Southern vegan soul food? Heck yeah, it’s a THING and in Chattanooga we’re rocking it. I grew up eating meat but became a vegetarian after we adopted our first flock of backyard chickens. They were so cute I couldn’t bring myself to eat chicken (or meat!) after that or feed it to my family. When we go out to eat, I love how many locally owned restaurants make it a point to include scrumptious vegan options on their menu. Check out some of our favorite plant-based restaurants and see what all the buzz is about for yourself!

Southern Squeeze

Southern Squeeze plantbased kitchen boasts a rainbow of fresh juices, smoothies, wellness lattes, and more! Pair one of their filling bowls (loaded Thai sweet potato, anyone?) or toasties (like an ooey-gooey vegan grilled cheese) with local on-tap kombucha! Definitely add something from the bakery case to your order. You deserve the splurge.

Sluggo’s

Part vegan café. Part music venue. Sluggo’s serves up southern vegan soul food in Chattanooga’s Northshore. They keep their menu fresh with daily features and a Sunday brunch, in addition to their tried-and-true favorites like a house-made Tahini Goddess dressing that’s so good it’s drinkable.

Real Roots Café

Owned by a local husband and wife duo, this plant based café and smoothie bar is 100 percent vegan. Real Roots Café’s regular menu items include smoothies and smoothie bowls, paninis, avocado toasts, grab-and-go lunch items (hello picnic!), + hot food specials and all the café beverages you love with a healthy twist!

Cashew

Steps from Coolidge Park, you’ll find Cashew plant based vegan café serving up menu
favorites like the Buffalo Bowl, Philly Cheesesteak, or Jackfruit Nachos (seriously, people can’t stop talking about this one). The bakery items are tantalizing and plentiful, with a ton of gluten-free options to boot! If you’re lucky, you might snag a reservation for a Cashew special-themed 5-course dinner or cooking class.