When I travel, I like to find interesting and unique places to visit and great places to eat. Quite often, finding a vegetarian or vegan restaurant can be a challenge and finding one with great food is like finding a needle in a haystack. Recently, when I visited Las Vegas, I felt as if I hit the jackpot when I visited VegeNation Las Vegas.
What Is VegeNation?
VegeNation Las Vegas offers fresh, global street food that makes you feel “really damn good.” Their values are simple:
- 100% plant-based food
- Do good for the environment
- Do good by people
- Support local farms
With a mission like that, I was definitely in and couldn’t wait to visit. That and I was super hungry.
Inside VegeNation
Inside the restaurant you’ll find bright artwork and lots of green plants inside a modern setting. They’re actually a green-rated eco-friendly restaurant as they’ve utilized “local salvaged materials and compost” and implemented sustainable practices. Local vegan chef and VegeNation founder, Donald Lemperle, pitched the restaurant idea to the Downtown Project of Las Vegas in 2014. He wanted to offer “good food for the good of all” in an eco-conscious restaurant and he has definitely succeeded in doing so.
TSG WARNING: Food and menu may cause excessive drooling. Ok — I’ve given you fair warning.
VegeNation Drinks
I was traveling with none other than Mr. TSG who quickly perused the drink menu after we were seated. Our server was patient with us despite having several tables and took the time to explain the menu and make a few suggestions. Throughout our meal he checked back on us a few times, but was never intrusive or bothersome, which is just the way I like it.
When it was time to order, Mr. TSG opted for the Evocation beer from Craft Haus Brewery in Henderson, NV. As for me, I’m on a tea kick as of late so I had a cup of the Red Rooibos tea, which was excellent. After his beer, Mr. TSG tried some of the Lemonade with Coconut Water Chia Seeds that’s sweetened with organic agave (free refills, too!). The beverages we tried were really good. If I visited again, I would definitely want to try one of their housemade smoothies.
Starters
Now onto the food and some yummy starters. I had my eyes on the Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, which are homemade hot & spicy buffalo sauce covered cauliflower served with a side of ranch dressing. These were absolutely perfect as they were hot and spicy and not overcooked or too much on the raw side as some places tend to do.
Hot Tamale
The Hot Tamale at VegNation is made from non gmo masa, pumpkin, lentil mole & tomatillo salsa and voted one of the best in Las Vegas. Click To Tweet
Mr. TSG also ordered a Hot Tamale made from non gmo masa, pumpkin, lentil mole & tomatillo salsa and voted one of the best in Las Vegas. One way I can tell if something is good is when Mr. TSG stops talking and he didn’t utter a word while he ate those tamales. That’s right — not… a… word.
The entire menu offers so many great choices that everyone will find something that they love and have to have this time while planning ahead for a future trip back to VegeNation.
I initially decided on VegeNation because I spotted miracle noodles on the menu in one of their dishes, Pho-King-Delicious. Not sure why I love that dish? Say it out loud and don’t say “FO,” but say it the correct way by saying “FU.”
TSG Tip: What are miracle noodles? Shirataki noodles or kelp noodles are made from the konjac yam and have zero calories, carbs, and so on. They are what low carb dreams are made of, well at least for me they are.
Power Haus Salad
I’ve been trying to eat healthier and cleaner so I ordered a Power Haus salad with the housemade “chicken” and soy ginger dressing. Many times mock meat tastes well, artificial. But not here as it was moist and delicious and the perfect addition to the salad made with local greens and farmers market veggies. I still have dreams about this salad, which although simple, was a knockout salad.
Chimichanga
Mr. TSG decided to go with one of the Pop Up Dinner specials, which was the Chimichanga. Inside the crispy tortilla was more of the housemade “chicken” and on the outside? Lots of fresh tomatoes, “cheese,” and housemade guacamole, the best he’s said he’s ever had.
What I really liked about this place is that it has a cool, industrial vibe going on without the crunchy granola feel that alienates most meat eaters. VegeNation is a comfortable and welcoming restaurant first that also happens to serve delicious plant based meals.
When you’re in Vegas, you definitely don’t have to worry about throwing the dice and hoping to get a decent vegan meal. Whether you’re in search of breakfast, lunch, or dinner, if you’re looking for really good vegan food, then you have to include a stop at VegeNation Las Vegas. Be sure to check out their pop up dinner specials and fun events listed on their website and FaceBook page.
VegeNation
616 Carson Ave #120, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: Breakfast: 8am – 11am; Lunch & Dinner: 11:30am – 9pm
Friday – Saturday: Breakfast: 8am – 11am; Lunch & Dinner: 11:30am – 10pm
Sunday: Brunch: 8am – 3pm; Lunch & Dinner: 3pm – 9pm
Do you look for vegan and/or vegetarian restaurants on your travels? What are some of your favorites?