Carrot Hugger: Two Vegans Walk into a Restaurant
Sounds like the start of a joke, right? And the punch line is that dining out when you have a vegan and gluten free diet is like buying Christmas gifts at the gas station. It can be done, but your options are limited and you're probably not going to get exactly what you want. For six years, both my husband Derek and I ate vegan and gluten free, and dining out became such a challenge that it ceased to be enjoyable. It's gotten easier over the years, as more restaurants acknowledge dietary restricted patrons. And big cities tend to have more options than small towns and rural places. With summer being a time of travel for many, here are a few of my favorite restaurants discovered on our many road trips.
Sixty Vines, Nashville, TN
Believe it or not, this restaurant was recommended by my therapist when I told her Derek and I would be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary with a road trip across Tennessee. During our tour of Ryman Auditorium, we could see the restaurant from the window. And, on our last day in town, we finally made it to their table.
One of the best parts about Sixty Vines is that their menu offers a wide array of choices. And everything is labeled, making it easy to tell what's vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free. We arrived early afternoon on a Sunday, with the brunch menu in full swing. I ordered a Blackberry Sage and Soda to start, which was just as refreshing and delicious as the name sounds. Derek no longer has dietary restrictions, so he opted for the Avocado Bene Croast. I had been dreaming about the Gluten Free (and vegan) Mushroom Pizza for months. With cauliflower crust, cashew cheese, and just the right amount of spice, it did not disappoint.
We also visited the Nash House Southern Spoon & Saloon while in town. Another great brunch meal. I ordered gluten free pancakes, which likely contained dairy and/or eggs, but vacation is for indulging (don't try this if you have allergies). The brunch menu includes salads that could be modified for a vegan diet, as well as several gluten free options. Nashville is known for its live music, and the Nash House was no different. Jax Moore serenaded us for our anniversary, and the wait staff brought us a complimentary dessert.
Clockwise from top left: Sixty Vines as viewed from Ryman Auditorium, Blackberry Sage & Soda, Avocado Bene Croast, gluten free pancakes, Jax Moore, gluten free and vegan mushroom pizza.
Planta, Chicago, IL
I've visited Chicago twice in the past three years. Derek's aunt, uncle, and extended family live in the area. One thing I love about a big city is the wide variety of restaurant options. Derek's cousin Mary is a self-proclaimed foodie and was kind enough to find a vegan restaurant for the entire family to enjoy during our visit in August 2025. At the time, Derek and I were the only two in our party with dietary restrictions, but everyone seemed game to try Planta and adopt a plant-based diet for the night.
Everything on the menu is vegan. Not everything is gluten free, but the dishes that are were labeled as such, making decisions easy. Planta serves family style, so we ordered a bunch of different things to try. I think everyone's favorite was the Truffle Fried Rice with mushroom bacon, peas, and egg. (I asked the waiter what they used as an egg substitute and he said Just Egg, which was something I also used at home.) I don't know how they got the beef and broccoli dish to taste like beef, but that was also delicious.
Left to right: Truffle Fried Rice, with Derek's family at Planta, donuts from Firecakes.
Firecakes, Chicago, IL
Since I did not order dessert at Planta, I was craving something chocolate. Mary had told us about a donut shop called Firecakes Craft Donuts with several Chicago locations. She thought they might offer a vegan and gluten free option. We passed one of the locations as we were walking back to the car, and Aunt G encouraged me to poke my head in, just to see. To my delight, they had one flavor that was both vegan and gluten free, and it was as chocolate as chocolate can be! As Derek's uncle predicted, those donuts did not see the light of day. What a treat!
Aladdin's Eatery, OH
This restaurant has become a favorite when we visit our friend Dean. They have several locations and I've been to two. Aladdin's is another restaurant that can accommodate carnivores and vegans alike. They serve wonderful Hummus and Baba Gannouj, and their Falafel is vegan and gluten free (not all falafel is). All of their soups are vegan and gluten free, including the chili. The last time I ate at Aladdin's, with Derek and Dean, all three of us ordered the vegan and gluten free mini chocolate cheesecake for dessert. Dean has no dietary restrictions and even he thought it was amazing!
Left: Enjoying Aladdin's with our friends in 2023. Right: Aladdin's chocolate cheesecake.
Dining out options have certainly expanded for those with dietary restrictions. I'm no longer limited to a salad (that usually needs to be modified) or French Fries (which could experience cross-contamination if cooked in the same fryer as items containing gluten). Personally, I have added fish and eggs back to my diet, which unlocks a lot of options. If you're dining out, close to home or across the country, read the menu carefully and ask questions if you aren't sure about ingredients. Many restaurants are happy to make modifications.
Happy dining!
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