Rochester, Minnesota, may be best known for the Mayo Clinic, but we think of it as a solid destination for vegan-friendly dining. So many that it’s often hard to decide where we should eat. Do we go with our absolute favorites, or try some places we haven’t yet tried? This is a very good problem to have!

Whether you’re visiting for an appointment, passing through southeastern Minnesota, or live locally and eat plant-based, finding reliable vegan options matters. 

We love to have local restaurant experiences, so that’s what we’re sharing in this guide. Our list will help you navigate vegan options for Rochester restaurants. 

If you’re exploring more plant-based dining across the state, you might also enjoy our guide to vegan-friendly options in Stillwater, Minnesota.

Share this guide with anyone looking for vegan-friendly restaurants in Rochester, MN

From cafes and coffee shops to casual lunch spots and dinner options, some are fully vegan, while others are vegan-friendly with clearly labeled options or easy modifications. If you’re looking for trustworthy recommendations with no guesswork, this list is for you. These are places we’ve personally eaten at and recommend.

Fully Vegan & Plant-Based Restaurants in Rochester, MN

Old Abe Coffee Shop

If you’re vegan and visiting Rochester (or just passing through), Old Abe Coffee Shop is a must-stop. This all-vegan cafe makes it easy to order without scanning menus and asking questions- everything is plant-based, and we have never ordered anything we didn’t like. 

Old Abe serves crafted sandwiches, bowls, baked goods, and excellent coffee drinks. It’s the kind of place you can visit for breakfast or lunch and leave genuinely satisfied and full. Their rotating specials and creative flavors make it one of the most dependable vegan restaurants in Rochester.

Old Abe is one of our favorite stops for breakfast in the entire state of Minnesota- if you’re looking for more breakfast ideas beyond Rochester, look at these vegan brunch spots in Minnesota.

Best For: breakfast, lunch, coffee, vegan donuts

Why we love it: 100% vegan menu with zero sacrifice on taste

Vegan-Friendly Breweries & Casual Dining

Forager Brewing Company

Forager Brewing Company is one of Rochester’s most popular spots, and it’s surprisingly welcoming for plant-based diners. While not fully vegan, Forager consistently offers clearly marked vegan options that go beyond the basics.

We’ve found it to be a great stop for a casual dinner or meet-up, especially when traveling with non-vegan companions. Pair a vegan-friendly dish with one of their house-brewed beers or NA options, and you have yourself an easy, relaxed dining experience. 

If craft beer is part of your travel plans, we’ve got a great itinerary for Rocheser Breweries. Here is another great brewery itinerary for Minneapolis.

Best for: casual dinners, craft beer lovers

Vegan tip: menus change seasonally, so check for rotating vegan dishes.

Hot Chip Burger Bar

Hot Chip burger bar is proof that burger joints can work for vegans, too. Known for super creative burgers and comfort food, Hot Chip offers plant-based burger options that don’t feel like an afterthought.

This is a great option when you’re really craving some comfort food- they even have vegan shakes! It’s also an excellent spot for mixed-diet groups who want bold flavors, super casual vibes, and good 90’s music.

Best for: vegan burgers, casual dining

Why it stands out: indulgent comfort food with vegan options

Boxcar Hippie

The folks at Hot Chip Burger Bar created another restaurant right next door. Think bold flavors and good vibes. This casual, counter-service spot lets you build burritos, bowls, and tacos with fresh ingredients and plenty of plant-based protein options.

It’s a great choice for a quick lunch or takeout for movie night. Even non-vegans in our group left happy with their burrito.

Best for: vegan burritos & bowls

Why we love it: fresh, flavorful, and you don’t even have to modify

Seasonal & Food Truck Vegan Options in Rochester, MN

Rochester isn’t just about restaurants- the city also has seasonal food trucks and pop-ups that cater to plant-based diners. These spots are perfect for grab-and-go meals during the warmer months and are a fun way to explore the local food scene.

Homeboy Subs- Seasonal Food Truck at Hot Chip Burger Bar

During summer, Hot Chip Burger Bar hosts the Homeboy Subs food truck, offering both vegan and non-vegan sub sandwich options.

Hours and vegan options may rotate, so check Hot Chips’s social media for the daily menu.

This seasonal food truck adds a casual, outdoor dining option to your Rochester vegan food adventures and is popular with locals and visitors alike.

You can eat your sub inside Hot Chip if you’d like, or grab your order from the outside of the food truck without stepping inside.

Food Co-Ops with Plant-Based Food Options in Rochester, MN

People’s Food Co-op (Plant-Forward Grocery Store & Cafe)

People’s Food Co-Op is a must-visit for anyone seeking vegan food in Rochester, MN, especially travelers who want fresh, plant-based options beyond restaurants. This community-owned food co-op in Rochester is known for its strong commitment to local sourcing, sustainability, and clearly labeled vegan products.

Inside, you’ll find a wide selection of vegan groceries, including dairy-free cheeses, plant-based proteins, vegan snacks, and speciality ingredients that can be hard to find elsewhere in southeast Minnesota. Their prepared foods and deli regularly feature vegan-friendly soups, salads, hot bar items, and grab-and-go meals, perfect if you’re staying near the Mayo Clinic or planning a picnic.

Even if you’re not cooking, People’s Food Co-Op functions as a casual vegan-friendly cafe in Rochester, offering quick bites and beverages that make it an easy stop for breakfast, lunch, or travel snacks. It’s also one of the best places in Rochester to stock up on road trip-ready vegan food before exploring southern Minnesota.

Co-ops like this are especially helpful on road trips, one of our top tips in our guide to finding vegan food on a road trip.

Best for: quick meals, grab-and-go vegan food, groceries

Why it’s worth visiting: dependable vegan labeling and local ethical focus

Sit-Down Restaurants with Vegan Options

Red Cow

Red Cow is a reliable choice for an elevated, approachable dining experience. This location is directly across from St. Mary’s,s so perfectly walkable if you’re visiting or doctoring at Mayo Clinic. While it’s not a vegan restaurant, Red Cow offers plant-based burger options and bowls and is accommodating with dairy-free modifications. 

We like Red Cow for date nights or dinners where everyone wants something different. Vegans can enjoy a satisfying entree while non-vegans have the rest of the menu to choose from- LOL. But seriously, it’s a great stop for parties with mixed dining preferences. 

Best for: date night, sit-down dining, happy hour

Vegan tip: confirm bun and sauce ingredients for a fully vegan meal. They’re great at modifying other meal options. 

Crave

Located inside Hotel Indigo, Crave offers a polished dining experience with a menu that includes vegan-friendly options, including plant-based sushi and customizable dishes. It’s a good choice when you’re looking for something slightly upscale or dining downtown.

While not everything is vegan, we’ve found the staff to be knowledgeable and helpful when ordering plant-based, making Crave a dependable option for vegans who want variety. They also utilize Minnesota’s own Herbivorous Butcher products for their vegan meat-free meat options.

Best for: downtown dining, vegan sushi options, happy hour specials 

Vegan Tip: Ask about sauces and toppings when ordering sushi, and ask for the vegan happy hour menu

Twigs Tavern

Twigs Tavern rounds out this list as an option with vegan-friendly dishes and modifications. While it’s not a destination vegan restaurant, it’s a solid choice when you want something familiar and easy. 

Twigs Tavern is a popular Rochester restaurant, so it’s nice to know there are vegan options. This is another good stop for mixed-diet groups.

Best for: casual dining

Vegan tip: ask about substitutions to make dishes fully plant-based

International Cuisine with Strong Vegan Options

Mango Thai

When you’re craving bold Southeast Asian flavors, Mango Thai is our go-to, and we think it will be yours. Thai cuisine naturally lends itself to plant-based eating- think fresh veggies, fragrant curries, rice dishes, and tofu. Mango Thai makes it easy to find dishes that are vegan or easily adaptable, yet rich in flavor.

Whether it’s sweet and sour, spicy basil, or veggie stir-fry, Mango Thai is a dependable and satisfying vegan-friendly dinner choice.

Best for: Thai curries and flavors with an elevated experience

Vegan tip: ask about fish sauce and request tofu or veggie-only proteins

Blue Diamond Indian Cuisine

Indian cuisine is a reliable option for vegans, and Blue Diamond Indian Cuisine delivers. With lentils, vegetables, rice, and spice-rich curries, there are plenty of vegan dishes to choose from. 

Menus are typically well-labeled, and the flavors are bold and satisfying- ideal when you want something comforting and filling after a long day.

Best for: vegan indian food, and cozy, flavorful meals

Vegan tip: verify dairy-free and request a coconut milk swap as needed

Nupa Mediterranean

Mediterranean restaurants are often a safe bet for vegans, and Nupa is no exception. With falafel, hummus, lentil-based dishes, and vegetable sides, it’s easy to build a flavorful, filling vegan meal here.

Nupa is casual, fast-moving, and consistently good- making it an excellent lunch or early dinner option while exploring Rochester.

Best for: Mediterranean flavors, quick meals

Why it works: naturally vegan dishes with minimal modifications

Opa! Opa!

Another great Mediterranean restaurant to try!

You just can’t go wrong with a big salad or a falafel wrap.

Tips for Eating Vegan in Rochester, MN

Breweries and other restaurants listed here often have rotating seasonal menus. Many of the restaurants really lean on local growers, so menus can change.

International cuisines like Indian, Mediterranean, and Chinese are always great, delicious options we rely on!

Don’t hesitate to sk bout dairy-free sauces, butter, or cheese substitutions.

Rochester’s vegan scene continues to grow, making repeat visits worthwhile. 

Final Thoughts

In Minnesota, anyway, most people think of the Mayo Clinic when they think of Rochester. Because of the worldwide visitors that the Mayo Clinic draws, there are so many amazing vegan-friendly dining options when you visit Rochester, including many great ethnic options. From fully vegan cafes to breweries and sit-down restaurants, these are places we’ve personally tried and would return to again. 

If you’re exploring cities in the Midwest, be sure to check out our guide to vegan-friendly restaurants in Sioux City, Iowa.

Bookmark This Guide and Share With Friends

If you’re planning a trip to Rochester or just want to eat more plant-based locally, bookmark this guide and share it with friends! Whether you’re traveling for an appointment, exploring southeastern Minnesota, or living here and wanting more plant- based meals, these restaurants deliver.

What Are Your Recommendations for the Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Rochester, MN?

There are so many fantastic, locally owned restaurants in Rochester, MN, and we’d love to hear your recommendations for vegan-friendly spots we haven’t included on our list. Please drop a note in the comments with your favorites.