They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and after trying some of the vegan options on this list, you’ll probably agree. Pittsburgh has come a long way when it comes to offering vegan options--whether it’s specific items on a larger menu, or a whole restaurant dedicated to the vegan (or vegetarian) lifestyle, many owners are open to having a robust vegan selection. There seems to be more options in all parts of the city for those who are looking for great vegan food, or who just want to try something new and healthy.
Main image courtesy of Country Living Magazine.
Whether you are a vegan or just interested in a new spot to grab some amazingly fresh food, consider stopping by any of these top vegan spots for breakfast in Pittsburgh. While this list is not exhaustive, it should give a good starting point for some of Pittsburgh’s favorite vegan restaurants.
B52 Cafe
Busy diner in Lawrenceville serving up a mean vegan breakfast
5202 Butler St. | Lawrenceville | b52pgh.com
No vegan breakfast list would be complete without a mention of B52 Cafe. Locals can’t get enough of their tofu scramble, avocado toast, or their delicious pancakes when it comes to hearty breakfast options. Pair it up with your favorite coffee or tea, and you have yourself one of the best breakfasts in the ‘Burgh. In case you don’t make it for breakfast, they have a wide menu full of delicious Mediterranean-inspired options such as seitan shawarma, cashew cheese wrap, or falafel salad. Open for take out currently, they hope to open to in-person dining soon.
“B52 is one of my favorite places in Pittsburgh. I believe everything on the menu is vegan and everything I've tried has been great! My non vegan friends and family also always enjoy it.” -Yelp Review
Viridis
Popular vegan breakfast place with lots of healthy options
1506 E. Carson St. | Southside | viridispgh.com
If you’re in the South Side part of Pittsburgh and get a craving for vegan breakfast food, you’ll want to stop at Viridis. Everything on their menu is vegan, including popular coffee drinks like the macchiatos, lattes, and even cappuccinos. You’ll definitely want to pick up something to go along with your coffee (or tea) like the ham and cheese morning bun, cheddar, chives, and green onion scone, or the massively popular biscuit breakfast sandwich made with your choice of tofu bakon or TVP sausage. They are offering minimal dine-in services, but have a robust pick up menu available online.
“I'm OBSESSED. I've been vegan for a long time (5 years and counting!) and have never been able to get a breakfast sandwich with a biscuit. And they're so good and hearty for such a great price!” -Yelp Review
Square Cafe
Bustling cafe serving all your breakfast favorites, including vegan options!
134 S. Highland Ave. | East Liberty | square-cafe.com
If it’s fresh and healthy (and vegan) you want, then you can’t go wrong with a Pittsburgh breakfast staple like the Square Cafe. Located in the heart of East Liberty, this space is open for dine-in guests as well as pick up. Consider trying out some of their famous vegan breakfast options like the vegan Square Breakfast with two scrambled Just Eggs, choice of tofu or crumbled vegan sausage, and a vegan peanut butter banana pancake. Or the vegan burrito which includes a flour tortilla, peppers, onions, mushrooms, scrambled Just Eggs, plant based sausage and cheddar, along with salsa on the side. Want something a little sweeter? Opt for the vegan pancakes topped with powdered sugar, bananas, and maple syrup. As always, complete your meal with a coffee drink or tea!
“A Pittsburgh staple for breakfast/ brunch. I've now been here 10+ times and have ordered the same thing almost every time. There is something for everyone here and the staff is very friendly...Veg, vegan, GF friendly.” -Yelp Review
Kaibur Coffee and Cafe
Friendly employees and amazing vegan breakfast options await you at this Polish Hill spot
3138 Dobson St. | Polish Hill | kaiburcoffee.com
Whether you’ve been living the vegan lifestyle for a while, or are new to it, you’re sure to find something you absolutely love at this little gem in Polish Hill. Stop in to pick up a quick bite like vegan coffee cake or cinnamon rolls, or get something a little more savory like one of their breakfast sandwiches. Consider trying the egg and vegan sausage sandwich that includes wheat bread (or gluten-free bread) tofu scramble, vegan sausage, vegan cheese, arugula, vegan mayo, and tomato.
Kaibur also offers some delicious lunch sandwiches and bowls, along with all your favorite coffee and tea drinks, so stop in and see what they have to offer!
“Equally ADORABLE room and employees! Everyone is friendly and kind! I had a delicious almond milk latte and vegan sausage breakfast sandwich! 10/10!” -Yelp Review
Bitter Ends Luncheonette
Take out window that makes delicious vegan options from local sources
4613 Liberty Ave. | Bloomfield | tillthebitterends.com
Although they are no longer operating as a dine-in restaurant, this take out window is still open to those looking for vegan breakfast options in the Bloomfield area. Not only can you find amazing vegan donuts or cupcakes available on the menu, but also some pretty hearty vegan sandwich fare. While it’s best to check their Instagram for the latest offerings, you can expect such appetizing options like asparagus salad or a delicious vegan bean burger. Don’t forget about their small (but delicious) selection of coffee to go with your breakfast!
“They use all fresh ingredients from their local source, and everything is very vegan/vegetarian friendly...They always taste amazing and I would highly recommend getting a donut. The portions are very good, the flavor is out of this world…” -Yelp Review
Gluten Free Goat Bakery
Satisfy your sweet tooth breakfast cravings at this vegan bakery
4905 Penn Ave. | Garfield | glutenfreegoat.com
If you’ve got a craving for a vegan breakfast that’s more on the sweet side, you’ll have to check out Gluten Free Goat’s incredible vegan donut selection. You simply can’t go wrong with double chocolate, blueberry cobbler, or cinnamon sugar vegan donuts! While you’re there, you might as well give their vegan cornbread or vegan focaccia that comes in a variety of different flavor combos like lavender herb or tomato herb a try as well. There are always daily specials,so make sure to check back or visit often for some sweet vegan breakfast options!
“OMG vegan breakfast sandwich is SO GOOD!- The knowledgeable kind gentleman who took my order is very considerate and patient. Several cool merch selections, lots of live plants add to the clean bright yet warm vibe this place offers.” -Yelp Review
It’s easy to get a yummy vegan breakfast in Pittsburgh when you visit these fantastic locations. There’s usually something new on the menu each week, so make sure to double check their social media sites for the most up to date breakfast options!
