it! [[website]]

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.::DOWNTOWN::.

Benevolence Cafe on Swan St. off of High st.:
ALL VEGAN, UNDER $10, WEEKEND BRUNCH, ARENA DISTRICT/SHORT NORTH/DOWNTOWN

• All vegan/vegetarian. Mess Hall style dining. Sort of home style food-- sandwiches and stuff. Pain in the butt to park over there. We tried to go there once, but they closed shop early. I will update when we actually check it out. [[More info here]]
• We went to a vegan meet up recently in Columbus and they catered. They are AMAZING. Their tofu wrap with this sauce was just amazing. I loved it. And the owner is the sweetest thing ever.
  
• They're closed for renovations right now, but when they open, definitely check it out.
  
• It's also organic, which makes this place 100% regiment approved.

**Dirty Franks on S. 4th St.:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, UNDER $10, ALCOHOL SERVED, DOWNTOWN

• Very vegan and vegetarian accessible hot dog restaurant with alcohol. Pretty good food and pretty cheap. I'm obsessed with the beano and tots. Same owner as Tip Top and Betty's. Also located downtown and a pain to get to. [[More info here]]
• ALWAYS packed. The restaurant is tiny. If you don't want to wait 40 minutes, go during off-hours.
  

Tip Top on E. Gay St.:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, AROUND $10, ALCOHOL SERVED, UPTOWN DISTRICT

• Tip Top rocks. They have veggie soy crumbles (which are now not vegan - they switched to morningstar) and vegan cheese and sweet potato fries. Very (vegan and) vegetarian accessible. Aside from being down town and a pain in the @$$ to get to, it's worth it. Follow them on twitter for information on menu items and events. [[More info here]]
• They have these really amazing vegan corn fritters. Get them with no sour cream-- they're perfection!

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.::GRANDVIEW::.

Aladdin's Natural Eatery on Grandview Ave.:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, UNDER $10, ALCOHOL SERVED, GRANDVIEW

• We love this place. Great Lebanese, Mediterranean food that's cheap and fast. The ambiance isn't great-- kind of like a cheap diner. But the food is worth it and they have carry-out. Our favorites are the lentil soup, the hummus falafel rolled, and the mujadara plate. They also have vegan baklava if you ask. Their hot sauce is also vegan, and delicious-- but the garlic sauce unfortunately is not vegan. [[More info here]]
• They recently started offering vegan desserts from a bakery in Cleveland! Try them out!

Bistro 86 - Asian Fusion on Goodale Blvd:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, UNDER $10 lunch/$15 dinners, GRANDVIEW

• I haven't checked them out yet, but their carry-out menu says the word vegan in it. And that makes them pretty darn cool to me. [[more info here]]
  

PS Thai Tai on King Avenue:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, UNDER $10, GRANDVIEW

• Andrew and I used to eat here at least three times a week because it was just so cheap and fast and really good. They had brown rice for a while, because we used to ask for it so much. I recently heard they stopped carrying it because we stopped coming in. That made me smile. They'll make it really spicy if you ask for it. The place is a bit of a dive, and practically dead if you don't come in during the work week lunch hour, but it's great for a quick bite. Get the sesame tofu with broccoli, extra spicy. Yum! [[More info here]]

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.::GERMAN VILLAGE::.

Katzinger's Deli on S. Third St.:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIADNS ITEMS, UNER $12, GERMAN VILLAGE

• This place specializes in all kinds of sandwiches, and bothers to offer a couple of vegan options. #54 and #55 are your only vegan options and they are pretty good for all veggie sandwiches. Note: if you order a huge, they just put more stuffing in it, the sandwich isn't actually bigger. [[More info here]]

**Hal & Al's Bar on Parson's Ave.:
ALL VEGAN, UNDER $6, JUST OUTSIDE GERMAN VILLAGE

• Columbus' all-vegan bar. Amazing selection of beers, and the greatest fried avocados you've never had. I recommend... everything. The owner, Jay, is super cool and always out meeting his patrons. It's a fun place to hang out and eat ALL vegan food!! [[More info here]]
  

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.::HILLIARD::.

Taj Palace on Fishinger Rd.:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, ABOUT $10-15, ALCOHOL SERVED, HILLIARD

• The best Indian food I've had. You can get the Saag Aloo, or get the aloo chana, among others, those are just our favorites. Great pakoras, too. Afterwards, you can hit up the Movie Tavern, which is nice if you want to drink while you watch a movie. [[More info here]]

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.::SHORT NORTH::.

Betty's on High St.:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, AROUND &10, ALCOHOL SERVED, SHORT NORTH

• Regularly has vegan options. Follow them on Twitter, they post specials and vegan options. I finally went there, check out my review. [[More info here]]

Bodega Cafe on High:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, ABOUT $10-15, ALCOHOL SERVED, SHORT NORTH

• This place is always crowded and full of hipsters from campus. But if you can get past all that, they have great vegan sandwiches and salads. The restaurant itself is cool, with very modern designing. The service sucks, most of the time, and since it's self seating, you may be forgotten for a minute or two. But they try. They also have a bunch of micro brewed beer if you're into that kind of stuff. [[More info here]]
• THEY GOT RID OF THEIR TEMPEH SALAD: SEE MY POST.

Lemon Grass Fusion Bistro on High St.
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, $15 & UP, ALCOHOL SERVED, VALET PARKING AVAILABLE, SHORT NORTH

• They have a vegetarian menu - ask for it. They'll tell you what's vegan on it. I've been told by a waiter that the pad-thai with tofu, the choo-chi kebab with tofu, and the spicy thai green beans with tofu, the veggie dumplings, and the veggie spring rolls are all vegan. They also have an assortment of exciting veggie sushi options. They have valet parking - I'd use it. [[ More info here]]

Knead on High:

OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, FULL BAR, STREET PARKING, ABOUT $10-15, SHORT NORTH

• I haven't been here, yet. They have a vegan 'slop V joe' that sounds delicious, as well as veggie pizzas. No vegan cheese to speak of though. [[website]]

Z Pizza on High:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, OFFER GLUTEN FREE, SMALL PARKING LOT, ABOUT $10-15, SHORT NORTH

• Their pizza is awesome. They have an all vegan cheese topping [[their website hasn't been updated yet, but they do]]. Their whole wheat crust does NOT have honey in it. They offer soy crumbles that are now RECENTLY vegan. Did I mention their whole wheat crust is super tasty? Get the Berkeley Vegan. [[More info here]]

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.::UPPER ARLINGTON::.

Gyro Shoppe on Henderson Rd.:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, UNDER $10, UPPER ARLINGTON

• Falafel, hummus pita, good fresh cut fries. Ask for no white sauce or cheese. It's like Greek fast food. A little delicious, fattening hole in the wall. [[More info here]]

Robeks on Tremont Ave.:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, UNDER $10, UPPER ARLINGTON

• They serve fruit smoothies with soy sorbet and soy milk! They also have some tofu wraps and some veggie wraps that are light and delicious. [[More info here]]
• They closed their doors this past winter. (5/17/11)
  

Tommy's Pizza on W. Lane Ave.:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, ABOUT $5-15, ALCOHOL SERVED, UPPER ARLINGTON

• Since moving here, the only pizza I ever really hear about is Tommy's. It seems to be a Columbus point of pride. If anyone ever takes you there, they have a pretty average veggie sub. Get with no cheese. There's a location by campus, too. [[More info here]]

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.::POLARIS::.

Mellow Mushroom a couple miles from Polaris mall.:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, UNDER $10, IN THE MALL, BAR

• See the Dublin section for details.

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.::VARIOUS/ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS::.

**Northstar Cafe on High St.:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, ABOUT $10-15, ALCOHOL SERVED, 3 LOCATIONS: SHORT NORTH, CLINTONVILLE/BEECHWOLD, & EASTON

• Their peanut sauce has honey in it, I believe. The only thing we ever get there is the veggie burger and the square meal. They're amazing. Great in-store made breads, delicious side salads. Cool atmosphere, you can sit and read magazines [[they offer a large wall of them including some Veg magazines]]. Very new and hip but never over crowded. [[More info here]]
• A note on sides: The Short North locations does not have a deep frier, thus no french fries. The fries at Easton are made with herbs and garlic gloves and are amazing. The Clintonville/Beechwold location has great sweet potato fries!

**Cup O' Joe/ Stauff's [[various locations]]:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, UNDER $10, CLINTONVILLE/GERMAN VILLAGE/LENNOX/EASTON/SHORT NORTH/DOWN TOWN/GRANDVIEW - they're everywhere

• They have a hummus wrap, serve up some Pattycake Cookies, and have soy milk products for your coffee drinking pleasure. [[more info here]]

**Rad Dog [[various locations & German Village]]:
ALL VEGAN, UNDER $5, CART FOOD

• Rad Dog is an ALL vegan hot dog stand with lots of organic products. They also carry Pattycake cookies. Check out their website to where they're located today. *They are no longer in Hal & Al's, but are now owned by Pattycake

Skyline Chili [[various locations]]:
OFFERS VEGAN/VEGETARIAN ITEMS, UNDER $10

• This is a Columbus tradition that I wasn't really into when I first ate meat. Now that I don't eat meat, I really like it. You can get their spaghetti plate with black beans instead of their chili [[chili and spaghetti really confused me]]. Their vegetarian burrito, no sour cream or cheese, is great, too. Also, I've never tried it, but you could get a potato with black beans, onions, and tomatoes. [[More info here]]

Wellness Forum Foods at E. Wilson Bridge Rd.:
ALL VEGAN, UNDER $10, VARIOUS LOCATIONS SERVED

• A variety of vegan take-home food items like gardein chicken sandwiches and creole tofu. You can go to their main location in Westerville or grab some of their items at the Clintonville Community Market. They also cater and offer cooking classes. [[More info here]]
  

-- If you know of any more, let me know! Like I said, I'm continuing to work on this.

GROCERY STORES
.::In order of awesomeness

Clintonville Community Market on Crestview:

• It's our favorite market. I heart this place. They also offer Patty Cake goods, as well as Wellness Forum foods-- 100% vegan made sandwiches, wraps, and others. They're great for your vegan grocery shopping needs, too. They have bulk spices. If you ever need anything, they'll order it for you and call you when it's ready. The people that work there are great. It's a cool market. [[More info here]]
• You can get any mock meat here: tempeh, seitan, chicken-style seitan, various types of tofu. You can make your own peanut butter, fresh ground. They have fresh baked artisan bread, any sort of obscure flour, vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, etc.
  
• Lots of organic produce.

Bexley Natural Markey Co-op on North Cassady Ave.:

• Another awesome co-op serving up Pattycake cookies and a variety of vegan products. PLUS, 10% off produce on Sunday and Mondays!! [[More info here]]
  

Whole Foods on Lane Ave. & Sawmill Rd.:

• The one on Sawmill is a lot bigger, but I don't think it's necessarily better. You get helped out more at the smaller store. For a while they had seitan, but it goes away sometimes. They always have tofu, tempeh, fake bacon, various other vegan meats and cheeses. You can find pretty much anything here. Soy curls, vital wheat gluten, besan, nutritional yeast, whatever. It will be there.
  
• Fresh baked breads, extensive vitamin/supplement section with vegan capsuls, fruit juice bar, average organic section.

Kroger [[various locations]]:

• They have a pretty extensive Nature's Market section. All sorts of organic canned goods. Amy's meals, Health is Wealth, Boca, etc. They also have tempheh, tofu, fake bacon, follow your heart cheeses, seitan, and gardein products. They have a decent flour section, but no vital wheat gluten or besan [[chickpea flour]]. They also carry ezekiel products: breads, cereal, etc.
• They have a surprisingly GREAT organic selection, too.
  

Giant Eagle [[various locations]]:

• Similar concept to Kroger, with a lot less options. I know they carry ezekiel products and a limited number of Amy's meals. Beyond that, if you're going to a standard grocery, I'd go to Kroger. Keep it local anyway. :)
• I also hear the new Market District is amazingly vegan accessible. Located in Upper Arlington, where to old Giant Eagle used to be.