San Diego is perfect for a short weekend getaway from the city. While there are plenty of vegan options to choose from, we wanted to share a few favorites with you. 

KINDRED

This uber cool hipster joint has me feeling at home with intricately illustrated skull wallpaper and white marble countertops. Brunch is where it's at and the best thing on the menu is the Pancakes featuring Caramelized Banana, Bourbon Butterscotch, Whipped Coconut Cream, Walnuts and Syrup! If you're a more savory kind of person there's definitely a few things that will satisfy your craving including the Tofu Benedict pictured here. You just can't go wrong.

Check out their website and merch store here.

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PLANT POWER FAST FOOD

Driving into the parking lot there's a section where you can park your car and order from a screen. Your food will be brought to you so you can eat in the comfort of your own car and hide your shame. I immediately felt the nostalgia of eating at Sonic when I was younger where I used to get popcorn chicken and grilled cheese sandwiches with fries. But I knew this was going to be way better. Just like any other fast food experience as far as aesthetics, Plant Power offers a huge menu of vegan junk food to win over your average meat eater. We didn't have much time to spend here and were on our way to eat more food so we opted for something small, The ‘Sausage, Egg & Cheese’ Muffin, indicative of the popular predecessor (The Sausage McMuffin) served at McDonalds. Certainly there's nothing to be missed about any other fast food versions because this one is so on point it's not even funny. Not even a little. Plant Power also offers gluten free options, smoothies and kombucha on tap. A second location was opened in Encinitas this year. This is easily the only type of fast food restaurant I would consider eating at but only since it feels like I'm on vacation somewhere and I get to be naughty. 

Feast your eyes on the menu here.

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DONNA JEAN

Neighboring Plant Power Fast Food is Donna Jean, owned by former Los Angeles based chef Roy Elam. Roy has a history of working at top vegan restaurants in LA including SunCafe & Plant Food + Wine. The restaurant logo is of a bear and cardinal which signifies his ties to the states of California and Illinois. Something we have a connection with that I learned is where Roy came up with the name. Using inspiration from his mother, Donna Jean who had passed from cancer at age 55. Doctors had advised her towards the end of her life to adopt a vegan lifestyle. Elam believes that if she had done so earlier in life it might have prevented her illness. His passion for creating and sharing vegan cuisine is certainly felt in each one of his dishes.  We ordered one of my favorite summer salads - Caprese with heirloom tomatoes, basil, cashew mozzarella, and balsamic as well as the chef special which was a Fig Balsamic Pizza and for dessert a Blackberry Cobbler. This is a great space for a date or to bring the family for a relaxing meal. Everything was just as good as it looks. 

Get a taste of their menu here.