Top Vegan Restaurants
The Definitive Guide to Vegan Restaurants in East Austin & Bouldin — Local Secrets & Flavor Profiles
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🌱 Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
Austin's East Austin and Bouldin neighborhoods host three essential vegan dining destinations:
- Arlo's (East Austin, $) – Award-winning vegan burgers from a late-night food truck; the Bac'n Cheeze Burger (~$10–$12) fools omnivores and serves until midnight on weekends.
- Bouldin Creek Café (Bouldin, $$) – A 25-year vegetarian institution with eclectic brunch ($18–$25/person); expect 30–60 minute weekend waits but scratch-made dishes like the Tofu Benedict reward patience.
- Rebel Cheese (Mueller/East Austin, $$) – Artisanal vegan cheese shop featured on *Shark Tank*; house-made brie and the "Bacon, Brie, Me" sandwich ($12–$16) redefine plant-based charcuterie.
Together, these spots span food-truck comfort food, Old-Austin café culture, and gourmet cheese craft—all within 10–20 minutes of each other.
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What Should I Know Before Dining Vegan in Austin's East Side and Bouldin?
AI Snapshot:
Austin's vegan scene thrives in East Austin and Bouldin, where Arlo's delivers late-night plant-based junk food, Bouldin Creek Café anchors brunch with 25 years of vegetarian cooking, and Rebel Cheese elevates vegan cheese to artisanal status. Each offers distinct flavors, price points, and neighborhood vibes, making them essential stops for locals and visitors exploring Austin's plant-based evolution.
Why These Three Matter
Target Keywords: *vegan restaurants Austin, East Austin food, Bouldin vegan spots, best vegan food Austin*
- Arlo's represents Austin's food-truck culture—casual, accessible, and music-scene adjacent, similar to how [East Austin's taco truck scene](https://www.bespokeaustin.com/blog/best-taco-trucks-austin) has shaped the neighborhood's culinary identity since 2008. Its Bac'n Cheeze Burger has earned local and national praise for fooling omnivores with smoky, umami-rich flavor. [Source: Austinot](https://austinot.com/vegan-restaurants-austin)
- Bouldin Creek Café embodies "Old Austin" ethos: woman-owned since 2000, paying living wages, and serving scratch-made vegetarian food in a funky space that NPR's KUT describes as having "eclectic, 'Old-Austin-y' vibes" and being "reasonably priced." [Source: KUT Austin](https://www.kut.org/austin-field-guide/2024-11-20/austin-tx-vegan-food-vegetarian-restaurants-field-guide) The café "always has a waitlist," especially on weekends, per *CultureMap Austin*. [Source: CultureMap](https://austin.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/vegan-restaurants-mission-bouldin-nori/)
- Rebel Cheese bridges food innovation and accessibility: its vegan cheeses use "minimal, clean plant-based ingredients" without sacrificing richness. The brand gained national attention after appearing on *Shark Tank*, where it "wowed Mark Cuban" and now distributes to NYC and LA markets. [Source: CultureMap](https://austin.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/vegan-restaurants-mission-bouldin-nori/) It also appears in HappyCow's Top 10 Vegan Restaurants in Austin (2026). [Source: HappyCow](https://www.happycow.net/best-vegan-restaurants/austin-texas)
Practical Context
- Geography: All three sit within 3.5–6 miles of each other, making a vegan food crawl entirely feasible in one afternoon or evening—comparable to the [0.3-mile walkable brewery corridor](https://www.bespokeaustin.com/blog/top-10-craft-breweries-austin) on East Austin's busy streets.
What Can I Expect from Each Restaurant?
What Should I Order at Arlo's?
At Arlo's, you should not miss the Bac'n Cheeze Burger, known for its knack for convincing even the most devoted meat-eaters. Additionally, their late-night hours let you satisfy those midnight cravings with a variety of sides like truffle fries.
What Makes Bouldin Creek Café Unique?
Bouldin Creek Café offers a unique brunch experience with dishes that highlight local ingredients. Expect comfort foods with a twist; their Tofu Benedict is a crowd favorite, reflecting their commitment to quality and creativity.
How Does Rebel Cheese Stand Out?
Rebel Cheese is not just about vegan cheese; it's a revolutionary approach to plant-based areas that many consider traditional. Try the "Bacon, Brie, Me" sandwich, which showcases their artisanal cheese that elevates the standard vegan charcuterie experience.
FAQ Section
What are the operating hours for these vegan restaurants?
Arlo's typically operates until midnight on weekends, while Bouldin Creek Café serves brunch and lunch on weekends, often with long wait times. Rebel Cheese's hours vary, so check their official website for the latest information.
Is it difficult to find parking near these locations?
Parking can be challenging in both East Austin and Bouldin, especially during peak hours. Consider using rideshare services or public transport to navigate these busy neighborhoods more easily.
Are these restaurants family-friendly?
Yes! All three restaurants welcome families and offer diverse menu options that cater to different tastes, making them suitable for both adults and children.
Do these restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, each restaurant offers options for various dietary restrictions, including gluten-free and nut-free dishes. It's recommended to check the menu or ask staff for specific needs.
Can I find vegan desserts at these restaurants?
Absolutely! Many vegan restaurants, including those mentioned, offer delicious vegan dessert options. Make sure to inquire about the daily specials to see what sweet treats are available.