If you didn’t know, the month of January is also known as Veganuary (a UK organization coined the term to encourage a vegan lifestyle). Many people use the change of year in the Gregorian calendar to change course in their lives, and diet is usually on the list of things to change. Also, Restaurant Week is January 13-22 this year in Kansas City! This is a great way to sample different restaurants and have fun doing it!
Diet literally means “what you eat”. Society has somehow gained a different understanding of diet, defining it as “a selection of food that improves your overall health”.
I adopted a meatless diet on June 26, 2016. It was a cold turkey thing. After watching “What the Health,” I became emotional over the treatment of animals in the meat and dairy industries. I started meatless, and I’ve now transitioned to high-raw vegan. No matter where you start and where you transition, I am LIVING PROOF that one’s life is forever enhanced by getting rid of meat and dairy products. It’s been a game-changer for all aspects of me! I’ve already written about it, so I won’t bore you again with the details. LOL You can read about it HERE.
Most of the time, when I tell people that I’m plant-based, I get a range of responses. But overall, people wonder: What do I eat if I don’t eat meat and dairy?
Well, I’ll tell you that my diet is more diverse than it has ever been, and I eat VERY well! But when I started, I just wanted vegan food that tasted like what I was used to in the Standard American Diet. I was fine giving up a lot of the diet, but CHICKEN?!? CHICKEN?!? I couldn’t fathom it. And I was only concerned with how I would get protein because others were concerned about how I was gonna get protein. 🤷🏾♀️ NOW, I know that shouldn’t even be a concern, but that’s another topic for another day. Needless to say, I’ve been thankful for the list of food spots that offer good-tasting food to help transition to eating more fruits and veggies. Some are restaurants; some are not. Some are new discoveries; some are not. Some are completely vegan food spots; some are not. Some are not as healthful, as vegan does NOT equal healthy…but ALL are amazing! I know because I’ve eaten at all the ones on my list. 99% of the pictures are of the food I've ordered!
(VIDEO VERSIONS OF THIS SERIES ON MY IG/FB/YT @whenmallorylives)
Blue Sake Sushi Grill
Location and Contact: Blue Sake Sushi Grill Website
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 11AM-9PM/Thursday 11AM-9:30PM/Friday 11AM-10:30PM/Saturday 12PM-10:30PM/Sunday 12PM-9PM
Type of Food Spot: Restaurant for all diets, but with a complete Vegan Sushi Menu. Curbside Takeout or Dine In.
My Own Personal Story: When I was a meat eater, I NEVER ate anything that took a breath in water and survived. 😂 But when I found out that they had a vegan sushi menu, I had to try it out! It was not a miss! It’s a beautiful restaurant with an amazing menu for all eaters.
What You’re Going to Order: You’re going to order the Brussel Sprouts, The Cowgirl Vegan Roll, The Eden Vegan Roll, The Unami Express Roll, and The Prince Roll. For a drink, you’ll get the Coco Hydration or the DragonFruit Lemonade.
Cost: I always spend a million dollars in this place, so to save $, go during Happy Hour, KC Restaurant Week, or Lunch. $30-$50/person
Vegan Crave
Location and Contact: Vegan Crave Website *SHE'S RELOCATING!*
Hours: Monday-Thursday 12PM-5PM & Friday-Saturday 12PM-6PM(Winter Hours)
Type of Food Spot: Vegan Pickup/Delivery Restaurant (Winter)/ Picnic Eating (Summer)
My Own Personal Story: I’ve been a fan of Teeshia’s food since I discovered she was cooking out of her house. Her food is amazing, and the desserts are equally yummy! I’m a forever fan of the Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes. I was so excited when she said she was getting a storefront, but not so excited when she said it would be in Grandview (I live up North, and all the vegan food places are south). However, I was delighted to learn she was coming to the Northland! Her establishment is in the Iron District, which is comprised of shipping containers made into buildings. It’s all outside, so not convenient in the Wintertime (who ain’t sittin’ outside to eat in KC right now is ME), so I get it to go!
What You’re Going to Order: The District Burger, Abundant Fries, and whatever is sweet on the menu!
Cost: $15-$25/person
Top Knotch Vegan Vittles
Location and Contact: Top Knotch Vegan Vittles Website
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 8AM-3 PM/Thursday 6:30 AM-3PM
Type of Food Spot: Vegan Food Storefront! Order online and pick up!
My Own Personal Story: I first saw Kim’s food stand at the Midwest Soul Vegan Fest when it was in the 18th and Vine District. I didn’t partake because she was cooking “fish” that day, and well… you know how I feel about anything that breathes water. Even if it’s not real… I was able to eat her food at another vegan festival in City Market, and there, she shared her powerful story about how vegan food healed her body! Her jackfruit wings have appeared on a top 10 vegan food place list in the NATION, so I had to go try them. They were 🔥🔥🔥🔥. She makes all her sauces from scratch, and her sides are pretty good too! She used to cook out of her house, and you had to go to a parking lot and meet her there. Now, she has a restaurant on a college campus, and since I haven’t been there yet, I don’t know if you can sit down and eat, but I suggest pre-ordering and picking it up!
What You’re Going to Order: 10-piece jackfruit Wings tossed in Teriyaki Sauce (Korean if you like spicy), with potato salad and baked beans (when she’s offering them).
Cost: $15-$25/person
Matties’ Foods (Vegan Jurnee for January)
Location and Contact: Vegan Jurnee IG
Hours: Wednesday 9AM-3PM/Thursday 9AM-7PM/Friday 9AM-7PM/Saturday 9AM-3PM
Type of Food Spot: Vegan Restaurant Curbside Takeout or Dine In.
My Own Personal Story: Let me say: Mattie’s Foods deserves its own shout-out, and when they reopen the location as Mattie’s, I will. *SHOUTOUT COMING SOON* I’m gonna shout them out for being amazing Black sistas supporting other Black sistas and their businesses. They have shut down their black woman-owned business to support another black woman-owned business that caters to the same market. Still, they all realize there’s enough money out here for all of us to literally and figuratively eat! I love it and am here for it! So, if you Google the address, it’ll say Mattie’s is closed, but if you go during Vegan Jurnee’s business hours, it’ll be open. The customer service was great, and I’d say the food was really good! The main chef came out with some Cauliflower Fried Fish for the restaurant patrons to try, and as I’ve already said, I’m not one to eat even the mock fish, but THAT and the dipping sauce that went with it was INCREDIBLE! She also bought out some PEACH COBBLER NACHOS… I know you’re thinking they were gross, but ABSOLUTELY NOT… DELECTABLE! I don’t even like Peach Cobbler IRL. The creator of the dish, Denisha Jones of Sweet Peaches Cobblers, has non-vegan peach cobblers in 37 stores and 4 restaurants, but her Vegan Peach Cobbler Nachos will only be available through Vegan Jurnee.
What You’re Going to Order: I got the Boundless Burger with Sweet Potato Fries (the only type of fries they serve). The burger was good, but I suggest the Cauliflower Fried Fish AND the Peach Cobbler Nachos! Try the whole menu!
Cost: $10-$20/person
The Fix KC
Location and Contact: The Fix Website
Hours: Wednesday - Friday 11 AM-7 PM/Saturday & Sunday 10 AM-3 PM
Type of Food Spot: Vegan Restaurant, Takeout, or Dine In.
My Own Personal Story: Now, I’ve seen The Fix KC as a vegan option before, but the hours they are open were hours that I was teaching, so I could never partake. Now, my schedule is free, so I can go! The vibe of the space was so good! The cashier has her own business and makes vegan cakes with amazing and empowering messages for women. When I find her IG, I’ll link it HERE. Anyway, I went during a Brunch period, so I tried Breakfast items. They were good, but I needed some jelly with my sausage sandwich. 😂
What You’re Going to Order: I had something on their special menu, so I can’t recommend it. But I’d try anything on their menu because it all sounds and looks good!
Cost: $10-$25/person
Ruby Jeans Juicery
Location and Contact: Ruby Jeans Juicery Website
Hours: Troost- Monday-Friday - 8 AM-4PM/Saturday - 9AM-3PM/Sunday - Closed Leawood- Monday-Friday - 8AM-3PM/Saturday - 9AM-3PM/Sunday - 10AM-3PM
Type of Food Spot: RestaurantS for all diets, but healthy! Take Out, Delivery, or Dine in.
My Own Personal Story: I don’t remember the first time I tried Ruby Jeans, but I’ve been there so much! The restaurant has a great selection of healthy items; to find the plant-based ones, you’ll be able to tell by simply reading the menu. Because they have a kitchen crew, if you see something else you like that's NOT vegan, ask if they can make it vegan! They also make cold-pressed juices, so if you go on a juice fast and you don't want to prep, purchase from them. Good food, great people, and positive vibes! I love all the artwork at the Troost location. Did I mention that they’re also a Black-owned restaurant?
What You’re Going to Order: I only go to the Troost location, and there’s a different menu for the Leawood location (or at least the layout is different on the website). Get the Vegan Brussel Sprout Nachos or Vegan Sweet Potato Curry and Strawberry Lemonade to drink!
Cost: $10-$25/person
Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant
Location and Contact: Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant Website
Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Saturday: 11AM-8PM, Sunday 11AM-3PM, Closed Tuesdays
Type of Food Spot: Restaurant for all diets, but they have a Vegan/Vegetarian Menu. Curbside Takeout or Dine In. Order online option too!
My Own Personal Story: I don’t remember the first time I tried Blue Nile, but it’s become my favorite meal! I recently went to another local Ethiopian restaurant whose food held nothing above the Blue Nile. I love that they have a Vegan/Vegetarian menu. Salma, the cook, throws DOWN in the kitchen! I’ve been there so much, and I can TELL when Salma is not in the kitchen. But they’re all her recipes. Amazing food, great people, and positive vibes! Did I mention that they’re also a Black-owned restaurant?
What you’re going to order: Get the veggie samosas, veggie combo with 1(Gomen), 3(Atikeltt), and two 8s (Shimbera Watt), rice pudding (NOT VEGAN, but it reminds me of my grandma’s breakfast rice pudding), mango juice, and baklava for dessert!
Cost: $15-$25/person
Treehugger Kitchen
Location and Contact: Treehugger Kitchen Website
Hours: Thursday - Monday 11 AM - 8 PM
Type of Food Spot: Vegan Restaurant, Curbside Takeout, Delivery, or Dine In.
My Own Personal Story: They were on a food truck at first, and I remember that the opportunity never presented itself for me to try it… until they got a storefront in Riverside, MO, about 10 minutes from my house and right down the street from my son’s daycare center. My friend asked me if I wanted to go; it was a YES from me! Every time I go in there, I’m greeted with a smile and joy. I love the buff cashier. He’s always so nice. It’s clean, and they have board and card games you can play while waiting or eating in.
What You’re Going to Order: You’ll get the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (sub BBQ sauce for Buffalo if you don’t like spicy things like me) with a San Pellegrino Orange Pomegranate Drink. You’ll be full off that, but if you want dessert, their desserts revolve weekly and are delicious.
Cost: $10-$20/person
La Cubana Cuban Restaurant
Location and Contact: La Cubana Cuban Restaurant IG
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM-9 PM/Sunday 10 AM-6 PM
Type of Food Spot: Restaurant for all diets, but you can make a vegan meal! I always get takeout, but you can dine in if you choose. Also, grab La Cubana on Uber Eats or Postmates.
My Own Personal Story: My husband’s friend bought a plate for him, and I had some of the rice, and I was hooked! There are MANY Mexican restaurants in KC, but not as many Cuban restaurants (They are NOT the same!) So, when I went to the restaurant, I loved the Cuban vibe! Everyone was so nice and patient as I asked questions about what I could get, and just overall amazing!
What You’re Going to Order:Get the platanos maduros, yuca fritas, arroz congris, and two Chipotle sauces to put on your arroz and dip your yuca fritas in! Get a mango shake with no milk! *UPDATE* They JUST ANNOUNCED THEY HAVE A VEGAN PLATTER! GET THAT!
Cost: $10-$15/person
Shawarmar
Location and Contact: Shawarmar Website
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11AM – 9 PM
Type of Food Spot: Mediterranean Street Food Restaurant for all diets, but they have menu items for the Vegan, Drive Thru/Eat Outside when it’s warm
My Own Personal Story: Shawarmar is a Middle Eastern fast food restaurant. It’s not a vegan restaurant, but believe it or not, many diets around the world are not meat-based diets…the Mediterranean diet is one of them. It’s pretty healthy too. Falafel is basically fried chickpea balls. Chickpeas are a great source of protein in a plant-based diet (for all concerned about how you’re going to get your protein). This is a woman-owned establishment as well.
What You’re Going to Order: Get the Falafel Deluxe Bowl with extra cucumber sauce or extra tahini sauce and baklava for dessert!
Cost: $15-$20/person
The Hungry Hatch
Location and Contact: The Hungry Hatch Website
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11AM-2:30PM/ Friday 11AM-3PM/Saturday 10:30AM -4PM/ Sunday 10:30-3:30PM
Type of Food Spot: Healthy Fast Food Restaurant and Food Truck, Takeout and Delivery
My Own Personal Story: I went with a friend, and it was refreshing. We dined in! I purchased some of the bumper stickers off the counter because they were awesome, and I particularly loved the Black Buddha on the counter. They have beautiful bowls and wraps styled from different places around the world.
What You’re Going to Order: Get the Cuban bowl. I got it without the shaved coconut on top because I don’t like it. I was completely full and needed nothing else. I did not get a Hatch Juice, but I tried some canned tea that they vend, and I didn’t like it.
Cost: $10-$15/person
Waldo’s Pizza
Location and Contact: Waldo's Pizza Website
Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11AM-9PM/Friday & Saturday 11AM -10PM
Type of Food Spot: Pizza Restaurant for all diets, but they have a Vegan Menu! Dine-in, curbside, pick-up & delivery, with online ordering available
My Own Personal Story: I went here way back in 2018. I was with family, and they were not eating vegan, but my husband and I were able to eat with them while they were eating pizza with dairy and meat. At the time, that was huge! I think maybe my family chose to go there so we’d have something to eat aside from salad and fries. I love them for that!
What You’re Going to Order: Get a hand-tossed vegan pizza with your choice of toppings and the Follow Your Heart Vegan Mozzarella. They have Daiya cheese, but I don’t prefer it…makes my stomach hurt. Also, get a salad with vegan ranch (it’s AMAZING! My meat-eating friend, who eats ranch wherever she goes, prefers the vegan ranch here over the regular ranch because it’s THAT good!)
Cost: $12-$30/pizza (Depends on your toppings)
If you made it this far, I'd like to thank you for tuning into this series! It was fun to make, and I hope that you have the chance to patronize one of these businesses in the near future!
Stay tuned for my next series entitled "Kansas City Food Spots for the Not Playing Vegan"!
Love and peace to all of you!
Alexa, play "Vegetables" by The Beach Boys! It's a fun song about veggies! :)
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