I recently took an amazing trip (a real vacation) to visit a friend in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My friend, a new plant-based-eater, was excited to show me some vegan eateries in and around her city and beyond. The white sandy beaches, warm water and perfect temps were among my favorite things, but the food was of course a a big part of my journey too. Though there are likely many vegan-friendly as well as vegan restaurants I wasn’t able to visit, here are a few highlights of my vegan vacation including places between West Palm Beach and as far down the coast as Key West. Enjoy!

Oh! And if you’ve been to a great vegan or vegan-friendly eatery in and around Southern Florida that I haven’t mentioned, please leave a note in the comments below. I’m already planning my next trip there and would love any insights!

Yeehaw, Kayle xo

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West Palm Beach ~ Darbster Bistro

8020 South Dixie Hwy
West Palm Beach, Florida 33405
561-586-2622

http://www.darbster.com/

Tuesday – Friday 5pm – 10 pm
Saturday 10:30 am – 3 pm – 5 pm – 10 pm
Sunday 10:30 am-3 pm – 5 pm – 9 pm

This fully vegan restaurant has a range in healthy offerings of mostly comfort foods, perhaps that’s why it appeals to the masses. From filling appetizers to gluten free and raw offerings, Darbster has you covered when it comes to all things plantbased. The open-air restaurant is perfect for the whole family, including pets; (I met Millie a potbelly pig on the patio when I was there!) Check out the delicious plates I tried below (all Darbster photos by Stephanie Lynn Photo).

Fort Lauderdale ~ Green Bar Kitchen & Green Bar Kitchen Express

Green Bar & Kitchen has TWO locations in Fort Lauderdale, the Express location is much smaller and has a different menu. Both locations are light and bright and have a fun modern feel with wonderful minimalist decor. The main location has a large patio for outside dining. The restaurants are kosher and serve up plant based non-GMO appetizers, salads, bowls, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, desserts, juices as well as beer & wine. They do have honey in a few of their items so be sure and ask if you’re a honey-free vegan.

Green Bar & Kitchen Express

3429 Galt Ocean Dr
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
954-533-7507

http://greenbarkitchen.com/

Mon-Sat 8AM – 3PM

Green Bar & Kitchen- Main Location

1075 SE 17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-533-7507

http://greenbarkitchen.com/

Monday – Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 3 pm

Fort Lauderdale ~ Sublime Restaurant

1431 North Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-615-1431

http://sublimerestaurant.com

Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Sunday: 5:30 pm – 10 pm

Sublime is a multi award-winning fully vegan restaurant where many well-known vegetarian celebrities have dined. 100% of the restaurant proceeds go to animal welfare (owner and founder, Nanci Alexander is the President of the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida). While my dining experience here was mediocre and I wasn’t totally blown away by all of the food, I did enjoy the Frito Misto dish (tasted just like eating Chinese food) the best (see photos below).

Plantation City ~ Green Wave Cafe

5221 West Broward Blvd.
Plantation, FL 33317
954-581-8377

www.thegreenwavecafe.com

Monday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 9 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

A fully raw, gluten free, organic and vegan cafe. Located in an unassuming shopping center, this funky little cafe is definitely worth the wait (and you might have to wait because remember, raw food does not equal not fast food). The raw nachos were not only beautiful, but also delicious (see photo below) and paired well with their homemade raw lemonade (not pictured) that is sweetened with dates.

The Cafe ~ Key West

509 Southard Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-296-5515

http://www.thecafekw.com/

Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Weekend Brunch: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Weekend Dinner: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

This fun vegetarian cafe is definitely a reflection of the Key West vibe. Colorful walls, hand-painted art and eclectic decor go perfect with their fresh watermelon and mint mimosas! All vegan and gluten free items are clearly marked on their menu. The Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich was my favorite (aside from the mimosa that is!).

If you get thirsty while biking or walking around Key West, you can always refresh yourself with fresh coconut water (straight from real coconuts!). I bought these babies right on the street at the busiest intersection in the city, at the Southern Most Point Buoy.

There are several other vegan restaurants and bakeries that I didn’t get to visit on my trip, but I have heard great things about. Be sure to check them out if you visit Southern Florida:

Bunnie Cakes- Miami, Florida ~ vegan, kosher, gluten free bakery (allergen, kid friendly) specializing in cupcakes & cakes

Parlour Bakery- Plantation City, Florida ~ vegan bakery including savory items such as sandwiches & empanadas

Atlas Meat-Free Deli- Hollywood, Florida ~ cheese, vegan meats, custom sandwiches & burgers (located inside the Yellow Green Farmers Market Saturdays and Sundays only)

Christopher’s Kitchen- Palm Beach Gardens, Florida ~ High end healthy plant based restaurant some raw options

Choices Cafe- Miami, Florida (five locations) ~ exclusively vegan healthy salads, wraps, bowls, burritos, & sliders

Thanks so much for coming along for my yummy vegan travel adventures in Southern Florida!