by Abby Tegnelia
BRUNCH
Gracias Madre
Boasting one of the best dog-friendly patios in LA, this trendy West Hollywood spot serves up pitchers of Mexican mimosas, heaping plates of its famous chilaquiles and plantain French toast, plus an almost-sinful horchata latte. 8905 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; graciasmadreweho.com
LUNCH
Café Gratitude
Great for takeout or a fabulous vegan power lunch, Gracias Madre’s sister cafes are known for their signature lunch bowls and addictive raw pad Thai with kelp noodles. 639 N. Larchmont Blvd., LA; 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., LA; 419 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills; 512 Rose Ave., Venice; cafegratitude.com
HAPPY HOUR
Mohawk Bend
With cheeky cocktails called Whiskey Business and Sooo Cal, it’s no wonder this trendy gastropub set in a cool old theater (happy hour is 3PM-7PM, Monday to Friday) is so popular with booze-leaning vegans. Bites include guac and chips, and garlic twists with vegan ranch, or choose from 10 artisan pizzas, many made with Kite Hill vegan ricotta, Follow Your Heart vegan mozzarella, and house-made vegan parmesan (available at lunch and dinner, too). 2141 W. Sunset Blvd., LA; mohawk.la
DINNER
Plant Food + Wine
This sleek vegan food and organic wine bar is known for its cheese plate and Instagram-worthy dishes. Other showstoppers include kimchi dumplings and cold lasagna made with macadamia ricotta; try the six-course daily tasting menu if you can’t decide. 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice; matthewkenneycuisine.com/plant-food-wine-venice
Crossroads Kitchen
Crossroads prides itself in being the first plant-based fine dining restaurant in town with a full bar. Favorite dishes include house-made pastas and delicious “crab” cakes made with hearts of palm. 8284 Melrose Ave., LA; crossroadskitchen.com
Sage Vegan Bistro
The Echo Park location is a Brooklyn-style brewery and tap room, while Sage Vegan Bistro West in Culver City offers a 1,500-square-foot beer garden. Beer-friendly snacks such as pizza and warm soft pretzels are popular, plus there’s a full lunch and dinner menu until 11PM. 4130 Sepulveda Ave., Culver City; 1700 West Sunset Blvd., LA; sageveganbistro.com
DESSERT
Pomegranate
Sweet tooth-leaning vegans fall in love with sublime confections such as green-tea cake and strawberry shortcake, as well as artful savory “sushi cakes” at this café and bakery. Remember to order ahead for special occasions. 8556 W. 3rd St., LA; pomegranatela.com
