Being a vegetarian in a college town can be tricky. There are tons of local businesses and restaurants that your friends will want to go to all the time, but you aren’t sure if you will be able to tag along and find something that you can eat that isn’t just a salad or a grilled cheese. Fret no more, because there are plenty of hidden vegetarian gems all over Old Town Fort Collins just waiting to be discovered.
Avogadro’s Number is a special blend of food for vegetarians and carnivores. With the ability to make anything vegan for those special few who can survive without dairy, they have limitless options that include tofu. Almost everything on their menu that has meat on it can be made into a vegetarian option very easily. From their Vegetarian chili to the Veggie Lasagna this restaurant is every vegetarians dream to stumble across. They are a local restaurant that has an interesting vibe, with murals along all of the walls and macrame hanging from the ceiling. This restaurant is an experience in itself.
Avogadro’s Number can be found at 605 S Mason St.
Restaurant 415, recently featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, is the place to be in Fort Collins. Their menu consist of locally grown food that can be prepared with vegetarians, vegans, and celiac customers in mind. They have Cauliflower Steaks (featured on Diners, Drive In’s, and Dives) and Organic Crispy Polenta for the vegetarians, while also having some meat friendly options making this the perfect spot to get together with all types of people. They have a wide variety of options to offer everyone looking for healthier out-of-the-box vegetarian dining options. With a homey laid back vibe, 415's atmosphere is welcoming and engaging.
Restaurant 415 can be found at 415 S Mason St.
Rainbow specializes specifically in vegetarian foods. Open only for breakfast and lunch, this is a small family owned local shop that is a must-go. A vegetarian’s dream with options from vegetarian omelets and burritos for breakfast, to veggie burger patties and Spanakopita in the afternoon for lunch, and this place has it all. With a friendly and welcoming environment, this is a restaurant to sit down and enjoy a friends company over a nice home-style vegetarian meal.
Rainbow can be found at 212 W Laurel St.
Tasty Harmony, a vibrant vegetarian focused restaurant, offers a wide selection of options that are designed for vegetarians or vegans. This restaurant does not have any meat options for meat eaters, allowing them to branch out of their own comfort zones to experience a hearty vegetarian meal. They have options ranging from Asian Lettuce Wraps and Hush Puppies to Tempeh Fajitas. They have a little bit of everything a vegetarian could want that is not usually offered at normal restaurants. Being in the middle of Old Town Fort Collins, Tasty Harmony is just a short walk away from plenty of shops making this a perfect Saturday afternoon stop.
Tasty Harmony can be found at 130 S Mason St.
Mad Greens is the perfect spot for vegetarians to stop in and get a hearty salad or panini. With the ability to completely customize your salads with healthy, protein packed vegetarian options. They also have options for people who do consume meat by adding in chicken or other meats to the salads. This is a great place to get a quick bite to eat if you are in a rush or just want a quick meal that is just the right amount. While being a chain restaurant, they are able to provide a familiarity to the order process, with different food options than the normal chain. Because of that, there is a casualness to the atmosphere of this restaurant.
All photos taken by Karissa Miller
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