Richmond, Virginia, surprised me with its vibrant vegan scene, and one place that truly stood out was Harrison Street Cafe. Recommended by a motivated vegan and VCU student named Joe, this cafe quickly became a memorable spot during my visit. Even though I had already enjoyed their breakfast earlier in the week, I was excited to return and explore more of what Harrison Street Cafe had to offer.
Discovering Harrison Street Cafe: A Vegan Haven in Richmond
Located at 402 N. Harrison St., Harrison Street Cafe is a welcoming spot that caters wonderfully to vegans, boasting an impressive 80% vegan menu. My first visit was for breakfast. Looking for a place to work on my computer and plan my day, Harrison Street Cafe provided the perfect atmosphere. I opted for Harrison’s vegan french toast sausage, and it was a delightful start to the day. The cafe had a relaxed vibe, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the morning.
Returning with Joe, I was eager to try more from their menu. Following his recommendation, I chose the Beer Battered Tofu Steak sandwich. This sandwich was a game-changer. The tofu steak, with its savory flavor and satisfying texture, combined perfectly with the healthy bun and vegan mayo. It was reminiscent of a delicious fish fillet sandwich, but entirely plant-based! I paired it with a side of their mac ‘n’ cheese, which was equally satisfying. While I enjoyed my tofu steak, Joe opted for what I believe was a black bean burger – a testament to the variety Harrison Street Cafe offers. Joe, a self-confessed coffee enthusiast and regular at Harrison Street Cafe, is a big fan of their food, and after trying it myself, I understood why.
Exploring More Vegan Food in Richmond
My vegan food adventure in Richmond didn’t stop at Harrison Street Cafe. During my visit, I also ventured out to find the local vegan food carts. Despite initial doubts about their operating hours on a particular day, I was pleasantly surprised to find both RVA Vegan Food Cart and Rooster Cart open and ready to serve.
RVA Vegan Food Cart offered a tempting menu of vegan delights. I sampled their soft shelled taco, packed with flavorful fillings like onions, peppers, beans, and corn. The tamale had a delightful spicy kick, and the pumpkin spice cupcake was a perfect sweet treat. The balance of flavors and textures in each item was impressive, especially the cupcake, which had just the right ratio of cake to frosting.
From Rooster Cart, I tried their Euroboy sandwich to-go, a vegan oyster po boy with curry carrot coleslaw, pickles, cabbage, and sriracha. Even after sitting for a while, the Euroboy was incredibly delicious. The creamy, flavorful sauce permeated every bite, creating a spicy, salty, and tangy flavor explosion. It was a truly memorable vegan sandwich experience.
Another standout vegan-friendly spot in Richmond was Fresca on Addison. With a charming decor and a friendly staff, Fresca boasts a menu that is 99% vegan-adaptable. I enjoyed their Curried Butternut Squash Soup, a warm and slightly spicy soup with coconut milk and toasted almonds – perfect for a cooler day. Their Kale Pizza, loaded with roasted red peppers, toasted pine nuts, and Daiya mozzarella, was also a highlight, with perfectly roasted garlic kale and a delicious thin crust. For dessert, their Lemon Cupcake was another well-balanced sweet treat. Fresca also surprised me with their unique Dessert Pizza, a peanut butter, banana, and chocolate chip creation on pizza dough – a truly brilliant and indulgent treat.
Why Harrison Street Cafe is a Must-Visit
While Richmond offers a variety of excellent vegan options, Harrison Street Cafe holds a special place in my Richmond food memories. Its welcoming atmosphere, extensive vegan-friendly menu, and delicious food make it a standout. Whether you’re looking for a hearty vegan breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or just a great cup of coffee, Harrison Street Cafe is a must-visit when exploring the vegan scene in Richmond, Virginia. The cafe’s commitment to vegan options and the quality of their dishes truly impressed me.
Richmond truly surprised me with its diverse and delicious vegan food scene. From cafes like Harrison Street Cafe to food carts and restaurants like Fresca on Addison, there’s something for every vegan palate in this Virginia city. If you’re planning a trip to Richmond and are looking for vegan food, Harrison Street Cafe and these other spots should definitely be on your list!
