I reside in Montana, and I prefer not to eat animals. Believe it or not, I think there may be others of my kind. I am basing this hypothesis on my findings of awesome and ample vegetarian food in Bozeman. When I moved to this state, filled with mountains, wonder, and livestock, I think that certain family members may have been concerned about my diet. They would ask questions such as, “is there a grocery store?” I can only imagine that these well-intentioned people pictured me fighting for a baked potato around a campfire while a cowboy haunted the lonely night with a mournful harmonica melody. When I explained that not only do we have grocery stores, but a great number of wonderful restaurants to accommodate different budgets, I suspect they thought I was spending a bit too much time in the sun. I have made believers of those who have visited so far (including aforementioned out-of-state family), but the fact remains, people do not usually associate the word Montana with the word vegetable. Below, please find a list of some of the places that rock my socks off, in no particular order. If you are an omnivore, do not despair; this list is for you too.

Chickpea Café: This place is so good that I think you should stop what you are doing, and go get yourself some hummus immediately. The food here is fresh and delicious, and there are a great number of meat-free options. It has a fun, casual atmosphere, and there is baklava. Maybe you didn’t notice the first time I wrote it, so I will write it again in big letters: BAKLAVA.

Watanabe: All of the delicious/artfully presented noodles and sushi (including veggie rolls) that you can eat. Plus, they make this awesome tempura desert involving fried banana, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. Do I have your attention?

Fresco Café: This is actually not the most vegetarian-friendly place in town, but it is one of my favorite restaurants. It has a soft, candlelit atmosphere, and the staff at Fresco provides excellent service. One of the reasons that this restaurant works for me is that I am the casual type of vegetarian who is willing to call it good if there is not a visible hunk of meat on my plate when I find myself at a restaurant or friend’s house. That being said, I love Fresco, even if there is not a great deal of variety in the vegetarian options. As confirmed by my omnivore brother, the daily special is always great and inventive.

The Emerson Grill: This is another restaurant with a fantastic, relaxing atmosphere. I have noticed on the menu that they do offer different veggie options, but I will probably never be able to tell you about them, because I can’t stop ordering the eggplant parmesan.

Fiesta Mexicana: Did you know that watermelon margaritas are vegetarian? You will find no meat at all in those wonderful concoctions. In addition to tasty drinks, this place has an extensive menu that can be enjoyed by meat-lovers and avoiders alike. I particularly enjoy the veggie burrito and the eggs with cactus.

Sola Café: Great coffee, creative and enjoyable food. Sola is incredibly accommodating of different dietary restrictions, above and beyond those required by vegetarians.

The Community Food Co-Op: Of course I have to talk about the Co-op in an article about vegetarian food in Bozeman. In addition to deli-style salads, made-to-order sandwiches, and a make-your-own salad bar, there are adventurous delicious soups made daily. They also have great baked goods, and a coffee/smoothie shop upstairs at the West Main location.

The Nova Cafe: When my brother was trying to convince me to move to Bozeman, he took me to Nova for breakfast. Suffice it to say, I have lived here for almost three years.

Cateye Cafe: On the topic of breakfast, this place is also amazing. AND you if you order juice, it might come in a cowboy boot-shaped glass.

Café Zydeco: Sunday. Morning. Beignets. Fantastic food every day of the week. Also, I just noticed how many of my recommendations are “Cafés.” Don’t judge me.

Pickle Barrel: They actually have a barrel filled with pickles causally occupying a corner. The veggie sandwich is uniquely satisfying, which I suspect may have something to do with the mayonnaise and bread. I love to ride my bike to this superb sandwich shop with friends and make a picnic out of it.

As you can see from this small sample, Bozeman is a great place for people who love food, including vegetarians. One of my favorite parts of hosting guests in this great city is showing off all of the excellent eateries. I hope that you will enjoy these places as much as I do.

Bon appétit!

Jamie Balke greatly enjoyed the “research” involved in writing this article. Also, she just remembered The Naked Noodle. She thinks that place is great too. Oh! And La Parilla….and Pita Pit…and Rosa’s Pizza…more “research” may be required…