While Dentonites are abuzz about our local food scene, a popular vegan chain is set to open a new restaurant here in town before the end of summer. Spiral Diner, an award-winning restaurant with locations in Dallas and Fort Worth, will soon cut the ribbon on an establishment next to Stoke on Hickory Avenue. The vegan diner got us thinking: in addition to Denton’s soon-to-be Spiral Diner, what other restaurants should you seek out to enjoy the finest vegan- and vegetarian-friendly options available?

Whether you are a longtime Dentonite or are just passing through, we have a few suggestions for you:

Seven Mile Café

The popular spot specializes in breakfast and is also known for its excellent coffee, but vegans and vegetarians will find plenty to love on Congress Street. Furthermore, Seven Mile offers dairy-free options, and enough meatless signature dishes to satisfy your cravings and make you think twice about asking for the check so soon. You can't go wrong with Jo’s Breakfast Tacos, the stuffed French toast and, well, any of the ten different kinds of pancakes, or you can go simple with the yogurt parfait. When in doubt, go with the Chipotle Tofu Benny, a spicy dish complete with toasted sourdough bread and a chipotle sauce that adds a delectable kick.

The Chestnut Tree

Never fear: Those magical mini muffins have been and always will be vegan-friendly. However, this favorite on the square has recently gone even more out of its way to accommodate Denton vegans and vegetarians, as evidenced by a menu that always seems to have new, delicious additions. Their Vegan French Toast will make you think you’re in Heaven (or at least Paris) and the Tofu Scramble has always received rave reviews.

With a myriad of meatless masters in the kitchen, it’d be hard to go wrong with any of the Chestnut Tree’s options. Plus, they keep it fresh with a weekly vegan special—more proof that they love nothing more than giving their customers options.

Denton Community Market

 Local music, local food and local causes—what’s not to love? Every Saturday from November to April, the Denton Community Market offers citizens and visitors the opportunity to support local businesses, artists, food vendors and producers with a festive, fresh market chock-full of all the produce you could ever ask for. Dozens of Denton’s farms and farmers show up every weekend to share the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor, so come out to support them and learn more about how sustainable farming and local business continue to fuel our community.

Leila’s Food Truck

And speaking of local—here’s Leila’s. UNT graduate Shadan Price opened Leila’s Food Truck last summer, and unlike her contemporaries, her offerings are 100% vegetarian. Price uses locally sourced veggies and produce to make her magnificent menu, which consists of everything from chickpea burgers to scrumptious salads. However, despite their different approach, don't think there are any food truck rivalries. Soon after opening, Price told the Denton Record-Chronicle that she was initially nervous about getting her business off the ground. “I was worried opening would be more difficult,” she said, “But I’m grateful to be surrounded by other, supportive truck owners.”

Regardless of what you eat or what you serve, there are a couple of areas where all Dentonites can find common ground: We love our town’s diversity, and we all love delicious meals.