We recently had some friends in town for a long weekend and I was so excited to show them about and share some of the best food in the US with them - but there was a small hitch: they are vegetarians. So I set about to find a current list of great restaurants with solid vegetarian options in South Charlotte and Union County and came up empty. So, here you have it - a 2022 list of the best vegetarian options around this part of town (and some outliers that are worth the drive!), just in time for World Veggie day on October 1st.
East Frank's Superette ~ Located in "FunRoe" as they have lovingly dubbed our sweet town of Monroe, East Frank's Superette is as kitschy as it is delicious. So kitschy that I can't even post an IG image ;-) But seriously, though, the menu is as diverse as the clientele and has much to offer your vegetarians and vegans as well as your carnivorous companions. Make sure to bring some change when you go with the kids, there are old-school pinball games and such in the back that my kids love!
Link & Pin ~ A new addition to the Arboretum Shopping Center, this restaurant has not disappointed us yet. While not everything on the menu (or shown) is vegetarian, we've personally tried most of the veggie options and they're delicious. Shown: General Tso's Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts and Hummus Trio. And for a pescetarian, this ahi tuna is 100%.
Emmet's Social Table ~ Whether fried green 'maters, avocado fries, flatbreads or grilled cheese is your jam, Emmet's in Waxhaw is an easy choice. The salads are generous and the small plates are great for sharing (or to eat on your own). Loved deviled eggs?Just ask them to make it veg-style for you and they will!
The Southern Gourmet ~ New on the Marvin scene in 2022, the Southern Gourmet is cooking up all the good eats! Stop in for this SoGo sampler and a beverage before heading out on the town or sit down for a full meal. The brunch looks incredible and we can't wait to try it.
Sanctuary Bistro ~ Every vegetarian I know is obsessed with this Piper Glenn hot-spot. It's challenging to get a table, since the restaurant it fairly small, but you can always do take-out or plan ahead. Everything looks so good that even my meat-loving spouse is interested in checking it out.
Worth the Drive:
We know these aren't super local, but if you are looking for some delicious vegetarian/vegan eats ~ you'll definitely want to add these to your list:
Living Kitchen ~ a South End staple, has been one of my favorite healthy lunch spots for a decade.
Fern, Flavors from the Garden ~ Located on East Blvd., this is one of my veg-friends favorites. I haven't been, but I've never heard a bad review!
Bean Vegan Cuisine ~ Looking for a low-key vegan/vegetarian option for a quick bite before a show at Ovens or a game at the Coliseum? Bean Vegan Cuisine, located on Independence is your spot. This "burger" looks pretty darn good to me!
What local eateries do you love that have KILLER vegetarian/vegan options? We want to know! email us at rachaelw@macaronikid.com so we can add it!
