Sarah StockmanVegetarians, we’ve all been there. You get invited to dine with friends, family or your significant other and when you show up and scan the menu your stomach drops—meat, meat, a couple generic salads and more meat! Meat eaters, I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences with tofu, kale and bean sprouts. For those of us in need of restaurants where vegetarians and meat eaters can harmoniously dine together, we’ve narrowed down our top 5 in no particular order. Dig in!
Courtesy of Eggspectation
We must start with the most important meal of the day, breakfast (or brunch), which thanks to Eggspectation, a Canadian chain that recently opened at 402 N. Loop 1604 W., can now be enjoyed all day long! One of our favorite things about the Stone Oak location are their meat eater and vegetarian-friendly eats, which not only look like works of culinary art, but taste absolutely divine. Veggie lovers can’t get enough of the cheddar, Swiss and Gruyere cheeses, sautéed peppers and fresh slices of avocado in the Southwest Sunrise Omelette. Meat eaters fancy the rich and creamy Lobster Mac and Cheese served with toasted garlic crostini; that is, if your stomach isn’t already growling for the richly marbled 14-ounce Steak Frites with herbed garlic butter. The massive menu also features fresh juices, an espresso bar, a T-bar, brunch drinks and countless eats—there’s truly something for everyone!
Next, is Alchemy Kombucha & Culture, which recently opened its doors for lunch and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Located 1123 N. Flores, Alchemy’s menu is full of wholesome, organic foods that we never knew could make go from “hangry” to happy. For lunch, vegetarians will fall in love with the pesto, beet sautee, Texas greens, salted balsamic asparagus and cashew puree in the Cashew Flame Grilled Naan. If you’re planning to visit for dinner, the Toasted Chickpea and Smoke Eggplant served with marinated red bell peppers is a plant eater’s palate paradise! To cater to carnivores, the lunch menu includes crave-worthy Russian Lamb Dumplings with a black garlic vinaigrette, smoked oyster mushrooms and crème fraiche. Meat eaters can also choose from the praiseworthy wagyu Peeler Grassfeed Burger or the equally pleasing Pork Shoulder Sandwich. No matter your dietary preferences or needs, you can rest easy at Alchemy knowing that you’re getting the finest ingredients sourced from local Texas farmers. Need we say more?
Ok, we know what you might be thinking. This isn’t really an Alamo City specific restaurant, but when you’re out and about and need an affordable, casual and delicious place to eat that caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, Zoës is one of our favorite places to dine. The made-from-scratch Mediterranean meals are always refreshing and fulfilling, especially for a mid-day lunch break from work or school and there are several locations throughout the city so it’s super convenient, too. The Tossed Greek Salad without chicken puts ordinary salads to shame. Vegetarians can’t get enough of the pasta salad, finely diced tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions all tossed together with Zoës delicious Greek dressing. Non-vegetarians will be completely satisfied with the Steak Kabobs skewered with red bell peppers, onions, grilled potatoes and roasted vegetables. To complete the meal, share something everyone will appreciate—freshly made hummus with pita bread!
Come on, you knew we couldn’t complete this list without a must-have Mexican restaurant—Lupe Tortilla! Head to 21103 US Highway 281 North, grab the menu, close your eyes, point and whatever your finger lands on is sure to impress. For the vegetarians in the Alamo City, we recommend the lime-pepper marinated vegetable fajitas with grilled Portobello mushrooms, mixed bell peppers and onions served with authentic homemade corn or flour tortillas. Delicioso! On the other end of the spectrum, meat lovers can spice it up with “The Juan”—one crispy beef taco and one chicken chalupa with a fresh guacamole salad, rice and frijoles. But the real star of the show is the freshly squeezed lime margarita with Lupe’s 100% Agave Tequila!
Courtesy of Sophie Covo
There you have it! These are just a few of our personal favorite options for vegetarian and meat eater-friendly dining in San Antonio and it was definitely tough to narrow down the list! Next time you’re going out to eat, try out a new restaurant—trust us, your taste buds will thank you.