FOODIE FRIDAY: MEMPHIS VEGAN EATS PART 1
Featuring Imagine Vegan Cafe and Crosstown Arts Cafe
Written by Ashton Few
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Being vegan or vegetarian in, arguably, the BBQ capital is not always easy, but these five restaurants give you more than the go-to of a bland salad and fries. If you think you can't eat your southern comfort foods just because you're vegan, these restaurants will quickly prove you wrong!
First up is the only completely vegan restaurant, Imagine Vegan Cafe. Their menu may say things like steak burger, cheese, and bacon but no animal products can be found in any of their food. Their menu urges you to go ahead and order whatever you want since it's all vegan and, trust me, you will want some of everything!
With that being said, the Appetizer Sampler is a great start to give you a little of a lot of things: Dogs 'n Blankets, Potato Skins, Wings, Chicken Nuggets, and Hush-puppies! You don't want to leave here without getting the Cheese Sticks, though! They are house breaded and deep fried and absolutely amazing! You better come hungry because the Chicken Drumsticks are a must as well! These are also house breaded and deep fried and the guys at Imagine do it right! They make and bottle their own honey mustard and ranch dressing and you'll want one of each for those drumsticks, and a bottle of each to take home! Leave a little room for dessert or take some home with you if you're too stuffed.
Next up is Crosstown Arts Cafe at Crosstown Concourse. This cafe is vegetarian, but they label everything that is vegan (as well as gluten free) and most items can be made vegan with a simple modification. Crosstown Concourse is an amazing space with restaurants, a brewery, shopping, living spaces, and more. If you are in Memphis, this is a must see! Take some time to visit each area, admire the art, and read about the history of the building. There are some really cool things here!
C/O @CROSSTOWNARTS
C/O @CROSSTOWNARTS
Crosstown Arts Cafe has an ALWAYS menu, and a TODAY menu with specials of the day. I recommend getting “Let's hear it faux the boy” off the ALWAYS menu. It's a fried oyster mushroom po' boy with lettuce, tomato, onion, and remoulade on a baguette. You're still in Memphis, but you'll think you've jumped a train to New Orleans! The Big Ass Salad changes daily and always delivers. Since the TODAY menu is always changing, I can't tell you what to get, but I can tell you that I have loved every single thing I ever had here. Seriously, it's all ridiculously good! If they happen to have fried green tomatoes, don't miss out on these! Grab a sweet treat off the counter if you have room for dessert!
C/O @CROSSTOWNARTS
C/O @CROSSTOWNARTS
While Memphis may not have a ton of options for vegans, they are evolving daily and restaurants are becoming more aware of the demand for plant-based menu options. Memphis is a great city with lots of history, multiple venues with local and world-famous musicians playing nightly, great food, eclectic people, and good ole southern charm! It's worth adding to your travel list at least once!
About me:
Hey there, I’m Ashton! I’m 30 years old and living in Memphis, TN with my hubby and adorable Frenchie, Psilo! I love traveling anywhere our RV will take us, and places far beyond. I have recently found a love of yoga and can’t wait to see where that takes me! I have always had a passion for food so I love getting creative and making vegan versions of childhood favorites for our family!
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Follow me: @smashton901
