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FOOD

How to Eat Vegan Uptown

BY: ALEX KNUTTE

Stock photo from Envato

Unsurprisingly, the hardest part about being vegan is going out to eat. While at home, I can purchase all the ingredients I need to create yummy, delicious plant-centric meals, but it becomes a little more difficult to follow this lifestyle when looking at a menu. When I first shifted to eating vegan meals my sophomore year, I had a really hard time going out to eat in Oxford. Now, I am happy to share 8 of my favorite restaurants Uptown, and what you can get if you're vegan or just looking for some delicious plant-based meals!  

  1. Church Street Social
Photo from Church Street's Facebook

First up on the list is Church Street, formerly known as Books and Brews. I love the vibe of Church Street and they have a few vegan options outlined below! I love that their hummus plate uses local hummus and is definitely my go-to. 

  • Chickpea Chicks Hummus Plate
  • RedHawk Bites (No ranch)
  • French Fry Basket
  • Summertime Salad (hold the Feta)
  • Impossible Burger

2. Fiesta Charra

An Oxford favorite is Fiesta Charra! Everyone needs a Taco Tuesday. My go-to meal at Charra is the verduras fajitas, but as you can see they have plenty of veggie options. Also, they are super great about customizing orders! If you are in the mood for a vegan taco, they are 100% willing to make you one. 

  • Chips and Salsa or guacamole 
  • Verduras Fajita 
  • Mega Burrito or Bowl (customized- no cheese or meat)
  • Bean Burrito

3. Bodega

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Another hard part about going vegan is sandwiches. After I exhausted my taste buds from eating countless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, I knew I had to see what other options were out there. Turns out, a normal sandwich can be easily customized into a vegan delight, and Bodega is my favorite place to do so! I love their vegetarian club with no cheese and avocado instead of mayo. 

  • Hummus Plate
  • Hummus and Stuff Sandwich
  • Vegetarian Club (Hold the cheese and Mayo)
  • Side Salad with Italian Dressing
  • Side Pasta Salad

4. Left Field Tavern

Left Field Tavern hosts weekly Bingo night on Wednesday, and their prizes are pretty great too! If you are following a vegan diet, it's still possible to enjoy some pub foods including pretzels and fries! 

  • Pretzel Bites (hold the beer cheese)
  • Tomato Soup
  • House Garden Salad
  • Side of Salt and Pepper Fries 

5. Rapid Fire

As Americans, we sure do love our pizza. I was so excited when Rapid Fired started swelling vegan cheese for their pizzas! I usually get a customized pizza with buffalo sauce, vegan cheese, and ALL the veggies. You can also substitute vegan cheese on any pizza they have on the menu. 

  • Wild Veggie, sub regular cheese for vegan cheese
  • Create your own Pizza with vegan cheese

6. Bagel and Deli

Who can resist a late night or early morning bagel? Not me! Luckily, Bagel and Deli has a few vegan options, my favorite being Auntie Beanie’s. Again, they are super willing to customize as well, so many of the bagels on their menu can be made vegan, or you can create your own! 

  • Hummus on a Bagel
  • Auntie Beanie’s
  • Earth Day (sub cream cheese for hummus or avocado)

7. No. 5

Of all the restaurants on this list, No. 5 definitely has the most vegan options! I must admit I probably eat here too much, but it really is that good. If you haven’t tried No. 5, all of the dishes outlined below are super tasty. 

  • Mapo Tofu
  • Spiced Salt Tofu
  • Broccoli with Garlic Sauce
  • General Tso’s Tofu
  • Vegetable Lo Mein
  • Vegetable Fried Rice

8. Kofenya

Last but certainly not least, is Kofenya coffee shop. They have a plethora of breakfast foods and coffee to start off your day! I absolutely love their avocado toast. In addition to their vegan friendly menu, Kofenya is a great place to study. 

  • Chubby Bunny Treats (All vegan and gluten free! Check out my article about Chubby Bunny) 
  • Oatmeal Cup
  • Earnest Eats Granola Bar
  • Avocado Toast
  • Bagel
  • Homemade Almond Butter 

So there you have it! Eight of my favorite Oxford restaurants and what to get at each. Most places are super willing to customize your order making eating vegan Uptown even easier. Let us know if you try out any of these delicious vegan meals! 

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