Mile-high spots for vegan and vegetarian cuisine
By Lexi Reich
As plant-based dining gains traction nationwide, Denver has emerged as a hotspot for inventive vegan and vegetarian cuisine. A recent analysis even highlights Coloradans as among the most likely to embrace a vegan lifestyle in the U.S. The Mile High City’s vibrant food scene offers something for every palate, from cozy neighborhood spots to bustling market stalls. Whether you’re a devoted vegan, an adventurous omnivore or simply a culinary enthusiast, these standout restaurants exemplify the best of our local evolving meat-free dining culture.
Englewood’s Vegan Hub Blends Community and Cuisine
Nestled in the heart of Englewood, Fellow Traveler is redefining what it means to be a neighborhood eatery. Founded by Joe Phillips, this vegan restaurant and cocktail bar has quickly become a local favorite, offering more than just plant-based dishes—it’s a place where community and conversation thrive.
Initially envisioned as a bar with vegan snacks, Fellow Traveler pivoted to meet the demand for more substantial fare. “People wanted the vegan restaurant more than they wanted the bar, so we had to pivot,” Phillips says. The result is a menu that draws in vegans and non-vegans, featuring standout items like the banh mi sandwich and the Deep South Broadway Burrito. Phillips’ personal favorite? The aloo gobi, a flavorful mix of cauliflower, potato and coconut curry.
Despite its evolution, Fellow Traveler hasn’t lost sight of its bar roots. Inspired by Phillips’ travels, the cocktail menu remains a highlight, with drinks like the Sicilian-influenced Alora that features pistachio bourbon. The venue also caters to the growing trend of mindful drinking, with a robust non-alcoholic selection that outsells beer and wine.
Beyond food and drink, Fellow Traveler aims to revive the “third place”—a social space outside of home and work. Phillips worries that the rise of digital interaction is eroding these communal spaces. His solution? A welcoming environment where patrons are encouraged to unplug and engage with each other. This ethos extends to every detail, from the inventive cocktails to the friendly atmosphere.
Phillips is now expanding his vision with the acquisition of South Broadway staple Sputnik. While the bar’s beloved character will remain, Phillips and his business partner, Spencer Madison, are focused on enhancing service and the kitchen, ensuring it continues to be a community favorite.
For those in search of plant-based dining with a side of genuine connection, Fellow Traveler is a must-visit in South Denver.
A Plant-Based Success Story in Denver’s Market Scene
Born out of necessity and passion during the tumultuous year of 2020, The Easy Vegan has quickly become a favorite among Denver’s market-goers. Co-owned by Taylor Herbert and head chef Alexi Mandolini, this vegan venture proves that plant-based dining can be as indulgent and satisfying as any other cuisine. You can find The Easy Vegan tent every Saturday at the City Park Farmers Market and every Sunday at South Pearl Street, with catering and popup dinner events rounding out its offerings.
Herbert and Mandolini, both longtime industry professionals, lost their jobs during the pandemic and decided to launch their own food concept. “We set out to prove that you could enjoy vegan food without sacrificing your dining out experience,” says Herbert. For her, going vegan felt like the natural next step after over a decade of vegetarianism, driven by a desire to address the ethical and environmental issues tied to the egg and dairy industries.
The Easy Vegan’s menu is a hit with both vegans and non-vegans alike, with dishes like the loaded elote-inspired potato—creamy whipped potatoes with locally roasted green chiles, corn, Tajin aioli and crispy corn crunch—topping the list of favorites. The pierogi, offered in various styles and flavors, also draws a loyal crowd each week. “Nobody is eating these things and thinking, ‘Oh, boo, this is vegan,’” Herbert notes, emphasizing the scratch-made, approachable nature of their food.
Unlike many in the mobile food scene, The Easy Vegan doesn’t operate out of a food truck. Instead, they work under a 10×10 tent, which allows them greater flexibility in setup, staffing and food preparation. The unique approach hasn’t hindered its success—despite not owning a truck, it won season 16 of The Great Food Truck Race on Food Network. “We borrowed a truck to compete,” Herbert says. The experience solidified The Easy Vegan’s place in Denver’s vibrant mobile food community, where collaboration and camaraderie reign supreme. “We are ‘better together’—the community we work within is the best part of the job,” she adds.
For Denverites seeking flavorful, inventive vegan eats, The Easy Vegan offers a fresh perspective on plant-based dining that’s as satisfying as it is ethical.
Ambitious Vegan Dining with a Quirky Vibe
Tucked away on South Broadway, Somebody People has quickly made a name for itself with its inventive, yet unpretentious, approach to vegan cuisine. Co-owners Sam and Tricia Maher serve plant-based dishes that rival traditional fine dining. The menu is discreet about its vegan identity, letting the food speak for itself—whether it’s nut-based pesto, savory arancini or a decadent tiramisu.
The restaurant’s decor blends retro charm and quirky touches, like the Bowie-inspired bathroom art. While the ambiance might be less polished than the food, the dining experience remains top-notch. Highlights include the Sunday Supper—a five-course, family-style meal for $38—offering dishes like house-made sourdough focaccia with fennel and basil cream, plus roasted mokum carrots with cauliflower, zhoug and jalapeno. The Sunday Supper menu changes weekly, inspired by fresh ingredients from local farms.
Somebody People’s wine list focuses on biodynamic and natural selections, though prices can be steep. Non-alcoholic juice concoctions and creative cocktails provide something for everyone. Desserts like the pineapple upside-down cake showcase the kitchen’s creativity, while dishes like the torn cucumber with fermented black bean prove that vegan fare can be both satisfying and thought-provoking.
In a city where vegan dining options are growing, Somebody People stands out for its commitment to flavor, sustainability and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s proof that plant-based eating can be as complex and rewarding as any other culinary experience.
FELLOW TRAVELER
3487 S. Broadway
Englewood
303.635.6621
ftbar.com
THE EASY VEGAN
theeasyvegandenver.com
SOMEBODY PEOPLE
1165 S. Broadway, #104
Denver
720.502.5681
somebodypeople.com
Other eateries with plant-based options to check out:
Gladys
5505 W. 20th Ave., Ste. 116
Edgewater
303.276.3309
gladysrestaurant.com
Manna Restaurant
2350 Meadows Blvd.
Castle Rock
720.455.3664
mannasbounty.com
The Cake Bar
214 E. 13th Ave.
Denver
303.568.9752
thecakebardenver.com
Total Vegan
9563 S. University Blvd., Unit A
Highlands Ranch
303.728.9177
totalveganhighlandsranch.com
V Revolution
3570 S. Logan St.
Englewood
303.781.2296
vrevolutionusa.com
Watercourse
837 E. 17th Ave.
Denver
303.832.7313
watercoursefoods.com
Wellness Sushi
2504 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver
720.306.4989
wellnesssushi.com
