March 20 isn’t just the first day of spring—it’s your annual excuse to ditch the meat, flex your plant-based muscles, and discover how good vegan food can taste. Whether you’re a longtime herbivore or a Meat Out Day newbie, Georgetown and Lexington, KY, serve up flavors that’ll make you forget bacon ever existed. Here’s where to celebrate like a pro.
Georgetown’s Vegan Gems: Small Town, Big Flavors
No need to drive to Louisville—these spots are worth the short trip.
221 N Broadway St, Georgetown, KY
Craving pad Thai but want to keep it vegan? Thai Garden’s got your back. Their veggie-packed stir-fries and curries are customizable (just ask for no fish sauce), and the fried tofu appetizer is a crispy, golden must-try. Pro tip: The drunken noodles with lemongrass tofu are a local favorite. Open daily for lunch and dinner, this unassuming spot proves Kentucky does Thai right—without the meat.
108 Osborne Way, Georgetown, KY
Yes, it’s a chain. No, we don’t care. MOD’s vegan cheese and plant-based sausage turn their crispy thin crust into a Meat Out Day miracle. Build your own pie or try the “MOD Vegan” with dairy-free mozz, veggies, and garlic drizzle. Bonus: They’re faster than a thoroughbred at Keeneland.
0.8 miles from downtown Georgetown
This Mediterranean joint isn’t fully vegan, but their falafel pitas and hummus plates are solid picks. The baklava? Accidentally vegan and stupidly good.
Stuck at home? DoorDash delivers vegan grub from chains like Chipotle (sofritas bowl, duh) and Qdoba to your door.
Lexington’s Vegan All-Stars: Where Plants Steal the Show
Drive 20 minutes north for a vegan food scene thriving harder than Derby Week.
Parked at Pivot Brewing (1400 Delaware Ave, Lexington)
Meet Lexington’s vegan power couple, Michael and Antoine Harris. Their food truck slings comfort food so convincingly, even carnivores line up. Must-orders: the “drumsticks” (soy protein with a sugarcane “bone”) and cheeseburger egg rolls that’ll make you question every life choice leading up to Meat Out Day. Find their schedule on Facebook—they’re often at breweries, because vegan junk food pairs best with IPA.
440 Hilltop Ave, Lexington, KY (University of Kentucky campus)
Chef Anetra Polk is the queen of vegan soul food. The menu changes daily, but pray the broccoli cheddar soup or Wildstyle Loaded Fries (think chili, nacho cheese, and jalapeños) are available. Don’t leave without a bottle of their “Fairy Dust” seasoning—it’s crack in spice form.
395 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40508
All hail the vegan breakfast burrito: scrambled tofu, hash browns, and spicy sauce wrapped in a tortilla. They’ve also got plant-based chorizo and queso for lunch. It’s messy, hearty, and proof that vegans don’t just eat salad.
3070 Lakecrest Circle Lexington, Kentucky, 40513
Sushi without fish? Believe it. Their avocado rolls and veggie tempura are classics, but the real star is the “Lexington Roll”—sweet potato, cucumber, and vegan spicy mayo. Pair it with sake and pretend you’re in Tokyo (or at least not in a strip mall).
829 Euclid Ave, Lexington
Cajun food goes vegan here. The Thai peanut tofu stew is a creamy, spicy hug in a bowl. They’ve been feeding Lexington’s veggie crowd since before plant-based was cool.
But Wait—What’s the Great American Meat Out?
Since 1985, this day has encouraged folks to skip meat for 24 hours. Why? For the planet (livestock = 14.5% of global emissions), your arteries, and the animals. Even Bill Gates funds plant-based startups now. You’re in good company.
Whether you’re in Georgetown or Lexington, Meat Out Day is your ticket to eating like a vegan rockstar. And if you fall in love with the cashew queso? Nobody’s judging if you keep the streak going past March 20.
Sources: google.com, yelp.com, cookingenie.com
Header Image Source: Anna Pelzer on Unsplash
