Eat Your Vegetables: 13 Vegan and Vegetarian Options in LM

Downtown is a busy place, but it’s also a great spot to veg out. The district has more vegetarian and vegan options than ever, ranging from pub cuisine to scoops of ice cream. Whether you’ve cut animal products out of your diet or are just veggie-curious, we’ve rounded up a good starter guide on the best plant-based options around. Of course, tons of restaurants in the neighborhood have vegetarian options that aren’t listed here — these are just a few of the standout options and labeled veggie menu items to show off the wide array of meatless meals to be had. 

Plant Junkie

This inviting spot on Front Street is old-school vegan in all the right ways. The inside is cozy and the menu is full of house-made hearty bowls, sandwiches and sides that are a comfort to the hungry palate, such as a New Orleans-style po’ boy made with Southern-fried seitan. (226 Front St.) 

Xi’an Famous Foods

The local chain is a savior for the hungry vegan craving a little spice. The shop offers quick-serve meals several no-meat, no-egg dishes, including the “cold-skin” noodles served with spongy cubes of seitan, and the crispy asian cucumbers, which make for a great appetizer. As Xi’an’s signs say, “always get it spicy.” (8 Liberty Pl.)

Van Leeuwen

The ice cream shop that started as a truck around the city has grown into a massive brand, and it’s also the purveyor of some of the best vegan ice cream on the planet. Van Leeuwen brings its decadent and inventive flavors to all with coconut, oat-milk and cashew-based ice creams. (224 Front St.) 

Plantega

Plantega has been a huge boon for the hungry vegan on the go. The company stocks regular bodegas and delis with vegan options, and trains the deli staff on how to prepare them. That means you can get veganized deli classics like B.E.C. or chopped cheeses at your corner store! Plantega is found at two spots in the district: Green Organic Deli & Juice Bar (105 Broad St.) and NYC Coffee Mocha (54 Pine St.).

The Coney Shack

The word “Coney” might make you think of hot dogs, but the Hungry Pearl’s Coney Shack serves up creative tacos that offer something Nathan’s doesn’t: veggie options. Try the crunchy tofu taco for an Asian-inspired delight. (100 Pearl St.) 

Senshi Ramen

Also in the Hungry Pearl, Senshi gives the vegan treatment to a traditionally meat-based dish: It serves three kinds of vegan tonkotsu, a ramen with a creamy broth that’s usually pork-based. (100 Pearl St.)

Malibu Farm

Pier 17’s Malibu Farm goes for a laid-back California vibe with views of the Brooklyn Bridge, and its menu offers many labeled vegan options that go way beyond the default salad. That includes a vegan ceviche, coconut curry and tacos. (89 South St.)

77 Burger

New, hip vegan burger joints pop up all around the city these days. But no-frills counter-service spot 77 Burger has welcomed the meat-less for years, with a classic veggie burger made of kale, peas, carrots, corn, yellow squash, zucchini, chickpeas and breadcrumbs. It also offers a vegan Impossible Burger for anyone craving something a touch meatier. (77 Pearl St.)

Pisillo

Nassau Street is packed with lunch spots, but local standby Pisillo has long been a go-to panini spot for every appetite. For vegetarians, it’s got several options featuring smoked mozzarella and provolone cheese with veggies; for vegans, opt for paninis with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, artichokes and arugula. (97 Nassau St.)

White Horse Tavern

The classic divey pub has a labeled vegan patty on its menu, and takes it a step further by offering vegan cheese as well. You can also keep the pub experience going with an order of wings-esque buffalo cauliflower. Vegetarians have a bunch of options here too, including veggie quesadillas and a mac-and-cheese bowl. (25 Bridge St.)

Wogie’s

Wogie’s is mostly known for its cheesesteaks, and for generally serving as Philadelphia’s embassy. You can opt for a portobello mushroom sandwich, or go for a Philly speciality known as “garbage bread,” which has a vegetarian option featuring roasted broccoli rabe with lemon, garlic and Italian herbs. (44 Trinity Pl.) 

Times Dim Sum

This fast-casual spot has a mapo tofu worth trying. Drizzle on some chili and Szechuan pepper oil to give those silky cubes a peppy kick. (38 Water St.)

Vietspot

Nassau Street’s reliable spot for Vietnamese classics offers veggie options across the menu, including a tofu banh mi and a tofu pho with vegan broth. (99 Nassau St.)

image: Cold-skin noodles from Xi’an Famous Foods