Why not give meat a break this Great American Meat Out Day? Encinitas is the perfect place to do just that. With its vibrant vegan food scene, this coastal city offers dishes so good you won’t even miss the meat. From raw delights to hearty comfort food, these local spots are ready to wow your taste buds.
Plumeria Vegetarian Encinitas: Thai Food With a Twist
Address: 828 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
If you think Thai food is all about chicken satay and beef curries, Plumeria Vegetarian Encinitas is here to prove you wrong. Their menu is entirely vegetarian, with plenty of vegan options that pack bold flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Flower Cups: Crispy cups filled with tofu, peas, and carrots, served with cucumber salad. It’s like eating spring in a bite.
- Satay Mock Chicken: Skewers of marinated mock chicken paired with peanut sauce and cucumber salad. You won’t miss the real thing.
- Fresh Spring Rolls: Wrapped in organic brown rice paper and bursting with veggies like tofu, cilantro, and lettuce, these rolls are as fresh as it gets.
Plumeria’s dishes are perfect for those who want to indulge in hearty meals without compromising on health or flavor. Plus, their peanut sauce might just be the best thing you taste all year.
Lotus Café & Juice Bar: A Little Bit of Everything
Address: 765 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Lotus Café & Juice Bar is your go-to spot for variety. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast burrito or a refreshing smoothie bowl, this café has something for everyone—vegans included.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Vegan Breakfast Burrito: Tofu scramble, vegan cheese, avocado, and breakfast potatoes wrapped in a whole wheat chapati. Breakfast never tasted so guilt-free.
- Lotus Beyond Burger: A plant-based burger that’s juicy enough to fool even the most devoted carnivore.
- Falafel Bowl: A colorful mix of falafel, quinoa, hummus, and veggies topped with tahini dressing. It’s nutritious and Instagram-worthy.
And don’t forget their fresh juices—like the Daily Greens smoothie—to wash it all down. Lotus Café makes eating clean feel like a treat rather than a chore.
Peace Pies Raw Food Café: Where Raw Gets Real
Address: 133 Daphne St, Leucadia (Encinitas), CA 92024
A short drive from downtown Encinitas brings you to Peace Pies—a raw vegan café that’s redefining what it means to eat raw food. Their menu is entirely gluten-free and soy-free too.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Loving Lasagna: Zucchini noodles layered with hemp seed pesto, cashew Alfredo sauce, and marinara. Who needs pasta when veggies can taste this good?
- Mystical Mushroom Quesadilla: Made with red bell pepper tortillas and stuffed with “sautéed” mushrooms and cashew cheese.
- Bliss Burger: A sundried tomato and walnut patty served on onion bread. It’s so flavorful you’ll wonder why anyone eats regular burgers.
Peace Pies also offers an array of desserts like their Conscious Cheezecake—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without derailing your health goals.
Celebrate Meat Out Day at Home
Not in the mood to dine out? Try whipping up your own vegan feast using recipes from Nora Cooks. From Vegan Mac and Cheese to Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili, her recipes are easy enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress your toughest critics.
Why Meat Out?
Great American Meat Out Day isn’t just about skipping meat—it’s about celebrating plant-based living for its health benefits and positive impact on the environment. By choosing vegan meals today (and maybe tomorrow), you’re contributing to animal welfare and reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to eat delicious food?
So grab your forks (or chopsticks) and dive into these incredible vegan spots around Encinitas this March 20!
Sources: google.com, noracooks.com, nationaltoday.com
Header Image Source: Hermes Rivera on Unsplash
