By: HEIDI PRUITT

The Kokomo Post Staff

While I’m not a full-time vegetarian, some days I want something more veggie-packed. Plant-based menu items have made their way to the Kokomo food scene in the last few years, but can still be hard to find.

If you’re looking to expand your meatless options or want to know the ins and outs of vegan and vegetarian cuisine in Kokomo, keep reading.

Note: For those who follow a strict vegan or vegetarian diet, we suggest requesting in-depth ingredient information at each restaurant. We are not responsible for the accidental consumption of animal products.

Lucky Lemon Bakery

If Kokomo had a vegan food headquarters, Lucky Lemon would be it. Owner Heather Dame’s culinary background as a chef, as well as her love for plant-based and fresh ingredients, are what bring vegans and meat eaters alike from all over Indiana to this quaint Kokomo shop. Plant-based food can get a bad rap for being boring, bland or weird. But Heather and her crew at Lucky Lemon Bakery get it right - EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

If you’re skeptical about trying vegan food, I recommend Lucky Lemon for your first stop!

Lucky Lemon is located at 830 E. Markland Ave., Kokomo
Pictured: Impossible Melt & Dill Pickle Potato Soup

Stoney’s Sourdough Pizza Co.

Did you know that the only sourdough pizza shop in Indiana is located right here in Kokomo? With made-from-scratch ingredients, their sourdough is next-to-none. Pam and I tried Stoney’s vegan pizza on a Kokomo Post Tries video, and it satisfied my pizza craving with vegan cheese and sausage! P.S. You can hardly taste the difference between this and traditional pizza!

Stoney’s Sourdough Pizza Co. is located at 125 W. Southway Blvd., Kokomo
Pictured: Vegan Supreme Pizza

The Radish Market & Cafe

Formally known as the Kokomo Farmer’s Market Store, The Radish is located at 115 W. Sycamore St. in a sequence of buildings with deep-rooted history. Adrienne Akers-Partlow and her team have a mission to bring healthy, local and handmade food to Kokomo. With a menu that rotates monthly, customers can enjoy seasonal ingredients harvested during the peak of freshness. While not all of the menu items at The Radish are plant-based, it’s a very vegan-forward restaurant with many substitutions available for meat and dairy products.

One of my favorite seasonal menu items at The Radish is the Bacon, Lettuce, Fried Green Tomato, and Avocado sandwich, or the BL(FG)T+A for short, (easy, right?) Click here for The Radish’s monthly menu rotation. There is always something fresh and tasty on the menu.

The Radish Market & Cafe is located at 115 W. Sycamore St., Kokomo

The Coterie

The Coterie is another beloved downtown business with burgers that come recommended highly by its patrons. Good news - you don’t have to miss out on these delicious burgers just because you don’t eat meat! The Coterie features all of its specialty burgers with the option of substituting regular beef with planted-based Impossible patties! Don’t forget, dining in at The Coterie is only for customers 21 and older, but carry-out with curbside pick-up is offered!

The Coterie is located at 107 W. Sycamore St., Kokomo
Pictured: Beyond Beef Coterie Burger

Lucky Indian Cuisine

Lucky Indian Cuisine in Kokomo features a large selection of vegan and vegetarian options on its menu - 26 to be exact! Each dish is loaded with vegetables, rich and flavorful sauces, and just the right amount of *spice.* 🤌

Pictured is Samosa Chaat. This vegan stew has samosa (a savory fried pastry) on the bottom, and it is amazing! With the perfect amount of curry, it’s a dish that’s just right for a cool fall day.

Lucky Indian Cuisine is located at 1900 S. Plate St., Kokomo
Pictured: Samosa Chaat

Jay’s Authentic Thai Cuisine

Jays Thai is one of Kokomo’s best-kept secrets! Walk into this cozy restaurant and you’ll be greeted by familiar faces, ready to satisfy your hunger. One thing I love about Jay’s is the amount of food you get for the price; you won’t leave hungry! All of Jay’s menu has a customizable meat option where you can substitute tofu. It’s a great option for meat and non-meat eaters alike, with options for everyone’s palette.

Jay’s Thai is located at 3720 S. LaFountain St., Kokomo

Moo Stache Italian Ice

Dairy-free frozen treats in Kokomo can be hard to come by, but Moo Stache Italian Ice has you covered! With tons of flavor options for people looking to skip the dairy, this is a great spot for you! Choose from flavored Italian Ice, or non-dairy ice cream, or get them mixed together to make a creamy Slurrie, the choice is yours!

Moo Stache is located at 815 N. Washington St., Kokomo
Pictured: Mango Italian Ice

Oscar’s Pizza

Located on historic Buckeye Street downtown, is a beloved pizza shop by the name of Oscar’s Pizza. With New York Style slices as big as your head, you won’t leave hungry here! Pick your favorite toppings for the perfect pie, and top it with vegan cheese, now THAT'S a pizza!

P.S. Don’t forget that every Monday is Meatless Monday at Oscar’s! Grab a slice of your favorite meatless pizza for just $2.50.

Oscar’s Pizza is located at 515 N. Buckeye St. Kokomo
Pictured: Vegan Sausage Pizza with red onions and bell peppers

Walt & Shirley’s Bar and Grill

A hidden gem with a rich history, Walt & Shirley’s vegan menu items may surprise you! With options varying from a vegan taco salad, and plant-based pineapple habanero wings, they don’t skimp out on the comfort food we all love. But most importantly, the patented Shirley Burger also has a vegan option! Don’t miss out on this delicious burger!

Walt & Shirley’s Bar and Grill is located at 2448 N. Washington St., Kokomo
Pictured: Vegan Eggrolls

Whether you’re looking to get extra veggies in your diet, reduce your carbon footprint, or follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, I hope this blog has given you some insight on some new things to try! Do you have a favorite plant-based menu item in Kokomo? Tell us in the comments!

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