Goldie Poll
Are you looking to skip meat on your next dinner out, but don’t want to venture too far out of the west side in Toronto? These restaurants are the ones to check out.
Vegandale Brewery
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This Parkdale staple, formerly located across the street and known as Doomies, is the creme de la creme of vegan junk foods. Their current location also includes a vegan ice cream parlour, along with a brewery. Start with their mac and cheese cup, dine on their chicken bacon ranch or philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and finish with their caramel apple waffle. All of their sandwiches come with fries, which you can upsize to any of their ‘fun fries’ like garlic butter or animal style. Combine all that with a pint of Principled Pilsner or See The Light Lager for the perfect junk-food style veggie dinner.
Disgraceland
Disgraceland, a cheaper version of Vegandale located in Bloorcourt Village, is just as good as its fancier compatriot. They also feature a more diverse food menu, including taco bowls and their ‘shroomy doom’ appetizer. You can even choose your side: fries, greens, potato salad, coleslaw, or soup. They also serve three different types of poutine, one for every meal of the day.
Fresh
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This gold-standard of Toronto vegetarian spots has locations all over town, including at Queen and Crawford Streets. Come for the customizable bowls and wraps, and stay for the dragon broccoli, buffalo cauliflower, and quinoa onion wings.
The Goods
Are you interested in the raw vegan experience? Try The Goods, located in Roncesvalles. The Goods offers options for every dietary restriction, including gluten-free and soy-free. They offer standards like their Tricky Tahini and Shades of Green salad bowls, and more creative offerings such as the mung bean cake plate.
Mythology
Another Parkdale junk-food vegan restaurant, Mythology, also offers a great weekend brunch menu and scrumptious desserts. Never fear, though – you can get pancakes any day of the week, and you can even order it topped with coconut whipped cream or salted caramel sauce. They also do particularly creative milkshakes (which come in ‘spiked’ versions) such as the Its My Birthday Shake or the Caramel Kettle Corn shake. They even offer vegan Caesars, for those who like their drinks on the savory side.
Hogtown Vegan
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Hogtown Vegan doesn’t offer reservations, but it does offer top notch Phish ‘n Chips and Beef and Dumplings Stew. Hogtown Vegan has locations on College Street and up on Bloor Street West. Many of their dishes are inspired by the American South, like their unchicken and waffles. And if you’re particularly in the mood for fried food, try their fried apple pie, deep-fried oreos, or deep-fried banana splits.
E L Ruddy Co Cafe
On the smaller side, EL Ruddy Co in the Dundas West area is a great place if you’re looking for a vegetarian spot with a chiller vibe. Be warned, though – EL Ruddy is a cash-only location, so stop by the ATM on your way to lunch! Definitely try their tofu omelettes, or the burritos if you happen to be particularly hungry.
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