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Vegan-friendly shrimp and grits in New York

You want the soul of shrimp and grits without compromising your commitment to a vegan diet.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
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Restaurant

Restaurant offers an intimate, speakeasy-style setting with afro-centric decor and gold accents that create a cozy, eclectic vibe. Music and a fabulous cocktail bar enhance the sexy, nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of early 2000s nightlife. Limited space and strict reservations keep the crowd exclusive and the energy focused on quality dining and drinks.

Shrimp and grits feature a burnt roasted taste on the shrimp and very creamy grits. Adding a side of bacon complements the dish well.

A wide variety of vegetarian and vegan choices fills the menu. Plant-based dishes come with nice seasoning and texture that make them stand out.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here are amazing for date spots."

"I found plenty of delicious vegan options here."

"The Shrimp and Grits are Southern Grandma certified."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended because the space is small.

2

A hamburger costs $26, which is especially high for East Harlem.

3

The kitchen is open until 10:30 PM.

02
Azara Kitchen LLC image 1
West African restaurant

Space blends modern style with full African design for an elegant, cozy feel. Shrimp and grits shine alongside a small breakfast menu. Vegan jollof rice offers a delicious vegan option in a clean, inviting setting with warm lighting and fresh flowers.

Shrimp and grits come with delicious shrimp and a small breakfast menu that also offers pancakes and steak and eggs.

Vegan jollof rice stands out as a memorable dish. The menu offers delicious vegan options that blend seamlessly with the cozy, clean setting.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The vegan food here is delicious and wonderful."

"I found the shrimp and grits to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak dinner hours.

3

Live music nights occur every Friday, starting at 8pm.

03
1803 NYC image 1
Cajun restaurant

Live jazz bands create a mellow atmosphere that fits a modern southern style with rustic decor. Shrimp and grits deliver a rich flavor alongside Southern staples. Vegan options shine with plant-based steak and hearty chickpea gumbo.

Shrimp and grits come out soulful and satisfying, with a rich, delicious flavor. The dish stands out alongside other Southern staples like jambalaya and fried chicken.

Plant-based steak contains no meat and stands out. Vegan jambalaya features tofu as the star ingredient. A hearty chickpea gumbo serves as a vegan soup option.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and expertly balanced."

"You have to try the plant-based steak; it's amazing."

"The Shrimp And Grits here are creamy and bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Live music is available on weekends from noon to 3 PM.

2

Happy hour specials include $2 off drinks; arrive early for the best selection.

3

Reservations are required for dinner on Saturday evenings.

04
Essex image 1
Steak house

Massive space with roomy seating and lively music suits groups and brunches. Shrimp and grits are consistently flavorful but seem pre-made. Vegan options include a vegan burger and Essex Vegan Scramble, with some gluten-free dishes available.

Shrimp and grits come out consistently flavorful and well-prepared. Attempts to remake the dish keep it tasting the same, suggesting a pre-made base is used.

Vegan burger and Essex Vegan Scramble stand out on the menu. Options include a variety of vegan and gluten-free dishes, though only two vegan choices are listed.

People are saying

"Our server Helena made our brunch amazing and full of libations."

"The Shrimp And Grits here were perfectly cooked and very tasty."

"The vegan burger here is delicious and generously sized."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at Helena Brunch on weekends due to its popularity.

2

The bottomless brunch is available from 11am to 4pm on weekends.

3

Happy Hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

05
Charm Bar & Restaurant image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Small space with dimmed lighting sets an intimate mood while jazz music livens the air. Shrimp and grits shine with creamy grits and well-seasoned shrimp. Vegan diners enjoy custom vegan plates featuring flavorful cauliflower chicken.

Shrimp and grits come with a side of eggs and feature creamy grits paired with well-seasoned shrimp. The dish stands out for its rich flavor and satisfying texture.

Vegan options include a vegan cauliflower chicken seasoned extremely well. Staff create custom vegan plates and offer several vegan-friendly alternatives.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and flavorful."

"The vegan options here are amazing and seasoned extremely well."

"The Shrimp and Grits felt like home with a Brooklyn twist."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to dine, especially on weekends.

2

Brunch is available Thursday to Sunday with bottomless options.

3

Soca Tuesdays feature a live DJ and vibrant music.

06
Harlem Breakfast Club image 1

Small takeout spot with vintage decor and cozy lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The vibe stays calm and unhurried despite busy times. Known for comforting hospitality and classic, nostalgic setting, it offers a homey feel without seating inside.

Flavorful shrimp sit atop creamy grits with a mix of onion, spinach, and peppers. The dish is quick to finish and often leaves people wishing for seconds.

Vegan options come with breakfast served all day and a no-pork environment. The menu includes several vegan-friendly dishes.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the grits, is addictive."

"The vegan options here are great and tasty."

"The shrimp and grits here are really flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has no dine-in option; all orders are made to-go.

2

Expect food to be ready in about 7-8 minutes for walk-in orders.

3

The $5 bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich costs $7, including coffee.

07
Mom's Kitchen and Bar image 1

Shrimp and grits are creamy and cheesy, perfect with chicken waffles. Vegan options include a flavorful vegan chicken sandwich and a cauliflower appetizer. Retro diner vibe with '90s nostalgia and loud house music creates an energetic, cozy space with heated outdoor seating.

Shrimp and grits come out creamy, cheesy, and cooked to perfection. The dish pairs well with chicken waffles and offers a rich, satisfying flavor.

Vegan chicken sandwich stands out with strong flavor and texture. Limited vegan options include a cauliflower appetizer and veggie burger, which is average compared to others.

People are saying

"The food portions here are really large and delicious."

"I thought the Shrimp and Grits were delicious."

"The vegan chicken sandwich is to die for."

Good to know

1

Brunch is served all day at the restaurant.

2

Happy hour specials are available from 3-5pm on weekdays.

3

Y2K specials are available on Fridays starting at 8pm.

08
The Smith image 1
American restaurant

Spacious American restaurant with close tables and a buzzy bar area creates a lively, loud atmosphere. Outdoor seating on a closed street adds an open feel. Sheet steel chairs contribute to the ambient noise, enhancing the energetic vibe.

Shrimp and grits come with a super cheesy base and a tasty burnt border. The dish looks small but is very filling.

Variety of vegan and vegetarian options includes vegan tacos and a vegan burger that stands out. Accommodates dietary restrictions like gluten, onion, and garlic allergies.

People are saying

"The brunch here is impressive, with generous portions and fresh, well-seasoned food."

"I loved the vegan burger; it was the best I've had."

"The Shrimp And Grits here are super tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required after 5pm on weekdays to secure a table.

2

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 6pm with great drink prices.

3

Expect a 40-minute wait between 7 and 8 pm during peak hours.

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