Portland, Oregon, has emerged as the most vegan-friendly city in the United States, according to a recent study by WalletHub. The study, which compared the 100 largest cities in the country across 17 key indicators of vegetarian- and vegan-friendliness, revealed that Portland topped the charts with the highest overall score.
WalletHub’s methodology took into account various factors, including the cost of groceries for vegans, the prevalence of restaurants offering meatless options, access to farmers’ markets and CSA programs, salad shops, juice and smoothie bars, and vegetable nurseries. While Portland didn’t claim the number one spot in any specific metric, it consistently scored well across the board, making it the number one city for vegans.
Portland’s top vegan restaurants and shops
Portland’s recognition is thanks in huge part to the diversity of plant-based dining and shopping options available. Here are some of the top vegan restaurants and shops that have contributed to Portland’s title as the most vegan-friendly city in the United States:
- Mis Tacones – Authentic, all-vegan Mexican delights in a clean, cute setting, serving hand-pressed tortillas made with Three Sisters Nixtamal masa.
- Blossoming Lotus – A Portland classic. Organic vegan fusion dishes, including raw foods, served in a casual, stylish setting. Top dishes include the Pad Thai, the Lotus Burger, and the Raw Tacos.

- Veggie Grill – Popular vegan chain offering sandwiches, salads, faux meats & sides in a modern, counter-service setting. Top dishes include the Santa Fe Chickpea Bowl, the BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich, and the Mac and Cheese.
- Mama Đút – Vietnamese-inspired veggie plates served in a no-frills outlet. The Banh Mi Chay and Bun Chay are a must-try. A unique take on vegan Vietnamese street food.
- The Bye and Bye – Hipster bar with Southern-inspired vegan cuisine like the Weeping Tiger Sandwich with tofu cutlets and miso mayo. Open until late, perfect for casual dining and enjoying craft beers.
- Dirty Lettuce – 100% vegan restaurant offering Cajun, Creole, and Southern classics. Try the house-made fried chicken and BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich. The menu features a variety of colorful, seitan-based BBQ dishes.
- Kate’s Ice Cream – Contemporary dessert shop serving plant-based & gluten-free cones, scoops & pints. Try the popular Chocolate Hazelnut and Salted Caramel flavors.
- Boxcar Pizza – Vegan Detroit-style pizzas & wings. From the Classic Margherita to the Buffalo Chicken pizza.
- Cultured Kindness – A vegan cheese shop featuring dairy-free cheeses made from fair-trade organic cashews and coconut oil.
- Food Fight! – A go-to vegan market and convenience store with a selection of vegan foods, including chips, drinks, candies, fake meats, and cheeses.
Following closely behind Portland in Wallethub’s rankings were Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Diego. Find the full analysis here.