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Detroit Vegan Soul’s collard greens, BBQ tofu, sweet potatoes and mac and cheese.
I’ve indicated whether each restaurant is vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free. All places with a vegetarian-only menu are in bold.
Detroit
Detroit Vegan Soul, Indian Village (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)
With recipes based on family dishes and quality ingredients, this place is a must-try. All the food I’ve had has been excellent, and the recipes are a refreshing change from a lot of vegan standards. My review can be found here.
Woodbridge Pub, Midtown (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)
A seasonal menu and gluten-free hamburger buns. Try the pho philly (even meat eaters love it.) I’ve never had a meal that wasn’t well-prepared and delicious. The garden patio area across the street has that area looking better as well.
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From the Woodbridge Pub’s summer menu.
Shangri-La, Midtown (vegetarian)
I’m glad that the former Twingo’s location has a found its groove as a good Chinese restaurant. With a wide, tasty selection of tofu and vegetable dishes, I always have to remind myself to order their lettuce wraps. Try their almond tofu— it’s delicious.
Cass Cafe, Midtown (vegetarian)
I’ve been going here so long it’s hard to write a balanced review. With vegetarian lasagna, vegetarian burritos, different vegetable sandwiches and other meatless entrees, this place has been veggie-friendly long before it was trendy. At least one of their soups is always vegetarian, and their rotating specials include fresh, steamed vegetables. And their lentil walnut burgers helped get me through my undergrad degree at Wayne State.
Seva’s, Midtown (all vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)
One of Ann Arbor’s oldest vegetarian restaurants opened a second restaurant in Detroit, and there was much rejoicing. There’s a reason why Seva has been around for more than 30 years. Great vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menu, they have a great variety of Mexican and Asian inspired dishes. Don’t miss their yam fries.
Traffic Jam and Snug, Midtown (vegetarian)
I’d be remiss if I didn’t include this restuarant here, as they’ve always had variety of interesting vegetarian entrees. However, despite the glowing reviews, I’d just never been that impressed with the food.
The Bronx Bar, Midtown (vegetarian)
While they don’t have a huge menu, their veggie machine sandwich is not to be missed, nor is their chilled dill cucumber soup.
Goodwell’s, Midtown (vegetarian)
Part grocery store and part sandwich shop, Goodwell’s is the place to go for gluten-free flour and vitamins in Midtown. Also, their pocket sandwiches are full of avocado and deliciousness.
Honest? Johns, Midtown/Cass Corridor (vegetarian, vegan)
Along with PJ Lager House, I’m happy to see bars moving from just meat burgers to veggie burgers as well. Whether it’s late at night or the morning after, I’m always happy with the food I order. Try the black bean quesadilla or the spinach artichoke melt.
7 Greens, Downtown (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) Detroit-based salad company, with a great salad menu and salad bar. All salad dressings vegan and gluten-free— check then out for lunch.
Russell Street Deli, Eastern Market(vegetarian, vegan)
With a rotating menu of vegetarian and vegan soups, this a perfect place to get some munchies after a hard day of shopping at Easter Market. Bonus: vegan coney dogs!
PJ Lager House, Corktown (vegetarian, vegan)
I’ve not made it here yet, but I so want to try their vegan po’ boy and their tempeh reuben and a vegan po’ boy. I’m very glad that bar owners are coming around to their vegetarian drinkers.
Green Dot Stables, Corktown (vegetarian, vegan)
I first happened into this place after a soccer game last summer— and was delighted to discover they had veggie-friendly sliders. Going back later to see the whole menu, I decided I need to learn how to make creme fraiche to go with my cucumbers.
Brooklyn Street Diner, Corktown (vegetarian, vegan)
Great stop for breakfast and lunch— they do both vegan and vegetarian breakfasts. Also, their vegan/gf poutine is excellent, and the servers super friendly. Try the iced coffee— perfect for a hot day.
Mudgie’s, Corktown (gluten-free, vegetarian)
Mostly meat sandwiches, but they have gluten-free bread (and bagels) are available. Also, I’m giving them props: the design-your-own-sandwich option has the veggie sandwiches start at half the prices of the meat ones.
St. Cece’s, Corktown (vegetarian)
I haven’t made it to this Corktown eatery yet— but after looking at their menu, I need to try their walnut squash cakes and vegan noodle bowl.
Goldengate Cafe, Highland Park (all vegetarian)
I’m not sure why this place has not crossed my radar before— but now that it has, it’s next on my list. It’s also nice to see veggie options away from the Midtown/downtown area and immediate neighborhoods.
Also: if you’re at a Tiger’s game in Comerica Park, check out Brushfire Grill. They have veggie hot dogs, veggie burgers and hummus and veggies.
Did I miss your favorite place, or have your heard of a new spot that’s opened? Drop me a line at V dot 8mile at gmail.
Detroiter in Poland 
These are very helpful guides to visitors and locals alike, I like the sound of Vegan Soul and Seva’s the most but there’s a nice variety 🙂
Thank you for the kind words, and for reading! Putting together these listings was a lot of fun, and tasty as well.