My kids are vegans. Yup, I said it. My kids do not eat any type of animal products. Have they always been this way? Heck no! This lifestyle has only been ours since May 2017. You see, my son is severely allergic to multiple foods, which we learned the hard way when he was the tender age of just 6 months. From his first allergic reaction to the spring of 2017, we plucked every last bit of allergens from his diet, but there was still one missing puzzle piece to solving his digestive issues. Until one day, I had an epiphany. If when I nursed him, I was not allowed to eat the foods he was allergic to, then why would it be okay for him to consume animals who had done the same?
Months into this major lifestyle change, we noticed a significant boost to our son’s quality of life. While most of our meals are safely cooked in the comforts of our own kitchen, this mama does need a break sometimes! Enter our guide to eating vegan in Jacksonville. (And remember, you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy a good vegan meal.)
The Floridian
Where: St. Augustine | Drive-Thru: No | Highchairs: Yes | Changing Table: Yes | My Order: Spring Salad with Tempeh, House Pickled Veggies, 3 Daughters Beach Blonde Ale
My little family loves taking mini day trips to St. Augustine because it means playing at the playground, having popsicles at Hyppo, and then enjoying lunch outside at The Floridian. This quaint spot has become so much of a favorite for us that it’s the only place we have lunch at whenever we meander around in the sweet, slow pace of old town St. Augustine. We are a pickle-loving tribe, so it has been our most-loved indulgence to have a jar of house-made pickled veggies EACH every time we’re there! Be sure to check out their freshly baked goods selection after your meal. They are just too divine to pass up! **The Floridian has moved on from its home at 72 Spanish Street in downtown St. Augustine, and is in the process of building a new location on Anastasia Island, set to open late Spring/Early Summer 2026. But never fear! While construction continues, you can find us at Bea’s Fine Foods (9 Anastasia Blvd) and Jefe’s Fish Wagon (100 Anastasia Blvd.—at Hornski’s Brewery). Both are located just a quick hop over the Bridge of Lions.
Sweet Theory Baking Co.
Where: Riverside | Drive-Thru: No | Highchairs: Yes | Changing Table: Yes | My Order: All Gluten Free — Chocolate Lavender Cake, Birthday Sprinkle Cupcake, Dough Muff, Cinnamon Streusel Cake
Sweet Theory Baking Co. is just the most darling little patisserie of my dreams. Everything from the free sweet smells to the line out the door, it just screams sweet perfection. We have denied our son fresh pastries for as long as I can remember (thank you, food allergies), so when we came across the mission of this sweet spot, we knew we had to give it a try. As it turns out, we couldn’t control ourselves and bought nearly one of everything! Spoiler alert: They were ALL to die for! From donuts to muffins to loaf cakes, you really can’t go wrong. But make sure to get there early, as the line will quickly wrap around the building, and you really don’t want to miss out on that sugary pocket of deliciousness you’ve been wanting to try.
Ready for more vegan exploration?
As much as I would love to eat myself into a vegan stupor, truth is, this mama’s gotta pace herself! Good news is, I did some hunting and have found a bevy of local eats that could satisfy any of your vegan cravings. Remember, you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy vegan food!
Blaze Pizza: Enjoy pizza without the guilt by building your own gluten-free, vegan cheeze pie.
Buddha Thai Bistro: Experience traditional Thai fare with the substitution of tofu.
Buena Onda: a family run cafe in STA with a simple mission: good food and good vibes! They serve scratch made vegetarian and vegan breakfast and lunch items, espresso drinks, speciality coffee drinks, plant powered lattes, unique house made drinks like ginger mint lemonade and Yerba mate iced tea, as well as beer and wine.
Chamblin’s Uptown: Deli-style offerings, just vegan-ized!
Chipotle Mexican Grill: Build your own burrito or burrito bowl sans meat.
Community Loaves: Fresh sourdough and bagels made daily… do you really need anything else?
Crave: Meatless wraps and colorful smoothies make for a light and refreshing meal.
Delicomb: Vegan menu items and homemade kimchee — could it get any better?
European Street Cafe: Dairy lover? Get the Cashew Cheeze appetizer, followed by an item off the Veggie Lovers menu. (You can thank me later.)
Foo Dog Curry Traders: So many curries, so little time! Luckily for us, all entree items can be made vegan.
High Tide Burrito: Saltwater Hippie Burrito. Boom. End of story.
Mellow Mushroom: Love pizza, but not the dairy? Do yourself a solid and grab a pie smothered in vegan cheese accompanied by what else, but an assortment of mushrooms?
The Murray Hillbilly: Vegan. Southern. Comfort. Food. Excuse me while I wipe the drool off of my chin.
Nacho Taco: Vegan tacos? Be right back!
Native Sun: Not even sure how they do it, but a Tofu Reuben or Teriyaki Tempeh sandwich makes me want to swing by to “grocery shop” every day of the week!
Noura Cafe: Traditional Middle Eastern fare with all the flavor minus all the meat.
Simply Tasty Thai: Love the exotic flavors of Thailand, but willing to try it vegan style? Just ask for your menu item with a tofu substitution!
The Whole Foods Market: Grab-and-go meals at their finest! Help yourself to the gourmet, prepared-fresh-daily foods department on your way into the office, then try to fight off your coworkers.
What vegan spots around town do you love most?
We love Sushiko Jax in Riverside. 50 vegan sushi rolls, entrees and vegan fried rice dishes.