Exploring the Vibrant Vegetarian Scene in El Paso
El Paso, a bustling border city in the southwest, is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and delicious food. Long before the city was discovered by the Spanish conquistadors in 1598, Native Americans had been living off the land for centuries, utilizing the local vegetation for sustenance. This long-standing relationship with the land has inspired El Paso’s modern vegetarian scene, making it the perfect destination for vegetarians and vegans seeking delicious plant-based meals.
Popular Restaurants Offering Vegetarian Dishes
One of the most popular restaurants in El Paso that serves vegetarian dishes is Café Central. This award-winning eatery specializes in regional Mexican cuisine and features a full vegetarian menu. Their creative dishes include items such as the quinoa-stuffed poblano pepper, eggplant tacos filled with refried beans, and zucchini-and-mushroom enchiladas.
Another favorite vegetarian restaurant in El Paso is the Anson 11 Restaurant. Located in the historic downtown district, this restaurant offers an eclectic menu of global cuisine with a focus on plant-based options. Standouts from the menu include the vegan-friendly buffalo cauliflower wings, Korean style sweet potato fries, and jackfruit tacos.
Grocery Stores with Meatless Meal Options
For those who prefer to prepare their own vegetarian meals, El Paso offers a variety of grocery stores offering meatless meal options. Popular stores include Sprouts Farmers Market, Natural Grocers, and Whole Foods Market. All of these stores offer a wide variety of plant-based meals and ingredients, including vegan meat substitutes, mock meats, and tofu products.
Bakeries Offering Vegan Treats
In addition to delicious savory meals, El Paso also has a great selection of vegan-friendly bakeries. Popular spots include The Bake Shoppe, which specializes in vegan treats including classic cupcakes, cookies, and brownies. Another popular spot is Flour Dust Bakery, which offers delicious vegan doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, and other desserts.
Farmers Markets Selling Local Produce
For those who prefer to purchase their produce directly from the source, El Paso has several farmers markets where local farmers sell freshly-picked fruits and vegetables. Some of the most popular markets in the city include the Downtown Farmers Market, Vista Market, and the Northeast Farmers Market. Here, visitors can purchase a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as freshly-baked breads, homemade jams and jellies, and more.
Yoga Studios with Vegetarian-Friendly Menus
El Paso is also home to several yoga studios offering vegetarian-friendly menus. For those seeking a more holistic approach to wellness, The Yoga Tree is a great spot. This studio offers a variety of yoga classes, as well as a juice bar and vegan café. Similarly, Upscale Yoga is another popular spot with a menu full of plant-based items, including breakfast bowls, quinoa salads, and smoothies.
Festivals Celebrating Vegetarianism
Each year, El Paso celebrates its vibrant vegetarian scene with a variety of festivals and events. One of the most popular is the El Paso Vegan Fest, which is held each fall and features a variety of vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Another popular event is the El Paso Vegetarian Food Festival, which features cooking classes, vegetarian cooking demonstrations, and a variety of plant-based dishes.
Lodging Options for Vegetarian Travelers
For travelers looking for lodging options during their stay in El Paso, there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly locations. The Staybridge Suites El Paso is one of the best choices, as it offers a complimentary breakfast buffet with a variety of vegan options. Another great option is the Holiday Inn El Paso Airport, which offers a full vegetarian menu in its on-site restaurant.
Experience Veganism in El Paso
Whether you’re a vegan or vegetarian, El Paso is an ideal destination for those seeking delicious and creative plant-based dishes. With its vibrant vegetarian scene, numerous restaurants, grocery stores, and farmers markets, visitors are sure to find something tasty to enjoy. So why not plan a visit to El Paso and discover the delicious vegetarian scene for yourself?

I’m Brooke, and I love being vegan. I know all there is to know about the vegan lifestyle, and I love sharing that knowledge with others.
I own a vegan restaurant in Boston, and I love helping people make the switch to a plant-based diet. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it!