Vegetarian Journal's Guide to Natural Foods Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

Symbol Key:

• Vegetarian restaurant
•• Vegan restaurant
§ Reviewer's choice

Missouri

Chesterfield

Crazy Bowls and Wraps

1627 Clarkson Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63017

(314) 519-7277

American. This Missouri chain offers a fair number of vegetarian options. Try the Veggie Barbecue Wrap or the Tofu Veggie Bowl. As for drinks, go for the Raspberry Smoothie. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, smoothies, $.

Clayton

Crazy Bowls and Wraps

7353 Forsyth, Clayton, MO 63105

(314) 783-9727

American. See description under Chesterfield, MO.

Columbia

International Café

26 S. Ninth St., Columbia, MO 65201

(573) 449-4560

International/Greek. One local patron recommends the appetizer combo as the best-bet dish at International Café, which specializes in international and Greek cuisine. Patio dining is available. The restaurant is located between Main Squeeze and Lakota. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for lunch and early dinner. Limited service, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/DISC, $.

·Main Squeeze Natural Foods Café

28 S. 9th St., Columbia, MO 65201

(573) 817-5616

Vegetarian/natural foods/organic. The Main Squeeze uses organic foods and locally-grown products as much as possible. Inside the restaurant you'll find a plaster wall of handprints from local vegetarians and natural foods supporters. They have daily specials, such as stuffed peppers and noodle salads, as well as a juice bar. Free Internet available. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for three meals. Open Sunday for breakfast and lunch. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Kansas City

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Kansas City, Mission, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Shawnee, and Shawnee Mission in Kansas.)

Blue Bird Bistro

1700 Summit St., Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 221-7559

Natural foods. Blue Bird offers organic foods available from local farmers. For dinner try the Curried Vegetable triangle. If you are there for lunch or brunch, check out the Basil Bruchetta or the Biscuits with Savory Mushroom Gravy. Open Monday through Friday for lunch. Open Friday and Saturday for dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, beer/wine, VISA/MC/DISC/DC, $-$$.

··Café Gratitude

333 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 474-5683

Vegan/organic/natural foods. Café Gratitude serves organic, local, and vegan fare. They feature an extensive menu of raw foods and also offer cooked items. Most of the food is created from scratch - from the produce bin to your plate - so they can avoid certain common allergens like wheat, soy, and peanuts. The food is free of refined sugar, flour, and additives. At Café Gratitude, they select the finest organic ingredients to honor both the earth and customers; they support local farmers, sustainable agriculture, and environmentally-friendly products. Open daily for three meals. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

·Eden Alley Café

707 W. 47th St., Kansas City, MO 64112

(816) 561-5415

Vegetarian/café. Eden Alley Café offers organic and local ingredients in their vegetarian and vegan menu. The daily menu features dishes like Tomato Bisque, Apple Cranberry Salad, Falafel Platters, a vegan Spinach and Mushroom Loaf, and a veggie burger. Past specials have included Mexican dishes like vegan Soft Tacos and Black Bean Tostadas made with TVP, African Stew, Potato Cannelloni, Pesto Mushrooms, and Zucchini Cake topped with a smokey tomato aioli. Open Monday and Tuesday for lunch. Open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, $-$$.

··FUD

813 W. 17th St., Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 785-3454

Vegan/organic. FUD features a vegan menu consisting of dishes made from organic and locally-grown ingredients. They offer a variety of sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as complete meals and kid-friendly items such as nachos and macaroni & cheese. Also offered is an extensive selection of desserts, smoothies, shakes, and juices. Their menu is subject to change based on ingredient availability. FUD is happy to accommodate those with allergies and is more than willing to adjust menu items accordingly. Cooking classes are also available. FUD is located in the Westside neighborhood, just southwest of downtown. The restaurant is closed between lunch/brunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Cash only. Open Tuesday and Wednesday for lunch. Open Thursday and Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for brunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Limited service, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, special beverages, $-$$.

··Mud Pie Vegan Bakery & Coffeehouse

1615 W. 39th St., Kansas City, MO 64111

(816) 931-4539

Vegan/bakery/coffeehouse. Mud Pie Vegan Bakery & Coffeehouse serves up a delectable variety of vegan treats, including cinnamon rolls, scones, cookies, and cupcakes. They also have a full service coffee bar. Come in and try an espresso with several kinds of "milk" including soy, almond, cashew, and coconut. Mud Pie can create customized cakes for events like birthdays and weddings. They have a great outdoor patio, lots of seating inside, and free Internet, too! Open Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday. Limited service, take-out, espresso, soymilk, VISA/MC, $.

Taj Palace

1706 W. 39th St., Kansas City, MO 64111

(816) 756-0134

Indian. Taj Palace has an extensive selection of Vegetarian Dinner Specialties. Their expertise is Northern Indian cooking, spiced to each customer's request. Special meals may be requested. Taj Palace is located near the K.U. Medical Center. The restaurant is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open daily for lunch buffet and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Z-Teca

2450 Grand Ave., Ste. 143, Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 474-7779

Mexican. Z-Teca is a fast food chain that serves vegetarian-friendly options. Entrées are prepared fresh daily without lard or animal fats. Menu items include grilled vegetable tacos, salads, and vegetable or bean burritos. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, take-out, delivery, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Mansfield

·Bakersville Restaurant

2278 Baker Creek Rd., Mansfield, MO 65704

(417) 924-8917

Vegetarian/Asian/organic. Bakersville Restaurant is a vegetarian restaurant located in an authentic pioneer village. They serve Asian-themed cuisine and always have vegan options. They use as many organic, local, and seasonal foods as possible. There is no set menu; it changes daily. There is also no set price; diners pay by donation. Situated in the rolling hills of the Missouri Ozarks, the restaurant is located inside Bakersville Pioneer Village, not far from the home of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum. Bakersville Restaurant is owned by the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, purveyors of pure heirloom seeds. Open Monday through Friday for lunch. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Full service, vegan options, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Maryland Heights

·Raj's Rasoi

2286 McKelvey Rd., Maryland Heights, MO 63043

(314) 576-6666

Vegetarian/Indian. Located in a suburb of St. Louis, Raj's Rasoi offers authentic Indian cuisine that is completely vegetarian. Try such menu items as Mulligatawny Soup, Chana Masala, Samosas, or Aloo Gobi. Their lunch buffet is a terrific value and on Wednesdays it is completely vegan! Raj's is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Monday for dinner. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

Springfield

The Grotto

3046 S. Kimbrough Ave., Springfield, MO 65807

(417) 886-9600

Pizza/American. The Grotto is a casual American restaurant with fresh, made-to-order food. There are many items that can be made vegan upon request and they are noted on the menu. The Grotto even offers vegan cheese; so build your own pie and enjoy! Outdoor seating is available. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for lunch. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, beer/wine, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

St. Louis

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Clayton, Chesterfield, and University City.)

Araka

131 Carondelet Plz., St. Louis, MO 63105

(314) 725-6777

Natural foods/American. Araka is a fresh market cuisine restaurant that offers a number of vegetarian and vegan options (each noted on the menu). Enjoy vegan items like Crispy Tempeh Bites, Soy-Mirin Tofu, or Green Tea Noodles. Araka features Happy Hour on weekdays between lunch and dinner. Reservations are accepted. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

Cardwell's at the Plaza

94 Plaza Fronterac, St. Louis, MO 63131

(314) 997-8885

American. At Cardwell's, dine on fresh pizza made in a wood-burning stove, a Mediterranean sampler dish, Sautéed Vegetable Pilaf, salads, veggie sandwiches, plus more. Vegan dishes are clearly marked on the menu. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic beer, wine/beer/alcohol, MC/AMEX/DC, $$.

Crazy Bowls and Wraps

3852 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108

(314) 533-9727

American. See description under Chesterfield, MO.

·Gokul Indian Restaurant

10633 B Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132

(314) 428-8888

6101 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132

(314) 721-1888

Vegetarian/Indian. Gokul specializes in North Indian cuisine and serves "vegetarian Indian fast food." They are known for their daily lunch and dinner buffets, but you can also order off the menu. Enjoy an all-vegan dinner buffet on Monday evenings. Gokul on Page Avenue is located next to Seema and across from Hollywood Motors. Gokul on Delmar Boulevard is closed on Tuesdays. Please note that the Delmar location is certified kosher. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Buffet, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

·Govinda's

3926 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108

(314) 535-8085

Vegetarian. Located on the grounds of a Krishna temple, Govinda's features a wide variety of vegetarian foods. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Buffet, vegan options, fresh juices, take-out, $.

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

9748 Manchester Rd., St. Louis, MO 63119

(314) 962-7100

Mexican. Dine indoors and outdoors in a fun atmosphere with terrific food. Items are prepared from scratch, including chips made on premise. Be sure to request their separate vegetarian menu, and you'll find quesadillas, chili, black bean soup, salads, veggie pizza made on a tortilla, fajitas, tacos, and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, non-alcoholic wine/beer, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

House of India

8501 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63124

(314) 567-6850

Indian. Enjoy a wide selection of vegetarian Indian dishes in a warm environment. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, catering, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

Pho Grand Vietnamese Restaurant

3195 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63118

(314) 664-7435

Vietnamese. This is considered one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the area, and it's one of the most affordable as well. They have many vegetarian items, with large portions that will give you a lot of bang for your buck. Vegetarian selections include tofu with ginger and onions, with hot chiles or lemongrass, or with special tomato sauce; snowpeas with garlic and sesame oil; Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce; and bun (vermicelli noodle) dishes. Open Wednesday through Monday for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, reservations recommended, wine/beer, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

··PuraVegan

307 Belt Ave., St. Louis, MO 63112

(314) 282-5834

Vegan/raw foods/café/juice bar. PuraVegan offers 100% vegan, raw, and gluten-free foods. They serve creative dishes including different burgers, pizzas, pastas, soups, and more -- all made from organic produce. Come for the delicious food or their yoga and African dance classes. Outdoor patio seating is available in nice weather. Open Tuesday through Friday for dinner. Open Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Full service, take-out, catering, fresh juices, VISA/MC/AMEX, $-$$.

Rasoi

25 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108

(314) 361-6911

Indian. Rasoi, like many Indian restaurants is quite vegetarian and vegan friendly; however, unlike most Indian restaurants, they serve both Northern and Southern Indian cuisine. Don't miss their daily lunch buffet. Rasoi is located in the Central West End of St. Louis. The restaurant is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Reservations are accepted. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

University City

Crazy Bowls and Wraps

7353 Forsyth, University City, MO 63130

(314) 725-5030

American. See description under Chesterfield, MO.

·Frida's Deli

622 N. and South Rd., University City, MO 63130

(314) 727-6500

Vegetarian/deli. Frida's Deli -- a vegetarian café named after the owner's cat -- is a lunchtime paradise for the health-conscious vegetarian. Frida's caters to individual tastes by providing customers the option to build their own sandwich, smoothie, or juice. With house-made seitan and organic tempeh, six different types of locally-made bread, vegan cheese, and a variety of vegan sauces, Frida's is sure to satisfy anyone looking for a great-tasting sandwich. Raw and gluten-free options are available. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and early dinner. Closed Monday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, VISA/MC/DISC, $-$$.