Despite the skeptics, plant-based pitmasters across the country have transformed meat-heavy barbecue culture into one of inclusivity. In fact, more than ever, restaurants and eateries are applying signature barbecue cooking techniques, seasonings, and sauces to vegan food instead. Plant-based meats, like vegan chicken, burgers, and sausages, are popular barbecue alternatives, but you can also find whole-food options like jackfruit or tofu.
Whether you’re in California, Idaho, or Colorado, you can find satisfying plant-based meat to take you back to your hometown roots. To get our fix of barbecue goodness, we’re ordering from these vegan-friendly eateries across the country.
The best vegan restaurants serving incredible barbecue
Ike’s Vegan BBQ
1 Ike’s Vegan BBQ
Cincinnati, OH
This barbecue joint is legendary, and a true pioneer of the plant-based barbecue scene. Founded in the 1970s, it spent decades serving traditional smoked meat, but in 2004, everything changed when it transitioned to a 100-percent vegan menu. Thankfully for today’s plant-based eaters, it’s still going strong. Choose from a range of exceptional bestsellers, including burgers, oyster mushroom wings, jackfruit ribs, and even vegan oxtail.
Beyond Gourmet
2Beyond Gourmet
Chicago, IL
Founded by seasoned barbecue enthusiasts, Beyond Gourmet in Chicago smokes all its vegan meats on the grill, giving every dish an authentic smoky flavor and a tender, juicy texture. Whatever you’re craving, there’s something on the menu to satisfy it. Smoked chili nachos? Check. Gyros? Check. Gourmet burgers? Check. And plenty more besides.
Mission Burger Co
3 Mission Burger Co
Austin, TX and Atlanta, GA
Sure, Mission Burger Co excels at vegan burgers, but its barbecue menu is just as impressive. The standout is the Smoked BBQ Brisket Sandwich, made with Fable Foods brisket that’s smoked Texas-style for five hours in the restaurant’s seasoned smoker. If one brisket dish isn’t enough, there’s also BBQ Brisket Mac and Cheese, Brisket Cheese Fries, and a Smoked BBQ Brisket Plate. In other words, if you’re craving vegan brisket, you’ve come to the right place.
Southern Fried Vegan
4 Southern Fried Vegan
Nationwide
This pop-up travels the country, bringing mouthwatering, plant-based barbecue eats to hungry vegans and omnivores alike. From Southern California to the Midwest and beyond, Southern Fried Vegan serves classic fan favorites, including slow-smoked barbecue pork, barbecue beans and brisket, fried chicken, and savory mac-and-cheese. Make sure to keep up with this traveling eatery’s event page to find out when they’re coming to your city.
Compton Vegan
5 Compton Vegan
Carson, CA
Get your fix of vegan ribs and barbecue pulled jackfruit pork at this LA-area eatery and food truck, served alongside dishes like baked beans, collard greens, and mac and cheese. While not exactly a raw kale salad, the food at Compton Vegan is designed to provide the community with healthier alternatives to familiar food. So dig into those barbecue jackfruit ribs and save the smoothie for another day. Make sure to order ahead; they’re known for selling out fast.
Imagine Vegan Cafe
6 Imagine Vegan Cafe
Memphis, TN
This popular vegan spot in Memphis doesn’t just serve barbecue, but as you’d expect from any restaurant in the city, it does offer a few smoky choices. Check out The Vegan Memphis Sandwich Platter, for example, which comes with the café’s own vegan meat and BBQ beans.
Vegan Mob
7Vegan Mob
Oakland, San Bruno, and Vallejo, CA
Based in the California Bay Area, Vegan Mob serves up plant-based barbecue and soul food. Satisfy your barbecue cravings with juicy brisket, rib tips slathered in sauce, and a side of barbecue baked beans. For a fusion flare, go for the Barbequito, a burrito stuffed with brisket, mac and cheese, slaw, barbecue baked beans, guacamole, and Mob Sauce.
Community Kitchen + Taproom
8Community Kitchen + Taproom
Austin, TX
If you were a fan of Austin’s vegan food truck Community Vegan, you’ll love its bricks-and-mortar successor, Community Kitchen + Taproom. Expect comforting soul food with plenty of barbecue-inspired vegan dishes on the menu. The Chopped Brisket Sliders immediately caught our eye, but we’re equally tempted by the Blaze & Flaze Brussels, Burnt Ends & Mac, and Baked Macaroni & Cheeze. On second thought, we’ll just take the whole menu.
Blatch’s BBQ
9 Blatch’s BBQ
Salt Lake City, UT
Blatch’s BBQ faced a devastating setback last year when a catastrophic fire destroyed the restaurant and left chef Christopher Blatchford with serious injuries. But the business isn’t out of the barbecue game just yet. While it’s temporarily closed, plans are underway to reopen and once again serve its beloved vegan brisket, tempeh burnt ends, smoked jackfruit, wood-fired rolls, and more. Keep an eye on its social media for the latest updates.
The best barbecue restaurants with great vegan options
Brother’s BBQ
10Brother’s BBQ
Denver, CO
This longstanding barbecue joint isn’t all vegan, but it makes a concerted effort to appease its plant-based patrons. Since opening the first of its seven Denver locations in 1998, the menu has expanded to include vegan eats from tofu to the Impossible Burger. Order a plate or two, crack open a cold one, and enjoy.
11BBQ4LIFE
Boise, ID
Idaho may not be the first place to look for vegan eats, but this food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar has given us a reason to consider this state for its vegan-friendly options. Dig your teeth into a smoked tempeh sandwich slathered in barbecue sauce, complete with vegan potato salad. Whatever your pick, you can’t go wrong.
12Baby Blues BBQ
Los Angeles, CA
Baby Blues BBQ has been a hotspot for barbecue lovers for some time, but recently, it decided to expand its menu to more diners by adding plant-based options. Look out for mouthwatering dishes like the Country Fried Tofu Sandwich, the Beety Not Meaty Burger, Stewed Tomatoes, and plenty more.
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