In 2016, we shared our list of the top 10 vegan states. Fast forward 2 years and we wanted to know if these states were continuing the upward trend of providing plant-based offerings to their populations. Imagine our delight when we discovered that Rhode Island has nearly doubled its list of 100% vegan restaurants and bakeries in just 2 years.
Rhode Island might be small in square footage, but its 1 million residents clearly have a large appetite when it comes to vegan eating. Perhaps that’s related to a report by the United Health Foundation—a non-profit dedicated to improving health and health care—which ranked Rhode Island the 11th healthiest state in 2017, an uptick from number 14 in 2016. According to research, vegans have a 63% lower risk of hypertension, a 22% lower risk of colorectal cancer, and a 49% lower risk of type 2 diabetes. With health consciousness on the rise in Rhode Island, it’s no wonder that residents of “The Ocean State” are seeing an increase in vegan restaurants and bakeries.
While vegan eating often conjures up images of boring salads and tasteless bowls of beans and rice, these Rhode Island vegan—and “almost vegan”—restaurants and bakeries will be sure to satisfy the most discerning of gourmet tastes.
1. Wildflour Vegan Bakery & Juice Bar
Wildflour, located in Pawtucket, prides itself on being 100% vegan—meaning no honey, dairy, or egg in its variety of baked goods. Patrons get their choice of sweets such as scones, cupcakes, brownies, or cookies as well as savory dishes like raw lasagna, spicy “tuna” rolls, vegan chili, and avocado toast. And no baked good would be complete without a cup of coffee—which Wildflour provides with your choice of 6 non-dairy milks: coconut, almond, soy, oat, flax, and hazelnut.
2. Veggie Fun
Veggie Fun is a 100% vegan pan-Asian kosher restaurant. Whether you are looking for Thai fried rice, Singapore-style rice noodles, Japanese seaweed salad, Korean kimchee udon, or Chinese spring rolls, Veggie Fun has an extensive menu spanning the many flavors of Asian cuisine. In lieu of meat such as pork, beef, or chicken, patrons can feast upon eggplant, Portobello mushrooms, seitan, tempeh, and tofu. Thanks to Veggie Fun, Rhode Islanders can travel through Asia—without having to leave Providence!
3. by CHLOE.
by CHLOE. is a vegan restaurant chain that specializes in plant-based fast food such as burgers, fries, tacos, and mac n’ cheese. by CHLOE. has locations in London, New York, LA, Boston, and—you guessed it—Providence, Rhode Island. by CHLOE. also offers an array of salads for those looking for light bites, as well as vegan pastries, cookies, cupcakes, and smoothies to satisfy your sweet tooth. And Rhode Island canines aren’t left in the doghouse when their owners visit by CHLOE. The chain sells vegan dog treats—and a portion of that money is donated to The Humane Society.
4. Like No Udder
If you’re looking for a sweet way to cool off this summer, look no further than Like No Udder—a vegan ice cream shop located in Providence, Rhode Island. Patrons can delight in a variety of soft serves, shakes, ice creams, floats, baked goods, and even vegan retail items like meatless jerky, gelatin-free marshmallows, and vegan eggs. Like No Udder also has a vegan food truck that can be used to cater public & private events, and the storefront hosts a variety of events such as vegan cooking classes, author readings, and pop-up food tastings.
5. Vurrito
Vurrito is a recent addition to Rhode Island’s vegan gourmet landscape. Vurrito is a food truck that offers “Mexican-inspired, whole-food, plant-based” meals. Vurrito is based out of Pawtucket, but one can often find the truck at food pop-ups hosted by Long Live Beerworks, Like No Udder, and The Providence Flea Market. The owner, Casey Pomes, switched to a vegan diet a few years ago after he developed early onset arthritis at age 26 due to high uric acid levels. Before he went vegan, he loved classic Mexican food and was inspired to bring his vegan versions of Mexican staples to the Rhode Island community.
6. Miss Vegan
Miss Vegan is a custom-order vegan bakery that caters to Rhode Island residents. While Miss Vegan currently doesn’t have a storefront, one can find her delicious vegan delights popping up at Like No Udder, the North Scituate Farmers Market, and the Wickenden St. Makers and Merchants Sidewalk Sale. Miss Vegan also has a popular Instagram account, where folks outside Rhode Island can drool over her delectable photos of plant-based cupcakes, cakes, cookies, doughnuts, and cannolis.
7. Celebrated
Celebrated is a custom order plant-based dessert shop located in Providence. Celebrated has a special focus on wedding cakes—though they also cater a variety of other events. The cakes and macaroons are also mostly organic and allergen-friendly—which can be a relief for vegans who are sensitive to soy, wheat, and nuts.
ALMOST VEGAN, AKA RUNNERS UP
While the following Rhode Island restaurants aren’t 100% vegan, they are vegetarian and provide a wide array of delicious vegan options.
1. Raw Bob’s Organic Juicery
Raw Bob’s Organic Juicery barely missed being on our 100% vegan list because some of their products contain honey or bee pollen. However, most of their juices and smoothies are sweetened with fruit only, and foods such as PB&J Toast or Jammin’ Oats can be ordered without honey. Raw Bobs also offers savory snacks such as avocado toast, chickpea sandwiches, and grain/veggie bowls. With locations in East Greenwich and Newport, Rhode Islanders don’t have to hop far to enjoy Raw Bob’s quick and affordable eats.
2. Garden Grille
Garden Grille is a sister restaurant to the above-mentioned Wildflour. Also located in Pawtucket, Garden Grille—which has been in business over 22 years—offers a range of vegan versions of favorite comfort foods such as seitan burgers, tofu BLTs, Korean tempeh tacos, and vegan Caesar salads. The options on Garden Grille’s menu are overwhelmingly vegan. And even though cheese is served on a few of the items such as nachos and veggie wraps, patrons can easily ask their servers to hold the moo—which can make any dish vegan.
3. The Grange
Not only does The Grange offer a vegan brunch every single day, but you can come back many nights of the week and enjoy live music or comedy with your vegan dinner! While The Grange does serve eggs at brunch, they have tofu versions of every egg dish on the menu. The Grange also has coconut yogurt instead of regular dairy-based yogurt, and patrons can ask for a no-cheese option on most dishes. Dinner is also vegan friendly, with tempeh, seitan, and tofu served in tacos, po boys, and other main dishes. The Grange also has a creative cocktail list for anyone looking to wash down those vegan delights.
Resources:
Rhode Island Vegan Dining Guide: http://www.veganawareness.org/2018%20RI%20Vegan%20Dining%20Guide.pdf
Vegetarian Resource Group: https://www.vrg.org/restaurant/Rhode_Island.php
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