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

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

Wisconsin

Brookfield

·Café Manna

3815 N. Brookfield Rd., Brookfield, WI 53045

(262) 790-2340

Vegetarian/organic. Café Manna serves vegetarian and vegan fare in suburban Brookfield, just outside Milwaukee. The menu notes which items are raw, gluten-free, and/or vegan. Try the Spiced Tempeh & Glazed Soba Noodles or the Peace Bowl with Curried Cashew Crunch. Warm up with their signature soup, Lentil with Tofu Cilantro Sour Cream. They support the environment by buying local & organic ingredients, utilizing eco-friendly building materials, using biodegradable take-out containers, and employing a reverse osmosis water purification system. "Fresh Yummy Food" is their slogan and that is exactly what you will find at Café Manna. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Green Bay

·Kavarna Vegetarian Coffeehouse

112 S. Broadway St., Green Bay, WI 45303

(920) 430-3200

Vegetarian/coffeehouse/natural foods. Kavarna is a great place to stop in for cup of joe or light vegetarian fare. Vegan options are noted on the menu and many non-vegan items can be made so; just ask! Their soups are made from scratch and change with the seasons, but they always serve the popular Gypsy Vegetable Soup (vegan & gluten-free). Free wireless Internet service is also available. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Open Sunday for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, soymilk, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

La Crosse

·the Root Note

115 4th St. S., La Crosse, WI 54601

(608) 782-7668

Vegetarian/organic. The Root Note specializes in local and organic foods. Their all-vegetarian menu includes vegan and gluten-free options. They feature local and regional artwork displayed on their walls as well as live music several nights a week. Open Sunday through Wednesday for three meals. Open Thursday through Saturday for three meals through late night. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, beer/wine, VISA/MC, $.

Madison

Bunky's Café

2425 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704

(608) 204-7004

Italian/Mediterranean. Bunky's Café is an eclectic restaurant serving creative menu items including vegetarian and vegan entrées and desserts. Try the Okra Delight or Mediterranean Eggplant. The staff is friendly and helpful. The décor is quirky with a wall of mirrors and Boy Scout memorabilia; even the bathroom is a must-see with its very unusual, extensive collection of decorative items. Bunky's is close to Elmside Circle Park. Please note that there is very limited parking so it's best to go off-hours or park on the street and walk a bit. The restaurant is closed on weekdays between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Sunday and Monday for dinner. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, catering, wine, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Himal Chuli

318 State St., Madison, WI 53705

(608) 251-9225

Nepalese. Authentic Nepalese cuisine is featured on a menu divided into vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Vegetarian entrées include various vegetable stews and dumplings. Outdoor seating available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, beer, take-out, $-$$.

Husnu's

547 State St., Madison, WI 53703

(608) 256-0900

Turkish/Mediterranean. Sample hummus, falafel, eggplant, and vegetable couscous from Husnu's menu. Open daily for three meals. Full service, take-out, non-alcoholic beer, VISA/MC, $$.

Monty's Blue Plate Diner

2089 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704

(608) 244-8505

American. Step into the past at this 1950s art-deco diner featuring big band music. Although they have the usual diner staples, you'll have no trouble finding a vegetarian meal. Choose from several vegetarian sandwiches, including an artichoke sandwich, a grilled eggplant sandwich, and a black bean burger. Ask about the daily vegetarian dinner special. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, beer/wine, VISA/MC, $-$$.

·Mother Fool's Coffeehouse

1101 Williamson St., Madison, WI 53703

(608) 259-1301

Vegetarian/coffeehouse. Mother Fool's Coffeehouse, whose mission is to support the community that supports them, offers organic coffee, vegan treats, a relaxed atmosphere, art work, and live music. Open daily for three meals through late night. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, $.

Sunroom Café & Gallery

638 State St., Madison, WI 53703

(608) 255-1555

International. Several international vegetarian dishes and gourmet desserts are available at this European-style café and art gallery. The Sunroom Café is located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Open Sunday for brunch, lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer/alcohol, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Supreme Pizza

912 E. Johnson St., Madison, WI 53703

(608) 255-2200

Pizza. Supreme Pizza, a vintage-looking pizza parlor, is home to many traditional Italian dishes, some with a delicious vegan spin. They offer vegan soysage ravioli, vegan pizza (with a free topping), and a soysage sandwich, as well as many vegetarian pasta dishes that can be made vegan upon request. The restaurant also offers vegan dough for homecooking. Supreme Pizza is located near the University of Wisconsin and accepts Campusfood Cash. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner through late night. Open Saturday for dinner through late night. Open Sunday for late lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

·The Green Owl Café

1970 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704

(608) 285-5290

Vegetarian/American. The Green Owl Café serves vegetarian versions of your favorite comfort foods. Vegan options are noted on the menu with a green owl and include Schnitzel, Jambalaya, BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich, and Crabby Cake Po'Boy. "Vegetarian Cuisine for People Who Love Food" is their slogan; just one bite and you'll see why! The Green Owl is located at Schenk's Corners -- just look for the owl. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for brunch. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Willy Street Co-op East

1221 Williamson St., Madison, WI 53703

(608) 251-6776

Natural foods store/deli/juice bar. Willy Street Co-op is a natural foods store with a hot food bar, deli, salad bar, prepared foods, fresh produce, juice bar, and vegan desserts. A different variety of food is available every day, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. There is some seating available if you want to eat in. The co-op is also devoted to teaching the community about healthy and sustainable food and provides classes and tours of the store. Open daily for three meals. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Menomonie

·The Raw Deal

603 S. Broadway St., Menomonie, WI 54751

(715) 231-3255

Vegetarian/raw foods/organic. The Raw Deal is a cozy vegetarian café that would be vegan if not for honey in some of the muffins. Organic and locally-grown food is used as much as possible. Bakery items are whole grain and sweetened with maple sugar (no refined sugar or grain). As their slogan says, "Eat Real." Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC, $.

Middleton

·Bloom Bake Shop

1834 Parmenter St., Middleton, WI 53562

(608) 831-5797

Vegetarian/bakery. Bloom Bake Shop is a great place to go for sweets made with locally-sourced ingredients. They offer many vegan selections including 'Be a Monkey' (banana cupcake made with real bananas and dark chocolate chips) and Peanut Butter Cookies ("just like grandma used to make...if grandma was a vegan"). Make sure to check out their seasonal vegan offerings, too. Bloom is located in the DuFrenne building in the heart of downtown Middleton. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, catering, VISA/MC, $.

Willy Street Co-op West

6825 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562

(608) 284-7800

Natural foods store/deli/juice bar. See description under Willy Street Co-op East in Madison, WI.

Milwaukee

Beans & Barley

1901 E. North Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202

(414) 278-7878

Natural foods. Vegetarian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern specialities, including homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, burritos, and stir-fries, are served. All foods are prepared using the freshest ingredients possible. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, wine/beer, VISA/MC, $$.

·Bombay Sweets

3401 S. 13th St., Milwaukee, WI 53215

(414) 383-3553

Vegetarian/Indian. Tucked away in southern Milwaukee, Bombay Sweets is all-vegetarian and features Indian, Pakistani, and Bengali cuisines. Try sampling two or three dishes from their extensive (and inexpensive) menu of vegetarian appetizers, platters, breads, rice, and dessert. The prices here can't be beat! Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC, $.

Casablanca

728 E. Brady St., Milwaukee, WI 53202

(414) 271-6000

Middle Eastern. When the chef has over 30 years of experience, you know you are in good hands. Everything is made form scratch at Casablanca. Try the Casablanca Combination which includes hummus, baba ghanouj, spinach pie, tabbouleh, and falafel. Don't miss the vegetarian lunch buffet served every weekday and Saturday; it includes many vegan dishes. And if you aren't convinced yet, come for the belly dancing (every other Friday). Open Monday for lunch. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for brunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, wine/beer, non-alcoholic beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Comet Café

1947 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202

(414) 273-7677

Natural foods/American. The Comet Café's menu has many vegetarian and vegan options. They offer a long list of unusual sandwiches, soups, salads, and specialty drinks. Open Monday through Friday for three meals through late night. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner through late night. Full service, vegan options, take-out, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Outpost Natural Foods

2826 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207

(414) 755-3202

100 E. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53207

(414) 961-2597

7000 W. State St., Milwaukee, WI 53213

(414) 778-2012

Natural foods store/café/juice bar. Outpost Natural Foods is a natural foods store with a juice bar and veg-friendly café. Fork in the Road Café offers vegan sandwiches such as Joey's Fabulous Tofu Steak, Falafel, and Veggie Stack. Their homemade soups change daily but are quite often vegan, and Mama's Veggie Chili is served everyday! Outpost offers options for the vegan who feels trapped in the state of cheese! The location on Kinnickinnic Avenue is just south of California Street in Bay View. The location on Capitol Drive is on the corner of 1st & Capitol. The location on State Street is on the corner of 70th & State in Wauwatosa. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, soymilk, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

·Riverwest Co-op Café

733 E. Clarke St., Milwaukee, WI 53212

(414) 264-7933

Vegetarian/natural foods/organic. The Riverwest Co-op Café is a vegetarian café attached to the Riverwest Co-op. Enjoy items like Vegan French Toast, Tempeh Reuben, Phamous Philly (made with seitan), or Chix Fried Tofu. They use organic and locally-produced ingredients whenever possible and bake vegan breads and sweets daily. The café has its own entrance or can be reached through the store. Outdoor seating is available in good weather. Please note that the co-op is open to the public, and while not all-veg like the café, offers many vegetarian & vegan items. Open Monday through Friday for three meals. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, smoothies, soymilk, $-$$.

·Verduras Tea House & Café

181 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202

(414) 224-5401

Vegetarian/teahouse/café. Verduras Tea House & Café serves vegetarian and vegan soups, salads, and sandwiches. Try the Gypsy Vegetable Soup, Spinach & Grapefruit Salad, or Almond Butter & Banana Sandwich. Check the board for daily specials. Verduras offers a wide variety of teas; so relax and enjoy a cup. They are located in the historic Third Ward. Open Tuesday and Wednesday for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. Open Thursday and Friday for three meals. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Closed Monday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, special beverages, VISA/MC, $.

Mineral Point

Brewery Creek Brewpub

23 Commerce St., Mineral Point, WI 53565

(608) 987-3298

Brewpub. Located in a restored 1854 limestone warehouse building, this microbrewery and bed and breakfast offers limited but very high quality vegetarian fare, such as the "MLT" (mushroom, lettuce, and tomato sandwich), the Walnut Burger, Pesto Pasta, and more. Open Wednesday through Monday from May through October. Closed Tuesday. Full service, take-out, reservations not taken, non-alcoholic beverages, beer/wine, non-smoking, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Osceola

Organica Restaurant

Aveda Spa Osceola, 1015 N. Cascade St., Osceola, WI 54020

(800) 283-3202

Natural foods. Located in a spa near the St. Croix River, Organica offers vegetarian and vegan dishes using local organic produce whenever possible. The menu changes daily. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, reservations required, take-out, $$.

Spring Green

Spring Green General Store & Café

137 S. Albany St., Spring Green, WI 53588

(608) 588-7070

Natural foods. Located in a cheese warehouse by the Wisconsin River, Spring Green features a menu that changes daily and includes Mexican, Indian, and Italian specialties. Some regular favorites include West African Sweet Potato Soup, Pea-Potato Curry with Lime Rice and Raita, and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Hot Peanut Sauce. Most of the produce used in the summer is grown locally. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Limited service, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC, $.

Wisconsin Dells

·The Cheese Factory Restaurant

521 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy S, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

(608) 253-6065

Vegetarian. The Cheese Factory combines the comfort of the jukebox and soda fountain generation, the taste of international cuisine, the humanity of vegetarianism, and the joy of music and dance. This quaint stop has a meals fit for all, from traditional American breakfasts (minus the meat, of course), to exotic curries and stir-fries. Open Wednesday through Monday for three meals. Closed Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, live entertainment, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.