America's Best Vegetarian-Friendly Small Cities

#3 Salt Lake City, Utah

Ranked one of the healthiest cities in America, it's no wonder that Salt Lake City is a hotbed for great vegetarian eats. From the delicious vegan cheese pizza at Este to the cold creaminess of peanut butter-banana Tofutti soft serve at Squirrel Brothers Ice Cream, Salt Lake City is a vegan's paradise.

For a break from the hustle and bustle, chill out at the award-winning Oasis Café. Sit on the pleasant patio while you feast on Middle Eastern and American fare. If you're hungry for delicious mock meat, you'll enjoy everything on the menu at Evergreen House Café, an all-vegan Chinese restaurant. We highly recommend the Black Pepper Beef, a combination of succulent strips of vegetable protein, julienned vegetables, and an intensely tangy sauce. If you want to add some spice to your life, book it to Bangkok Thai for a tantalizing lineup, including numerous noodle bowls, curries, and stir-fries. Many foods on the menu are quite spicy, so let your waiter know if you'd prefer a toned-down dish. To spice things up in a completely different way, Salt Lake City-based VeganErotica.com offers an array of adults-only toys, all of which are made without harming a hair on an animal's back.

For delightful desserts, head on over to Coffee Under the Bridge for vegan cheesecake, muffins, and cookies. For an even bigger selection of sweet treats and vegan eats, visit one of the three Wild Oats stores in town: Not only does this natural-foods marketplace carry tons of vegan versions of ice cream, chocolates, donuts, and cookies, but its vast variety of mock meats and faux cheeses is sure to please. After all this great food, are you itching to spread the word about cruelty-free eating? Hook up with the good folks at the Utah Animal Rights Coalition, and they'll help you get active.

Top Tip: Want some sage advice? Don't leave Salt Lake City without trying the Fresh Basil Macadamia Pesto Pasta at one of PETA's all-time faves, Sage's Café. Check out our interview with Chef Ian Brandt.

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