Veggie Treats in Hot Chicken City, According to Micheal Eades
Hi, I’m Michael Eades! I run yk Records, host the YK World Podcast and collaborate with Caroline Schneider to run Good Signal events. I think do615 probably wanted me to provide you with a list of great bands (e.g. Bleary, Infinite Limb, General Trust, Tower Defense) and events (e.g. Ambient Sundays, Afterlife, Supper for Dinner) but I’m going with a topic near and dear to my heart… and stomach!
Eating vegetarian in a city known for Hot Chicken and BBQ isn’t always easy (Grilled Cheese from the kids menu is often the last resort) but there are several great options around town that you may not have tried! If you haven’t partaken in the likes of Graze and Sunflower Cafe, make those your first stops. Once you’ve got your fundamentals in place, try these out:
THE LOCAL'S LIST is our weekly series where we tap locals to share their favorite spots, personal recs, and the kind of tips you usually only get from a friend.
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Here are six of Micheal's favorites:
Neighborhood: 4047 Nolensville Pk (Nolensville & Harding)
“Tucked away in a hidden corner of a parking lot at the intersection of Thompson Lane and Nolensville Road, Surati is a spot with No Bad Choices. Anything you order will be good. If you’re not super adventurous, get the Paneer Veggie Sandwich, go wild and try a Uttapam or Paratha paired with some Dosa.”
Neighborhood: 3716 Nolensville Pk (Glencliff / Nashville Zoo Zone)
“If you find yourself over by the zoo, make sure to pop over to King Tut’s and grab a mezze plate of “Egyptian Food in New York Style” - delicious hummus, pita, fried eggplant, falafel and red cabbage slaw. The falafel alone is worth the trip. Bonus: if you ever need some clothes altered, pop into Happy Days Alterations in the same parking lot!"
Neighborhood: 1529 4th Ave S (Wedgwood Houston)
“This friendly little neighborhood bar over by Geodis (right by the fork of 2nd and 4th ave) is a very cozy spot to hang out. Great drinks and usually some great music. They recently renovated their menu and now have a pretty incredible Smash Burger with Beyond Meat patties. The side of tater tots is bigger than your skull. Delightful. Remember: eating vegetarian doesn’t mean eating healthy!"
Neighborhood: 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd (Farmers Market / Northside)
“Located inside the food court of the Farmer’s Market, you have probably walked by this spot a dozen times. That food court can be sensation overload! Next time you’re in the Farmer’s Market, drop by this spot and get yourself one of each taco - Al Pastor, Tinga, Papas and Asada - all vegan and all delicious. Treat yourself with some esquites and a Topo Chico. Yes, that’s a lot of food and, no, you won’t regret it."
NeighborHood: 1200 Porter Rd (Eastwood)
"During Spooky Ghoul Fest 2025, I had the distinct pleasure of devouring two Beanie burritos from Resting Burrito Face in one day. Yea, there were lots of other great food vendors but Resting Burrito Face really hit the spot. And they offer a completely Vegan option as well. They have two locations now - one by Vinyl Tap and one in WeHo - ready to serve ya. I put this burrito on a pedestal and think you will too."
Location: 1200 Villa Pl (Villa Place)
"Everything on this list is pretty casual but if you’re looking to step up your dining experience a bit without losing an ounce of flavor, get thee to Sadies! The cocktail menu is superb but I dream of the baked halloumi, falafel and the incredible whipped feta. Great date spot - upscale but not too stuffy. And that whipped feta, did I mention that already?!"
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Neighborhood: 974 Main St
"sports bar and eating vegetarian are not a combo I generally think of but the plate of sides here is sublime. Their fried okra is among the best in the city."
NeighborHood: 2038 Greenwood Ave
“The burger truck outside Vinyl Tap has an Impossible patty that is superb. They should really go head-to-head against GoodTime in a burger challenge."
Neighborhood: 434 Houston St STE 110
the Wedgewood Houston bar offers some faux chorizo nachos that hit the spot. Bonus: you get a balloon!
Got a better take?
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More Local Picks
This guide is part of The Local's List, a series where we ask people who actually live here to share their favorite spots, routines, and opinions about the city. We want to spotlight what makes Music City a special place to live. It's not the bars taken over by celebrities; it's the real people who celebrate the city every day.
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