Plant-based eating has exploded in popularity in recent years, with many Redwood students looking throughout the Bay Area for vegan alternatives to their favorite traditional dishes. Scattered throughout Marin, there are many restaurants to grab a plant-based meal, each providing their own unique ways to accommodate the new and popular vegan diet.

Amy’s Drive Thru

Amy’s Drive Thru, located off of Highway 101 in Corte Madera, features a fully vegetarian menu, with every item having both a vegan and gluten-free alternative for a 50 cent upcharge. Their diverse selection of items follows a traditional style of American fast-food restaurants, ranging from grilled cheese sandwiches, to chili fries and pizzas. The drive-thru consists of both large outdoor and indoor seating areas with plenty of natural scenery to create a wholesome aesthetic. Friendly workers and tasty food make up for the slightly expensive prices, costing around $15 for a full meal. Besides the price, Amy’s is a must-try for an all-vegan experience conveniently close to Redwood. 

Frankie and Joe’s

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Frankie and Joe’s is the perfect place for you. Located in Marin Country Mart, Frankie and Joe’s offers a variety of flavors as well as three seasonal options which change monthly. They are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, making them a perfect stop for a scoop before getting on the ferry. The shops surrounding Frankie and Joe’s are classy, with an incredibly clean seating area and a quaint feeling to enjoy. As for the ice cream, I ordered the peaches and cream, a September seasonal flavor. It was six dollars for a mini scoop, which I would recommend as the best option for the most reasonable food to price ratio. Having just the right amount of sweetness combined with a small element of zest, it makes a refreshing treat for a hot day.

World Wrapps

Known by many around Marin, World Wrapps is an incredibly popular fast-casual restaurant located in the Corte Madera Town Center. It’s a go-to spot for students grabbing a bite during lunch, after school or on the weekends but many are unaware that they offer two fully plant-based versions of their most popular items. The teriyaki bowl and the chimichurri wrap can both be made entirely vegan with tofu and Beyond Meat. In my opinion, the teriyaki bowl was slightly too simple. It was very filling, but had classic flavors. The chimichurri wrap was the better option of the two, being incredibly flavorful and filled with protein. The quality food does come with hefty price tags, with the options costing $13 and $18 respectively. That being said, World Wrapps makes up for this bulky price in fantastic ambiance and is a prime location for students interested in international vegan options. 

While not every restaurant in Marin offers a vegan or vegetarian option on the menu, those that have them do not disappoint. Amy’s Drive Thru, Frankie and Joe’s and World Wrapps are some of the best plant-based choices around Marin for any student hoping to add more variety to their diet.