Take That, BBQ
Top vegan-friendly city in America lies deep in the heart of Texas
It is a rare week when there is no mention of Austin’s barbecue scene. Outsiders seem to think the city’s only food groups are brisket, pork ribs and beans.
But if you happen to live by the ethos of treating animals not as commodities, here’s a bit of news that may touch on your Texas pride: PETA recently released its list of the best vegan-friendly cities of 2013, and Austin received the top honor, beating out Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles.
PETA declares Austin “the vegan food truck capital of the world” and heaps praise on the Vegan Yacht, Vegan Nom and Guac N Roll. Brick-and-mortar establishments also get props for their cruelty-free dishes, including Mother’s Cafe & Garden, Mr. Natural and Güero’s Taco Bar.
And for dessert, PETA shows the love to the vegan pastries and ice cream at Thai Fresh and the selection of soft-serve and hard-packed ice cream at vegan ice cream parlor Sweet Ritual.
That is, of course, just the tip of the iceberg in Austin if you’re looking for the best vegan bites. It might have been an oversight on PETA’s part not to include the Conscious Cravings food trailer and its mouthwatering wraps or the delectable cupcakes and baked goods of Celeste’s Best.
Rounding out the top 10 are New York City; Chicago; Seattle; Salt Lake City; Las Vegas; Boulder, Colorado; and Richmond, Virginia.