TL;DR
Best vegan comfort food in Minneapolis: J. Selby's (mac & cheese champion), Francis Burger Joint (best vegan burgers + Juicy Lucy), Pizza Lucé (extensive vegan pizza menu), Reverie Cafe (shiitake bacon mac), Herbivorous Butcher (comfort food building blocks), and Sebastian Joe's (vegan ice cream). For fried food, hit Hard Times or Modern Times. These aren't health food spots—they're indulgent, satisfying, and proof that vegan food can be deliciously unhealthy.
Best Vegan Comfort Food in Minneapolis: A Guide to Indulgent Plant-Based Eating
Minneapolis is one of the best cities in the Midwest for vegan comfort food. Best for: mac and cheese cravings, vegan burgers, indulgent plant-based brunch, and soul food. Top spots include J. Selby's (mac and cheese, cauliflower wings), Francis Burger Joint (vegan Juicy Lucy), Reverie Cafe + Bar (Rev Burger, shiitake bacon mac), The Herbivorous Butcher (Korean BBQ ribs, deli sandwiches), and Trio Plant-Based (BBQ plates, fried chicken sandwich). These are not health food spots -- they are fully indulgent, fully vegan, and worth the trip.
Comfort food is greasy, cheesy, fried, saucy, and unapologetic. It is what you crave after a long day or when the Minnesota winter sets in. Minneapolis has nailed the vegan version.
This is your guide to eating your feelings, Minneapolis vegan style.
🧀 Mac & Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food
J. Selby's — The Reigning Champion
St. Paul | $$ | ⭐ 4.7
"The mac and cheese? Bangs." — Andrew Lewandowski
J. Selby's doesn't mess around with their mac and cheese. It's rich, creamy, perfectly seasoned, and available as a side or full entree. The cheese sauce is so good you'll wonder why anyone bothers with dairy.
Order it:
- As a side with your burger
- As an entree when you need maximum comfort
- With added toppings like buffalo cauliflower or bacon bits
Pro tip: Get the Animal Fries too. Because if you're going for comfort food, commit to the bit.
Reverie Cafe + Bar — The Elevated Version
South Minneapolis | $$ | ⭐ 4.7
"Mac and cheese with shiitake bacon? Mature and smokey." — Verified reviewer
Reverie's mac and cheese takes the classic and adds shiitake bacon for a smoky, umami-rich twist. It's comfort food that still feels a little fancy—perfect when you want to feel like an adult while eating pasta and cheese.
Why it works: The shiitake bacon adds texture and depth without being gimmicky. This is thoughtful comfort food.
Also featured in our complete Minneapolis vegan restaurant guide.
🍔 Burgers: The Minneapolis Vegan Burger Revolution
Francis Burger Joint — The Juicy Lucy Champions
Northeast Minneapolis | $$ | ⭐ 4.7
"These burgers are better than most meat burger joints I've been to." — Jordan E-B
If you're in Minnesota and haven't tried a Juicy Lucy, you're missing out on the state's most iconic burger—a cheese-stuffed patty that oozes when you bite into it. Francis Burger Joint has perfected the vegan version.
The Order:
- Juicy Lucy — "Haven't stopped thinking about it since I had it a few days ago"
- Hunny Dijon Chicken Sandwich — "By far the most chicken-like substitute I've ever had"
- Fries — "MUCH better than other places"
- Chocolate Milkshake — Because you deserve it
"Cool vibe and unique spot. This is a no-tipping establishment." — Archibald Chuzzlewit
The vibe: Northeast Minneapolis cool. Murals, good music, zero pretension. Fully vegan bar program too. Check out more NE spots in our Northeast Minneapolis vegan guide.
J. Selby's — The Dirty Secret
St. Paul | $$ | ⭐ 4.7
The Dirty Secret Burger at J. Selby's is exactly what the name suggests—messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth the napkin situation.
What makes it work: House-made patty, special sauce, all the toppings, zero guilt about eating something called "Dirty Secret."
Breakfast Burger fans, this spot also has you covered. Mac and cheese on a burger? Yes. Do it.
Reverie Cafe + Bar — The Rev Burger
South Minneapolis | $$ | ⭐ 4.7
The Rev Burger at Reverie is a solid, reliable, well-executed burger that'll satisfy without overwhelming. Sometimes you just want a good burger, and this is it.
Best for: When you want a burger but don't want to commit to full-on indulgence territory.
🍕 Pizza: Melty Cheese, Endless Toppings
Pizza Lucé — The OG Vegan Pizza Spot
Multiple Locations | $$ | ⭐ 4.6
Pizza Lucé was serving vegan cheese before most pizza places even knew it existed. Now they have an entire vegan menu section with house-made vegan cheese that actually melts and stretches.
The Vegan Menu:
- Mediterranean vegan pizza
- Vegan sausage options
- Build-your-own with Follow Your Heart mozzarella
- Vegan garlic cheese bread (do not skip)
Pro tip: The vegan cheese costs extra, but it's worth every penny. This is not sad, dry vegan pizza—this is the real deal.
Parkway Pizza — 100% Vegan Pizzeria
South Minneapolis | $$ | ⭐ 4.8
A dedicated vegan pizza shop? Yes, Minneapolis has one. Parkway Pizza proves that vegan pizza doesn't have to be a "substitute"—it can be the main event.
What to order:
- Any specialty pizza (they're all vegan)
- Cheesy breadsticks
- Wings (yes, vegan wings at a pizza place)
The vibe: Casual neighborhood spot where you don't have to ask if ingredients are vegan. Everything just is.
Red Wagon Pizza — The Food Truck Favorite
Roaming + Brick & Mortar | $$ | ⭐ 4.7
Red Wagon started as a food truck and earned a cult following for their creative, high-quality vegan pizzas. Now they have a permanent location too.
Best for: Creative flavor combinations, food truck vibes, supporting local.
🍟 Fried Food: Because Sometimes You Need Grease
J. Selby's — The Cauliflower Wing Masters
St. Paul | $$ | ⭐ 4.7
"The cauliflower wings with sweet chili sauce were awesome." — Mansi Suresh
J. Selby's cauliflower wings are legendary. Crispy, saucy, and completely addictive.
Order:
- Cauliflower Wings with ranch or sweet chili sauce
- Animal Fries — Cheese, special sauce, caramelized onions
- Crunchwrap — Fried, wrapped, perfect
Best for: When you want fried food that feels like a meal, not just a side.
Hard Times Cafe — The Diner Classics
Seward | $ | ⭐ 4.5
"Classic diner food and vibes but vegetarian and vegan-ified." — Mariah Mckenzie
Hard Times does old-school diner fried food—crispy hash browns, breaded and fried sandwiches, and baked goods that'll make you forget what gluten-free means.
The Order:
- Hash Browns — Perfectly crispy
- Korean Bun — Fried tofu, kimchi, all the fixings
- Any fried sandwich — They don't mess around
Warning: Cash only. ATM inside. Worth it.
Also check out our vegan brunch guide for more Hard Times recommendations.
Modern Times Cafe — The Greasy Spoon Favorite
Powderhorn | $ | ⭐ 4.7
"Punk cafes 4 ever! Love all the vegan options while still fulfilling my greasy spoon cravings." — Emily Mills
Modern Times delivers on the greasy spoon promise—fried, filling, and unapologetically indulgent.
Best for: Hangover food, weekend comfort, progressive politics with your fried potatoes.
Trio Plant-Based — Soul Food at Midtown Global Market
Midtown | $$ | Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St
Trio Plant-Based is Minneapolis's first Black-owned 100% vegan restaurant, serving soul food comfort food inside Midtown Global Market. Founder Louis Hunter reopened here in March 2026 after closing the original LynLake spot.
The comfort food lineup:
- Mac and cheese — loaded, creamy, plant-based soul food style
- Collard greens — properly seasoned, Southern tradition
- BBQ plates — bold smoky flavors, no animals
- Fried chicken sandwich — plant-based, all the crunch and satisfaction
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am-7:30pm, Sun 11am-5pm
Best for: Soul food cravings. Comfort food with roots and a mission behind it.
Ice Cream & Frozen Treats
Sebastian Joe's — The Ice Cream Institution
Multiple Locations | $$ | ⭐ 4.8
Sebastian Joe's has been a Minneapolis ice cream staple for decades, and their vegan flavors rotate seasonally. Creamy, rich, and made with real ingredients.
What to expect:
- Seasonal vegan flavors (always at least 2-3 available)
- Rich, creamy base (usually coconut or oat milk)
- Real, high-quality ingredients
Pro tip: Call ahead to check current vegan flavors. They change often.
French Meadow Bakery — The Dessert Destination
Uptown | $$ | ⭐ 4.5
French Meadow has vegan ice cream, cakes, cookies, and desserts that feel special.
The sweet stuff:
- Vegan ice cream (seasonal flavors)
- Vegan Chocolate Rose Cake
- Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies
- Seasonal vegan pies and pastries
Best for: When you want dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Featured in our vegan brunch guide.
Glam Doll Donuts — The Ice Cream Sandwich Wildcard
Multiple Locations | $$ | ⭐ 4.8
Glam Doll occasionally features vegan ice cream sandwiches—donuts stuffed with vegan ice cream. It's as extra as it sounds, and it's glorious.
Check for: Seasonal vegan ice cream sandwich specials. Instagram is your friend here.
🥓 Building Blocks: DIY Comfort Food at Home
The Herbivorous Butcher — Your Secret Weapon
Northeast Minneapolis | $$ | ⭐ 4.8
"We had the pleasure of having our evening meal catered by Herbivorous Butcher. It was hands down the best meal we've had all week." — Liz Fathman
Herbivorous Butcher sells the building blocks for home-cooked comfort food:
The Comfort Food Toolkit:
- Korean BBQ Ribs — Smoke, char, fall-apart tender
- Italian Sausage — For pasta, pizza, subs
- Bacon — Real crunch, real smoke
- Aged Cheddar — For grilled cheese, mac and cheese, nachos
- Pastrami — Sandwiches, hash, Reubens
The hack: Buy the proteins and cheeses, add simple sides, have restaurant-quality comfort food at home in 15 minutes.
Featured prominently in our best vegan restaurants guide.
Quick Reference: What Comfort Food, Where?
| Craving | Go Here | Order This |
|---|---|---|
| Mac & Cheese | J. Selby's | Classic mac or loaded mac |
| Soul Food | Trio Plant-Based | Mac & cheese, BBQ plate, fried chicken sandwich |
| Burgers | Francis Burger Joint | Juicy Lucy |
| Pizza | Pizza Lucé | Vegan Mediterranean or build-your-own |
| Fried Stuff | J. Selby's | Cauliflower wings + Animal Fries |
| Ice Cream | Sebastian Joe's | Seasonal vegan flavors |
| Donuts | Glam Doll | Any vegan donut (all amazing) |
| Diner Food | Hard Times | Hash browns + Korean Bun |
| Take-Home | Herbivorous Butcher | Korean BBQ Ribs + cheese |
The Comfort Food Crawl: A One-Day Itinerary
Lunch: Start at Francis Burger Joint for a Juicy Lucy and fries
Afternoon Snack: Hit Glam Doll Donuts for a vegan donut (or three)
Dinner: Head to J. Selby's for mac and cheese, cauliflower wings, and carrot cake
Nightcap: Stop by Herbivorous Butcher and stock up for tomorrow's comfort food cooking
Total damage: ~$60-80 for a full day of indulgence Regrets: Zero
Pro Tips for Maximum Comfort
- Order extra Animal Fries at J. Selby's — You'll thank me later
- Don't skip dessert — Comfort food without dessert is just regular food
- Cash only at Hard Times — Come prepared or use their ATM
- Check Glam Doll's Instagram — New vegan specials drop regularly
- Call ahead for vegan ice cream — Sebastian Joe's flavors rotate
The Bottom Line
Minneapolis vegan comfort food has come a long way from steamed vegetables and sad salads. We've got:
- Mac and cheese that converts skeptics
- Burgers that make carnivores jealous
- Pizza with actual melty cheese
- Fried food that satisfies every greasy craving
- Ice cream that doesn't taste like compromise
Whether you're a lifelong vegan, newly plant-based, or just trying to eat less meat, these spots prove that comfort food doesn't need animal products to be deeply, satisfyingly indulgent.
Now stop reading and go eat your feelings. 🌱🍔🍕
For more Minneapolis vegan dining, check out our complete restaurant guide, Northeast Minneapolis tour, or vegan brunch recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get the best vegan mac and cheese in Minneapolis?
J. Selby's is the mac and cheese champion with their rich, creamy version available as a side or entree. Reverie Cafe's Mac and Cheese with Shiitake Bacon is also exceptional, adding a smoky, savory element. Both are 100% vegan restaurants.
What's the best vegan burger in Minneapolis?
Francis Burger Joint takes the crown with their vegan Juicy Lucy (Minnesota's iconic cheese-stuffed burger, veganized). Their Hunny Dijon Chicken Sandwich is also incredible. J. Selby's Dirty Secret Burger and Reverie's Rev Burger are close runners-up.
Where can I get vegan pizza in Minneapolis?
Pizza Lucé offers the most extensive vegan pizza menu with house-made vegan cheese and creative toppings. Parkway Pizza (100% vegan pizzeria) and Red Wagon Pizza also have excellent options. Most local pizza chains now offer vegan cheese.
Does Minneapolis have vegan ice cream shops?
Sebastian Joe's offers excellent vegan ice cream flavors rotating seasonally. French Meadow has vegan desserts and ice cream options. Glam Doll Donuts occasionally features vegan ice cream sandwiches. Many shops now carry vegan options—always worth asking!
Where can I get vegan fried chicken in Minneapolis?
J. Selby's has incredible fried vegan chicken sandwiches. Francis Burger Joint's Hunny Dijon Chicken Sandwich is 'the most chicken-like substitute' according to reviewers. Hard Times Cafe offers breaded and fried options on their comfort food menu.
What is the best vegan comfort food in Minneapolis?
The best vegan comfort food in Minneapolis spans several spots: J. Selby's in Saint Paul for mac and cheese and cauliflower wings, Francis Burger Joint in Northeast Minneapolis for the vegan Juicy Lucy burger, Reverie Cafe + Bar in Powderhorn for the Rev Burger and shiitake bacon mac, Trio Plant-Based at Midtown Global Market for soul food BBQ plates and fried chicken sandwiches, and The Herbivorous Butcher in Northeast for Korean BBQ ribs and deli sandwiches.
Where can I get vegan mac and cheese in Minneapolis?
The top spots for vegan mac and cheese in Minneapolis are J. Selby's (Cathedral Hill, Saint Paul), which serves a rich, creamy version as a side or entree, and Reverie Cafe + Bar (Powderhorn, Minneapolis), which makes a shiitake bacon mac with smoky depth. Trio Plant-Based at Midtown Global Market (920 E Lake St) also serves a loaded plant-based mac and cheese in the soul food tradition.