If there’s one thing that Tennessee was built for, it’s a good ole’ fashioned road trip. Windows down. The best road trip playlist playing over the radio. Enough gas station snacks to put you in a diabetic coma, rolling hills, and beautiful countryside. On a road trip in Tennessee, it’s the only state where you can travel from one end to the other and visit the home of the blues and the birthplace of country music. Despite being the land of barbeque, hot chicken, and meat and threes, there are also plenty of vegan restaurants in Tennessee.

I’m always excited to tell people how vegan-friendly my home state is and it seems like there are consistently more and more restaurants popping up all over the state that are catering to plant-based patrons. So, whether you’re taking a road trip across Tennessee or you just want to know what the options are to know how to plan your visit, check out this vegan guide to Tennessee.

This post was sponsored by Moon Travel Guides and I was provided with a copy of Moon Tennessee. All opinions are my own.

Map of Vegan Restaurants in Tennessee

Memphis

Memphis started as the home of the blues which then branched off to R&B, soul, country, and rock ‘n’ roll. Memphis is also home to Elvis Presley, of course. Graceland is the second most visited private home in the country, only preceded by the White House. Is Graceland worth it? Roughly 750,000 visitors every year seem to think so.

But, what else is Memphis known for? Barbeque.

Ask literally anyone what to eat in Memphis and I would not pay you a dime for every time said barbeque because I’m not that rich. But, barbeque is out because pigs are your friends and so what could you possibly eat in Memphis that is going to be vegan-friendly?

Imagine Vegan Cafe

TYPE OF CUISINE: AMERICAN, COMFORT FOOD
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: COOPER-YOUNG
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES, CLEARLY MARKED

Imagine Vegan Cafe is the only all-vegan sitdown restaurant in Memphis but it’s a delicious choice. Imagine is all about compassionate eating and they’re definitely vegan for the animals. They opened their restaurant so that vegans wouldn’t have to worry about what’s in their food, to offer vegan foods that are unavailable anywhere else, and for vegans to feel normal for ordering food without animal products.

You’ll find a wide variety of things on the menu like mozzarella sticks, gumbo, barbeque, burgers, shrimp po-boy, chicken and waffles, ravioli, milkshakes and way more.

Raw Girls

TYPE OF CUISINE: NATURAL, ORGANIC
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: MIDTOWN, EAST MEMPHIS
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES, EVERYTHING

I would have never known about Raw Girls if it wasn’t for my new Moon Tennessee guidebook. It’s never crossed my radar and I do a lot of research on vegan food, believe me. So, I was pleasantly surprised to run across it when checking out the book.

Raw Girls is a raw and vegan food delivery service and they also run two full-time (6 days a week) food trucks out of two permanent locations. You’ll find cold-pressed juices, snacks, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Additionally, everything is free of gluten and refined sugar.

Things to do in Memphis

I’ve spent a little time in Memphis, but less time than I’d like to admit for it being so close to me. I’ve mostly spent all my time in Downtown Memphis and Graceland.

I’m excited to get back and take some suggestions from my new Tennessee and Memphis guidebooks to build an itinerary and see some things I’ve never seen before. A few highlights according to Moon Tennessee include:

Beale Street: the street where the Memphis blues come alive and how the genre of music got its legacy.
Crosstown Concourse: a prime example of how Memphis has revitalized. This is an old Sears warehouse full of art galleries, restaurants, bars, mobile DJs, and more.
Graceland: Elvis Presley’s South Memphis mansion is arguably the biggest attraction in Memphis.

Western Plains

I would argue that the Western Plains is the least visited part of the state but not for good reason. There’s plenty to explore in this area and you might be surprised to find one of the vegan restaurants in Tennessee to be found here. I know I was.

Living Well Vegetarian Restaurant

TYPE OF CUISINE: AMERICAN
COST: $$
LOCATION: WESTERN TENNESSEE, HUNTINGDON
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES, ASK WHICH ITEMS

Despite using the word vegetarian, Living Well is entirely vegan. In the middle of nowhere western Tennessee. Options include lasagna, rice and beans, stir-fry, salads, and more.

Things to Do in the Western Plains

A few highlights according to Moon Tennessee include:

Reelfoot Lake: Enjoy this peaceful lake by boating, viewing wildlife, and soaking up nature.
Loretta Lynn’s Ranch: Hurrican Mills brings in the fans of Loretta Lynn.
Shiloh National Military Park: one of the country’s best Civil War landmarks.

Nashville

Nashville is my home – born and raised and I keep coming back for more. I would easily argue that Nashville is the easiest spot in Tennessee to be vegan. There are more vegan restaurants in Nashville than could be eaten in one trip probably.

AVO

TYPE OF CUISINE: AMERICAN, KOSHER
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: MIDTOWN – WEST END
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES, CLEARLY MARKED

I’ve been to Avo a few times now.  When I went the first time, we got the ‘cheese’ plate and pad thai.  I’ve also had the walnut lentil cheeseburger and strawberry Caprese. I consider the walnut lentil cheeseburger to be one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. The dishes were beautifully plated and very delicious!  Avo also has housemade draft kombucha as well as a large selection of organic, biodynamic, gluten-free and/or additive-free bar offerings.

GRAZE

TYPE OF CUISINE: AMERICAN, COMFORT FOOD
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: EAST NASHVILLE
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES, CLEARLY MARKED

Graze is one of my favorite all-vegan restaurants!  They have an absolutely delicious menu with brunch on the weekends and dinner every day but Monday.  I’ve had their breakfast burrito, hot tempeh biscuit, their biscuits and jam (!), salad (their salads are beautiful), the queso, buffalo quesadilla, mac n chorizo.

If I could order the queso and buffalo quesadilla for the rest of my life, I would. It’s that good.

THE SOUTHERN V

TYPE OF CUISINE: AMERICAN, COMFORT FOOD, SOUTHERN
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: NORTH NASHVILLE
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES, CLEARLY MARKED

The Southern V is a Nashville vegan staple at this point. You can’t miss it. Go here to get your hot chicken, biscuits and gravy, and chicken and waffles fix. Try to go on Saturday mornings to try their donuts. They’re like Krispy Kreme style but vegan!

VEGAN VEE GLUTEN-FREE BAKERY

TYPE OF CUISINE: BAKED GOODS, SWEETS, DESSERT
COST: $
NEIGHBORHOOD: SYLVAN PARK
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES, EVERYTHING IS GLUTEN-FREE

As far as I know, Vegan Vee is the only place like it in Nashville.  They are entirely vegan and entirely gluten-free. They are also peanut-free facility, predominately organic and offer soy-free and nut-free items daily.  They are literally everyone’s best friend. It’s a take-out style bakery and it’s heaven.

VEGE-LICIOUS CAFE

TYPE OF CUISINE: AMERICAN, COMFORT FOOD
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: MIDTOWN
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES, CLEARLY MARKED

Vege-Licious is Nashville’s newest all-vegan spot. It’s actually located in The Southern V’s old location off of Fisk Street. They opened in late June 2018 and from what I’ve seen, it’s been a huge success. All of my vegan friends love their food – as they should – but also make note of how wonderful the owners are and the welcoming atmosphere. I tried the lasagna, the vegan soul food plate, and the Philly cheesesteak. My favorite was the Philly followed closely by the soul food plate. I’m fairly picky about barbeque and mac n cheese and I loved both of these!

KOKO’S ICE CREAM

TYPE OF CUISINE: SWEETS, DESSERT, ICE CREAM
COST: $
NEIGHBORHOOD: MIDTOWN AND COLUMBIA
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES

Koko’s is some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had – it’s not heavy at all and you almost feel like you’re eating something healthy – which can be dangerous!  They’re coconut based but don’t taste really coconut-y as some do which I don’t normally love.  Koko’s started out as a bicycle cart doing pop-ups, then they opened their to-go shop in East Nashville, and finally settled into their scoop shop in Midtown. They’re opening up a second scoop shop in Columbia (40 minutes south of Nashville) soon! I highly recommend the Moon Dust, Golden Milk, Cookies n Creme and Elderflower flavors!

THE BEHIVE

TYPE OF CUISINE: FAST FOOD, COMFORT FOOD, AMERICAN
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: EAST NASHVILLE
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES

The BE-Hive strives to make plant-based eating easier and more accessible through their products, events, and catering. They offer retail and wholesale items, are open for a vegan deli on the weekends, and host seasonal dinners that benefit the local community. I’m lucky the Be-Hive is only open on the weekends – both for my wallet and my stomach.

Things to Do in Nashville

A few highlights according to Moon Tennessee include:

Tennessee State Museum: interactive museum bringing the state to life in this free museum.
The Parthenon: the only life-size replica of the Greek Parthenon including a statue of Athena – an ode to being known as the Athens of the South.
Grand Ole Opry: see the stage where all the greats play.

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Middle Tennessee

Being born in Nashville, growing up mostly in Franklin and Brentwood, and going to school partly in Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee is my own backyard.

Don’t Have a Cow

TYPE OF CUISINE: FAST FOOD, COMFORT FOOD, AMERICAN
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: CLARKSVILLE
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES

A vegan cafe in Clarksville serving plant-based versions of popular American dishes like “meatball” sandwich, quesadilla and burger with vegan cheese, pecan pie and cupcakes, tacos and nachos.

Juicy’s Wellness Cafe

TYPE OF CUISINE: NATURAL, ORGANIC
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: MURFREESBORO
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES, CLEARLY MARKED

Vegan cafe offering daily specials such as the Impossible Burger, power burrito and jacked-up bbq sandwich. Daily soups include hearty veggie and sweet potato tortilla. Daily sandwiches or wraps include white bean avocado, cranberry chickpea salad, black bean veggie wrap and many more. Also has salads and sides.

Things to Do in Middle Tennessee

A few highlights according to Moon Tennessee include:

RiverWalk: a 15-acre park along the banks of the Cumberland River in Clarksville.
Franklin Theatre: There are a ton of amazing things to do in Franklin, but this movie theatre built in 1937 is a great place to start.
Double Arch Bridge: more commonly known as the Natchez Trace Bridge.

Civil War Sites in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Cumberland Plateau

The Cumberland Plateau is a flat-topped ridge that stands 1,000 feet tall and stretches from the Cumberland Mountains in the North to the Sequatchie Valley in the South. You’ll find some of the best state parks, waterfalls, and backroads in the state in this region of Tennessee.

Things to Do in the Cumberland Plateau

A few highlights according to Moon Tennessee include:

Big South Fork: a river gorge carved over millions of years is a popular spot for avid outdoorsmen and women.
Fall Creek Falls: the home of the tallest falls east of the Rocky Mountains (I just learned this via the Moon Tennessee guidebook!) are located in this popular state park.
Children’s Holocaust Museum: a breathtaking public monument that started as a project to teach middle school students about tolerance.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is the fourth and smallest of Tennessee’s four main cities and also nicknamed the Scenic City. Chattanooga is a city with a small-town feel surrounded by the Tennessee River and the mountains. It’s a fantastic intro into the eastern part of the state. And, guess what? It’s a secret vegan paradise.

Sluggo’s Vegetarian Cafe

TYPE OF CUISINE: AMERICAN, COMFORT FOOD
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: NORTH CHATTANOOGA
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: UNSURE

Sluggo’s is 100% vegan and serves sandwiches, nachos, seitan and tofu clubs, Philly, BBQ tofu, cajun carrot cakes, potstickers, hummus, cheeky wings, mashed potatoes, and much more. A simple atmosphere with some tables and a bar. Different theme nights like movie pizza night.

Cashew

TYPE OF CUISINE: NATURAL, AMERICAN
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: NORTH CHATTANOOGA
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES, CLEARLY MARKED

Vegan cafe and bakery on a mission to provide a restaurant experience you can feel good about and serve food that is fresh, delicious, and nutritionally sound. You’ll find dishes such as nachos, burgers, salads, and sandwiches. You’ll also find a wide assortment of baked goods including donuts!

Plant Power Cafe

TYPE OF CUISINE: ASIAN, CARIBBEAN, FUSION
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: EASY RIDGE
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES, CLEARLY MARKED

Vegan restaurant with Asian-Caribbean flair with salads, burgers, raw dishes, and more.

Southern Squeeze

TYPE OF CUISINE: NATURAL, ORGANIC, RAW DISHES
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: DOWNTOWN, RIVERVIEW
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES

Organic juice bar offering light raw food, smoothies and drinks, and snacks.

The Local Juicery and Kitchen

TYPE OF CUISINE: NATURAL, ORGANIC
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: DOWNTOWN
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: UNSURE

Vegan and raw juice bar built with recycled and sustainable materials offering cold-pressed juice, smoothies, acai bowls, grab and go salads and snacks.

Things to Do in Chattanooga

A few highlights according to Moon Tennessee include:

Lookout Mountain: offers expansive views as well as Rock City, Ruby Falls, and a Civil War battlefield.
Rafting the Ocoee: five miles of continuous class III and class IV rapids.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Excursions: climb aboard and see old mining towns and stunning mountains on this train ride.

There are plenty of amazing things to do in Chattanooga – you’re sure to be charmed by this city.

Knoxville

Moon Guides claims that Knoxville is “perhaps the state’s most underappreciated city” and I’d be inclined to agree. I went to the University of Knoxville for my first two years and I absolutely loved it. Sitting on the Tennessee River and minutes from the Appalachian Mountains, Knoxville is a city with an outdoor playground somewhat similar to Chattanooga.

The city where blood bleeds orange and the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville is a great city to visit and turning into a little vegan haven of its own.

Sanctuary Vegan Cafe

TYPE OF CUISINE: AMERICAN, COMFORT FOOD
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: CEDAR BLUFF
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES, CLEARLY MARKED

One of my favorite vegan restaurants in Tennessee!

Sanctuary Vegan Cafe offers what owner Leslie Naylor calls “everyday comfort food”—mac and cheese, lentil meatball hoagies, nachos, buffalo tofu fingers, and much more. All of this plant-based goodness isn’t just for vegans, though. The menu was designed to appeal to anyone who likes hearty favorites made with love from fresh, local, and organic ingredients. –KnoxVegan.com

KoPita

TYPE OF CUISINE: MEDITERRANEAN
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: DOWNTOWN
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES, CLEARLY MARKED

A completely vegan falafel and hummus bar. Sells bowls with falafel, cauliflower, hummus, hummus masabacha or babaganoush. Also sells pita sandwiches and salads.

The Tomato Head

TYPE OF CUISINE: NATURAL, ORGANIC
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: DOWNTOWN, 
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: YES, CLEARLY MARKED

The Tomato Head was my favorite spot in Knoxville until other places started opening up but it’s still a great option. They have a wide assortment of dishes but always have several vegan options including sandwiches, salads, pizza, and some really good vegan cupcakes!

Yassin’s Falafel House

TYPE OF CUISINE: MEDITERRANEAN
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: WEDGEWOOD HILLS
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: UNSURE

Family-owned Mediterranean restaurant serving homemade falafel, hummus, salads, gyros and more and also voted “Nicest  Place in America.”

Things to Do in Knoxville

A few highlights according to Moon Tennessee include:

The Sunsphere: a gold-plated globe that defines Knoxville’s skyline which was placed here for the World’s Fair – I lived right next door to this!
Green McAdoo Cultural Center: a museum showcasing the desegregation of Clinton’s highschool.
Museum of Appalachia: a museum paying tribute to the mountain folk of Appalachia.
American Museum of Science & Energy: hands-on experience of what makes that explains atomic history.

The Great Smoky Mountains

Despite how much I travel, the Smoky Mountains still remain one of my favorite places in the entire world and coming here feels like coming home. It also happens to be the most visited national park in the country and it also happens to be free. Which we all know, I love.

Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains

A few highlights according to Moon include:

Cades Cove: a 12-mile one-way driving loop that offers historic cabins, churches, farms, and trails. Best place to see wildlife including black bears.
Andrews Bald: this perfect day hike is a beautiful landscape of wild grasses and wildflowers. There are plenty of other hikes in the Smoky Mountains too!
Dollywood: East Tennessee’s amusement park owned by the one and only Dolly Parton.

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The First Frontier

I didn’t even know this area of Tennessee was known as The First Frontier (thanks again Moon Tennessee!), but it is a stunning area hugging the northeastern tip of the state. Mountains and valleys make up the area where the first settlement occurred in the 18th century. I’ll be honest – this is the base of the Appalachia. You go deep enough and these are true mountain people. So, when vegan options (and even fully vegan spots) are popping up here, you know times are changing.

The Mustard Seed

TYPE OF CUISINE: NATURAL, ORGANIC
COST: $
NEIGHBORHOOD: NEWPORT
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: UNSURE

Local health food store with a vegetarian deli offering fresh juices, smoothies, veggie wraps and sandwiches, soups, and salads. Products for sale include nutritional supplements, fresh organic fruits and vegetables, and chilled foods.

Frannie’s Vegan Cafe

TYPE OF CUISINE: COMFORT FOOD
COST: $$
NEIGHBORHOOD: JOHNSON CITY
GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: UNSURE

A brand new vegan restaurant that features a to-go window as well dine-in. The menu offers choices like hummus, vegan lobster rolls, burgers, tacos, barbeque, and meatless chicken nuggets.

Things to Do in The First Frontier

A few highlights according to Moon Tennessee include:

Birthplace of Country Music Museum: visit where country actually got its start in Bristol, Tennessee.
Roan Mountain: one of the best spots to soak in the beauty of the Cherokee National Forest.
Kyles Ford: a small town representing remote Appalachia communities.

Overview of Vegan Restaurants in Tennessee

I hope this guide helps you navigate the many vegan options in Tennessee. As you’ll notice, I kept it to all-vegan restaurants in cities that have them but included some favorite vegetarian spots as well. In areas where there are neither, I included some spots with excellent options for plant-based diners.

Tennessee is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes, inspirational music, deep cultural and historical roots, and amazing food.

Overview of the Moon Tennessee Guidebook

In creating this guide for you, I used the Moon Tennessee guidebook as a reference for supplemental things to do in Tennessee because you can’t just eat your way through the state.

Or, can you?

This was the first time I’ve used one of their guidebooks and considering it is in a place I’ve grown up and call home and I know so well, I wasn’t anticipating finding anything I didn’t already know. But, I was wrong. This book is incredibly thorough with background information on Tennessee’s geography, climate, plants, animals, early settlers, the civil war, the civil rights era, the government, economy and so much more.

Basically, everything that I learned in that Tennessee history class in school that I’ve managed to obliviate from my brain.

The detail for each region of the state is incredible as well with suggested highlights, itineraries, places to stay and eat (and even mentions of vegan options!), how to get around and more.

I’d highly suggest picking up your own copy of the Tennessee book and pair it with this vegan guide on your next trip!

↓↓↓ PIN IT FOR LATER ↓↓↓

***This post was sponsored and possible in collaboration with Moon Travel Guides. Despite who may have footed the bill, all the opinions here are my own and I would never recommend something I didn’t fully believe in and try myself.***

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Ashley Hubbard

Hi! I'm the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Wild Hearted. I'm a Nashville unicorn (born, raised, and based), queer, vegan, and dedicated to leaving a positive impact through her life, work, and this website.

I'm also a freelance writer and creator. You can see my published work here. I've been featured by Impact Travel Alliance as a creative who is transforming travel, and by Matador Network as a vegan travel blogger you should be following on Instagram.

When I'm not writing, I'm traveling, reading a book, trying not to kill my houseplants, worshiping my dog, or having an existential crisis.

You can also reach out to me on Instagram and TikTok.

Want to know more? Here's my full bio.

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