Long gone are the days when meat and potatoes defined a healthy meal. Diners are becoming increasingly aware of the impacts of eating animals, whether from a health, ethical or environmental standpoint. Plant-based diets are becoming the norm, and even celebrities such as Beyoncé and Jay-Z have embraced the concept. Other celebs touting the benefits of a meat-free lifestyle include everyone from Ariana Grande and Liam Hemsworth to Benedict Cumberbatch and Natalie Portman.

Luckily, restaurateurs are catching on, and more and more vegan and vegetarian dishes are appearing on menus. Even better, entire plant-based restaurants are popping up around town with even more expected to open soon. Following is a list of upcoming vegan restaurants slated to open in the Sacramento region in 2019.

Burger Patch

Location: 2301 K St., Sacramento
Expected Opening: Spring 2019

Following the success of a few pop-up events, as well as a food stand at the Golden 1 Center, the local couple behind Burger Patch decided to go all-in with a brick-and-mortar shop at 23rd and K. The fast-casual concept will serve plant-based burgers and chicken tenders, non-dairy shakes made from blended cashews, and, of course, french fries. Behind the scenes are chef-consultants Scott Ostrander and Paul Dipierro, who recently opened Origami in East Sacramento.

Follow Burger Patch on Instagram or visit their web site.

Good Vibes Vegan Café and Herbs

Location: 1006 24th St., Sacramento
Expected Opening: 2019

The concept behind Good Vibes Vegan Café and Herbs is healthy, plant-based food served in a welcoming environment. Owner Jaeda Barnes is a local fitness enthusiast and hopes to share her love of healthful living through her menu. Items will include plant-based nachos and burgers, avocado toast, smoothie bowls and fresh juices. Also on the menu are herbal teas, tonics, infusions and wellness products. 

Follow Good Vibes Vegan Café and Herbs on Instagram or visit their web site.

Pure Soul Café

Location: TBD
Expected Opening: 2019

Pure Soul Café is guided by the principle that food can be delicious and cruelty-free. Its first pop-up event was held last September, dishing up seitan fried chicken and sweet potato carrot waffles with turmeric air-fried cauliflower. The menu is expected to have other dishes as well, including plant-based burgers and jackfruit carnitas. 

Follow Pure Soul Café on Instagram or visit their web site.

KC Kombucha

Location: 3326 Broadway, Sacramento
Expected Opening: Summer 2019

Kombucha is the latest health-food craze and the drink of choice at KC Kombucha, scheduled to open this summer in North Oak Park. The area’s first kombucha taproom will serve the probiotic-rich beverage flavored with natural fruits and herbs, such as pineapple ginger and blueberry mint. They also plan to partner with local pop-up vendors to offer vegan food items on select days throughout the week. The brand already has a strong following, as its bottled products are sold at several farmer’s markets and shops in the greater Sacramento area. 

Follow KC Kombucha on Instagram or visit their web site.

Chay Corner

Location: 407 G St., Davis
Opened January 2019

Chay, meaning “vegan” or “vegetarian” in Vietnamese, is a pop-up inside the Lazi Cow boba café in Davis. Chay Corner serves vegan Vietnamese cuisine, including five-spice tofu, plant-based banh mi and pho made from charred herbs and vegetables. 

Follow Chay Corner on Facebook and Lazi Cow on Instagram.

Honorable Mentions

The following restaurants aren’t 100 percent vegan or vegetarian, but they do offer plant-based options for diners who shun meat.

Pushkin’s Bakery – Roseville

Location: 1220 Roseville Parkway, Roseville
Expected Opening: Spring 2019

Sacramento’s popular dairy- and gluten-free bakery and restaurant is expanding operations to Roseville. Although the restaurant serves meat and animal products, it’s known for its expansive vegan and vegetarian dishes, including a grilled cheese sandwich made from cashew pepper jack and a Portobello sandwich with fig jam. The Roseville location is expected to serve gluten-free sandwiches, salads, and of course, baked goods. 

Follow Pushkin’s Bakery on Instagram or visit their web site.

Curry Up Now

Location: Ice Blocks, 1620 R St., Sacramento
Expected Opening: Summer 2019

Bay Area-based Indian chain Curry Up Now plans to open its first Sacramento-area location in the Ice Blocks. The fast-casual eatery is committed to supporting “diverse diets”, with separate menus for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Meat-free dishes include cauliflower-potato curry tacos, Hungry Planet plant protein burritos and “Hella Vegan” samosa bowls. 

Follow Curry Up Now on Instagram or visit their web site.