Best Upscale Vegan Restaurants in East Austin | Upscale & Vegan

13 restaurants in Best Upscale Vegan Restaurants in East Austin | Upscale & Vegan

• Blue Owl Brewing — American · rated 4/5: This vibrant taproom invites adventurous palates to explore a world of tangy, kettle-sour brews where zesty citrus notes and bold, unconventional flavors dance on the tongue. Guests can settle into the whimsical, community-focused space to sip on refreshing favorites like the bright ¡Limetastico! or the smooth Spirit Animal, experiencing a playful yet sophisticated approach to craft brewing that celebrates the art of the tart.
• Zilker Brewing Company — American · rated 4/5: Sunlight streams through industrial garage doors into this vibrant urban taproom, where the hum of conversation mingles with the refreshing clink of glasses filled with crisp Mexican lagers and citrus-forward IPAs. It is a communal sanctuary for craft enthusiasts, offering a sensory journey that ranges from the tropical, cloud-like depths of a hazy double IPA to the dark, velvety richness of a robust porter.
• The Vegan Nom — Mexican: This vibrant plant-based sanctuary reimagines Tex-Mex comfort with a rock-and-roll spirit, where the air is thick with the scent of sizzling spices and velvety, golden queso. Diners dive into massive, flavor-packed brunch burritos and signature crunchy wraps that defy expectations, offering an indulgent experience that captures the rebellious, sun-soaked energy of a modern taco revolution.
• Nasha — Indian: Nasha invites diners into a vibrant space where the aromatic heat of Indian spices dances with the playful energy of global street food. The air hums with the scent of sizzling lamb kabobs and golden onion pakodas, while innovative plates like tikka-infused queso and masala-dusted wings offer a bold, cross-cultural feast meant for sharing. It is a spirited destination where traditional flavors are reimagined through a modern lens, creating an atmosphere that is as warm and inviting as it is culinary adventurous.
• Veracruz all natural — Mexican: Vibrant colors and the refreshing scent of hand-pressed citrus fill the air as guests gather for a taste of authentic, sun-drenched flavors. The kitchen transforms wholesome ingredients into culinary poetry, from the iconic, salty crunch of their signature migas tacos to the smoky, succulent char of perfectly seasoned al pastor. Each meal is a celebration of freshness, best paired with a chilled, fruit-forward agua fresca that captures the soulful, laid-back essence of a perfect afternoon.
• Quickie Pickie — Mexican: This vibrant neighborhood hybrid pulses with energy as the aroma of sizzling chorizo and toasted tortillas fills the air, welcoming locals into a bright, communal space. The kitchen transforms simple ingredients into soulful hand-held feasts, layering everything from smoky bacon and fluffy eggs to zesty juniper beef into warm, pillowy folds. It is a sun-drenched corner of the city where the morning rush feels like a celebration of flavor, making every bite of a hearty migas taco the perfect start to the day.
• Bufalina — Italian: Sunlight dances across rustic tables where the simple joy of warm bread and creamy stracciatella sets the stage for a soulful Italian feast. Hand-rolled pastas like silken tagliatelle share the spotlight with wood-fired pizzas, where blistered crusts meet the vibrant simplicity of San Marzano tomatoes and fragrant basil. It is a space that hums with the warmth of a neighborhood gathering, inviting guests to linger over crisp salads and classic flavors crafted with effortless elegance.
• Juiceland — American: A vibrant, high-energy oasis where the rhythmic whir of blenders and the bright scent of freshly pressed citrus create an atmosphere of pure vitality. Guests find liquid sunshine in legendary blends like the creamy, spinach-flecked Wundershowzen or the zesty Tigerlilly, while jewel-toned açai bowls offer a textural playground of crunchy granola and luscious nut butters. It is a colorful sanctuary that transforms raw, earth-grown ingredients into a refreshing celebration of health, perfect for a post-workout recharge or a midday burst of natural energy.
• West China Tea House — Chinese: This serene sanctuary invites guests to slow down amidst the delicate fragrance of "Floating Snow" jasmine and the deep, toasted warmth of charcoal-roasted oolongs. Each pour reveals a storied landscape, where rare wild white tea coins and hand-pressed bricks unfurl in steaming vessels to offer a meditative journey through the mist-covered mountains of China.
• Suerte — Mexican: Suerte pulses with a vibrant, soulful energy where the communal joy of a bustling taco bar meets the refined artistry of an intimate, chef-led omakase journey. Hand-pressed heirloom corn and bold, smoky flavors are elevated by a curated selection of funky natural wines and inventive craft cocktails, creating a sensory experience that feels both deeply rooted in tradition and daringly modern.
• R&B's Steak and Fries — Steakhouse: The sizzle of the griddle and the aroma of toasted rolls define the high-energy atmosphere at R&B's Steak and Fries, where ribbons of tender steak and melted cheese come together in a savory symphony of comfort. Heaping baskets of golden fries are transformed into decadent masterpieces topped with spicy buffalo chicken or gooey cheese, offering a soulful and indulgent escape for those craving bold, classic flavors.
• Hippie PicNik — American: This vibrant street-food sanctuary pulses with a bohemian spirit, inviting diners to explore a world of bold flavors where global classics meet playful, experimental twists. The air is thick with the savory aroma of sizzling meats and aromatic spices as the kitchen turns out everything from herb-laden gyros and authentic currywurst to gravity-defying crunchwraps and daring "lab experiments." It is a colorful, high-energy retreat where the casual joy of a picnic meets a boundary-pushing menu, perfect for those seeking a soulful and adventurous bite.
• allday — American: Bathed in natural light, this vibrant neighborhood haunt reimagines familiar comforts with a playful, chef-driven spirit that invites guests to linger over inventive, sun-drenched plates. The kitchen transforms seasonal bounty into whimsical delights like the layered Tomato Tomatoe and the tangy, cult-favorite Pickle Pie, all capped off with a swirl of velvety soft serve for a finish that feels like pure nostalgia.