RAISING THE BAR

We’ve got the restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and ice cream shops—but the newest rise in vegan businesses? Bars. With expert mixologists whipping up everything from frothy chickpea brine egg whites for sours to dairy-free cream liqueurs for trendy espresso martinis, the world of plant-based sips has never been more exciting. So VegNews editors set out to find the best haunts around the country where menus that are vegan from the top down means we’re saying “bottoms up!” by SARAH MCLAUGHLIN

Sweet Hereafter

PORTLAND, OR • For a cozy, let-loose, happy hour spot, step into this rustic, woodsy Pacific Northwest bar complete with a spacious outdoor patio and sports games always buzzing on the TVs. What to order: Forget the Aperol Spritz, go for the Aperol Sour topped with aquafaba foam, plus an order of pretzel bites with spicy beer mustard and miso chive cheese.

Sweet Hereafter in Portland Ladybird in New York City

Beelman’s

LOS ANGELES, CA • Perch at the outdoor patio for a prime, people-watching view of Downtown LA while you dive into strong tropical drinks and fusion eats.

What to order: Go tropical with the Bae Watch made from a fruity blend of Mulholland Vodka, peach purée, blue curaçao, sparkling wine, and orange bitters, then pair with an order of wontonwrapped cheese sticks and tangy ponzu dipping sauce.

Bar Vegan

ATLANTA, GA • When you want a drink that’ll stop your Instagram followers mid-scroll, make your way to Bar Vegan for smoking cocktails, mouthwatering bar food, and even a miniature erupting volcano. What to order: The Fancy Pants—made with purple Empress Gin, grapefruit, lychee, elderflower, lemon, and bubbly Prosecco— will leave anyone feeling fine and flirty, especially when sipped with a beerbattered tempura onion ring flight with creamy jalapeño ranch.

DC Vegan & Botanical Bar

WASHINGTON, DC • Venture underground to find this dark and alluring, botanical wallpaper-lined space filled with twinkling lights, dripping plants, and artisanally crafted drinks. What to order: Aptly named the Flower of Life, this vodka spirit is paired with vegan egg whites, raspberry hibiscus tea syrup, lemon oil, and edible flowers. Order it along with the Italian-inspired fries tossed with herbed butter, cashew parm, spicy giardiniera, and garlic aioli.

The Volstead by Unity

PHILADELPHIA, PA • Needing reassurance that zero-proof

Bar Vegan in Atlanta Charlie was a sinner in Philadelphia

drinks can be just as creative and fun as their alcohol counterparts? The Volstead is your ticket.

What to order: Try the warming spin on an Old Fashioned, made with zero-proof whiskey, a drizzle of agave simple syrup, and aromatic Aztec chocolate bitters. Then, add the pan-seared vegan filet mignon served in a black garlic mushroom sauce over twice-baked smashed potatoes.

Charlie was a sinner.

PHILADELPHIA, PA • Step through the door of this tucked-away hot spot with speakeasy vibes in Philly’s bustling financial district. What to order: One sip of the Cryptocurrency cocktail, and you’ll be hit with a surprisingly delicious blend of pisco, gingery sweet falernum, olive leaf, saffron, and carrot. The Mediterranean snack platter is equally thoughtful and complex, featuring cave-aged Camembert, pine nut ricotta, seasoned mushrooms, Castelvetrano olives, and marinated red grapes.

Ladybird

NEW YORK, NY • Whimsical décor, tapas, and winebased drinks abound at this East Village establishment.

What to order: The blended Lovebird Frosé—with watermelon, strawberry, Lillet Rosé, rosé wine, lemon, agave, and mint— plus the crispy, golden-fried arancini stuffed with gooey mozzarella and sriracha butter— is a veritable love match for your palate.

Izzy Rose

BROOKLYN, NY • Chat it up with the friendly bartenders who will steer you through the curated cocktail menu before you saunter out to the plant-covered back patio, drink in hand.

What to order: Give into the trend and order the impossibly creamy and smooth Espresso Martini with Mr. Black Cold Brew liqueur, aged rum, dry curaçao, oat milk, and mole bitters. A few barbecue pulled jackfruit empanadas to nibble on are non-negotiable.

PlantPub

BOSTON, MA • For all the best parts of pub culture—the community gathering feel, endless beers on tap, and comfort food—head to this Fenway favorite.

What to order: Awaken your senses with the Heavy Crown featuring sharp Fire Puncher vodka, syrupy amaro, Wild Arbor cream liqueur, espresso, and chocolate bitters. An order of the roasted, buttery street corn slathered with paprika crema, cilantro, lime, and popped sorghum is the perfect accompaniment.

MOTHERSHIP

SAN DIEGO, CA • Come for the galaxy-themed bar bursting with space travel-inspired décor, and stay for the extensive, creative mixology. What to order: You’ll be seeing stars with the Nostromo’s Stowaway made with aged Guatemalan coconut water rum, black sesame-infused crème de cacao, walnutinfused grenadine, coconut cream, ginger bitters, and Italian sweet vermouth. The hearty scallion latkes topped with kimchi cream cheese, everything bagel furikake, nasturtiums, and black radish will bring you back down to Earth.

Mothership in San Diego