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Check out these Westchester restaurants that offer delicious meat-free options for those participating in Lent.
By Niomi Nunez and Anaya Rojas
As much as we all love pizza, it can start to feel repetitive if you’re sticking to no-meat Fridays during Lent. Step outside the slice at these restaurants that offer just as tempting and satisfying vegetarian, pescatarian, and vegan options that will make you forget all about your usual meat-lovers pie. And you can always have that slice for lunch on Saturday. Win win!
Bridge View Tavern
226 Beekman Ave, Sleepy Hollow; 914.332.0078
In the mood for comfort food? Visit Bridge View Tavern for homey-inspired vegetarian and pescatarian dishes. From the three-grain veggie burger (made with bulgur wheat and quinoa paired with tasty toppings) to the Mexican-seasoned shrimp tacos enveloped in soft corn tortillas, these healthy and classic plates will leave you fantastically full on Fridays.
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Falafel Taco
30 Wheeler Ave, Pleasantville; 914.579.2526
Introducing the flavors of Israeli cuisine to traditional Mexican dishes, Falafel Taco fuses the best of two cultures to create an all-encompassing menu with plenty of Good Friday-friendly dishes to enjoy. Offering a plethora of so-called Mex-raeli cuisine, the restaurant dishes up a Mexighanoush taco made with black bean falafel, eggplant baba ghanoush, pico de gallo, and chipotle mayo. Did we mention it’s entirely plant-based?
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Grass Roots Kitchen
124 Wildey St, Tarrytown; 914.909.5588
Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or a quick smoothie to go, “put some roots down” at Grass Roots Kitchen. Focused on providing delectable meals, this kitchen cooks with organic and high-quality ingredients. Pick from a vast menu of veggie-friendly delicacies, from the cilantro-lime seared salmon bowl to a falafel burger. And don’t be shy about pairing either with a refreshing juice.
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Jackie B’s
28 Garth Rd, Scardsdale; 914.874.5328
The appetizers on this American bar and grill’s menu are called “snacks,” and the majority of them are vegan and pescatarian-friendly. From the turmeric-battered, General-Tso-coated cauliflower snack to the lightly breaded fried calamari served with marinara sauce, Jackie B’s has quite a list of accommodating, delicious appetizers. After savoring one of the “snacks,” move onto the California burger. It’s a homemade black bean burger topped with avocado, white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and siracha aioli, served on a fluffy brioche bun.
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Kishuya Ramen Noodle Bar
163 S Central Ave, Hartsdale; 914.949.0600
Who said ramen can’t be meat-free? Stop by Kishuya Ramen Noodle Bar for a flavor-filled vegetarian ramen perfect for a Friday food fest. Made with the kitchen’s original broth and topped with grilled atu-aged tofu, this Lent-friendly meal will warm you up and tempt your taste buds. Consider the fluffy tofu or shrimp bao buns for the perfect appetizer.
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The Little Beet
125 Westchester Ave, White Plains; 914.620.1166
Created with all-natural ingredients, The Little Beet brings a wellness-driven counter food service to Westchester. Packed with plenty of organic options, the menu allows patrons to customize their bowls. From basmati rice or quinoa as a base to salmon poke or sweet ‘n’ spicy tofu as a main protein, along with an array of savory toppings, this “make your own” dish allows customers to creatively satisfy their stomachs.
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Masala Kraft Cafe
206 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale; 914.722.4300
Specializing in Indian cuisine, Chef and Owner Jasumati Vaghji is constantly re-inventing her predominantly plant-based menu to keep up with popular health trends. Stop by this Hartsdale café to try the vegan- and gluten-friendly masala mini idli consisting of steamed rice idli, stir fry veggies, and a blend of spices in coconut oil. Sip on a refreshing lassi while enjoying any of the flavor-packed, plant-based dishes.
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Root2Rise
359 Manville Rd, Pleasantville; 914.769.8460
This full-service café rises to the occasion with the gamut of gluten-free and 100% plant-based ingredients. Centered around offering fully vegan and Indian-inspired meals, the menu is packed with delicious options like masala grilled cheese, falafel burger, and black lentil soup. From the baked goods to the salads, Root2Rise has mouthwatering eats for any day, but especially during Lent.
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Sweet Grass Grill
24 Main St, Tarrytown; 914.631.0000
During Lent, Friday nights can still be burger nights at this Tarrytown restaurant. Sink your teeth into the vegan chickpea “cheese burger” to savor tahini Buffalo sauce and vegan-friendly cheddar, or try a quinoa-sweet potato burger and soak up the harissa aioli. On top of these flavor-packed vegan burgers, Sweet Grass Grill’s menu offers a variety of Lent-friendly meals that are made with daily harvests from local farms.
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The Urban Hamlet
124 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville; 914.652.7407
“To eat well or not to eat well” is not a question at The Urban Hamlet. With an expansive menu of vegan and pescatarian dishes, a trip to this bar and grill will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. If you’re hoping to stay away from your carnivorous habits, you’re going to want to try the polenta and quinoa burger, served on tomato and herb-crusted focaccia bread. You should also try the crispy-skin salmon, sautéed in kale lemon cream vinaigrette. The only thing tragic about this “Hamlet” is that the food doesn’t stay on your plate forever.
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Related: 6 Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Spots to Try in Westchester