🇺🇸 Vegan Travel Guide to Memphis
United States
Tennessee
Yes, you can eat vegan in the BBQ capital of the world — and eat incredibly well. Memphis's plant-based scene draws from its deep soul food traditions, creating some of the most flavorful vegan comfort food in the South. Add in the city's legendary music heritage and warm hospitality, and you've got a destination that rewards adventurous plant-based eaters.
What Memphis Is Like for Vegans
Memphis's vegan scene is rooted in the city's African-American food traditions. Soul food restaurants here have been veganizing classics for years — collard greens without ham hocks, mac and cheese with cashew cream, fried "chicken" with all the Southern spice. The Midtown neighborhood is the progressive dining hub, while Cooper-Young offers a walkable arts district with eclectic restaurants. South Main has been revitalized with galleries, shops, and eateries. Ethiopian restaurants are also a strong part of the Memphis food landscape, and their naturally vegan-friendly menus make them a reliable option. The city's food truck scene brings additional vegan options to festivals, markets, and breweries throughout the week.
Things to See & Do
Beale Street is iconic — walk it for the live blues music pouring from every doorway. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. Sun Studio and Graceland are pilgrimages for music lovers. Overton Park has a beautiful old-growth forest and the Memphis Zoo. The Mississippi riverfront at sunset is unforgettable. Explore the art galleries along South Main.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Midtown is your vegan home base — diverse, walkable, and full of dining options. Cooper-Young within Midtown has the highest concentration of independent restaurants. South Main (SoMa) is the arts district with emerging food scene. Downtown/Beale Street area is tourist-focused but has options. East Memphis has more suburban dining. Stay in Midtown or Cooper-Young for the best plant-based access.
Our Top Restaurant Picks
Hand-picked vegan and plant-based restaurants worth visiting in Memphis.
Mama Eats
Mama Eats brings Memphis soul food traditions to plant-based dining with love. The plates are piled high with comfort — greens, beans, cornbread, and chicken that captures that Southern fry perfectly.
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Lalibela Ethiopian
Lalibela Ethiopian serves authentic Ethiopian cuisine with naturally vegan platters of richly spiced lentils, split peas, and vegetables served on spongy injera bread. Perfect for sharing.
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Raw Co
Raw Co takes a different approach with fresh, unprocessed vegan plates — think creative salads, cold-pressed juices, and raw desserts. A refreshing counterpoint to Memphis's comfort food scene.
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Bibim Bowl
Bibim Bowl serves Korean-inspired vegan bibimbap with crispy vegetables, gochujang sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice. Quick, affordable, and satisfying.
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Practical Tips for Vegan Travelers
Transport, tipping, language, and more to help you navigate Memphis.
- Memphis is manageable by car with easy parking. The MATA trolley runs along Main Street for free. Spring and fall are ideal — summers are hot and humid. Beale Street has a cover charge on weekend nights. Tipping 20% is standard. Many BBQ joints have vegan sides (beans, slaw, corn) even if they don't advertise them.
Explore All Vegan Restaurants in Memphis
Browse the full list with maps, reviews, and ratings.