First: Taco Tontos
The best place for vegan and gluten-free eats goes to Taco Tontos.
Located at 123 Franklin Ave., the restaurant presents a large menu featuring Mexican cuisine.
Karmyn Allen, a freshman psychology major, went to Taco Tontos with her boyfriend during her first week living on campus and said it was one of her favorite moments. The two tried the Pizzarito and gave it stellar reviews.
“The popular aspects of the American cuisine with the authentic feel create an immersive experience,” Allen said. “I love a Pizzarito.”
Allen also notes the affordability of the restaurant, her favorite menu item costing just four dollars.
The restaurant does carry meat options but has equally as many vegan options. For example, their taco fillings vary, but include beans, rice and beans, potato and sweet potato. They also have these vegan filling options for their tostadas, but also carry tofu and house-made seitan as vegan proteins.
Second: GRAZERS
GRAZERS, located at 123 Water St. downtown, won second place for best vegan and gluten-free food.
The restaurant offers a large menu, featuring both build-your-own options and ready-made meals, which caters to a variety of different diners.
The build-your-own menu at GRAZERS is very diverse and vegan and gluten-free friendly. They carry many different proteins including chicken, pork, falafel, tofu, edamame and a vegan chili. Four of their six “bases” are gluten-free, and many of their sauces are gluten-free, vegan or both.
The eatery also has gluten-free and vegan desserts: chocolate chip energy bites and black bean brownies.
Honna Bonde, a sophomore nursing student, said her favorite item at GRAZERS is the macaroni and cheese.
They carry vegan alternatives, for items like cheese and sour cream, so that dishes with non-vegan toppings can be accessible to a wide customer base. Bonde’s favorite dish, macaroni and cheese, can also be ordered vegan.
Third: Wild Goats Cafe
Wild Goats Cafe, located at 319 W. Main St., is a breakfast-all-day American eatery and wins third place for vegan and gluten-free options.
Although breakfast may not seem vegan or gluten-free friendly, Wild Goats Cafe takes the plate. They carry vegan breakfast proteins like diced avocado and plant-based chicken, and gluten-free breakfast breads including bagels and English muffins.
They also have fried items, salads and make-your-own bowls.
Sodas and teas are a specialty at Wild Goats Cafe, setting it apart from other places. Diners can order fun flavors like blackberry cream, candied apple or sticky bun.
Sam Burford, a freshman geology major, said he enjoyed the fries and cocoa grove drink he tried at the eatery as a “sweet treat after an exam.”
In addition, there are build-your-own drinks — customers can choose flavors and syrups to make it their own — that cater to any flavor palette. Drinks can be made dairy-free as well, with oat milk.
Ari Collins is a beat reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
