In recent years, the traditional bachelor and bachelorette parties (which used to comprise of one wild night out) have turned into road trips and weekend vacays to notoriously party-friendly cities! This is probably the one time in your life that you get to boss all your friends around (or have your maid of honor or best man do the bossing for you) and plan as animal-friendly of a trip as possible! Here are my top pics for bachelor and bachelorette party destinations that promise wild ruckus and cruelty-free fare:
Las Vegas, NV
Yes, Las Vegas is an obvious bachelor/bachelorette party destination, but it’s obvious for a reason. The all too cliché mantra of “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” may as well have been invented for bachelor and bachelorette party cover ups! Your best bet for accommodations is the Wynn Casino (or the neighboring Encore, which is connected by the lobby). Every single restaurant in the Wynn and Encore casinos is required to have a full vegan menu, and I promise you they serve some of the best food I’ve ever eaten in my life. My own wedding reception dinner was inspired in part by the menu at Sinatra (located in the Encore).
Blogger Big Tent Vegan was kind enough to photograph all the Wynn & Encore vegan menus, as they aren’t listed on the Wynn website. You’ll see that some menus are labeled “vegetarian” instead of vegan, but I’ve been told time and time again that all items are actually vegan. Do not leave without trying the vegan Wynn Burger, which is available at multiple restaurants within the casinos (and via room service)!
Other vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants in Las Vegas: (details below the map)
Panevino: This classy Italian restaurant happens to feature a vegan head chef, so you’re in for quite a treat! I’ve dined twice at Panevino, choosing from their fully vegan dinner menu, and was consistently impressed! It’s a short drive off the strip, but it’s worth it. (5.2 miles from center of Vegas strip)
Border Grill: Border Grill serves up Mexican fare at two locations in Vegas, but the Mandalay Bay location has the more vegan-friendly menu. There are only a few plant-based options, including Avocado Ceviche and Cauliflower Annatto Paella, but if you’re in a pinch at the Mandalay Bay casino or your’e just craving chips and salsa, this is the place to go. (located on the Vegas strip)
VegeNation: This fully vegan restaurant is a big favorite among local Vegas vegans. You will have to hop off the strip for a while, but it’s worth it to grab the buffalo cauliflower wings! (6 miles from center of Vegas strip)
Panchos Vegan Tacos: I can hardly look at the Panchos menu without getting hungry! This beloved authentic Mexican restaurant serves up a huge selection of enchiladas, burritos, tortas, tamales and more…all without any animal products! If you don’t want to hop in a car, you’re in luck: they deliver through all the major delivery services (Postmates, UberEats, GrubHub, etc). (5 miles from center of Vegas strip)
Foodie Tip: Visit the Vegans, Baby blog for a frequently updated list! I also recommend grabbing a copy of their handy, comprehensive Las Vegas Vegan Food Guide: The best vegan food in Las Vegas 2018
Before You Leave Town: Stop by the W Hotel Spa for a “Vegas Vegan” facial, featuring organic, cruelty-free products from my favorite skincare line, Osea Malibu!
New Orleans, LA
Heading down South to celebrate Big Easy style before your big day? Don’t worry, you’ll find ample plant-based food to soak up the bourbon! Many of the fully or mostly vegan restaurants are outside of the popular French Quarter (not too far!), but you can still find quite a few plant-based options at traditional restaurants without leaving this historic section of the city.
Vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants in New Orleans: (details below the map)
Seed: Seed seems to be one of the go-to spots for local vegans. Known for their Southern Fried Nuggets and Fried Eggplant Poboy, this fully vegan restaurant is worth adding to your itinerary. They also offer a large brunch menu, which can be crucial to surviving a wild weekend. (3.5 miles from center of French Quarter)
Sneaky Pickle: A favorite veg-friendly spot among locals, Sneaky Pickle offers a rotating menu of classical regional favorites and creative interpretations, many of which are vegan (and clearly labeled as such). Check their Instagram page for frequent menu updates! (2.5 miles from center of French Quarter)
Breads on Oak: So much more than a bread shop! This organic artisan bakery offers an extensive menu full of vegan options like the Friendly Pig (smokey tempeh, Chao cheese, pickled jalapenos, roasted tomato, and house-made remoulade) and the Veggie Reuben (sauerkraut, tempeh, Chao cheese, tomato, avocado, Dijon served warm on multigrain). If you don’t feel like leaving your hotel, they do deliver! (6 miles from heart of French Quarter)
Good Karma: This fully vegan cafe serves up a menu full of creative sandwiches and flavorful entrees. They also offer a wide selection of juices and smoothies; hop on over before you leave town for some presumably much needed detoxification! (2 miles from heart of French Quarter)
Killer Poboys: Nothing says New Orleans like a traditional Poboy sandwich, but unfortunately they usually contain animal meat. Fortunately, Killer Poboys has you covered with their Roasted Sweet Potato Poboy, complete with blackeyed pea and pecan spread, and braised greens on a New Orleans French bread. (located in the French Quarter)
The Crepe Cart: Head into The French Market and grab one of numerous vegan crepes at The Crepe Cart! They offer both sweet and savory options to satisfy any craving. Follow them on Instagram for menu updates! (located in the French Quarter)
Meals From The Heart Cafe: Also located in the French Market, this much loved gem is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Their menu is full of vegan options, including vegan crab cake tacos and vegan crab cake poboys! They also have plant-based breakfast options, so feel free to stop by at any time of day! (located in the French Quarter)
Miami Beach, FL
“Party in the city where the heat is on, all night on the beach till the break of dawn…” Sorry, had to get that Will Smith jam out of my system. Miami is the ultimate destination for beach bunny bachelorettes looking for their tequila with a side of tan! Most bachelors and bachelorettes will be making South Beach their home base, but if you’re willing to take a quick drive, you can find plenty of plant-based sustenance!
Vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants in Miami Beach: (details below the map)
Plnthouse Restaurant: Located inside the jaw-droppingly gorgeous 1 Hotel South Beach (a rad, sustainable hotel!), Plnthouse offers a health-focused, plant strong menu full of creative plates like the Beet and Mushroom Burger, the French Lentil Plate (with Cashew-Dill sour cream), and Hearts of Palm ceviche. The menu was designed by famed plant-based chef Matthew Kenney, so you know the flavors will be top notch. (located in South Beach)
Soul Tavern: This relatively new vegetarian Gastropub absolutely needs to be on your list of Miami dining destinations! The menu is full of creative, satiating vegetarian (mostly vegan) options, like “Naughty” Gnocchi, Bahn-Mi BBQ Sliders, and Jackfruit Gyoza. If you’re stopping by in the morning, grab a classic Avocado Toast or get adventurous with Blue Corn Tofu Scramble Tacos! (located just one block outside of South Beach)
Love Life Cafe: This fully vegan cafe is located inside the Love Life Wellness Center, which is just a short drive from South Beach. The menu contains a lot of lighter raw-style food, but does have a handful of hearty entrees as well! If Miami life is doing some damage to your system, stop by this venue for a dose of health and self-care! (located 6.5 miles from center of South Beach)
Plant Theory Botanical Burger Cafe: Located right in the heart of South Beach, this raw vegan restaurant is sure to give you a boost of energy and nutrition to power you through the rest of your trip! Their hemp-based Reuben and “Squasghetti And Neatballs” dishes might not be the first meal you want to feed your non-vegan buddies, as they fit pretty neatly into the hippie vegan stereotype, but hey, it’s your weekend so go nuts! (located in South Beach)
Full Bloom Vegan: Located inside the Crest Hotel Suites (great place to stay on your trip!), Full Bloom Vegan offers a menu full of raw and cooked plant-based meals. Start your day off with Mixed Fruit Pancakes or stop in for dinner to try their Truffled Farro Risotto with Wild Porcini Mushrooms. (located in South Beach)
More options will be added soon! For more vegan travel tips, check out my guide to honeymoon destinations!