Exploring Vegan Delights in Manhattan
With its vibrant streets and endless array of food options, New York City is a paradise for any food lover. As someone who embraces a vegan lifestyle, I was excited to explore Manhattan's vegan scene on my recent five-day trip. Staying at the chic Hotel Indigo Lower East Side, my days were filled with delicious plant-based meals, refreshing drinks, and moments of relaxation amidst the bustling city. Here's a recap of my culinary adventure.
Day 1: Arrival and First Bites
Hotel Indigo Lower East Side served as my cozy base, offering a perfect blend of comfort and style. After checking in, I headed straight to Double Zero. This plant-based pizzeria didn't disappoint. I indulged in their cacio e pepe and paired it with a lovely glass of Nero D'Avola—an absolute delight!
For dinner, Jajaja Mexicana was on the list. This vibrant eatery in the Lower East Side offers creative vegan Mexican dishes. I savored their chorizo nachos and coconut queso paired with a super tasty Paloma. The rich and satisfying flavors set a high bar for the rest of my trip.
Day 2: Bagels and French Delicacies
The day began with a visit to Russ & Daughters. Known for their traditional Jewish deli fare, I was eager to try their vegan cream cheese. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a win for me but the bagel was spot-on NYC. I headed to Essex Market and grabbed a classic New York bagel with a different vegan cream cheese option, which thankfully hit the spot.
Lunch was at Delice and Sarrasin, a quaint French bistro offering vegan versions of traditional dishes. We indulged in French onion soup, a brie cheese plate, cassoulet, beef bourguignon, and a ham and cheese crepe—all plant-based. The flavors were rich and transported me straight to Paris.
Day 3: Classic and Contemporary
A morning stroll led me to The Oven's Slice, where I enjoyed a quick and tasty vegan slice, perfect for a mid-morning snack. For lunch, I discovered Vegan Grill, a hidden gem with an extensive menu. The cheeseburgers, fries, and onion rings were standout choices, bursting with flavor.
The evening was reserved for Mary's, a charming bar with a relaxed vibe. While not exclusively vegan, they offered a variety of plant-based options. I paired my drink with light bar snacks, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
Day 4: Hidden Gems and Historic Taverns
After a lazy morning, I ventured to Westville East for dinner. I chose four market vegetables: fresh asparagus with dill vegan aioli, fried onions and capers, roasted broccoli, tofu with hoisin glaze, and salt and vinegar potatoes. The meal was wholesome and delicious.
The afternoon took me to McSorley's Old Ale House, one of NYC's oldest bars. While the food options were limited, the experience of sitting in this historic tavern, sipping on their house ale, was unique and memorable. A fun fact: look up when you’re at the bar and you’ll see a pair of rusted handcuffs…Houdini’s handcuffs.
Dinner was at Please Don't Tell (PDT), a speakeasy-style bar accessible through a phone booth inside Crif Dogs. The secrecy added a fun twist, and their creative cocktails were a hit. I enjoyed the Paddington, which included a delightful smear of orange marmalade. Before returning to the hotel, I grabbed a quick vegan hot dog from Crif Dogs.
Day 5: Markets and Final Moments
On the last day, I revisited Essex Market to explore Shopsin's. Known for its quirky menu, I found the vegan options limited and disappointing due to the use of butter on the griddle. However, my husband, a vegetarian, enjoyed his meal a lot. My avocado toast was good, not great—I'm pretty picky about my avo toast as an Angeleno.
In the evening, I made my way to The Up & Up, a must-visit spot for any cocktail enthusiast. Their twist on an old-fashioned with Aperol was a delightful surprise, perfectly balancing the bittersweet notes.
For a relaxed afternoon, I enjoyed a beer at Pete's Tavern, another historic spot in Manhattan. Though not exclusively vegan, they had a few decent plant-based options. With its old-world charm, the atmosphere was the perfect way to wind down my trip.
Relaxation and Reflection
Despite the scorching heat and humidity, I took afternoons off to relax. Whether it was lounging at the hotel's rooftop pool or finding a quiet spot in a nearby park, these moments of calm were essential in balancing the busy city life.
Final Thoughts
Manhattan is a haven for vegan food enthusiasts. The variety of plant-based options is impressive, from innovative pizzerias to classic bars. My five-day journey was a delightful mix of flavors, history, and relaxation, leaving me with a newfound appreciation for the city's vegan offerings. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Manhattan's vegan scene is worth exploring—one delicious bite at a time.