Eating meat-free hasn’t always been easy, but in Kansas City, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake.

Our local food scene is as vibrant as ever, so it’s no surprise there are a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, vegetarian bites across town. From vegetarian barbecue to scrumptious vegan tacos, here are 25 restaurants serving up meat-free fare in KC.

Casual eating

Gigi's Vegan + Wellness Café, 1103 Westport Rd., KCMO | Try a smoothie or chow down on a wrap at this sustainable, zero-waste spot.

Billie's Grocery, 3216 Gillham Plaza, KCMO | This spot is perfect for on-the-go moments or work-from-home days, with a robust menu and immaculate vibes.

Mattie's Foods, 633 E. 63rd St., KCMO | Enjoy plant-based comfort food with dine-in or to-go options.

Mildred's, two locations | KCtoday runs on Mildred's — the A1 work-from-home spot serves meat-free seasonal specials, but we recommend a menu staple: its vegan breakfast hash + an iced latte (with oat milk, of course).

King G Bar + Deli, 500 E. 18th St., KCMO| King G's oyster mushroom panini is Editor Maddie's favorite end-of-the-night grub after any First Fridays adventure.

The cupcakes at Mud Pie are a real treat. | Photo via @mudpieveganbakery

Date night

Café Gratitude, 333 Southwest Blvd., KCMO | With 100% organic and plant-based options, this spot is centered around gratitude — perfect for an intentional + romantic date night.

LuLu's Thai Noodle Shop, multiple locations | Arrive early for a happy hour drink and stay for a delicious meal. Pro tip: The Westwood location has dive bar The House right next door for a post-meal bev.

Chewology, 900 Westport Rd., KCMO | Talk about immaculate date night vibes. This contemporary Taiwanese eatery offers bites like bok choy and three cup mushroom ramen.

Westport Cafe, 419 Westport Rd., KCMO | Transport you + your special someone to France for an unforgettable meal and drinks.

Café Sebastienne, 4420 Warwick Blvd., KCMO | Pop into this cafe after browsing the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

Little shop, big love for sweets. | Photo by KCtoday

Delicious desserts

Mud Pie, 7319 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS | This spot features 100% plant-based coffee + bakery treats featuring seasonal sweets and fan-favorite staples alike.

Betty Rae's, multiple locations | While the menu is rotating, you can always count on dairy-free options here.

The Littlest Bake Shop, 645 E. 59th St., KCMO | Cookies, cupcakes, and cakes — oh my. Plus, they're all vegan and gluten-free.

Sweet EMOtion, 312 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO | It was never a phase. Channel your inner emo kid with themed ice cream flavors, all vegan and some gluten-free.

The smoked Portobello Z-Man at Joe's KC BBQ is the stuff of vegan dreams. | Photo via @joeskc

Barbecue joints

Char Bar, multiple locations | Used to calling out "brisket on bun" at Gates? Perhaps it's time to remix the classic combo with Char Bar's smoked jackfruit on bun.

Joe's KC BBQ, multiple locations | Try the Portobello Z-man sandwich to experience classic KC barbecue while meeting vegan requirements.

Q39, multiple locations | Piled high with provolone, onion straws, and a healthy helping of barbecue sauce, this veggie burger is anything but an afterthought.

Feast your eyes and your stomachs. | Photo by Heather White

For the vegan carnivore

The Fix!, 600 E. 31st St., KCMO | Plant power is the word at this entirely plant-based eatery.

Tailleur, 3933 Main St., KCMO | Chow down on the Garden Burger with a side of fries while sipping on a glass of wine.

The Brick, 1727 McGee St., KCMO | Order the vegetarian meatloaf at this restaurant featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives."

The Peanut, multiple locations | Watch the Chiefs game while eating the veggie burger at one of KC's oldest bars.

Vegan breakfast, anyone? Find these treats at Mud Pie Vegan Bakery. | Photo via @mudpieveganbakery

The brunch bunch

Seven Swans Crêperie, 1746 Washington St., KCMO | You can find an entirely vegan, seasonal menu featuring sweet + savory options.

Succotash, 2601 Holmes St., KCMO | With plenty of build-your-own options, this spot is great for brunch — party of many.

Blue Bird Bistro, 1700 Summit St., KCMO | Start your day with dishes like the tofu scramble or the veggie bowl.

The Wooden Spoon, two locations | This brunch option boasts its fresh ingredients and house classics.

Chef it up at home

Check out our favorite tips and tricks for serving veggie-focused fare from your own kitchen:

To make zucchini, carrot, or beet noodles, try a veggie spiralizer that magically turns vegetables into noodles.
A tofu press draws out water and can help tofu firm and crisp up once you cook it — the one linked here is dishwasher safe + works in twenty minutes.
If your least favorite part about veggie prep is chopping, this all-in-one vegetable chopper can minimize prep time.
Use a sprouting jar kit to grow microgreens and sprouted beans at home.
For the ultimate veggie food prep, this glass storage container set keeps lunches and leftovers organized.
Need some good recipes? Browse cookbooks “Inspiralized: Turn Vegetables into Healthy, Creative, Satisfying Meals” for veggie spiral recipes, “The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100” for plant-based ideas, or “The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook” from America’s Test Kitchen

What did we miss? If you know a restaurant that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey.