SluttyVegan Brooklyn
📍 Address: 690 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States
Originating in Atlanta, ‘Slutty Vegan’ boasts a cult following with lines snaking around the block daily. Founder Pinky Cole’s brand completely overturns the notion of ‘vegan = healthy,’ serving up aggressively decadent, guilt-inducing plant-based burgers. This Brooklyn Fort Greene location has also been bustling with locals since its opening.
The first thing that will surprise you is their unique customer service style. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a friendly (or perhaps not?) ‘Hey, slut!’ And if it’s your first time, they’ll ring a cowbell and enthusiastically welcome you with ‘We got a virgin!’ – a truly unforgettable initiation unlike any other. This entertainment factor is precisely what keeps drawing in so many fans.
Their signature dish is a huge burger featuring a flavorful patty, tasting as if it’s been flame-grilled, generously slathered with special sauce. The large serving of fries comes dusted with an addictive spice called ‘slut dust.’ Locals typically order the banana pudding or vegan egg rolls alongside their meal. While there are a few seats in the back, takeout is the primary option. Since the sauce is abundant and can get messy, it’s recommended to bring wet wipes and enjoy your burger heartily under the mural art right outside. Note that operations can be inconsistent during peak hours, so visit with plenty of time and patience.
NSV Kitchen by Next Stop Vegan
📍 Address: 88 Livingston St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
While many vegan restaurants offer Western-style cafe fare or Asian cuisine, ‘NSV Kitchen by Next Stop Vegan’ distinguishes itself by presenting traditional Dominican Republic and Caribbean dishes as 100% plant-based. It’s a truly unique and vibrant establishment, reflecting Brooklyn’s deep-rooted Latin and Caribbean communities. Recently, as ‘NSV Creative Caribbean Kitchen,’ they’ve refined their menu further, showcasing a comprehensive approach that transcends the typical vegan framework.
Here, they masterfully recreate the soul-food flavors of Central and South America without any animal products. The ‘Empanadas,’ filled with homemade mixtures of sweet potato, lentils, and mushrooms, and ‘Alcapurrias,’ a classic Puerto Rican street food, are absolute must-tries. Furthermore, their ‘Sancocho’ (a traditional soup) and ‘Vegan Ribs,’ boasting authentic depth and spices, are of a quality that would impress even long-time vegans.
The interior is always filled with a warm atmosphere where locals chat, and staff and customers interact friendly. Many families celebrate birthdays here, and locals often bring their non-vegan friends, thanks to the satisfying portions and flavors that appeal to everyone. Its prime location in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn makes it easily accessible for short-term travelers. It’s an excellent choice to savor Brooklyn’s diversity with your taste buds.
Luanne’s Wild Ginger Fort Greene
📍 Address: 235 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205, United States
With multiple locations across Brooklyn, ‘Luanne’s Wild Ginger’ is a health-conscious vegan restaurant specializing in Asian fusion. The Fort Greene branch features a classic, tranquil design that allows you to forget the outside hustle and bustle. With a spacious interior and patio seating, it offers a versatile ambiance suitable for any occasion, from romantic dates and group dinners with friends to relaxed solo meals.
Its greatest appeal lies in the overwhelming quality of its mock meat and its exceptional cost performance for New York, with main dishes typically around $15. The menu is rich with dishes incorporating essences from various Asian countries, such as ‘Macrobiotic Bibimbap Bowl,’ black pepper-spiced seitan stir-fry, and Malaysian-style curry. The ‘Fried Mushrooms’ and ‘Crispy Tofu Skin Stuffed’ are particularly excellent appetizers you absolutely must order.
The staff are professional and friendly, offering thoughtful service like recommending wines. For long-term residents and students, it’s an oasis for everyday dining, hitting all four notes: ‘affordable, delicious, healthy, and a great atmosphere.’
Chun Vegetarian
📍 Address: 582 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216, United States
‘Chun Vegetarian’ enjoys immense support from local residents around Bedford-Stuyvesant (aka Bed-Stuy) and Crown Heights. This casual Chinese vegan restaurant primarily focuses on takeout and delivery. You can enjoy flavorful Chinese-style plant-based dishes like mango-flavored soy protein, orange ‘chicken,’ and ‘fake BBQ ribs’ with a surprisingly authentic texture.
Among its many offerings, the ‘Buddha Bowl’ has a dedicated following. Centered around fluffy and satisfying sweet potatoes, it’s topped with kale, avocado, quinoa, and surprisingly fresh strawberries for an unexpected accent, all brought together with a creamy, subtly tangy homemade sauce. This bowl offers perfect nutritional balance and a profound satisfaction that sets it apart from bland healthy meals. Getting extra of this exquisite sauce is the local way to enjoy it.
However, as a popular spot with a flood of takeout and delivery orders, there have been past criticisms regarding operational inconsistencies, perhaps due to the busy kitchen. If you want to ensure a reliable and warm meal, the local rule is to order directly from the restaurant’s official website or pick up in-store, rather than using delivery apps. The lunch specials are particularly affordable and highly recommended for those prioritizing value.
Local Tips for Enjoying Vegan in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is one of the world’s leading vegan hotspots. It’s not just about ‘no meat’; it’s a vibrant scene teeming with establishments that boast strong individual identities, deeply reflecting diverse culinary cultures and immigrant backgrounds. The joy of this area is being able to explore a different genre of vegan cuisine every day – be it burgers, Dominican dishes, Asian fusion, or Chinese-style bowls.
Travelers and short-term visitors often tend to stay in central Manhattan, but if you’re truly seeking a deep and vibrant culinary experience, cross the bridge and venture into Brooklyn’s local neighborhoods. For those with dietary restrictions like halal or allergies, there’s no other city that offers such freedom and abundance of choices. Popular spots often have inflated prices on delivery apps, so the best way to enjoy them is to order directly from the restaurant’s official website or grab takeout while on a stroll and savor it in a nearby park, feeling the Brooklyn breeze.
