Main image courtesy of Made in PGH.
If you’re planning a Sunday brunch outing with friends, look no further for some amazing restaurants that have some tasty vegan-friendly options. Whether you’re looking for a completely vegan restaurant or a spot that offers a blend of both fantastic vegan and non-vegan dishes, we’ve got you covered.
The Zenith
An eclectic vegan and vegetarian brunch spot that doubles as an antique store
86 South 26th Street | Southside | ZenithPGH.com
A go-to for many, this eccentric Southside restaurant offers a two-for-one experience with its brunch options and vintage shop. For only $11.50 on Sunday mornings, you get to choose an entree, a hot beverage, and endless trips to the vegan buffet which contains salads and desserts. Their menu includes delicious options like their pumpkin pancakes, portobello stew, curry veggie burritos, amongst many more dishes.
Once you’ve finished your meal, you can head over to the antique section of the store where oddities like vintage dolls and unique art can be perused. As one of the oldest vegan spots in Pittsburgh with over 17 years under their belt, The Zenith is a great restaurant and gallery to check out if you’re just beginning to explore the vegan side of the city.
“I can't believe I haven't stopped in before! This is definitely my new favorite spot. I live right down the road, but today was my first time stopping by. Not only did I get a cute, vintage outfit for only $10, but I also grabbed some vegan, spicy penne pasta while I was there. I will be coming back all of the time!” -Yelp Reviews
Reed & Co.
For juice cleanses, smoothies, hot and cold food, and coffee, stop in to this fully vegan cafe
4113 Butler St | Lawrenceville | ReedandCoPGH.com
With a menu that is 100% plant-based, Reed & Co. has something for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. With a smaller (but flavor-packed) menu, this cafe offers a variety of classic hot brunch options like bagels, wraps, and avocado toast, as well as a cold menu of salads and bowls.
Their menu also contains fruity options like their classic acai bowl, customized smoothies, cold pressed raw juice, juice cleanses, and cashew milk. If you’re craving something sweet after your main course, try one of their vegan dessert options like their chocolate pistachio cookies, chocolate cakes, life changing trail mix, or their constantly-rotating dessert special.
“Delicious food, very competent and helpful staff, and quick service. A gem! Thankful for the vegan grub on my trip through PGH.” -Google Reviews
B52 Cafe
The perfect spot for a completely customizable brunch experience
5202 Butler St | Lawrenceville | B52PGH.com
B52’s menu contains a plethora of brunch options, including categories like mezzes, toasts, wraps & sandwiches, salads, desserts, and their grab-and-go options. They offer a discount on their breakfast plates for happy hour, which takes place from 8am to 11pm on weekdays. Their breakfast plates, which are some of the restaurant's best-sellers, consist of a tofu scramble, a kofta scramble, and their classic pancakes which can be customized by adding bananas or blueberries.
The restaurant also offers a variety of espresso coffee drinks, cold brew and drip coffee, and hot and iced teas. Their espresso drinks contain oat milk as a dairy substitute but can be swapped for soy milk. One of the cafe’s favorite coffee drinks is their latte which can be customized with lavender-vanilla, cinnamon-rose, or clove-cardamom flavoring.
“Service was personable and made great suggestions. We were so full, but the desserts looked delicious! We got the rose-water baklava which was unique. We want to try the chocolate cake next time!” -Trip Advisor Review
The Speckled Egg PGH
A retro brunch experience in the historic Union Trust Building downtown
501 Grant St. | Downtown | TheSpeckledEggPGH.com
For a classic and affordable brunch to bring both vegan and non-vegan friends to, try out The Speckled Egg in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. Their menu includes classic options like breakfast platters, avocado toast, omelettes, pancakes, and french toast as entrees, as well as sandwiches and salads.
The Speckled Egg is also an amazing option for those looking for a brunch buzz, with their beverage menu containing go-tos like mimosas and more experimental drinks like their Speckled Egg bloody mary and espresso martinis. They also serve a variety of cocktails, champagnes, wines, and beers to go with every meal.
“This was by far my favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh during my visit here. It's located in the beautiful lobby of the Union Trust building...Staff were so nice and wore masks at all times...The food, oh my goodness, was AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS.” -Yelp Review
Cafe Moulin
Vegan and non-vegan crêperie for those craving sweet, savory, and salty flavors
732 Filbert St. | Shadyside | CafeMoulinPGH.com
Right off of Walnut Street in Shadyside, Cafe Moulin is an ideal option for groups that are both vegan and non-vegan. With sweet, savory, and omelette-style crepes, this cafe has flavors for everyone. The crepes can be substituted with vegan crepe batter, and all ingredients can be swapped out with vegan substitutes or taken out altogether.
The cafe also has unique french toast platters with bread that can be substituted for gluten-free bread. There are also multiple toast dishes for any meat-lovers, and these can be customized with gluten-free bread as well. Aside from their food, the cafe offers cold juices, hot coffees and teas, and a variety of espresso drinks to pair perfectly with your brunch.
“We always enjoy our brunches at Cafe Moulin! You have plenty of places you can walk around to on Walnut street until your table's ready. The staff has always been friendly and helpful with suggestions/substitutions. Their pesto on top of the avocado toast is to die for!” -Yelp Review
Whether you’re searching for a sit-down, fully vegan breakfast experience or an on-the-go semi-vegan brunch spot, Pittsburgh has an abundance of options to suit your needs. The next time you plan a brunch outing with your friends or loved ones, consider one of the many amazing spots on our list.
