I am a jersey girl so this is where you will see the most options. Going out being the only vegan can be tough sometimes, especially in NJ. Here are my favorite vegan only places as well as vegan friendly. Enjoy!

NORTH JERSEY

PositiviTea– This place is amazing! I have full blown meat eaters addicted to their Bean Jr burger (vegan take on a Big Mac!) They have soft serve “nice” cream which is so close to the soft serve your grew up with that you wont believe its 100% dairy free. Smoothies are amazing, the quesadillas are delicious, and the waffle sundaes will have you licking the plate. They are also the 2015 winner of the burger supremacy contest in NYC but located in Verona, NJ. If you go don’t forget to download that app which gives you some coupons and for every 10 burgers you get one free!

Mundo Vegan– Currently only serving breakfast and lunch this place is a hidden gem. Its on the cutest street in Montclair and the owner, Fanny, is wonderful! Everything is organic, GMO free and vegan. I leave there stuffed to the gills. Everything is delicious! DO NOT skip the cheese platter, you will even eat the lettuce garnish. My other favorites are the lasagna, the pea stew (I typically get this to go for lunch the next day), the piccadillo, really everything…..I love the whole menu.

Finca– Located in Ridgewood this is a great BYO tapas place. They are not an all vegan restaurant but they have a vegan section on their menu and are very accommodating. They have a sister location across the tracks called Cravings who does not have a vegan section but were also very accommodating.

Artisan Kitchen and Bar– Located in Hawthorne this is another non-vegan restaurant however they have several vegan options from appetizer through desert. Service is slow so don’t go if you are in a rush but several nights they have some live music which is nice.

Chakra– This hidden gem in Paramus is not a vegan place BUT one of the chefs is vegan and they are happy to accommodate. Normally “accommodate” to me means a plate of veggies but the dishes they create here are 5-star caliber. If you call ahead they can create an amazing menu for you!

Maywood Pancake House– located in Maywood but they also have sister locations in Rutherford and Morristown. Prior to going vegan I loved to go out for breakfast. I typically would eat bacon, eggs, and share pancakes with someone. Maywood saved my love for breakfast! They have a full menu with a vegan version of just about everything! When I go I typically get the tofu scramble and sometimes share an order of vegan pancakes. They also have french toast, quesadillas, nachos, cheese fries, burgers, shakes and more! If you go on a weekend be prepared for a wait.

Kinchley’s Tavern– located in Ramsey since 1937 they have the best thin crust pizza. They garlic bread is also made with oil, not butter! Great place to go with a group- a small pie can easily be eaten by one!

Blue Moon Mexican– with several locations in NJ and one in NY this Mexican place has the best food! My favorite part is they don’t use lard in their beans which many places will. They are proud to offer tons of vegetarian options on their menu which are super easy to veganize.

Sweet Avenue Bake Shop– Located in Rutherford this is a vegan bakery. Mostly cupcakes but they make large cakes, cookies, and some gluten free options as well. I like to bring some of these treats to parties and people can’t even tell its vegan.

Capital Grill Steakhouse– No, this isn’t a typo. The Capital in Paramus has a chef by the name of Alan. If he is there he will gladly make you an amazing and creative vegan dish with what he has available. Call ahead to be sure he is there but even if he isnt they have a standard tofu that they’ll cool for you. Having this option is helpful for group dinners and nice nights out.

Little Food Inn– Located in Pompton Plains this place is a hidden gem. Always packed, so I highly recommend reservations, they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Although they don’t have a vegan menu the owners are EXTREMELY accommodating and everything is always delicious. They veggie burger is vegan if you hold the cheese and aioli sauce and its wonderful!

SOUTH/CENTRAL JERSEY

Seed to Sprout– I believe there are a few but I’ve only been to the Avon location and I loved it. My sister and I like to meet there for lunch on the rare occasion that I’m down that way. They have great salads and sandwiches my favorite being their Bacon Cheddar Melt and the Grilled Avocado Sandwich. They offer brunch and dinner also which I haven’t had but I definitely wouldn’t pass up the chance to attend.

Papa Ganache– All vegan bakery…enough said. Their specialty is cupcakes and the tri-color one is my #1 pick. The strawberry shortcake also shouldn’t be skipped. I tried the pizza once but didn’t love it so I stick to the sweets. They also make cheesecakes, cake pops, and cookies (gluten free options too). They are located in Matawan pretty close to the parkway so when I head south I pop off the parkway for a quick sweet stop.