Veg Out with Blount Vegan Eats

Vegan food has gone mainstream. Blount diners have myriad options for plant-based meals that go beyond salads.

Veganism is a culinary lifestyle that avoids all animal products, including dairy and eggs. Many vegans also cut out honey. It can take some detective work, but restaurants and groceries are increasingly sensitive to the needs of vegans. As a result, labels and menus are getting better at identifying animal products.

Whether you have fully embraced a vegan diet or just want to reduce your consumption of animal products, we have a guide to help you find great vegan food at local restaurants!

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Amici (1420 E. Broadway Ave., Maryville)

The name means “friends,” and this friendly Italian restaurant has a selection of pastas and pizzas to tempt any palate. Their focus is on scratch-made dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Regular menu items can be tweaked to remove or replace animal-based items.

Try: Mushroom pesto pasta, a deceptively creamy concoction with an earthy flavor.

The Bird and the Book (1509 E. Broadway Ave., Maryville)

This family-friendly pub offers elevated bar food, from upscale hot dogs to ramen, and vegan options are front-and-center, including vegan dogs that compete with meat versions for taste and juiciness. They even have vegan kimchi.

Try: A panini with hemp-encrusted baked tofu, vegan “goat” cheese, fig jam and arugula

Blossom Bowls (1624 W. Broadway Ave., Maryville)

This local chain focuses on plant-based and gluten-free super foods with fresh tastes and nutrition-forward combinations. Build your own bowls with a dizzying array of ingredients, both savory and sweet. These include harder-to-source elements, like hemp hearts, goji berries and agave nectar. You can also choose indulgent treats like dark chocolate, strawberry boba and Nutella.

Try: A Beach Bum signature bowl, with pitaya, blue majic, coconut, pineapple, blueberry, banana, hemp and honey

Bluetick Tavern (128 W. Broadway Ave., Maryville)

Known for great food and great vibes, Bluetick features a Beyond Burger, and diners can swap out ingredients to customize their offerings.

Try: Mediterranean Grain Bowl, with baby spinach, roasted broccolini, heirloom tomatoes, charred brussels sprouts, mushrooms, onions, pesto and a rice/quinoa blend. (It’s also gluten-free!)

Lemon Grass (912 W. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Maryville)

A go-to choice for sushi and Thai food, Lemon Grass has several vegan dishes, and tofu can often be subbed in to your favorite plate. You can start off with vegan apps like edamame, and finish with a hearty entree like eggplant in vegan brown sauce.

Try: Vegetable Roll Sushi, featuring Japanese oshinko, cambio, carrot, lettuce and cucumber.

Peaceful Side Brewery (106 Everett Ave., Maryville)

The taproom has, as you’d expect, a great beer selection (some are gluten-free!), and a menu of high-end bar food like pretzels, wings and burgers. Vegans can opt for a plant-based burger patty.

Try: PSB Grain Bowl, with hummus, chimichurri, roasted sweet potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, English cucumbers, and pickled carrots and beets.

RT Lodge (1406 Wikinson Pk., Maryville)

Tucked into the Maryville College Woods, the Lodge focuses on locally sourced fresh ingredients, handcrafted dishes and a rotating seasonal menu. So be sure to venture there periodically to see what’s new! Ask the server about substitutions.

Try: Corn & Chanterelle Pasta, with gemelli and pecans

Southland Cafe (1505 E. Broadway Ave., Maryville)

Adjoining Southland Books, the cafe features a full vegan menu of sandwiches and drink options, and, often, scratch-made desserts. The kitchen staff make their own vegan bacon, hummus, breads, pimento cheese, dressings and sauces. For added fun, the menu items are named for authors and celebrities.

Try: The Ida B. Wells sandwich, with tofu, chipotle mustard, vegan bacon, roasted red peppers and vegan cheddar

Walnut Kitchen (606 High St., Maryville)

Focused on farm-to-table dining, this downhome/uptown restaurant serves up an array of seasonal and regional specialties, with extras like specialty cocktails and a coffee rub.

Try: The Power Bowl, full of beans, okra, tomato, onions, sweet potato, quinoa, mushrooms and cajun oregano—tell the server to leave out hollandaise sauce

Yassin’s Falafel House (212 Hamilton Crossing Dr., Alcoa)

Founded by local hero Yassin Terou, this casual restaurant features authentic Mediterranean fare and a welcoming atmosphere. Falafels, fried balls of chickpea goodness, are always a hit.

Try: Plant-based Shawarma as a sandwich or a plate, with housemade tahini and pickles.

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