Vegetarian

Everlasting Life Cafe | 2928 Georgia Ave. NW

The idea of vegan macaroni and cheese or chicken and waffles might seem sacrilegious, but Everlasting Life Cafe tricks your palate into thinking you are getting the real deal. Located in the Shaw/Howard University neighborhood, this vegan restaurant elevates traditional soul food to healthy heights without affecting flavor. The hot bar menu changes daily, offering options ranging from barbecue tofu and collard greens to shepherd’s pie and orange glazed beets. For less than $12, you can choose two entrees and one side or four sides as your meal. The cinnamon roll boasts the right amount of sweetness without weighing your wallet down.

V Falafel | 2157 P St. NW

V Falafel in Dupont Circle is a hidden gem worth finding. The menu is not very extensive, but the price and quality of the food at the P Street shop make it some of the best falafel in the city. With about $6 in your pocket, you can order a falafel sandwich, which piles five made-to-order chickpea fritters into a warm pita. The falafels are lightly fried but still have plenty of crunchiness. Take advantage of the Mediterranean salad bar by loading up the pita with unlimited toppings, such as hummus, baba ghanoush and yogurt garlic carrots. The speedy and friendly service makes this a preferable, and healthier, alternative to fast-food dining.

Busboys and Poets | 2021 14th St. NW
It is a coffee shop, a poetry club and a restaurant. Although not advertised as such, Busboys and Poets is also a vegetarian’s haven. Whether you’re looking to spend a morning brunching with friends or an evening listening to slam poetry, founder Andy Shallal’s restaurant dishes up food that is both affordable and friendly to meat- and non-meat-eaters alike. To make it easy for diners, menu items are labeled vegetarian, vegan or gluten free. Some of the best options include the vegan nachos with guacamole, the homemade veggie burger with avocado and the arugula and pan-seared basil tofu. At the beginning or the end of the meal, take a moment of pause to feed the mind, body and soul with a cup of dark roasted coffee or organic tea.