TL;DR
Best vegan food in NE Minneapolis: The Herbivorous Butcher (America's first vegan butcher, 507 1st Ave NE — start here), Herbie Butcher's Fried Chicken (100% vegan fried chicken next door, new from the same team), Francis Burger Joint (fully vegan burger bar, 2422 Central Ave NE, Juicy Lucy is the move), Brasa Premium Rotisserie (the vegetable sides are destination-worthy on their own), and Masu Sushi & Robata (robata-grilled veg + sake, good date night option on Hennepin). Walk the Central Ave corridor between stops and duck into a brewery. NE has the highest density of 100% vegan spots in the city.
Vegan Food in Northeast Minneapolis: The Complete NE Guide
Northeast Minneapolis is where Minneapolis gets weird in the best way. Old warehouses turned into breweries, artists' studios next to meat markets, and somehow—right in the middle of it all—the best concentration of fully vegan spots in the city.
NE has something most Minneapolis neighborhoods don't: multiple 100% vegan restaurants within walking distance of each other. Not vegan-friendly. Not "we can make that vegan." Actually, fully plant-based. Three of them are in this guide.
This is your complete guide to vegan food in NE, organized as a walking tour through the brewery district and Arts Quarter corridor.
Stop 1: The Herbivorous Butcher
507 1st Ave NE | $$ | ⭐ 4.7 (250 reviews)
Start here. You have to.
The Herbivorous Butcher is America's first vegan butcher shop, and if you haven't been, you're missing out on one of the most innovative food concepts in the country. Siblings Aubry and Kale Walch opened this place in 2016, and they've been quietly changing minds about what vegan meat can be ever since.
"Fake meat never tasted this good." — Actual review
The Products
Meats (yes, we're calling them that):
| Item | Price | The Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Korean BBQ Ribs | $18.99/12oz | Best-selling item. "Tender meaty texture, perfect sweet-savory balance" |
| Pastrami | $15.99/8oz | "Deeply seasoned with cracked pepper, coriander, and warm spices" |
| Italian Sausage | $16.99/13oz | 4 fully-cooked brat links, fennel and sun-dried tomatoes |
| Pepperoni | $13.00/8oz | "Perfect for pizza" |
Cheeses:
- Aged Cheddar ($14.99/8oz) — "Sharp, creamy, melts beautifully"
- Smoked Gouda — "Fantastic. One of the best non-dairy cheeses we have had"
- Havarti variations — Garlic pepper and dill
The Ready-to-Eat Options
Don't sleep on the deli counter. These are some of the best sandwiches in the city.
"One of the best Italian Cold Cut Sandwiches that I've ever had." — Amber Schlater
- Italian Cold Cut ($17.49) — As seen on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Pastrami, capicola, pepperoni, mozzarella on a hoagie.
- Hot Bacon Brat with Cheese — "Both loved it"
- Ranchy Bacon Mac Hot Panini — When it's the special, GET IT
Pro Tips
- Best time to go: Weekday mornings or early afternoon. Weekend lines are "out the door"
- Popular items sell out: Call ahead if you need something specific
- They ship nationwide: Order online if you can't make it in person
- Buy the cookbook: Great gift, great recipes
"I ordered so much stuff including a steak, pepperoni, jerky and deli meat and I was shocked to find out the total was only $48." — Philip
This spot is also featured in our best Minneapolis vegan restaurants guide and makes a great unique date idea.
Stop 1b: Herbie Butcher's Fried Chicken — 100% Vegan Fried Chicken
507 1st Ave NE (next door to Herbivorous Butcher) | $ | 100% Vegan
From the same team as The Herbivorous Butcher comes this spin-off: a dedicated plant-based fried chicken counter that's been making NE regulars very happy. The concept is focused and unapologetic — crispy fried chicken sandwiches, tenders, and classic sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, and biscuits, all 100% plant-based.
The breading is properly seasoned, the crunch is real, and the portions aren't skimpy. This is vegan comfort food that doesn't compromise to get there.
What to order:
- Fried Chicken Sandwich — The main event. Crispy, well-seasoned, served on a toasted bun.
- Tenders — Better dipping vehicle than the sandwich if you like variety.
- Mac and Cheese — The plant-based mac here is one of the better versions in the city.
- Biscuit — Get one. Just get one.
Since it's right next to Herbivorous Butcher, most visitors do both — browse the butcher shop, pick up something ready-to-eat from the fried chicken counter.
Walk: Herbivorous Butcher → Francis Burger Joint (0.8 mi, 15 min)
Head north on Central Ave through the heart of NE. Grab a coffee if you need it.
Stop 2: Francis Burger Joint
2318 Central Ave NE | $$ | ⭐ 4.7
"Delightful food options for a vegetarian feeling oppressed by America's meat-forward culture. Honestly some of the best burgers I've ever eaten." — Davi Gray
Francis is everything a vegan burger joint should be: the burgers are legitimately better than most meat spots, the vibe is fun, and the milkshakes actually taste like milkshakes.
The Must-Orders
The Juicy Lucy — The Minnesota classic, veganized. Impossible patty stuffed with vegan cheese. "Haven't stopped thinking about it since I had it a few days ago." — Actual review
The Chicken Sandwich — Multiple reviewers call this "the most chicken-like substitute I've ever had." "By far the most chicken-like substitute I've ever had and this isn't coming from someone who hasn't had chicken in 20 years—I had some last week." — Kyle McCleary
The Fries — "MUCH better than other places"
Chocolate Milkshake — "I don't think I've ever had a vegan chocolate milkshake (let alone a good vegan chocolate milkshake) before coming here"
The Vibe
Cool murals, good music, a crowd that's half art school kids and half neighborhood regulars. No-tipping establishment (it's built into prices), which makes ordering stress-free.
"I go to Francis way more often than I reasonably should." — Brandon Sullivan
Francis is perfect for a casual vegan date night.
Walk: Francis → Masu (0.6 mi, 12 min)
Head south back toward Hennepin Ave.
Stop 3: Masu Sushi & Robata
330 E Hennepin Ave | $$$
Not 100% vegan, but Masu has excellent vegan options and is the fanciest stop on this tour.
What to get:
- Vegetable rolls (several options)
- Robata-grilled vegetables
- Edamame
- Ask your server for recommendations
The charcoal robata grill adds a smoky depth that works beautifully with vegetables. The atmosphere is moody and intimate—this is where you end the day if you're on a date. See our vegan date night guide for more romantic options.
The Neighborhood Vibe
NE Minneapolis is walkable, bikeable, and absolutely packed with breweries if you need a break between meals. Some highlights:
- Indeed Brewing — Great patio
- Bauhaus Brew Labs — The building alone is worth seeing
- Dangerous Man Brewing — Small, cash only, excellent
Most NE breweries don't have food, so grab takeout from Herbivorous Butcher or Francis and bring it with you.
Parking & Getting There
By Car:
- Street parking throughout NE (2-hour limits in some areas)
- Herbivorous Butcher has limited lot parking
- Francis has a small lot
By Transit:
- Green Line to E. Hennepin + University
- Multiple bus routes serve Central Ave
By Bike:
- Nice Ride stations throughout NE
- Bike lanes on most major streets
The Full Day Itinerary
| Time | Stop | What to Get |
|---|---|---|
| 10am | Herbivorous Butcher | Italian Cold Cut, meats/cheeses to take home |
| 11am | Herbie Butcher's Fried Chicken | Fried chicken sandwich, mac and cheese |
| 1pm | Francis Burger Joint | Juicy Lucy, fries, milkshake |
| 3pm | Brewery break | Indeed or Bauhaus |
| 6pm | Masu | Robata vegetables, veggie rolls, sake |
Why NE Has the Best Vegan Food in Minneapolis
Most Minneapolis neighborhoods have one or two vegan options. NE has:
- The literal best vegan butcher shop in America
- A plant-based fried chicken counter right next door
- A burger joint that makes carnivores question their life choices
- Walkable streets full of character
- Breweries everywhere (most are vegan-friendly)
- A community that gets it
The artists and weirdos who made NE cool also made it accepting. Nobody bats an eye at vegan food here—it's just... food.
Also Worth Noting in NE
Saturday Dumpling Co. at 519 Central Ave NE is a fast-casual dumpling spot with solid vegan options -- hand-pinched veggie dumplings (tofu, cabbage, mushroom, scallion) and a tofu burrito that punches well above its price point. Closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday through Sunday. A reliable and affordable stop if you want something quick and plant-based on Central Ave.
Pro Tips for Your NE Vegan Day
- Start early at Herbivorous Butcher — Popular items sell out
- Bring a cooler — If you're buying meats/cheeses to take home
- Make a reservation at Masu — Especially weekends
- Francis closes at 9pm — Plan accordingly
- Wear comfortable shoes — You're walking
This neighborhood is proof that vegan food doesn't have to exist in its own little bubble. It can be right there next to the breweries and art studios and dive bars, just being part of the neighborhood.
For the complete citywide perspective, check our best Minneapolis vegan restaurants guide, or if you're craving something specific, try our Ethiopian vegan food guide.
Now go explore. 🌱
Frequently Asked Questions
What vegan restaurants are in Northeast Minneapolis?
Northeast Minneapolis has the highest concentration of fully vegan spots in Minneapolis. The Herbivorous Butcher (507 1st Ave NE) is America's first vegan butcher shop. Right next door, Herbie Butcher's Fried Chicken serves 100% vegan crispy fried chicken sandwiches and tenders. Francis Burger Joint (2422 Central Ave NE) is a fully vegan burger bar with a 100% vegan drinks program. Brasa Premium Rotisserie (NE location) has outstanding plant-based sides. Masu Sushi & Robata (330 E Hennepin Ave) offers upscale Japanese with robata-grilled vegetables.
Is The Herbivorous Butcher worth visiting?
Absolutely. The Herbivorous Butcher is America's first vegan butcher shop and one of the genuinely must-visit food destinations in the Twin Cities. The house-made Korean BBQ Ribs, pastrami, and aged cheddar have converted plenty of skeptics. The Italian Cold Cut sandwich from the deli counter was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Go weekday mornings — weekend lines go out the door and popular items sell out.
Can I walk between vegan restaurants in Northeast Minneapolis?
Yes — NE is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Minneapolis for vegan food. The Herbivorous Butcher and Herbie Butcher's Fried Chicken are next to each other on 1st Ave NE. Francis Burger Joint is 0.8 miles north on Central Ave. Masu Sushi is on Hennepin Ave, roughly central to both. The entire loop is about 2 miles on foot through the brewery district and Arts Quarter.
Are there vegan options at Northeast Minneapolis breweries?
Most NE breweries don't have their own kitchen but welcome outside food. Pick up takeout from The Herbivorous Butcher or Francis Burger Joint and bring it to Indeed Brewing (711 NE Quincy St), Bauhaus Brew Labs (1315 Tyler St NE), or Dangerous Man Brewing (1300 NE 2nd St). All three have excellent patios and outdoor seating in warm weather.
What's the best time to visit Herbivorous Butcher?
Weekday mornings or early afternoons. Weekend lines stretch out the door, and popular items — Korean BBQ Ribs, aged cheddar, the Italian Cold Cut — sell out by early afternoon. Call ahead if you need something specific. They also ship nationwide if you can't make the trip.
Is there a vegan fried chicken restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis?
Yes — Herbie Butcher's Fried Chicken, located right next to The Herbivorous Butcher on 1st Ave NE, is 100% vegan and serves crispy fried chicken sandwiches, tenders, and classic sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, and biscuits. All plant-based. The breading is well-seasoned and the crunch is real.