The 50 Best Best Plant-Based Burgers In America

With three restaurants in Georgia, but a flagship branch in Atlanta, Slutty Vegan grabs attention with its delicious range of plant based burgers and fries. A diverse menu includes a vegan shrimp burger, vegan jerk chicken and plant-based bratwurst, as well as the range of plant-based burger patties. The restaurants are takeout only, with no dine in option, but they make a perfect takeaway option. The company also has a food truck (which is how it all started), which can often be seen at local events, or can be hired out on a private basis.

Good Times Burgers first started creating delicious burgers and creamy custard in Colorado, before expanding as a franchise. They focus on making fast and easy food with natural ingredients. Although their beef patties are wildly popular throughout the state, vegans and vegetarians haven’t been forgotten.

They have a classic fast food burger made with a black bean patty, The Veg Head. It has all of the toppings, crunch, and flavor you’d expect from a burger place. The Southwestern Black Bean Burger is made with a flavorful patty and topped with vegetables and generous spread of guacamole.

The first international chain to make our list, Umami’s burgers are sold as far afield as the Bahamas and Japan, as well as across California and in New York and Chicago. The company began life in 2009, when it opened the doors to its Los Angeles restaurant, and things have only escalated since. Although the chain caters for carnivores with plenty of meat options, they have also partnered with the renowned meat substitute company “Impossible”, to launch a range of fully vegan burgers in all of their restaurants. They continue to expand, with big plans for the next few years, so watch this space!

Sometimes you just want quality burgers quickly without having to go to a mass-produced, international chain. Burger 21 is Tampa’s answer. With no-frills counter service and a focus on fresh, local ingredients, it is the place to go for mouth-watering burgers, sweet potato fries, crisp salads, and milkshakes in decadent flavors like red velvet and oreo cream. Burger 21 serves a flavorful black bean veggie patty topped with fresh avocado, cilantro cream, sun-dried tomatoes aioli, and house-made pico de gallo. An Impossible burger with traditional burger toppings like onions, lettuce, and tomatoes gives that beef feel without any of the meat. Both are served on a toasted whole wheat bun.

With a huge increase in demand, vegan restaurants have been opening up quickly. Chicago Diner is a rare vegetarian restaurant with nearly four decades under its belt. Serving up a delicious meat-free menu since 1983, the Chicago Diner proves that plant-based food isn’t a fad.

Their Radical Rebun put them on the map and is famous worldwide. Try a cauliflower kale burger that tastes amazing with apple chutney. A grilled seitan po-boy sandwich has all of the crunch of the seafood original. Sides finish off the sandwiches and include fresh cut sweet potato fries, seasoned waffle fries, faux macaroni and cheese, and hot soups.

The second international chain to feature on our list, Wayback burgers is an established presence in a diverse list of countries, from Pakistan to Indonesia and Morocco, as well as operating restaurants in more than half of US states. The chain isn’t known for its vegan options, and in truth it is only in recent months that they have started delving into the vegetarian market. But the chain earns a place in this article thanks to the success of its Original Gardenburger, a veggie burger which has now become a staple on the menu. We hope that in time, their veggie and vegan offering will grow to meet demand.

ABCV features a plant based menu, using non GMO, sustainable, artisanal and organicp produce whenever possible. The restaurant is bright and fresh, with a great range of vegetable dishes.

For burger lovers, the star of the show is the house-cultured hemp seed burger, which comes on a tender sweet potato bun, with yuzulosho special sauce & accoutrements. The burger is served with with smoky fingerlings & lemon aoili or market greens & tarragon dressing.

If you want indulgent diner food in a quirky local, then Doomie’s Home Cookin’ in Hollywood, California is the place to go. Everything on their menu, from the shrimp po’boy to their pulled pork sandwich, which is one of the only ones not made from jackfruit. Their faux fried chicken has all of the crunch and taste you’d expect and it’s also available in a spicy version that will have you sweating.

Their burger menu is long and full of delicious combinations. Customers love the classic cheeseburger, a peanut butter “bacon” burger, and a two patty burger with special sauce that will scratch any Big Mac itch you might have.

With 22 restaurants in California and one or more restaurants in Massachusetts, New York, Oregon and Washington state, it’s fair to say that Veggie Grill is on the ascendancy. The chain was founded by Kevin, T.K and Ray, who tried a plant based diet back in 2006 and all felt healthier for it. Now one of the largest vegan and vegetarian restaurant chains in the USA, their discovery is quickly being shared with others. Their menus are diverse and fresh, varying slightly by restaurant but all including classic dishes such as plant based burgers, salads and more. The company offers both dine in and takeaway services at the majority of its restaurants.

With more than 20 locations across the USA, Mooyah Burgers has become an incredibly successful franchise, and the Skillman, New Jersey restaurant is no exception. The brightly painted restaurant serves takeaway food, or you can grab a seat in one of the numerous comfortable booths and eat a dine in meal, the choice is yours. Not all of the chain’s food is vegan or vegetarian, there are plenty of meat options too. But the extensive vegan option caters for everybody. Burgers such as the Paleo and the Keto are not only meat-free, but also packed full of protein, a healthy nutrient needed by the body to function correctly. There are also low calorie and gluten-free menu options, making Mooyah Burgers one of the most inclusive restaurant chains in the USA.

With four established restaurants across the state of California, Monty’s Good Burger is certainly doing well in a very saturated market. This is testament to their food, which is a cut above the rest when it comes to vegan burgers in the USA. Their meat free patties will have you thinking you’re sinking your teeth into a top quality beef burger, but with all the health and environmental benefits that come with going meat free! You can even double up on patties for an extra meaty taste. The chain also sells a range of sides, kid’s meals, shakes and floats. And the brand has its own range of merchandise for truly enthusiastic fans.

With locations in three countries, by CHLOE is serving 100% vegan food around the world. Their flagship location in New York proves that plant based food isn’t boring with their mouthwatering burgers, loaded salads, and gooey cookies.

Their tempeh “chicken” is smothered in hot sauce, coleslaw, and pickles on a potato bun. A flavorful patty made with tempeh, walnuts, lentils, and beet is topped with sauteed kale, pickled red onion, and truffle aioli. Try some of their innovative flavor combinations and see why by CHLOE keeps expanding.

Many of the restaurants and chains featured in this article are small, with perhaps a handful of outlets mostly confined to one or two states. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews doesn’t fit this model. With more than 570 individual restaurants across the USA, it is one of the largest burger chains in the country, outside the big hitters such as McDonalds and Burger King. And whilst these chains are starting to introduce vegan and veggie options to their menus, they lag behind Red Robin, which has been selling vegan burgers alongside a range of healthy salads and their standard menu (including meat) for several years.

Native Foods is another rapidly expanding vegan, 100% plant based chain, which is taking off across the USA, in a nod to the future of food in the face of ever worsening climate change. Now boasting seven restaurants in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Palm Springs, Colorado, Oregon and Chicago, the chain can only be expected to grow further in the coming years. The firm uses only sustainable suppliers and buys local ingredients where possible to heavily reduce its food miles. Food-wise, the chain is best known for its delicious gourmet sandwiches and burgers.

Selling self-proclaimed “swanky vegan food”, Modern Love are leading the drive away from the idea that vegan food has to be dull and bland. With a successful restaurant in Omaha, Nebraska, the chain is now also established in Brooklyn, New York. Mouth-watering dishes range from meatloaf to cheeseburgers and chicken wings to ziti pasta, all with vegan ingredients and meat substitutes. Served in bright and modern restaurants with professional staff, Modern Love’s food can also be ordered for takeaway and delivery. They also offer gift cards, which make excellent presents for any vegans in your life.

Portlanders have a lot of options when it comes to trendy vegan restaurants. Homegrown Smoker stands out as a vegan barbecue joint with all of the best Southern-inspired comfort food. From tempeh barbecue ribs, collard greens, and hush puppies, it’s all plant-based and delicious.

Their signature Mac Daddy Burger is made with a gluten-free soy patty and topped with creamy mac no cheese, pickles, and lots of barbecue sauce. Grab a beer and enjoy the burger on their sunny outdoor patio.

J Selby’s is a welcoming cafe that serves vegan American classics. The breezy dining room in this Minneapolis favorite is a welcoming place to grab a bite for lunch. Their chili cheese fries, buffalo wings, and mozzarella sticks are all completely plant based.

Their delicious burgers need two hands, especially the Dirty Secret. With a third bun separating the two tasty vegetarian patties, melted faux cheese, and lots of secret sauce, this burger is a true indulgence. The Alamo Bean Burger is inspired by Tex-Mex with chipotle mayo, charred poblanos, cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips.

With five restaurants along the west coast, and several more in Texas and New York, Next Level Burger is another chain on the up. It claims to be America’s first 100% plant based burger joint, with a mission statement of “Burgers for a better world”. Founders Matt and Ciera were determined to do something in the face of escalating climate change and spiralling obesity thanks to high calorie diets. They avoid genetically modified ingredients, using only organic veggies and other items in their range of plant based burgers. And they must be doing something right, as the brand steadily marches across the US states.

A pillar of the Knoxville community, Sunspot is a laid back yet still classy restaurant serving up a range of fresh, innovative food. Their diverse menu caters to vegans, vegetarians and carnivores, and has won awards including Best Vegetarian Restaurant and Best Lunch Spot in Knoxville. Located along “The Strip”, popular with college students, it can get lively in the evenings, with a diverse bar list. But in the day it’s a great place to enjoy a relaxing meal. Vegan options on the menu include a Chili Mac burger and Tofu grain bowl, while vegetarians will love the fried avocado tacos.

White Owl Social Club is one of Portland’s most popular drinking haunts, with a staggering variety of beverages on offer, a range of live music events and weekly happy hours. The bar also serves up a range of food, with a heavy (but not sole) emphasis on vegan and veggie offerings. Cauliflower buffalo wings are a speciality, and the “Impossible” plant based burger changes every day, so you’re sure to be offered something different every time you visit. Happy hour applies to food to, but even at full price, the offering is affordable, delicious and comes in good portion sizes.

Styled on a classic, retro American diner, the first thing to note about Veggie Galaxy is its inviting interior – a bright and modern twist on an old classic. Once you’ve finished admiring the décor and grabbed a seat, you’ll be wanting to dive into the menu. It is 100% vegetarian, and every dish can be made vegan at your request. There is also an onsite vegan bakery, serving up sweet treats including donuts. Menu options include an all-day breakfast menu comprising of build-your-own omelettes, eggs and sandwiches. Dinner options include shepherds pie, mac and cheese and vegan chicken n waffles.

The ironic name of this vegan restaurant and deli has to make one chuckle. Since its opening in 2015, The Butcher’s Son has been going from strength to strength. The restaurant sells a range of sandwiches, burgers, salads, platters and other dishes. But the outlet is also notable for its extensive vegan market, selling a range of plant based home goods and foods. Vegan crisps, biscuits, sauces and chocolate are just some of the goodies which shoppers can browse before or after their meal in this all encompassing vegan heaven! The Butcher’s Son is also able to cater for private events and functions.

Consistently ranking top for New York vegan restaurants and vegetarian burgers, The Organic Grill uses solely organic, seasonal produce in their dishes, desserts, and even drinks. The food manages to be both mouth-wateringly delicious, and healthy, the holy grail for restaurant food in a modern world increasingly concerned with sustainability. Chili, steak sandwiches, tofu omelettes, burritos and quesadillas are just some of the nutritious menu options. The restaurant can also cater for private events and their website even hosts a section displaying recipe videos for some of its dishes, so you can try them at home.

Using only organic, locally sourced ingredients, The Plant Café Organic is a café, situated in the heart of San Francisco. The diverse menu includes breakfast (tofu scramble, avocado toast, breakfast burrito), as well as a range of salads, sandwiches and burgers as well as hearty and healthy grain bowls. They also stock an array of fresh smoothies and juices. They can also cater small and large events, with their healthy menus perfect for corporate functions. Chesk them out on Facebook & Instagram.

Vegenation serves, as the name suggests, 100% plant based street food. Meats, cheeses and ice cream are all made from plants, with ingredients, beer, coffee, herbs and more all sourced from local small businesses, helping the restaurant to become a pillar of the local community. They work with local school and community gardens to grow the freshest organic vegetables, being kind to the planet and the local area at the same time. Menu items include a sticky chicken sandwich, pizzas, spaghetti and a delicious creamy mac and cheese burger – all vegan. There are also a range of healthy, fresh smoothies.

The owners at Dirt Burger wanted to make fast food healthier but hated that vegan cafes were seen as pretentious and expensive. Dirt Burger is the antithesis to uptight, unaffordable plant-based food. Anything that can be is bought from a local farm to support the community and keep the carbon footprint low.

Their burger patty is handcrafted from wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, spinach, carrots, beets, and sweet potato. Try the Spartan burger, smothered with tzatziki sauce and avocado to give it a Greek twist. The Austin BBQ burger is smothered with sauce and topped with fried jalapeno to amp up the heat.

The food at Superiority Burger lives up to the hype. This New York diner serves vegetarian and vegan food that scratches anyone’s itch for fast food. Sweet potato fries or a burnt broccoli salad are popular sides for their sandwiches. Don’t worry, this isn’t your mama’s boring broccoli. Once Superiority is through with it, it will be your new favorite vegetable.

Their veggie patties and sloppy joes are house-made and bursting with flavor. With all of the classic burger toppings, like crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, gooey faux cheese, and lots of tasty sauces, these burgers are a hut. Order a sandwich made with their famous freshly made focaccia bread and you won’t want to return to regular sandwich bread again. They even have gelato and sorbet to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Arlo’s in Austin, Texas serves completely plant-based food that have even the omnivores coming back for more. All of their food is made fresh in-house with quality ingredients.

Open late, this Arlo’s has all of the best comfort diner-style comfort food that America is known for. Their innovative burgers are made with juicy patties that are both soy and gluten free. Seiten ‘bacon’, faux cheese, tomatoes, onions, and ketchup are piled high on a fluffy bun. Crispy ‘chicken’ is made from seiten and creamy macaroni and cheese tastes just as decadent as the dairy variety. Order deliciously seasoned tacos or a messy frito pie, there is something for everyone here.

Everyone in Arlington knows to come to Big Buns Damn Good Burgers when they want a fun night out with great food. This modern bistro is known for its lively happy hours and fun cocktails. It has always been popular with meat lovers but they stepped up their game and added veggie options to their menu.

Their classic burger can have its beef patty replaced with either a house-made traditional veggie patty or with an Impossible Burger patty, which mimics the texture and feel of beef. Choose your own toppings, from jalapenos to pickles. Smother your burger with one of their house-made sauces, like chipotle aioli or herb ranch.

Step into the intimately lit dining room of Modern Love for vegan comfort food done right. This Brooklyn locale is the perfect sit down place for your next date night. Try their creamy Mac & Chews, served with tasty cheese made from cashews.

Their Modern Cheeseburger is served on a fresh sesame seed bun with a housemade seitan bean burger, cashew cheddar, tomato, red onion, pickles, and finished off with their own fancy sauce. The Mushroom Brie Burger has creamy cashew brie, sautéed mushrooms, shallots, arugula, their own vegan house mayo and is served on a soft semolina bun.

Clark Burger takes their menu inspiration from the Great White North. This Canadian-inspired burger joint is where anyone craving poutine in Baltimore goes. Grab a boozy milkshake to make your meal even more indulgent.

Although it’s popular with omnivores for its beef patties, their veggie counterparts have begun making waves. The delicious house made veggie patty is finished off with house pickled onions, and a generous helping of fresh guacamole. Order some poutine on the side, this Canadian speciality contains fries covered with gravy and cheese curds and is as amazing as it sounds.

Green New American Vegetarian is focused on bringing fresh, wholesome vegetables to modern America’s menu. Their menu is completely plant-based and has something to please everyone, regardless of whether you are an omnivore or a vegan. Try their dairy-free ice cream which is made fresh daily in small patches.

Their bright dining room is a welcoming place to eat southern style mock chicken or a garden burrito. Their vegetarian patties are made daily and are great on their classic burger or their version of the famous fast food staple, a Big Wac.

Seattleites know good vegan food. Located in the trendy foodie neighborhood, Capitol Hill, Plum Bistro is the place to go for upscale vegan eating. A popular homestyle brunch, tasty lunches, and cozy, romantic dinners are all enjoyed in their intimate dining room with wide windows.

With so many vegan options, the Buffalo Portobello Burger stands out with deep fried panko-coated portobello, spicy buffalo sauce, homemade ranch dressing, onions, cucumber, and lettuce. The My American Guy Cheese Burger is made with their signature burger patty, cheddar cheese, tomato, onion, pickle, housemade special sauce. Both are served with delicious salty fries.

HipCityVeg is all about sustainability and plant based fast food. This popular chain is clean, welcoming, and full of innovative combinations and tasty food. Their thick sweet potato fries are impossible to turn down, along with their sandwiches, faux fried chicken, and crunchy salads.

Try one of their many mouthwatering burgers, like the Ziggy Burger, crafted from organic smoked tempeh and HipCityVeg’s own special sauce. The Smokehouse Burger is made with a Beyond patty and topped with crispy onions, zesty barbecue sauce, and smoked gouda. Check the out on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Santana’s Vegan Grill in Colorado Springs fills up quickly, but there is also the option of a drive through or takeaway. Everything is 100% vegan and plant based, but you would hardly know with their meaty burgers, which taste just like the real thing, but without all the bad stuff. The restaurant is a “fast-food” style, a dining experience not normally associated with veganism, but the combination works well and in a theme of the outlets in this article, vegan fast food is really taking off. In Colorado at least, this is no small part thanks to Santana’s.

Celebrity chef Matthew Kenney crafted the all-natural, plant-based menu of casual favorites at HUMBL in Windermere. They wanted tasty food that is good for their customers. Their vegan pizzas and whole grain bowls are loaded with vegetables.

Their mouthwatering HUMBL Burger is made with their homemade vegetarian patty and topped with their signature HUMBL sauce, pickles, lettuce, and tomato. The Guac Burger adds pickled jalapenos and black bean charred pico de gallo. The Truffle Burger has rich truffle infused cashew cheese and roasted mushrooms.

Frequently named one of the best burgers in the nation, vegetarians will be happy to find plenty of meat-free options at Good Stuff Eatery. This Washington DC casual sit-down restaurant takes pride in their farm-to-table approach to fast food.

Their veggie burgers aren’t made with the typical meat-free patties. Instead, the star of the ‘Shroom Burger is a panko-crusted portobello top that is stuffed with Muenster and Cheddar cheese before being quickly fried. Then it is all covered with their signature sauce and placed on a soft bun. Another veggie option is made with a large fried green tomato as its patty and is topped with avocado and goat cheese. Ask for substitutes to make them vegan.

American Burgers in Tooele, Utah cares about making fast food the right way. Food is made to-order to ensure your sandwich and fries are fresh. They have all of the fast food staples like creamy milkshakes, french fries, fried chicken, and burgers wrapped up so you don’t lose a drip of delicious sauce. They add a bit of Mediterranean flavor with Greek options like kabobs, pita, and tzatziki.

Plant based lovers of fast food haven’t been forgotten. Their veggie burger is made with a tried and true crispy veggie patty served on their fresh sesame seed bun with mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato. Their gooey grilled cheese sandwiches are also a hit with vegetarians.

With two locations in Los Angeles, Burgerlords is one of the best places to go for vegan fast food. Everything on the menu is made exclusively in house, from the sauces to the patties to the breads. Fresh, local vegetables are the star of the menu, not something left for the side.

With multiple veggie burgers, their signature patty contains wholesome ingredients like eggplant, carrots, pepper and mushrooms. A battered tofu patty gives a satisfying crunch. All of their burgers are served on a moist sponge bun. Order some salty shoestring fries and a tahini shake on the side.

Stella’s Lounge is not vegan exclusive – it’s a lively bar serving up cheap beer and loud music, with a diverse range of burgers and other food on offer. There’s vintage arcade games to play, a range of whiskeys and cocktails to enjoy and plenty of late night entertainment on offer. But vegans and vegetarians won’t be disappointed. The bar serves up several plant-based and meat substitute burgers. The Mission Impossible Hawaii burger centres around pineapple and BBQ sauce and is just one example of the vegan options available. The perfect place to spend a night out without having to worry about finding something suitable to eat on the menu.

Meta Burger is an award winning, plant-based, fast food restaurant located in Denver, Colorado. Specializing in innovative burgers, sandwiches and desserts, the restaurant is entrepreneurial, being one of the first fast food restaurants dedicated solely to vegan food. It is a scalable concept, and owners Michael Reeves and Matthew Coates have big plans to multiply their number of restaurants in the coming years. Popular menu items include the classic American burger, Chicken tender baskets, Philly Cheesesteak and more, all using the finest meat substitutes available. There’s also a kid’s menu and a range of shakes, waffles and pretzels.

Kahiau’s Bakery & Cafe is a completely vegan bakery that serves classic French pastries with a Hawaiian twist. Voted one of the best cafes in Virginia, they are serving up soft cakes, gooey cookies, and fluffy pastries. They also have a popular breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu.

Their burger of the month rotates so you can go frequently and never try the same one. Every burger is made on their housemade vegetarian patty and topped with innovative and tasty combinations. Try the Irish Burger, with caramelized onions, cabbage slaw, and spicy mustard.

The owners of Freesoulcaffe opened their fun vegan bistro to do their part to create a more sustainable world. They handcrafted their menu with fresh 100% plant-based ingredients. Their menu has it all, including saucy pizzas, wonderful desserts, and hot paninis.

Their handcrafted burgers are served on fresh flax seed buns. If you’re on the hunt for something rich, then try the Truffle Burger with caramelized onion, sautéed mushrooms, and truffle aioli. The Hatch Burger packs a punch with vegan jalapeño cheese, chili relish, and sriracha aioli.

A small vegan diner tucked away on a street corner, Munchies is a “blink and you miss it” kind of eatery. But its vegan menu is packed full of classic dishes with a non-meat twist, perfect for someone new to the vegan lifestyle, who may be missing some of their previous favourites. Think beef burgers, chicken wings, and burritos, packed with healthy, vegan ingredients. Portions are large and there’s a range of desserts too, including ice cream shakes. Prices are on the higher side, but you get what you pay for and this small vegan joint has become one of Santa Ana’s most popular food outlets.

The owners at Liberty Burger aren’t afraid of trying something new. Their adventurous menu includes burgers made from bison, ahi tuna, lamb, and now, a delicious vegan option. Their boozy shakes and crunchy onion rings are perfect options to round out your meal.

The Woodstock Burger has a complex housemade patty made from fresh vegetables, hummus, and four types of seeds. It is topped with fresh greens, swiss cheese, creamy avocado, and garlic basil aioli and placed between two soft whole-wheat buns.

Es Todo in Los Angeles proves that vegan food can be quick and casual. They avoid unhealthy fillers, oils, and syrups so you can feel a little better about getting fast food. There’s no indoor dining area here, just walk-up counter service and a few covered picnic tables. Creamy shakes and lemonade make the California heat a bit more bearable.

Their signature burgers are raved about in town, especially the Cult Burger. It’s made with an Impossible patty, pickles, lettuce, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese and smothered with homemade thousand island before being placed on a toasted potato bun.