Eating Vegan in Leavenworth, WA - Finding the Plants in a City of Bratwursts
June has been a strange, strange month in this strange, strange year. Frustration over the confusions and inconsistency in COVID restrictions that vary from county-to-county and state-to-state has me, and many others, spinning in circles. What’s okay when it comes to leaving home? Can we take a socially distant road trip? Hike? Can I stay in hotels? Get take out? Am I being selfish by bringing my germs to cities across the state/in another state?
Well, I sure as hell haven’t found an answer except that I think it just depends on where you’re going, and your own level of intelligence and sense of decency. I have seen an impressive array of precautions taken by businesses throughout the state of Washington, however, and that has me thinking that the places that are reopening while taking COVID seriously are probably an okay bet to visit. Idaho is in its own little world - I’ve heard it’s one of the three least regulated states when it comes to COVID…and I can attest to that. Right over the border, our neighbor Washington is moving much more cautiously while reopening businesses.
My parents and I decided it was safe and within our realm of responsibility as decent human beings to visit Leavenworth, WA last weekend - about a three hour drive from my hometown. This is quite a unique little mountain town tucked away in the Cascades near Wenatchee, and the scenery is absolutely astounding. The biggest surprise? The Bavarian theme that has taken over the entire town! It literally feels like you’re in Europe when you drive in. Apparently, back in the ‘60s, the economy was struggling thanks to the complete die-out of the once-booming logging industry. Town leaders decided to focus instead on tourism and came up with the bright idea of changing Leavenworth’s appearance to draw visitors into the mountains. The inspiration? The epic landscape around the Bavarian alps in southern Germany. Thus began the cute Bavarian shops, restaurants and festivals (I’d love to go to Oktoberfest here!).
Before white settlers arrived, this area was home to the Wenatchi, Chinook, and Yakima Native American tribes. They had long used the Icicle Flats area as a salmon fishery and bountiful hunting ground. These tribes were surrounded by some of the most beautiful lands in all of North America - seriously, you have to see it for yourself. Apart from eating, Dad and I made sure to get in lots of hikes so we good soak up the surrounding wilderness.
In terms of COVID restrictions, Leavenworth has done a decent job at keeping regulations in place for local and visitors’ safety. Masks are basically required in all establishments, very few (if any?) restaurants have opened for dine-in, and the main downtown street has been closed to traffic so pedestrians can wander safely while social distancing. They’ve even placed some picnic tables out on the road to help local restaurants cater to customers. This felt like community collaboration at its finest!
AND being back on the road has meant lots of Googling “vegan options near me” and “best vegan food options in…” I’ve gotten pretty sick of having to scroll through endless menus and pour over copious amounts of reviews, and that’s why I’ve started creating these mini vegan dining guides for some of my favorite places I visit. I’m hoping they’ll be useful for others like me, who are trying to dine responsibly on the road. Eating smart and eating locally is a big part of mindful living and travel - that’s why I include these types of posts on The Greenest Blue.
Eating Vegan in Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, along with many other towns in central and western Washington, is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Mountain biking, skiing, climbing, fishing, white water rafting/floating/kayaking, hiking, backpacking, camping…you name it, people flock here to do it. Like I mentioned, Dad and I took advantage of the natural beauty and snuck in several hikes, and all of that tramping around sure built up an appetite.
Girl gotta eat! Although it did take some searching, there were definitely some plant-based options in Leavenworth. As always, I want to make things simple for my fellow vegan travelers. So, here are my fave places to refuel and relax:
My Favorite Vegan Restaurants in Leavenworth, Washington
It’s quite an art (in my opinion) to find an awesome food spot in a new town that checks all of these boxes: good price point, creative menu, vegan options, quality ingredients, good setting, and warm service. But as hard as hunting down these spots can be, it’s definitely not impossible, as Yodelin proved to me! My friend has lived in Leavenworth for about five years and recommended this place. Known for its broth bowls and locally-sourced ingredients, their menu was a delight to read. I opted for the Kiwanda Rice Bowl, a veggie-stuffed rice bowl with copious amounts of deliciously roasted sweet potatoes, but you’ll also find vegan soups and customizable salads.
And although they’re only open for take-out right now, like most other restaurants in Leavenworth, I can’t wait to get back when things are a bit looser and check out their lawn/patio area overlooking the river. It looks like the perfect summertime hangout!
2. Munchen Haus
No trip to this beautiful Bavarian town would be complete without a visit to a Beer garden and Bavarian grill, right? Just hold the meat…and lucky for me, this incredibly popular spot in the heart of downtown offers vegan brauts with all the fixings. And, your carnivorous friends will walk away happy (if you can’t convince them to try the amazing veggie dogs). I also opted to feed my pretzel obsession and get a soft Bavarian pretzel with mustard for dipping, which is vegan as long as you ask them to hold the butter. YUMFEST.
While I didn’t actually make it here, Good Mood Food was on my list to visit and I hope to be back to do so. The online menu lists vegan-specific breakfasts (which I always appreciate!) and it seems like a go-to local hangout. It’s a few blocks outside of the main downtown area, which means its less busy and probably a bit more relaxing to visit. Definitely a spot to relax with your morning coffee and pastry, or grab a wrap or sandwich before or after a hike.
We stumbled upon this cafe a bit randomly as we wandered outside of our hotel the first morning after we arrived. Lured into the cute downstairs dining area by signs of “organic food,” we found an extensive menu with plenty of customizable options. I opted for a tofu scramble in a wrap and found it filling, albeit not super flavorful. It’s a good local spot with plenty of options and quick service, though, so if you’re around and looking for a decent breakfast, this might be your ticket!
We were sitting inside, but everyone was masked, things were frequently sanitized, and seating was very limited.
5. J5 Coffee
Searching for coffee? I had to mention this place just in case if you’re looking for an awesome java with homemade almond milk (!!! I was so stoked!). I wasn’t even expecting to find non-dairy options here, honestly, and was pleasantly surprised with a very well made latte. Definitely a do!
This place had a huge line out the front, and for good reason - Whistlepunk is a local ice cream establishment with an excellent variety of creative creamy homemade goodness. They had three non-dairy options when we went (and only one was sorbet!) which was exciting; I opted for a half scoop of the vegan Chocolate and the vegan Banana Freckle, and it was a match made in heaven. If you need to cool off or satisfy a craving, stop here.
Making Vegan Eating Easy While on the Road
Vegan friends, I’m still here for you. And you too, non-vegan friends that want to eat more plants. Labels schmabels. No need to scrounge around on Google searching for the best options next time you’re in this little Bavarian gem of a town.
And I also want to mention, this place is a go winter or summer! Although it was getting into prime summer hiking season when we went (mid June), I’ve heard it’s just as glorious when its blanketed in snow in the winter.
Also, just to connect the dots of mindful living + conservation + wellness, check out my blog post on how vegan-eating can make big impacts in sustainability.
xx,
Lozza
P.S. How cute are these critters below? We met them up in the mountains. Cute as they might be, they are a little too friendly, sadly, as I think many people feed them along the trail.
