While being vegetarian for the past four years, I’ve had to find meatless food or meat alternatives when going out to eat with friends and family. Luckily in recent years there have been a lot of new restaurants/options for those who choose a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle. It can be harder to find these alternatives on short term notice when you’re going out to get a quick bite to eat but, with this list you’ll have a great list of places to go to that can serve your diet. So, here are my favorite restaurants with vegetarian friendly options!

1. Burger King

Starting off with a well known classic, Burger King is a fast food restaurant that has a ton of locations all across Montgomery County, and it’s relatively cheap and at easy access. Burger King recently introduced their Impossible Whopper, which consists of a completely vegetarian burger that can always be made vegan if you ask for no mayo and no cheese on the burger. You can get this burger in a meal (which comes with fries and a drink) or by itself. This is a great option for those who want something quick and don’t want to spend a fortune.

2. Burger Fri

Burger Fri is a burger shop with locations in Silver Spring and North Bethesda. I’ve only had burgers from here a handful of times, but every time I did it was worth it. They have lots of different regular burger options as well as meat alternatives, like the 100% Plant based beyond burger, the Vegan beyond burger, and the Vegefi burger. You can also substitute ANY of their burgers patties for a beyond patty or veggie patty if you’d prefer. This is a great option if you have the time to go or if you’re in the area and would like to pick up something quick. 

3. True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen is a restaurant in Bethesda that offers many vegan/vegetarian options and specializes in healthier food alternatives. True Food Kitchen also offers gluten friendly options in their restaurant. This restaurant has the same amount if not more vegan/vegetarian options than anything else but, some of my favorites are their Spinach and Mushroom pizza (Vegan) or their Margherita pizza. The only downside of this restaurant is it can be a bit pricey compared to your normal fast food chain or quick pickup food, but it’s a great option for those willing to go a bit farther out, or those that have time/plan going out to this restaurant.

4. Cupt Cupcakes

Now this isn’t necessarily a restaurant, but it is a bakery that specializes in vegan alternatives to regular cupcakes. Cupt Cupcakes is mainly a delivery cupcake business that is available throughout the DMV area, but you have to make sure to place your order 5 days in advance if you would like to specialize your cupcakes. They also have a curbside pickup option. All cupcakes made here are vegan friendly and a great alternative for those who stick to their vegan diet but still would like a sweet treat every once in a while. This is also a great option for parties!

5. Yuan Food Vegetarian

Now this is a place that specializes in traditional Chinese restaurant dishes, but all seafood and meat are made completely from vegetable products. While at most Chinese restaurants there are vegan/vegetarian friendly alternatives to order, this restaurant is completely vegetarian cuisine. You can order your favorite dishes here without having to worry about your diet. 

6. Mod Pizza

Mod Pizza is a personal favorite of mine, and with their vegan and vegetarian alternatives what’s not to love! At Mod Pizza you can order cheese or margherita pizza, which are easy vegetarian options. Or, you can substitute the crust out for Cauliflower crust and the cheese for a non-dairy cheese and enjoy your vegan pizza! There are locations for Mod Pizza in Gaithersburg, Rockville and Silver Spring. If you’re craving pizza and have the time to go, it’s a great option.  From someone who loves pizza, Mod Pizza is a must have and a delicious place to try.

7. Smashburger

Smashburger is another burger place with locations in Rio and Rockville Pike. At Smashburger they have black bean patties that you can substitute in any burger of your choice like, the Classic Smash black bean burger, and the Spicy baja with guac black bean burger. You can get these burgers with fries and a drink, and it is a great option if you’re in the area or dining out with friends near the movie theaters. 

8. Chipotle

Out of all of these places, Chipotle is probably the one I end up going to most often. At Chipotle they have pre-made menu options, or make your own bowl/burrito. Chipotle is probably one of the easiest places to go to with friends, and the customization of bowls/burritos make it very vegan/vegetarian friendly! You can ask for no meat on your bowl/burrito if you’re vegetarian, or no meat, cheese and sour cream on your bowl/burrito if you’re vegan. There are a ton of locations all across Montgomery County and it is an inexpensive option for you and your friends/family!