Editor’s note: Originally published February 2018.

Hey vegetarian. When you go out to eat with a group, you’re always scanning the menu for something that’s not just a salad. 

You like delicious food, too. Duh. 

Good news: you’re in the right town for meat-free dining options. Everett has several places to really sink your teeth into.

Here’s a cheat sheet for your best veggie choices. 

Bento Factory - Fried Tofu Par Excellence 

3201 Rucker Ave, Everett, WA 98201 | (425) 258-2525

The fried tofu here is oh-so-crispy and, when covered in orange sauce or teriyaki, makes for a satisfying meat substitute. The meals come with sticky white rice, veggies, and salad. 

My other favorite part of Bento Factory is the complimentary green tea: drink it out of metal cups from the green tea dispenser near the counter. After about three cups in one sitting I can climb walls. 

Also recommended: veggie sushi roll, cucumber sushi roll plus all the wasabi.

Kate’s Greek and American Deli - Lunch For Breakfast, Breakfast for Lunch

2512 Colby Avenue Suite A, Everett, WA 98201 | (425) 303-8012

I go to Kate's for the falafel and the Greek salad. I like to combine the two—often for breakfast. You can do this at Kate’s because they serve from both their lunch and breakfast menu any time of day, including falafel at 7 AM.

My wife (also a vegetarian) swears by Kate's veggie omelette. I respect this. The omelette comes with toast and crunchy hash browns for that classic greasy-spoon-in-the-best-way breakfast.

Also recommended: kitty pancakes (for kids) and big mugs of diner coffee.

Ray’s Drive-In - Best Burger Bet

1401 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201 | 425-252-3411

Myth: all vegetarians are timid rabbits nibbling on celery sticks. Fact: Nope. 

If you like to eat fast food, you can’t do much better than Ray’s veggie burger. Not all fake meat is created equal. The Ray’s patties are crunchy and savory, making for a classic burger taste.

I contend this is the best veggie burger in town.

Also recommended: blackberry milkshake and deep fried mushrooms.

Cafe Wylde - Satisfying Spice

2918 Hoyt Ave, Everett, WA 98201 | (425) 374 3877

I once asked if their cookies were vegan. One of the servers said, “Does it taste like cruelty?” Noted. 

In fact, everything at Cafe Wylde is vegan, and it’s incredible how the cooks here can whip up savory tacos and spicy chili out of coconut milk and jackfruit. This is a true alchemy.

I feel like I get tired of telling people about how great this place is—but they live up to the hype every time.

Also recommended: quinoa bowl and Emerald smoothie.

The New Mexicans - Southwest Vibe for a Few Bucks

1416 Hewitt Avenue, Everett, WA 98201 | (425) 512-9705

I like comfort food. The New Mexicans is one of those places where the shrewd vegetarian can mix and match smaller sides into a meal that stands on its own. I like to order pinto beans, mac and cheese and cornbread. To this I add a cup of coffee. And there it is—a cowboy-type meal for under ten bucks.

Also recommended: chile rellano with eggs and red enchiladas.

To Go Options

Valley Organic Deli 

2805 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98201| (425) 512-8577

This is a salad, sandwich, and smoothies place. Very nice food and reasonably priced. Lighter fare: not necessarily where you go to get your heavy-duty nosh on.

What I like about Valley is that you can order online, walk in and pick up your meal. Ideal for the days you’ve only got a few minutes to cram lunch in.

Also, these guys have the best beet/feta game in town. 👊

Recommended: Mango Tango Mango smoothie, garden avocado sandwich.

The Sno-Isle Natural Foods Co-Op

2804 Grand Avenue, Everett WA 98201 | (425) 259-3798

The Co-op deli does sandwiches, smoothies, and they have little to-go containers with sides like curried chickpeas or Asian noodle salad with chives. Very nice for a lighter lunch in a rush. Take your snacks up to the front of the store and chill on the picnic tables.

Of course, the Co-op has the best ingredients in town for people who are cooking vegetarian meals. May I recommend their frozen Q’orn “chicken”? It’s made out of mushrooms, and it’s the best meat substitute I’ve found.

Recommended from the deli: dolmas and lentil soup.

And some other notable vegetarian options.

K Fresh | 1105 Hewitt Avenue, Everett, WA 98201 | (425) 212-9863
Lots of veggie and vegan options to make a most excellent bibimbap bowl.

Red Rock Subs | 3514 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201 | (425) 252-2786
Word is they have a wicked-good veggie sandwich.

Yummy Banh Mi | 1606 Hewitt Avenue, Everett, WA 98201 | (425) 259-2876
We hear they have a great tofu banh mi.

Get out there and chow down! There are many other veggie-friendly options in this city. Have fun exploring.

Have a place you like to go where the kale flows and the "meat" is lentil-y? Share the 🥕❤️ in our comments section.

Check out our 2019 EVVY Awards for Best Vegetarian-Friendly Spot.

Also, don’t miss our vegan guide!

Cheers!

Richard Porter is a writer for Live in Everett.