- Liz Logan
Looking for Great Plant-based Dining Options? Try these Gaston County Eateries
There are countless reasons to go vegan (even if just on occasion) and sometimes just getting out of the norm to try something different is reason enough. While lots of spots on our list are not expressly vegan or vegetarian, many are more than willing to accommodate and you’ll be sure to find something to fit your needs. So when you’re out with meat-eating friends and family you, too, can eat something right off the menu without drooling over their meat-based meals.
No matter if you’re trying out a new lifestyle, looking to break away from the typical dinner options or are a long-time plant-based eater, these Gaston County restaurants have put a creative spin on vegan and vegetarian options.
Asuka
3204 Union Road, Gastonia
What to Order: Vegetable Tempura—Fried broccoli, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and onions; $4.95 or Garden Roll—Avocado, cucumber, seaweed salad; $4.95 (vegan)
Akahana
6425 Wilkinson Boulevard, Belmont
What to Order: Curry—Red, yellow, green or massaman curry with sweet coconut milk stewed with white onions, red and green bell peppers, jalapeños, carrots and bamboo shoots, served with rice; $10.45 (vegan)
Azteca
1863 W. Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia
What to Order: Macho Burrito-- Nopales (cactus), frijol negro (whole black beans) and rice, topped with salsa verde, pico de gallo and guacamole. (vegan)
Barrister’s
168 W. Main Avenue, Gastonia
What to Order: Vegetable Plate-- seasonal preparation, using always fresh, local ingredients; $16 (vegan)
Bottle Tree
102 Davis Street, Belmont
What to Order: Crispy Cauliflower—Spicy 5-pepper African piri-piri sauce with chimichurri topping; $8
Brixx Wood Fired Pizza
501 Cox Road, Gastonia
What to Order: Wild Mushroom-- Wood-roasted shiitake, Portobello & button mushrooms with mozzarella on an olive oil base topped with arugula and shaved; $11.95 (vegan upon request)
Cinnaholic
915 S. Point Road Suite F, Belmont
What to Order: Cookie Monster Roll—Cream cheese frosting, cookie dough, chocolate chips and chocolate sauce; $6.50 (vegan)
Doffer’s Canteen
119 Center Street, Cramerton
What to Order: Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos-- Fried, diced sweet potatoes topped with black beans, pickled red onion, fresh cilantro, lime wedge, and our amazing honey chipotle crema, served on warm tortillas; $7.70 (vegan upon request)
Groovy Beast
109 E. Hudson Boulevard, Gastonia
What to Order: Veggie Medley—scrambled egg whites, spinach, tomato, onion, peppers and mushrooms; $5.59
Jack Beagles
125 S. Main Street, Mount Holly
What to Order: Vegan’s Paradise—Impossible Burger, lettuce, tomato, and pickled onion on Kaiser roll; $11 (vegan)
Kitchen Mea Kong
408 E. Franklin Boulevard
What to Order: Fried Tofu—served with ground peanuts and chili sauce; $5.50 (vegan)
Lotus
1941 Hoffman Road, Suite 1, Gastonia
What to Order: Lotus Vegetarian--Tempeh wrapped with carrots, sweet onions, red pepper and basil in a spring roll wrapper, pan-crisped with coconut Jasmine rice, baby bok choy, sake-butter sauce & a chili-garlic dipping sauce; $18.95
Mayworth’s Public House
115 Center Street, Cramerton
What to Order: Pesto Vegetable Pasta—Angel hair pasta in a creamy pesto sauce with zucchini, squash, onions, tomatoes, red and green peppers, and parmesan cheese, served with bread; $10.95
Me Vietnamese Kitchen
2524 E. Franklin Boulevard Suite A, Gastonia
What to Order: Vegetarian Pho-- noodles and broth with vegetables and crispy tofu; $9
Pita Wheel
1108 E. Main Street, Dallas
What to Order: Falafapita—Falafel, lettuce, tomato, red onion, cucumber, tzatziki and garlic chili sauce on Greek pita; $7.99
Ray Nathan’s
4571 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia
What to Order: Side Items Plate—Macaroni & cheese, green beans, BBQ street corn, and RayNay’s yams; $9.99
Sammy’s Neighborhood Pub
25 S. Main Street, Belmont
What to Order: Fried Pickles—Pickle spears breaded and deep fried, served with ranch dressing; $8.99
Samvay’s Wings & Subs
303 N. Main Street, Mount Holly
What to Order: Pad Thai—Stir-fried rice noodles with cilantro, onion, bean sprouts, tofu and special sauce; $9.59
Sprouts Café
1012 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia
What to Order: Mock Chicken Salad—Organic tofu salad, greens and tomato on a toasted seeded wheat bread; $7.99 (vegan)
The String Bean
106 N. Main Street, Belmont
What to Order: Big Green Monster—Fried green tomatoes stacked with pepperjack cheese and chipotle ranch, served with pimento cheese; $9
Viva Chicken
2205 E. Franklin Boulevard #100, Gastonia
What to Order: Quinoa Stuffed Avocado—Organic quinoa, red peppers, rocoto mayonnaise and balsamic vinaigrette in an avocado; $8.45
Viva Tequis
238 W. Main Avenue, Gastonia
What to Order: Tacos Fritos de Papa—Fried tacos with potato, cabbage, cojita cheese and salsa; $2.75