Northeast Minneapolis

The Herbivorous Butcher made history in 2016 as America's first vegan butcher shop, and it continues to revolutionize plant-based eating in Northeast Minneapolis. Run by sibling duo Aubry and Kale Walch, this isn't your typical vegan spot—it's a full-service deli where every "meat" and cheese is handcrafted in-house with the kind of attention to detail that would make any traditional butcher proud. The Korean BBQ ribs are legendary for good reason—smoky, tender, and so convincing they've converted countless skeptics. Their Italian sausages snap with that perfect casing bite, while the pepperoni brings real heat and char to any pizza night. On the cheese side, their aged cheddar is sharp and crumbly, the havarti melts beautifully, and the pepperjack packs actual kick. Don't miss the deli counter where you can grab a ready-made sandwich—the Italian sub loaded with house-made salami and provolone is a Northeast favorite. The shop itself has an industrial-meets-neighborhood vibe with brick walls, butcher paper displays, and that unmistakable smell of smoked tempeh. It's perfect for stocking your fridge with meal prep staples, grabbing lunch on the go, or picking up impressive host gifts. Weekend mornings see lines out the door, but it moves fast. This is vegan food that doesn't apologize—it just tastes damn good.

Francis serves incredible vegan burgers: a taco-seasoned Impossible burger, a garlicky black bean burger, even a Juicy Lucy stuffed with vegan cheese. But what truly sets Francis apart is their fully vegan bar program—no animal-derived dyes, additives, or fining agents in any drink. No crushed beetle dyes in Negronis, no fish bladder-filtered wines. The industrial-chic Northeast space is perfect for a casual night out. A second location in Longfellow expands their reach across the city.

A delightful addition to the Minneapolis vegan scene, Crepe & Spoon specializes in vegan crepes and housemade ice cream. Located in Northeast, this charming spot offers both sweet and savory crepe options perfect for any time of day. Try the Nutella-style crepe with bananas or go savory with spinach and vegan cheese. Their ice cream flavors are inventive and memorable—blueberry cardamom, coconut ash, salted caramel—all rich and creamy without a drop of dairy. A cozy date-night destination.

While known for rotisserie meats, Brasa's vegetable sides and plant-based options are destination-worthy on their own. The yams with bourbon and brown sugar, collard greens, corn maque choux, and black-eyed peas are all prepared without meat products (confirm when ordering). Build a vegetable plate of any three sides for a satisfying meal. The cornbread is phenomenal. Multiple locations serve the same quality. The Northeast spot has industrial-chic charm. Perfect for dining with mixed groups.

Upscale Japanese cuisine with a thoughtful selection of vegan options. Masu's vegetable sushi rolls are expertly crafted—try the avocado caterpillar or the vegetable rainbow roll. The robata grill produces incredible charred vegetables: shishito peppers, asparagus, mushrooms. Edamame, seaweed salad, and vegetable tempura start the meal right. The sleek, modern space in Northeast is perfect for special occasions. The sake menu is extensive. A sophisticated option for plant-based Japanese dining.

From the team behind The Herbivorous Butcher comes Herbie Butcher's Fried Chicken — a dedicated plant-based fried chicken concept that proves vegan comfort food can go head-to-head with the real thing. The menu 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 perfectly seasoned, the crunch is real, and the portions don't skimp. Located near the original Herbivorous Butcher shop in Northeast Minneapolis, it's a natural extension of Aubry and Kale Walch's mission to make plant-based food that carnivores actually crave. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that'll make you forget it's vegan.