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    Home » Recipes » Lifestyle

    Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin

    Published: Aug 8, 2018 · Modified: Aug 8, 2018 by Jeni · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    When you think of vegan-friendly cities, Madison might not be at the top of your list. Vegan food in the heart of dairy country? I think that you might be pleasantly surprised by all the vegan-friendly places in Madison —I know that was very surprised on my visit there last month.

    Vegan Guide to Madison, WIMy vegan guide to Madison, Wisconsin will cover all the places that I went to on my trip. I wasn't able to check out all the vegan-friendly places in Madison. It's always great when there are more than two places that have vegan options!

    The Green Owl Cafe

    After a long day of travel, I was starving. After checking into the hotel, Phoebe and I headed to The Green Owl Cafe for dinner. Their patio is dog-friendly, so I was able to bring Phoebe along with me.

    The Green Owl Cafe located in Madison, Wisconsin. #vegan #vegetarian #restaurant #food #Madison #Wisconsin Dog-Friendly dining in Madison, Wisconsin. #Madison #Wisconsin #Petfriendly The Green Owl Cafe is Madison's only vegetarian and vegan restaurant. Here you'll find that both vegan and meat-eaters will be satisfied.

    It was a hard choice deciding what to order, but the Crabby Cake Po'boy stood out. Vegan crab cakes served on a toasted roll with a chipotle remoulade. For my side, I went with the kale crisps. Such a delicious meal. The crab cakes were so and flavorful.

    Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin. Where to find delicious vegan food in Madison. #Madison #Travel #Vegan #vegantravel #Wisconsin I couldn't resist ordering dessert. I went with the vegan vanilla cheesecake and it was out of this world. It reminded me so much of the dairy filled cheesecake that I use to love growing up. I highly recommend saving room for dessert!

    Vegan Cheesecake from The Green Owl Cafe located in Madison, Wisconsin. #vegan #travel #Madison #Wisconsin THE GREEN OWL CAFE - 1970 ATWOOD AVE, MADISON, WI, 53704 - (608) 285-5290

    Ian's Pizza 

    If you read my Travel Guide to Wrigleyville in Chicago post, you saw that I stopped at Dimo's Pizza for a slice of their mac n' cheese pizza. Dimo's use to be Ian's Pizza, just like the Ian's Pizza in Madison!

    Ian's Pizza located in Madison, Wisconsin Of course I had to stop there and order a vegan pizza.I ordered the vegan mac n' cheese pizza because who can resist cheesy pasta on pizza.

    Vegan Guide to Madison Wisconsin. Where to find the best vegan food in Madison. #vegan #travel #madison #wisconsin #pizzaLuckily, I had a fridge in my hotel room at HotelRED. There was just too much pizza! I think that pizza makes the best leftovers.

    Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin. Where to find the best vegan food in the city. #vegan #vegantravel #madison #wisconsin #pizzaLocation: 100 State St.- 319 N Frances St.- Madison WI - 608.257.9248

    The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company

    Great Dane Pub has multiple locations around the city. After doing a little research, I read many recommendations for visiting their downtown location. After visiting the pub located in 40 year-old “Fess Hotel” building, I can see why. The building was so neat to explore. It also happens to be on the National Registry of Historic Places.

    Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin. Where to find amazing food in the city. #Vegan #Vegantravel #Wisconsin #Madison Of course, I had to try some of their craft beers. I ordered a flight and selected the beers from their current taps list. I must say that I was a fan of all the beer—something that doesn't happen all that time.

    Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin For lunch I ordered the High Point Harvest Bowl. The bowl had the perfect balance of flavors. The base of the bowl was a combination of brown rice and red quinoa. The grains were topped with veggies, dried apricots, sesame tofu and dressed with an orange ginger dressing. I loved everything about this bowl!
    Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin #vegan #travel #Madison #Wisconsin #Vegantravel Location: 123 E. Doty Street Madison, WI 53703- (608) 284-0000

    Tex Tubb's Taco Palace

    After checking out one of the local breweries, I headed to Tex Tubb's Taco Palace for some vegan nachos! If you follow me on Instagram, you might have noticed that I have this thing for vegan nachos. Nachos are definitely one of my guilty pleasures.

    Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin There are quite a few vegan options on the menu, but I still had to satisfy my nacho craving. Perfect way to end the night!

    Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin Location: 2009 Atwood Ave.Madison, WI - 608.242.1800

    Gotham Bagels 

    Before leaving Madison, I stopped at Gotham Bagels for breakfast. It had been along time since I had a bagel with cream cheese. At Gotham Bagels, you'll find NYC style hand rolled bagels. Just the way a bagel should be made.

    Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin There are a few vegan cream cheese options at Gotham Bagels. I ordered the Original V bagel which had a scallion tofu spread, poblano peppers, tomato, arugula, and avocado.  I got the bagel to-go since there wasn't any outdoor space to sit with Phoebe. It was messy, but delicious!

    Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin #vegan #bagel Location: 112 East Mifflin ST. Madison, WI 608.467.7642

    Pig Minds Brewing 

    On the way home from Madison, I just had to stop at Pig Minds Brewing in Machesney Park, IL. I have a vegan restaurant bucket list that just keeps growing. One restaurant that has been on my list for awhile is Pig Minds Brewing— a 100% vegan restaurant and brewery! When I realized that the restaurant was on my way home from Madison, I just had to stop.

    An all vegan restaurant and brewery located. Their outdoor patio is dog-friendly, so I was able to bring Phoebe with me!

    Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin I ordered their beer flight, which included a sample of all of their beers. It was probably the biggest beer flight that I have every had before. Don't worry, I didn't finish all of the samples. It is just nice to  be able to taste all of the different beers.

    Beer Flight at Pig Minds BreweryFor my meal, I ordered the Oyster Mushroom Po'Boy Sandwich with fries. This is amazing It was also so spicy! I was so happy that I was finally to eat here. Highly recommend taking a detour here if you are traveling through Illinois and Wisconsin.

    Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin Location: 4080 Steele Dr., Machesney Park, IL 61115

    I feel in love with Madison. I could definitely see myself living there one day. I loved the vibe of the college town and the plethora of vegan options available. Too see more of my trip to Madison, watch my travel vlog below!

    For more vegan travel guides check out these posts:
    Vegan Travel Guide to Boston
    Craft Beer and Vegan Food Guide to Grand Rapids, MI 
    Best Disney Restaurants for Vegans 
    XO Jeni 
    When you think of vegan-friendly cities, Madison might not be at the top of your list. Vegan food in the heart of dairy country? This Vegan Guide to Madison, Wisconsin will show you how easy it is to find Vegan food in Madison! #vegan #travel #trip #Midwest #Madison #Wisconsin #VeganTravel #WeekendGetaway #food
    « HotelRed: Pet-Friendly Hotel in Madison, WI
    Mexican Cabbage and Avocado Salad »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jorge Roriguez

      August 08, 2018 at 3:23 pm

      Hard to find places with Vegan options in my hometown, Lebanon, Pennsylvania...I would like to receive some simple and easy vegan recipes. Great article about Wisconsin and Illinois....THANK YOU!

      Reply
    2. Cadry

      August 09, 2018 at 5:32 pm

      What a fun getaway! It's been way too long since I've been to Madison. I adore Pig Minds Brewery. I would be there all the time if I lived in Machesney. Also, I've never had mac and cheese on a pizza. I feel like I need to make up for this gap ASAP.

      Reply
    3. Kara

      June 12, 2019 at 3:10 am

      Wow, this is great info for when I go to Madison! Thanks!

      Reply
    4. Julie Fitzpatrick

      July 21, 2019 at 2:55 pm

      As a Madison vegan native, I was curious which of our vegan treasures you would unearth on your visit. You found some good ones! Next visit, you could try Surya Cafe, Good Food, and Great Dane East, which has the best view in Madison.

      Reply

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    1. Madison, Wisconsin Craft Beer Guide - Thyme & Love says:
      November 5, 2018 at 4:59 pm

      […] you read my Vegan guide to Madison post, you read that I went to The Great Dance for lunch and had a great experience. The food was so […]

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    Hi, I'm Jeni—the food blogger, recipe developer, and photographer behind Thyme & Love. I'm a busy mom would loves creating memories in the kitchen and traveling to new places.

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    Hi, I'm Jeni—the food blogger, recipe developer, and photographer behind Thyme & Love. I'm a busy mom would loves creating memories in the kitchen and traveling to new places.

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