America's Best Vegetarian-Friendly Large Cities

#2 Seattle, Washington

The Emerald City shines once again in PETA's survey of the most vegetarian-friendly cities in North America. Seattle is such a hotbed of vegetarian goodness that it even has a Web site called VegSeattle.com. Because there are so many people there who are opting for a healthy vegetarian diet, it's no surprise that Seattle was named "America's Fittest City" in 2005 by Men's Fitness magazine. If you're in Seattle at the right time of year, be sure to attend the massive VegFest, which is hosted by Vegetarians of Washington, one of the largest vegetarian organizations in North America.

Seattle's vegetarian food options are as numerous as they are unique. Start the day off at Mighty O Vegan Donut Shop. It's one of the only all-vegan donut shops in the world. We suggest the Don King—a chocolate-covered chocolate donut topped with shredded coconut. You'll find more fun food at Cyber-Dogs, the all-vegetarian hot dog shop and ultra-funky Internet café in the downtown core, named "Best Healthy Hot Dog Vendor" by Seattle Weekly. Choose from creatively named and garnished "hot dogs," such as the DoggiLama and the Spudni. Vegan Chinese restaurant Bamboo Garden serves more than 100 different dishes.

Visit Hillside Quickies for a taste of "hip-hop vegan"—the Jamaican Spice Tempeh Sub and the Mama Africa Burger get rave reviews. Seattle's University District, one of the most vegetarian-friendly neighborhoods in America, is also home to the city's best vegetarian sandwiches, including the Wayward Café's Philly Seitan and the Spicy Thai Grinder that's available at the Chaco Canyon Café. You'll be "on top of the world" when you dine in the Space Needle; just request a vegan meal when you make your reservation. If you're looking for high-class ambience or the perfect date spot, try the very popular Café Flora, or check out cozy Carmelita and its wonderful wine list.

If you're cooking at home, be sure to try Field Roast's "artisan meats," made in Seattle by Chef David Lee. The high-quality, grain-based deli slices and sausages are available at many Whole Foods and Wild Oats stores throughout the country. Seattle is also home to Puget Consumers Cooperative (PCC), the nation's largest natural-foods cooperative chain; there are eight locations in the Seattle area. PCC has tons of vegetarian and vegan grocery items, delicious baked goods, and some great deli selections.

Top Tip: The best worst-kept secret in Seattle is the daily, awe-inspiring, all-vegan Thai lunch buffet at Araya's, where you can eat spring rolls, tofu with fried rice, and pad Thai to your heart's content.

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