Portland delights vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-intolerant foodies with a treasure trove of multicultural plant-based dining experiences. Rose City is a vegan paradise, offering an abundance of vegan pizzerias, meatless street food joints, dairy-free ice cream parlors, and plant-based fine dining establishments. Given the raging popularity of 100% vegan food spots, even meat-serving restaurants have embraced Portland’s inclusive food culture. Here is a round-up of the top vegan fast food joints in Portland that are quick, filling and very tasty (in no particular order, they’re all awesome)...
1. Vegan Junk Food – serves fun vegan versions of your favorite fast
Back when this fast food joint was introduced, Portland had a variety of plant-based fast food options, with almost no brand catering to vegan junk food. The owners saw an opportunity and seized it, providing vegans with saucy and cheesy fast food options for lunch or late-night binges.
Today, Vegan Junk Food combines the old-world charm of a 50s-inspired diner with an eclectic menu of conventional plant-based dishes. They serve the most savory plate of totchos, slathered with fiery southwestern chili, cheese, beans, and salsa. Their Kailua burger is another riotous affair of complimenting flavors, featuring glazed pineapple rings, crispy onions, and a rich teriyaki glaze.
Address: 5052 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206, United States.
2. Veggie Grill – offers tasty sandwiches, salads, faux meats and sides
Famous for its delicious plant-based vegan burgers, flavorful salads, and faux meat platters, the Veggie Grill is a popular spot for casual dining and grab-and-go. It offers a multicultural experience by using plant-based ingredients to recreate some of the most iconic recipes from the East Asian, Indian, Mediterranean and Southwestern cuisines.
Their buffalo wraps, prepared with chickpeas and gluten-free flour, are packed with tangy goodness and classic southwestern flavors. Salad lovers will love their hearty Kale + Quinoa Power Salad, while the gluten-friendly Masala Chickpea Curry Bowl is a fiery treat for spice lovers.
Address: 508 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR 97204, United States.
3. Next Level Burger – America’s first 100% plant based burger joint
Next Level Burger has delighted vegan foodies all over the US, and its branches in Portland are jam-packed with burger lovers anxious to be gratified with their plant-based goodness. This fast-food franchise elevates an average burger into an intensely rewarding flavor palette, elevated by their thick and juicy patties and richly flavored sauces.
Their Beyond Animal burger is a must-have gastronomic experience, packed with tempeh bacon, double-stacked meatless patties, and the indulgent “special sauce.” We also swear by their chickpea burgers and the fiery chipotle sauce.
Address: 4121 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, United States.
4. DC Vegetarian – a legendary spot with hearty vegan eats from burgers to hot subs
DC Vegetarian is a lunchtime favorite vegan spot for Portlanders craving piping hot subs, saucy meatless burgers, and handcrafted beer. One of the best spots to enjoy classic American junk food in Portland, DC Vegetarian offers generous portions at reasonable rates.
Over the years, this fast food joint has built a thriving community of vegans looking for affordable, healthy, and hearty meals, explaining why the restaurant is always packed during lunch hours. We strongly advise reserving a table if you plan to enjoy their popular steak sandwiches for lunch. Their War Eagle sandwich is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and it comes highly recommended.
Address: 5026 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97206, United States.
5. Gnarly’s – awesome 100% vegan fast food great for burgers and loaded fries
Gnarly takes an average fast-food experience and elevates it with an over-the-top blend of its flavorful sauces, vibrant plant-based ingredients, and beautifully executed meatless burger patties. This vegan fast food joint sells one of the best loaded fries in Portland.
Before you dismiss the fries and move on to the burgers, let us clarify that these are the most filling, full-cut potato circles fried to perfection and slathered with generous dollops of their signature sauce. The fries go splendidly well with their juicy meatless burgers and sandwiches. Their 100% vegan sloppy joe is another item you don’t want to miss!
6. Oscar’s Burgers – a family-owned restaurant serving delicious 100% plant-based burgers
Portland is brimming with vegan burger joints, but Oscar’s offers a strikingly unique experience from its counterparts. The menu is simple, revolving around classic American recipes cooked to sheer perfection. So, what makes Oscar’s so different from the rest?
It begins with the thickness and juiciness of the plant-based patties and the chewy goodness of the gluten-free buns, elevated with the side of crispy and flavorful sweet potato fries. Pair this classic meal with an oat smoothie to delight your taste buds with an indulgent experience.
Address: 3200 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland, OR 97202, United States.
7. Dirty Lettuce – 100% Plant-Based Southern Eats served quickly!
The brainchild of talented culinary expert Alkebulan Moroski, Dirty Lettuce has taken the Portland vegan food scene by storm. Dirty Lettuce offers a multicultural gastronomic experience, and the owner is planning to expand further and incorporate more regional cuisines.
This joint started out as a food truck back in 2020, and the soaring popularity of its secret spices, fiery seasonings, and filling vegan dishes transformed it into a vibrant eatery. We strongly recommend their seitan ribs, Ota fried tofu, and southern-style jambalaya.
Address: 4727 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213, United States.
8. Homegrown Smoker – a relaxed cafe offering vegan versions of BBQ plates and Southern soul food favorites
A classic southern menu with a plant-based twist, Homegrown Smoker exploded in Portland’s street food scene with its soul-satisfying meatless BBQ platters. This vegan café is famous for its vegan renditions of some of the most soulful and nostalgic southern BBQ recipes.
Their vegan ribs and chipotle sauce are an intensely indulgent affair, while cheese lovers must try their dairy-free mac n’ cheese. The deep-fried pickles go perfectly with their All-American Burger.
Address: 8638 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203, United States.
9. Ditto – a cool truck serving vegan grilled sandwiches and basic sides
One of the most popular vegan food trucks in Portland, Ditto is famous for its meatless grilled sandwiches and savory Korean treats. The Lilith is indeed the most iconic and popular item on the menu, prepared with fresh leafy greens, creamy layers of avocado, zesty lime, and a crispy gluten-free bun.
Their Early Burger is the ultimate treat for a hearty breakfast, loaded with a meatless sausage patty, sun dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and avocados. The Widow is another popular crowd-pleaser and a must-have for tempeh bacon lovers.
Address: 1027 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, United States.
10. Plant-Based Papi – for legendary vegan comfort foods
Plant-Based Papi is always packed with long queues of vegans anxiously waiting to pick up their orders of the signature Caprese burger and their fried calamari. This plant-based restaurant started as a humble pop-up, and its classic take on comforting vegan foods turned into a favorite for hundreds of Portlanders.
Their signature Caprese Burger is prepared with garlic aioli, fresh leafy greens, and a cashew-based mozzarella blend. Their vegan rendition of the Nashville chicken is an intense burst of nostalgic southwestern flavors, while the Street Tacos are perfectly tangy, fiery, and zesty.
Address: 614 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97205, United States.
11. Flourish Plant-Based Kitchen – a 100% plant-based & gluten-free food truck
This vegan food truck is famous for its comforting plant-based recipes and the friendliest owner, a dedicated culinary artist who pours her heart and soul into preparing delicious recipes for her customers. This food truck stands out in Portland’s vibrant street food scene with its stellar customer service and hearty recipes.
The onion rings are perfectly fried and served with a savory sauce unless you want to pair them with the Beet Burger and take your tastebuds for an indulgent ride. The nachos are a riotous affair with their pickled jalapeno and smoky sauce, while the Not Yo Mama’s Mac is ideal for a creamy meal.
Address: 7316 N Lombard St Portland, OR 97203, United States.
12. CoKiea’s Kitchen – vegan and vegetarian comfort soul food
CoKiea’s Kitchen guarantees a rip-roaring adventure of delightful vegetarian recipes, multi textured and spicy sides, and the most deliciously sautéed leafy greens. This vegan fast food joint will turn you into a regular with its friendly and speedy customer service and unique take on greens.
The jackfruit sandwich is a one-of-its-kind vegan creation that combines tangy sauces with vegetarian mac and cheese, topped with savory greens. We love the meatless meatloaf, a delicious recipe featuring bell peppers, beans, and garlic-glazed mushrooms. CoKiea’s Kitchen steals the show with its creatively inventive vegan dishes and unmatched hospitality.
Address: 5205 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206, United States.
13. Black Seed Burger Cult – every menu item can be made vegan
As the name implies, the Black Seed Burger joint is a cult devoted to serving perfectly seared, intensely juicy, and addictive plant-based burgers. Watching the process unfold is an exciting experience, for their team prepares each ingredient using a different portion of a very large grill top.
Are you craving a juicy patty loaded with bacon without losing sight of your food intolerances? Try their Sheriff Boomer to experience the goodness of bacon without violating your plant-based eating regimen. They have a wide variety of patties prepared with different plant-based ingredients, served in their signature buns coated with roasted black sesame seeds.
Address: 3746 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227, United States.
14. Black Water – a nightspot with great vegan eats
Famous for its savory and saucy vegan wings, Black Water is one of the best vegan burger joints in Portland. Their plant-based rendition of the classic Philly cheesesteak is mouth wateringly good, but it’s the vegan buffalo wings that steal the show with their nostalgic southwestern twist.
Black Water has an extensive line-up of classic American fast food recipes, including loaded sweet potato fries, traditional southern-style chili bowls, BBQ glazed sandwiches, meatless burgers, and more.
Address: 835 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232, United States.
15. Meals 4 Heels – food activism in action
A vegan eatery dedicated to the upliftment and empowerment of Portland’s sex worker community, Meals 4 Heels is more than just your average plant-based dining experience. It’s a fast-food joint that combines its altruistic community betterment vision with a decadent palette of scrumptious recipes.
We’re head over heels in love with their Get That Pepper palette, a mind-blowing blend of spicy flavors, crunchy cauliflower, savory kale, and refreshing cucumbers paired with light rice noodles. The Money Bag is another popular treat that’s a definite must-have for mushroom lovers.
Address: 831 SE Salmon St #50, Portland, OR 97214, United States.
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My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.