Minnesota: Stay Afloat with this Helpful Dairy Free Dining Guide

Last Update in November 2023! We’ve created this ever-growing guide to restaurants, bakeries, cafes, ice cream shops, and stores in Minnesota that are friendly to dairy-free diners. It’s a collection based on research and reader recommendations (send yours!) that’s divided into restaurants & shops by city (first) and major chains found throughout the state (second). And we’ve started a section for specialty dairy-free foods produced in this state.

We Update Continuously! You can ignore the original date on this post going forward. We update the information below whenever we’re alerted to a new recommendation, change, or closure.

Photo from Hark! Cafe in Minneapolis

Dairy-Free Minnesota: Recommended Restaurants & Shops

We’ve listed these recommendations alphabetically by city and then by the restaurant or shop name. For large chains with locations throughout the state, see the Major Restaurant & Grocery Chains section below. We have dedicated posts with dairy-free details for many of the big guys.

⭐️ = Restaurant is either dairy-free, has a dairy-free menu, has dairy-free labels on their menu(s), or lists top allergens with menu items. (At the time of our last review.)

Anoka

• Krown Bakery & Eatery – This local bakery makes some dairy-free desserts, like a flourless torte and vegan cookies. They also blend dairy-free smoothies, bake several dairy-free breads, and are happy to make you a sandwich, panini, or salad sans cheese.
• Two Scoops – They carry Chocolate Shoppe ice creams, which includes dairy-free varieties. At last check, they offered oatmilk-based options.

Apple Valley

• Fresh Thyme Market – This is a full service grocery store with a focus on natural food and a great selection of dairy-free brands.
• Hawaii Poke Bowl – Yes, you can get fresh poke on in Minnesota. This local chain offers both raw fish and several cooked options for protein, and you can order your bowl with a base of white rice, organic brown rice, greens, or quinoa. Most of the menu is naturally dairy free.
• Kumar’s Minneapolis – Their South Indian menu includes many dairy-free options, with numerous appetizers, breads, curries, and other entrees to choose from.
• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.
• The Mindful Lark Bakery ⭐️ – This is a vegan, gluten-free bakery operating under the Minnesota cottage law. It’s run by a food allergy parent who bakes cupcakes, breads, and all types of treats on order.
• The Tavern Grill – They share an allergen menu and dairy-free tips. They offer a couple dairy-free appetizers, custom order salads with various dressing choices, dairy-free gluten-free burger and sandwich options, and a few dairy-free seafood entrees. At last check, their fish and chips were also dairy free. But Caylee let us know she had a bad experience with their waitstaff. “I would not recommend eating there if you have a dairy allergy. I followed their allergen menu and only ordered food that was marked as dairy free (fish and chips) , and communicated this to our waitress multiple times and the chips came covered in cheese (I didn’t initially see as the the fish covered it). It didn’t seem like they took allergies very seriously.”

Arden Hills

• The Tavern Grill – They’re friendly toward special diet and allergic guests with an allergen menu and dairy-free tips. They offer a couple dairy-free appetizers, custom order salads with various dressing choices, dairy-free gluten-free burger and sandwich options, and a few dairy-free seafood entrees. At last check, their fish and chips were also dairy free!

Bemidji

• Einstein Bros. Bagels – See our Einstein Bros Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• North Shore Grille ⭐️ – This casual restaurant is located at the Bemidji Town & Country Club. They offer a good selection of salads and sandwiches for dairy-free guests. This is a seasonal restaurant.

Blaine

• Big Dipper – All of their flavors are made in-house, including their fruity dairy-free scoops and the vegan chocolate.
• Crisp & Green – This rapidly expanding, Minnesota-based chain focuses on fresh salad bowls, grain bowls, and smoothies. At last check, their entire smoothie menu was dairy-free and vegan, and they had a few Asian-inspired, dairy-free bowl options. But you can also build-your-own bowl using their handy allergen guide. As a side note, they also offer vegan, gluten-free crispy treats for dessert.
• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.
• The Tavern Grill – They’re friendly toward special diet and allergic guests with an allergen menu and dairy-free tips. They offer a couple dairy-free appetizers, custom order salads with various dressing choices, dairy-free gluten-free burger and sandwich options, and a few dairy-free seafood entrees. At last check, their fish and chips were also dairy free!
• Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.

Bloomington

• Fresh Thyme Market – This is a full service grocery store with a focus on natural food and a great selection of dairy-free brands.
• Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett’s signature restaurant chain borrows some allergy-friendly spirit from his younger sister’s restaurant chain, Lulu’s. Their Gulf Coast cuisine includes lots of seafood, some Caribbean flavors, and many American favorites. They don’t have an allergen guide, but their staff is well trained for food allergic guests, and they are able to easily accommodate dairy-free requests.
• Naf Naf Grill ⭐️ – The menu at this quick serve Middle Eastern grill is completely dairy-free with the exception of one of their packaged baklavas (the other two are made without dairy!). They offer a full menu of favorites, from falafel to shawarma, and have a handy allergen guide.
• Power Plate Meals – This is a prepared meals service that has order pick-up, delivery, and in-store purchase options. Their menu changes bi-weekly, but they always have at least a few dairy-free options, and the ingredients and allergens of each meal are prominently disclosed.
• Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.

Brooklyn Center

• Einstein Bros. Bagels – See our Einstein Bros Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.

Buffalo

• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.

Burnsville

• Olivia’s Organic Cafe ⭐️ – If you’re craving farm-to-table comfort food, then this is the spot in Burnsville. They run a gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free kitchen, where they prepare all types of breakfast favorites, sandwiches for lunch, and baked goods for dessert. They also scoop ice cream, pour kombucha, beer, and whine, and blend smoothies and coffee drinks. farm-to-table eatery using a 100 percent gluten-free, dairy-free and peanut-free kitchen in Burnsville.

Cambridge

• City Center Market Food Co-op & Deli – This is a great place to find dairy alternatives and specialty foods. Most weekdays, they have dairy-free and vegan soups and hot bar items in their deli. They also have a coffee bar with dairy-free latte and smoothie options.

Champlin

• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.

Chanhassan

• Crisp & Green – This rapidly expanding, Minnesota-based chain focuses on fresh salad bowls, grain bowls, and smoothies. At last check, their entire smoothie menu was dairy-free and vegan, and they had a few Asian-inspired, dairy-free bowl options. But you can also build-your-own bowl using their handy allergen guide. As a side note, they also offer vegan, gluten-free crispy treats for dessert.
• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.

Coon Rapids

• Bakers Square – This is a homestyle bakery and cafe, with milk and butter galore (sorry, all of their pies contain milk!). But they offer a very detailed allergen menu that lets you custom order omelettes, egg breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches (most of their breads are dairy-free). They also have a few dairy-free entrees, like chicken tenders. They also have a “gluten sensitive” menu for gluten-free guests.

Duluth

• At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe – Thanks to Malarie for this recommendation. This homey little spot serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, with vegan options on each menu.
• Duluth Whole Foods Co-op – In addition to carrying a good range of dairy-free products, this grocery store has a full deli with both grab-and-go and made-to-order items that always include a good selection of dairy-free and vegan options.
• Einstein Bros. Bagels – See our Einstein Bros Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Love Creamery – This small-batch ice cream shop hand-crafts several vegan flavors, and usually has a couple by the scoop and a handful by the pint available each day. Look for creamy flavors, like Toffee and Chocolate with Peanut Butter, and some sorbet options. They also have vegan ice cream sammies available.
• OMC Smokehouse – Malarie also recommended this restaurant for great dairy-free options. They offer all the barbecue favorites.
• Pizza Lucé – This Minnesota chain serves several creative vegan pizzas and hoagies, and can make many more menu items dairy free. They offer soy-free vegan cheese and a house-made “RiNOTa” cheese made from tofu and cashews.
• The Pharm Juice Bar + Kitchen – This is a vegetarian shop that has many vegan options. They have a full dairy-free smoothie and acai bowl menu, and serve a healthy array of handhelds and bowls.
• Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.

Eagan

• Cafe Zupas – This casual chain has a good handful of naturally dairy-free menu items, like the Thai Steak Salad, Nuts About Berries Salad, Asian Steak & Quinoa Bowl, Chicken Noodle Soup, and Chickpea & Vegetable. Most of their other bowls and salads can also be made dairy-free on request. You can even contact them ahead for options. But take note that their breads (for sandwiches) and BBQ sauce did contain milk when we last checked.
• Hawaii Poke Bowl – Yes, you can get fresh poke on in Minnesota. This local chain offers both raw fish and several cooked options for protein, and you can order your bowl with a base of white rice, organic brown rice, greens, or quinoa. Most of the menu is naturally dairy free.
• Naf Naf Grill ⭐️ – The menu at this quick serve Middle Eastern grill is completely dairy-free with the exception of one of their packaged baklavas (the other two are made without dairy!). They offer a full menu of favorites, from falafel to shawarma, and have a handy allergen guide.
• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.
• Power Plate Meals – This is a prepared meals service that has order pick-up, delivery, and in-store purchase options. Their menu changes bi-weekly, but they always have at least a few dairy-free options, and the ingredients and allergens of each meal are prominently disclosed.

Eden Prairie

• Cafe Zupas – This casual chain has a good handful of naturally dairy-free menu items, like the Thai Steak Salad, Nuts About Berries Salad, Asian Steak & Quinoa Bowl, Chicken Noodle Soup, and Chickpea & Vegetable. Most of their other bowls and salads can also be made dairy-free on request. You can even contact them ahead for options. But take note that their breads (for sandwiches) and BBQ sauce did contain milk when we last checked.
• Champps – They were once a flourishing chain, but now have just a few restaurants in the U.S. Minnesota is their original home, and reader Erica says they are quite accommodating to dairy-free diners with several custom order sandwiches and tacos.
• Lions Tap – Chelsea of the DDF group discovered some great dairy-free info from this local burger and fry joint. “Their fries are 100% potato & they don’t use any milk, butter, etc on the grill. The burgers that have cheese, are grilled on a separate grill and the buns are dairy free as well!” They reportedly only cook fries in their deep fryer.
• MyBurger – Thank you to Alli for recommending this Minnesota burger chain. She says they have “a way to easily note a dairy allergy and can modify almost anything to work.” Just make sure the buns in your order are not buttered.
• Naf Naf Grill ⭐️ – The menu at this quick serve Middle Eastern grill is completely dairy-free with the exception of one of their packaged baklavas (the other two are made without dairy!). They offer a full menu of favorites, from falafel to shawarma, and have a handy allergen guide.
• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.
• Pizza Karma – This isn’t your ordinary pizzeria. They serve tandoor-fired pizza with very unique flavor and topping options. They do offer dairy-free mozzarella, and have a Potatoes & Tandoor-Roasted Vegetables vegan pizza right on the menu. Several other pizzas, or build-your-own options, can be ordered dairy-free. They also serve some vegan starters and salads.
• Pizza Lucé – This Minnesota chain serves several creative vegan pizzas and hoagies, and can make many more menu items dairy free. They offer soy-free vegan cheese and a house-made “RiNOTa” cheese made from tofu and cashews.
• Safer Plate ⭐️ – This is an allergy-friendly meal kit delivery service. They run a dedicated facility that’s free of dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and sesame. These are cook-your-own meals that come with ingredients and recipes to prepare. Their menu changes weekly, and it includes a good selection of dishes to choose from.

Edina

• Cafe Zupas – This casual chain has a good handful of naturally dairy-free menu items, like the Thai Steak Salad, Nuts About Berries Salad, Asian Steak & Quinoa Bowl, Chicken Noodle Soup, and Chickpea & Vegetable. Most of their other bowls and salads can also be made dairy-free on request. You can even contact them ahead for options. But take note that their breads (for sandwiches) and BBQ sauce did contain milk when we last checked.
• Clean Juice – They make their own cold-pressed cashew milks and offer dairy-free acai bowls, smoothie bowls, smoothies, toasts, and some other eats. Please note that their flatbread wraps (the bread itself) contain dairy, but all other menu items can be ordered dairy-free by omitting the cheese or substituting vegan protein for the whey protein (in the proteins smoothies).
• Crisp & Green – This rapidly expanding, Minnesota-based chain focuses on fresh salad bowls, grain bowls, and smoothies. At last check, their entire smoothie menu was dairy-free and vegan, and they had a few Asian-inspired, dairy-free bowl options. But you can also build-your-own bowl using their handy allergen guide. As a side note, they also offer vegan, gluten-free crispy treats for dessert.
• Grabbagreen – This healthy gluten-free chain serves bowls, salads, juices, smoothies, wraps, and breakfasts, and they are quite transparent on ingredients. They have many vegan options labeled, and most menu items can be custom ordered without dairy.
• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.
• The Tavern Grill – They’re friendly toward special diet and allergic guests with an allergen menu and dairy-free tips. They offer a couple dairy-free appetizers, custom order salads with various dressing choices, dairy-free gluten-free burger and sandwich options, and a few dairy-free seafood entrees. At last check, their fish and chips were also dairy free!

Falcon Heights

• Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.

Golden Valley

• Good Day Cafe – Their staff is quite friendly to special diet guests, and they have some good dairy-free options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Hawley

• Knecht’s Dandelion Creek Farm – This “cottage” business produces dairy-free, gluten-free candies and sells them locally at farmer’s markets. They include a range of caramels, truffles, krumkake, and other treats.

Hopkins

• MinnyRow Market – This is a fun spot for finding all types of locally produced goods, and they have a few dairy-free food surprises for sale.
• Pizza Lucé – This Minnesota chain serves several creative vegan pizzas and hoagies, and can make many more menu items dairy free. They offer soy-free vegan cheese and a house-made “RiNOTa” cheese made from tofu and cashews.

Lakeville

• Lakeville Brewing Company – Thank you to Bre for this recommendation. “They try to accommodate any food sensitivities and are great at checking with the kitchen what is dairy free and what is not and how they can modify it.”
• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.
• Power Plate Meals – This is a prepared meals service that has order pick-up, delivery, and in-store purchase options. Their menu changes bi-weekly, but they always have at least a few dairy-free options, and the ingredients and allergens of each meal are prominently disclosed.
• Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.

Mankato

• Bakers Square – This is a homestyle bakery and cafe, with milk and butter galore (sorry, all of their pies contain milk!). But they offer a very detailed allergen menu that lets you custom order omelettes, egg breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches (most of their breads are dairy-free). They also have a few dairy-free entrees, like chicken tenders. They also have a “gluten sensitive” menu for gluten-free guests.
• Einstein Bros. Bagels – See our Einstein Bros Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh – This is a build-your-own pita, rice bowl, wrap, salad, gyro, or plate restaurant. The gyro bread and tzatziki contain dairy, but all other types can be made dairy-free. At last check, all of their proteins, other sauces, toppings (aside from cheese), and baklava were made without milk. They offer allergen information that is very helpful.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Mom & Pop’s – Thank you to Brittney for this ice cream shop recommendation. They have a daily flavor of dairy-free coconut, oat, or almond gelato and sorbet, always made in-house. Plus they offer soy-based vegan ice cream by the scoop from The Chocolate Shoppe and have Italian ice.
• Pub 500 ⭐️ – Thanks to Laura for letting us know this restaurant “labels their menu for gluten free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian items. They have several dairy free options to choose from. They are one of my go to restaurants in Mankato!” Their comfort fare includes dairy-free appetizers, hot sandwiches, and bowls for lunch and dinner. They also have a vegan bowl on their brunch menu.
• Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.

Maple Grove

• Cafe Zupas – This casual chain has a good handful of naturally dairy-free menu items, like the Thai Steak Salad, Nuts About Berries Salad, Asian Steak & Quinoa Bowl, Chicken Noodle Soup, and Chickpea & Vegetable. Most of their other bowls and salads can also be made dairy-free on request. You can even contact them ahead for options. But take note that their breads (for sandwiches) and BBQ sauce did contain milk when we last checked.
• Crisp & Green – This rapidly expanding, Minnesota-based chain focuses on fresh salad bowls, grain bowls, and smoothies. At last check, their entire smoothie menu was dairy-free and vegan, and they had a few Asian-inspired, dairy-free bowl options. But you can also build-your-own bowl using their handy allergen guide. As a side note, they also offer vegan, gluten-free crispy treats for dessert.
• Grabbagreen – This healthy gluten-free chain serves bowls, salads, juices, smoothies, wraps, and breakfasts, and they are quite transparent on ingredients. They have many vegan options labeled, and most menu items can be custom ordered without dairy.
• Nadia Cakes – This popular cupcakery offers two gluten-free and vegan flavors daily: vanilla and chocolate.
• Naf Naf Grill ⭐️ – The menu at this quick serve Middle Eastern grill is completely dairy-free with the exception of one of their packaged baklavas (the other two are made without dairy!). They offer a full menu of favorites, from falafel to shawarma, and have a handy allergen guide.
• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.
• Pizza Karma – This isn’t your ordinary pizzeria. They serve tandoor-fired pizza with very unique flavor and topping options. They do offer dairy-free mozzarella, and have a Potatoes & Tandoor-Roasted Vegetables vegan pizza right on the menu. Several other pizzas, or build-your-own options, can be ordered dairy-free. They also serve some vegan starters and salads.
• Urban Wok ⭐️ – At last check, their entire menu of build-your-own bowls was dairy-free. They even use coconut milk in the Tikka Masala to keep it dairy-free and vegan. They have a variety of sauce flavors and various bases, including three types of noodles, brown and white rice, and grain-free zoodles. Thanks to Kayla for recommending this restaurant!
• Yogurt Lab – They label dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat on their flavors, and reportedly have several fruity dairy-free options daily. The staff can help you with dairy-free topping options and can get fresh toppings from the back if needed.

Maple Lake

• Clover Meadow Bakery ⭐️ – Thanks to Amanda for this recommendation. “The owner is extremely accommodating with ALL allergies and dietary needs. Delicious cakes and pastries!” This is a gluten-free bakery, and all of their breads are also dairy-free and nut-free.

Maple Plain

• Fork Less – All of the sauces for their chicken wings and ribs are dairy-free and gluten-free, except for the white bbq. They also offer dairy-free cheese for their pizzas and you can custom order dairy-free wraps.

Minneapolis

• Agra Culture Kitchen ⭐️ – Their menus are clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and paleo options. Online they even have separate menus for each of these special diet needs, and the dairy-free menu is extensive. It includes all types of bowls, salads, sandwiches, and other dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They even have a couple of desserts! They have three locations in Minneapolis.
• Barbette ⭐️ – It isn’t often that we see dairy-free labels at a French Bistro, but this one is allergy-friendly. They have a few dairy-free appetizers, vegetable sides, and a couple entrees for dairy-free guests. Most of these options happen to be gluten-free, too, and they have one vegan entree.
• Bebe Zito Ice Cream – They offer a creamy vegan flavor daily, at last check it was chocolate hazelnut with cookie dough chunks, and dairy-free sorbet. They also have vegan waffle cones available, made by local company The Konery.
• Ben & Jerry’s – See our Ben & Jerry’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Black Coffee & Waffle Bar – They offer gluten-free, vegan waffles and make all of their toppings in-house, so they are knowledgeable on dairy-free options. They offer soy and almond milks for coffee drinks.
• Brasa ⭐️ – This local rotisserie restaurant clearly labels their menu for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. Their classic rotisserie chicken, roasted pork, and fried catfish are dairy-free, along with many sides. They also have a vegan menu of entrees and several vegan sides.
• Brim ⭐️ – This is a gluten-free restaurant, and they clearly label their menu for dairy-free and/or vegan options. The dairy-free options include most of their bowls and sandwiches, all of their smoothies and smoothie bowls, and a few brunch and dessert items.
• Broders’ Pasta Bar ⭐️ – Their menu is labeled for special diet needs, and it includes several vegan breads and spreads, vegan salad options, and dairy-free sandwiches. They also sell house-made vegan sauces, dairy-free egg pastas, and pizza dough.
• Café Racer Kitchen – Thanks to Christine for sharing this find. She says their menu is very friendly toward dairy free. They do use cheese at this Latin American restaurant, but it can easily be omitted. Their menu includes labeled vegan and gluten-free options too. They have various specialties, like arepas and Colombian street dogs.
• Cardamom – On a recommendation, we reached out to this restaurant, and they responded, “Nearly half of our menu is either without dairy or easily modifiable to be without. I personally am partial to the Grilled Zucchini which is one of our most popular vegan options.” They serve a casual Middle Eastern menu and also have a full coffee bar with fragrant Middle Eastern influences and oat milk as an option.
• Centro ⭐️ – Thank you to Alli for recommending this local Mexican restaurant, with a few locations in the area. They clearly label dairy-free and gluten-free on their menu, and she’s found it easy to eat there. The dairy-free options include a selection of tacos and sides, and some of their “not taco” items can be custom ordered without dairy.
• Coconut Whisk Café & Bubble Tea Shop ⭐️ – This is a vegan and gluten-free spot that serves mini pancakes, waffles, bubble mylk tea, Vietnamese coffee, and more.
• Crepe and Spoon ⭐️ – There are some vegan ice cream shops in the U.S., but this one serves crepes, too! Yes, they are all egg-free, dairy-free, and include a variety of sweet and savory fillings. They also offer vegan, gluten free crepes and gluten free waffle cones. Most of their dairy-free ice cream flavors are naturally gluten free.
• Crisp & Green – This rapidly expanding, Minnesota-based chain focuses on fresh salad bowls, grain bowls, and smoothies. At last check, their entire smoothie menu was dairy-free and vegan, and they had a few Asian-inspired, dairy-free bowl options. But you can also build-your-own bowl using their handy allergen guide. As a side note, they also offer vegan, gluten-free crispy treats for dessert.
• Eat for Equity – This catering company has branched out into weekly meal prep services, and they have dairy-free options labeled for all. You can hand-select items in the omnivore box, or go with a gluten-free vegan option.
• Einstein Bros. Bagels – See our Einstein Bros Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Foxy Falafel – Their menu caters to various dietary needs, including dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, paleo, and even AIP. They label items, and offer dairy-free options like falafel sandwiches and rice bowls (many vegan) and pork tacos.
• French Meadow Bakery & Cafe – This large, lofty cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with their house-made baked goods used throughout the menus. They are well-known for their kosher parve breads. They have vegan and gluten-free labels on their expansive menu. The vegan options are diverse, and many more menu items can be made dairy-free with a vegan cheese substitution. They also have vegan desserts, dairy-free hot chocolate, and several dairy-free milk beverages available, including organic oat, organic soy, hemp, coconut, and almond milks.
• Fresh Thyme Market – This is a full service grocery store with a focus on natural food and a great selection of dairy-free brands.
• Galactic Pizza – They take planet saving seriously at this casual and quirky pizzeria, right down to their superhero delivery drivers (seriously) in electric cars. They also build vegan pizzas with several vegan sauces, dairy-free mozzarella, and a range of faux meats. They also offer some vegan salads, appetizers, and even vegan cheesecake. There are even more items for dairy-free diners on request.
• Glam Doll Donuts – Everything is made from scratch at their cute, vintage Eat Street shop and their bright, airy Northeast location. Both spots offer a big array of vegan donuts, including iced, glaze, and filled flavors. They even have a chocolate-iced vegan Dark Angel donut filled with dairy-free pastry cream.
• Gorkha Palace – Thank you to Carmen for recommending this organic Nepali, Indian and Tibetan restaurant. She says, “great labeling with dairy free and vegan options.” They also have vegetarian and gluten-free labels.
• Hark! Cafe ⭐️ – You can order gluten-free bagels with various flavors of dairy-free schmear at this completely plant-based eatery and gluten-free bakery. They offer dairy-free cheeses, a modest savory menu for breakfast and lunch, weekend brunch, and house-made pastries.
• Harry Singh’s Original Caribbean Restaurant ⭐️ –  Harry hails from Trinidad, and serves authentic spicy (you’ve been warned) Caribbean food at this small establishment. And right at the top of their menu, they state, “No milk, eggs, cheese, butter, or msg are used in our menu.” They serve meat and seafood dishes, but also have a vegetarian menu.
• Herbie Butcher’s Fried Chicken ⭐️ – Now you can  order buckets of vegan “chicken” from the founders of Herbivorous Butcher. Their sparse take-out spot is complete with house-made sauces, classic sides like biscuits and mac and cheese, and dairy-free shakes and malts made with Nadamoo ice cream and Oatly oat milk.
• Himalayan Restaurant – This cozy restaurants serves authentic Nepalese cuisine, which includes quite a few dairy-free options. They label vegan and gluten-free options on their menus, and there are many dishes to choose from.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Linden Hills Community Co-op – This store is affiliated with the Wedge co-op. They’re open to the public and carry a good selection of dairy alternatives, other special diet foods, and local products. Don’t miss their bakery and deli where you will find a few dairy-free surprises, including vegan cookies.
• Martina – Thank you to Erin for the recommendation. “I recently dined at Martina, and they have a whole printed dairy free menu upon request.” This is a finer restaurant serving Argentinian-Italian fare.
• Milk + Honey – They make custom ice cream sandwiches for events (like weddings, birthdays, retreats, etc). They have several dairy-free ice cream flavors and vegan cookies for customizing your order.
• Milkjam Creamery – They scoop a few vegan flavors daily, with options like PB vs Everybody, Toasted Coconut, Black (Cocoa), and seasonal options, like a recent one made with coconut milk. They also have a vegan black cocoa sauce, some vegan shakes on their menu, and you can order a dairy-free float.
• MN Nice Cream – Their menu is labeled for vegan and gluten-free, and it includes many vegan surprises. Some options include the waffle cones, gluten-free waffle cones, vegan soft serve, vegan cookie dough, puppy chow, peanut butter and chocolate sauces, coconut whipped cream, and more. Please note that their soft serve flavors rotate and are all lactose-free, but only select flavors are dairy-free and vegan.
• MyBurger – Thank you to Alli for recommending this Minnesota burger chain. She says they have “a way to easily note a dairy allergy and can modify almost anything to work.” Just make sure the buns in your order are not buttered.
• Naf Naf Grill ⭐️ – The menu at this quick serve Middle Eastern grill is completely dairy-free with the exception of one of their packaged baklavas (the other two are made without dairy!). They offer a full menu of favorites, from falafel to shawarma, and have a handy allergen guide.
• Namaste Cafe – Tiffany said, “If you like Indian food, this cafe is awesome. Many if their dishes are dairy free, but they are also super accommodating. My son has multiple food allergies and they were amazing with him. Most of their foods he can eat anyway.”
• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.
• Origin Meals – This is a meal delivery service that has a full paleo (dairy-free and gluten-free) menu. They do deliver outside of the Minneapolis area, too.
• Parkway Pizza – This local pizza chain goes above and beyond for their dairy-free and vegan patrons. They have a full vegan pizza menu, vegan cheese toast, vegan artichoke dip, vegan hoagies, and vegan pasta. And of course, you can build your own dairy-free pizza with a variety of toppings and vegan cheese. They have two locations in Minneapolis.
• Pizza Lucé – This Minneapolis chain serves several vegan pizzas and hoagies, and can make many more menu items dairy free. They offer soy-free vegan cheese and a house-made “RiNOTa” cheese made from tofu and cashews.
• Powl Bowls – This is an acai bowl and smoothie food truck with a mostly dairy-free menu. They use almond milk for their “milk.”
• Pumphouse Creamery – Their house-made ice creams include a few dairy-free, coconut milk-based varieties, like Madagascar vanilla and chocolate peanut butter (each sweetened with local honey) and muscovado sugar. If you’re in a fruity mood, they also have sorbet.
• Reverie Cafe + Bar ⭐️ – This hip vegan spot has a satisfying, casual dinner menu to enjoy with local craft beer and live music (when possible). The also serve a popular brunch with enticing house-made fare, like bagels and vegan lox and giant cinnamon rolls.
• Rise Bagel Co. – Their standard bagel selection is dairy-free and vegan, and they serve three types of vegan cashew cream cheese. Other non-dairy spreads include vegan buttery spread, hummus, peanut butter, and jam.
• Rosalia Pizzeria – This was suggested as a dairy-free friendly restaurant. When we reached out, they sent the following information. “We do offer dairy free options. While we do not offer vegan cheeses, we do have a Marinara Pizza that comes without cheese. We also have a number of dips, salads and vegetables that are either naturally dairy free or can be modified to accommodate a dairy free diet.”
• Sanjusan ⭐️ – This fine restaurant serves an interesting fusion of Japanese and Italian. Their menu is labeled for dairy-free and gluten-free guests. It includes dairy-free options like panzanella, pizza marinara (cheeseless), kabocha tempura, and more. They have a good selection of small plates and adult beverages.
• Sebastian Joe’s – Their vegan option changes with the season, and can include a coconut milk variety and a sorbet. Check their “flavor feed” before making the trek. They have two locations, but the Lowry Hill spot tends to have more flavors.
• Seed Plant-Based Cafe ⭐️ – This is a weekend-only vegan cafe that also offers meal kits.
• Sift Gluten Free ⭐️ – Everything at this local bakery is gluten-free and peanut-free, but they also label for dairy-free, and there is a lot to choose from. In fact, most of their sweets and bread loaves are dairy-free, including donuts, muffins, cupcakes, and several cookies. They also have vegan options.
• Soul Bowl – Their Southern style menu actually has several vegan options. They even offer vegan fried chicken and dairy-free mac and cheese.
• Spitz Mediterranean Street Food – All of their wraps and sandwiches and several other items can be ordered dairy-free and/or vegan, on request. They’re also friendly to gluten-free guests.
• Sweet Troo Vi – Their bakery is by pick up only (no store front), and their waffles aren’t dairy-free (yet! they’re working on it), but their cookies are vegan and you can order them for pick up or delivery.
• The Dripping Root ⭐️ – This is a plant-based, cold-pressed juice bar that also serves smoothie bowls.
• The Herbivorous Butcher ⭐️ – House-made vegan “meats” and dairy-free “cheeses” are the specialty at this animal-free butcher shop. They also make hoagies, hot food, and deli favorites for take away, and have a small grocery section of specialty vegan foods.
• Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.
• Trio Plant-based ⭐️ – Their entire menu is vegan, and includes various handhelds, like tacos, burgers, wraps, and ribs. They also serve mac and cheese and items with a soul food focus.
• Vegan East ⭐️ – Thank you to Carmen for letting us know about this all-vegan bakery and café. They bake all types of treats, including cupcakes, cakes, cinnamon rolls, pop tarts, and more, and have many gluten-free options. They also have a sandwich menu. They have two locations in Minneapolis, one uptown and one in the Northeast.
• Vegan vs Fries ⭐️ – This is a spin-off from Man vs Fries that offers a Mexican-inspired, vegan menu of fries, burritos, quesadillas, and more. They work on order and pick-up or delivery only.
• Wedge Community Co-op – They’re open to the public and carry a good selection of dairy alternatives, other special diet foods, and local products. Don’t miss their bakery and deli where you will find a few dairy-free surprises, including vegan cookies.
• Yogurt Lab – They label dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat on their flavors, and reportedly have several fruity dairy-free options daily. The staff can help you with dairy-free topping options and can get fresh toppings from the back if needed.

Minnetonka

• Cafe Zupas – This casual chain has a good handful of naturally dairy-free menu items, like the Thai Steak Salad, Nuts About Berries Salad, Asian Steak & Quinoa Bowl, Chicken Noodle Soup, and Chickpea & Vegetable. Most of their other bowls and salads can also be made dairy-free on request. You can even contact them ahead for options. But take note that their breads (for sandwiches) and BBQ sauce did contain milk when we last checked.
• MyBurger – Thank you to Alli for recommending this Minnesota burger chain. She says they have “a way to easily note a dairy allergy and can modify almost anything to work.” Just make sure the buns in your order are not buttered.
• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.
• Peoples Organic Cafe – Their healthier breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are dotted with vegan options, and even more items can be ordered dairy-free.
• Rush Bowls – This smoothie and smoothie bowl chain isn’t dairy-free, but they are happy to accommodate. They offer oat, almond, coconut, and soymilk options. Some menu items call for froyo, but you can sub banana for no charge, or acai for an additional charge. At last check, most of their toppers and all of their boosts (except for whey – they do have soy protein available) were made without dairy.
• The Tavern Grill – They’re friendly toward special diet and allergic guests with an allergen menu and dairy-free tips. They offer a couple dairy-free appetizers, custom order salads with various dressing choices, dairy-free gluten-free burger and sandwich options, and a few dairy-free seafood entrees. At last check, their fish and chips were also dairy free!

Moorhead

• Sol Ave. Kitchen ⭐️ – Enjoy globally-influenced street food like beef laab, pork belly tacos, and smoked hummus with sumac. They label their eclectic menu for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests, and have a generous handful of dairy-free options.
• Twenty Below Coffee Co. ⭐️ – This local coffee shop bakes their own breads, and has dairy-free and vegan loaves daily (usually a gluten-free option, too). Their menu is labeled for special diet guests, and includes a couple dairy-free breakfast items and some vegan desserts.

New Brighton

• NomeMade – This is a gluten-free cottage kitchen, so orders are by pick up only (no store front). They can custom make dairy-free cakes, dinner rolls, macarons, and cupcakes. They use your choice of soy or almond milk and Earth Balance buttery sticks (contain soy).

North Oaks

• Big Dipper – All of their flavors are made in-house, including their fruity dairy-free scoops and the vegan chocolate.

Plymouth

• Fresh Thyme Market – This is a full service grocery store with a focus on natural food and a great selection of dairy-free brands.
• La Cocina de Ana – This is a Mexican shop for premade meals that you take and heat at home. They have a huge vegan menu.
• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.
• Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.

Reads Landing

• Reads Landing Brewing Company ⭐️ – If you’re a brew pub fan, then this could be a new favorite haunt. Their menu is labeled for dairy-free and gluten-free. The dairy-free options include some sandwiches, burgers, salads, sweet potato tots, garlic fries, and beer-battered shrimp.

Richfield

• Cafe Zupas – This casual chain has a good handful of naturally dairy-free menu items, like the Thai Steak Salad, Nuts About Berries Salad, Asian Steak & Quinoa Bowl, Chicken Noodle Soup, and Chickpea & Vegetable. Most of their other bowls and salads can also be made dairy-free on request. You can even contact them ahead for options. But take note that their breads (for sandwiches) and BBQ sauce did contain milk when we last checked.
• Frosted with Care ⭐️ – This allergy friendly home bakery operates under the MN Cottage Food Laws. All of their cakes and pastries are dairy, egg, peanut and tree nut free, made in a nut free kitchen. Gluten-free and soy free can be accommodated, but gluten and soy are present in the kitchen.
• Hawaii Poke Bowl – Yes, you can get fresh poke on in Minnesota. This local chain offers both raw fish and several cooked options for protein, and you can order your bowl with a base of white rice, organic brown rice, greens, or quinoa. Most of the menu is naturally dairy free.
• MyBurger – Thank you to Alli for recommending this Minnesota burger chain. She says they have “a way to easily note a dairy allergy and can modify almost anything to work.” Just make sure the buns in your order are not buttered.
• Pizza Lucé – This Minnesota chain serves several creative vegan pizzas and hoagies, and can make many more menu items dairy free. They offer soy-free vegan cheese and a house-made “RiNOTa” cheese made from tofu and cashews.

Rochester

• Flapdoodles – They churn dairy-free sorbets and coconut milk ice cream, and typically have at least one flavor of each on hand. At last check, they had options like chocolate chocolate chip and peanut butter swirl.
• Fresh Thyme Market – This is a full service grocery store with a focus on natural food and a great selection of dairy-free brands.
• Hot Chip Vegan Burger Bar ⭐️ – This downtown restaurant has an eclectic burger menu complete with dairy-free cheeses and unique toppings. They also serve salads, nachos, and boozy shakes.
• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.
• Old Abe Coffee Shop ⭐️ – This is a vegan cafe serving a full menu of comfort food favorites.
• Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.
• Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.

Roseville

• Pizza Lucé – This Minnesota chain serves several creative vegan pizzas and hoagies, and can make many more menu items dairy free. They offer soy-free vegan cheese and a house-made “RiNOTa” cheese made from tofu and cashews.

Savage

• Fresh Thyme Market – This is a full service grocery store with a focus on natural food and a great selection of dairy-free brands.
• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.

Stillwater

• MN Nice Cream – Their menu is labeled for vegan and gluten-free, and it includes many vegan surprises. Some options include the waffle cones, gluten-free waffle cones, vegan soft serve, vegan cookie dough, puppy chow, peanut butter and chocolate sauces, coconut whipped cream, and more. Please note that their soft serve flavors rotate and are all lactose-free, but only select flavors are dairy-free and vegan.
• The Tilted Tiki Tropical Bar & Restaurant – For the love of vegan family members, the owners of this local restaurant added a full plant-based menu, complete with dessert options. They serve vegan tacos, burgrs, fries, sopapillas, Daiya cheesecake, and more. Additional items can be made dairy-free.

St. Cloud

• Einstein Bros. Bagels – See our Einstein Bros Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Granite City Food & Brewery – They seem to take special diets seriously and their staff is helpful with creating options.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Jules’ Bistro – Thank you to Lesa for this recommendation. Their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are littered with dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options, and they are happy to accommodate custom orders. They also offer seasonal and daily specials, which seem to regularly include dairy-free options.
• Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.
• Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.

St. Joseph

• The Local Blend – This health-conscious coffee shop is also considerate of dairy-free guests. They pay attention to the little things, like offering soy yogurt as an option, cooking their eggs without dairy, and having vegan mac and cheese on the menu. They also have some dairy-free and gluten-free muffins and scones, and can do layer cakes.

St. Louis Park

• Fresh Thyme Market – This is a full service grocery store with a focus on natural food and a great selection of dairy-free brands.
• Mill Valley Kitchen ⭐️ – Their lunch and dinner menus are labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests, and include caesar salad (vegan or with protein added), several snacks and sides, and usually at least one main entree. Some other items can be custom ordered.
• Muddy Paws Cheesecake – Thank you to Amanda for sharing this find. “They say they carry minimum 1 flavor of vegan cheesecake each day. I went there last week and they had five flavors. The ones I tried were hands down the best cheesecake (vegan or not) that I have ever tried! They also have gluten free options.” You can also special order whole vegan cheesecakes. They have more than a dozen flavors, ranging from classic New York to decadent chocolate raspberry truffle.
• Parkway Pizza – This local pizza chain goes above and beyond for their dairy-free and vegan patrons. They have a full vegan pizza menu, vegan cheese toast, vegan artichoke dip, vegan hoagies, and vegan pasta. And of course, you can build your own dairy-free pizza with a variety of toppings and vegan cheese.
• The Block Food & Drink – They have a great selection of vegan menu items, including nachos, mac & cheese, sandwiches, and more. Additional menu items can be ordered dairy free.
• Urban Wok ⭐️ – At last check, their entire menu of build-your-own bowls was dairy-free. They even use coconut milk in the Tikka Masala to keep it dairy-free and vegan. They have a variety of sauce flavors and various bases, including three types of noodles, brown and white rice, and grain-free zoodles. Thanks to Kayla for recommending this restaurant!

St. Paul

• Agra Culture Kitchen ⭐️ – This bright, modern, healthy, fast casual restaurant is like their Minneapolis locations. The menus are clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and paleo options, and their dairy-free selections are abundant. they serve bowls, salads, sandwiches, breakfast items, and even vegan cookies.
• Bakers Square – This is a homestyle bakery and cafe, with milk and butter galore (sorry, all of their pies contain milk!). But they offer a very detailed allergen menu that lets you custom order omelettes, egg breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches (most of their breads are dairy-free). They also have a few dairy-free entrees, like chicken tenders. They also have a “gluten sensitive” menu for gluten-free guests.
• Brasa ⭐️ – This local rotisserie restaurant clearly labels their menu for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. Their classic rotisserie chicken, roasted pork, and fried catfish are dairy-free, along with many sides. They also have a vegan menu of entrees and several vegan sides.
• Centro ⭐️ – Thank you to Alli for recommending this local Mexican restaurant, with a few locations in the area. They clearly label dairy-free and gluten-free on their menu, and she’s found it easy to eat there. The dairy-free options include a selection of tacos and sides, and some of their “not taco” items can be custom ordered without dairy.
• Crisp & Green – This rapidly expanding, Minnesota-based chain focuses on fresh salad bowls, grain bowls, and smoothies. At last check, their entire smoothie menu was dairy-free and vegan, and they had a few Asian-inspired, dairy-free bowl options. But you can also build-your-own bowl using their handy allergen guide. As a side note, they also offer vegan, gluten-free crispy treats for dessert.
• French Meadow Bakery & Cafe – Their is no shortage of vegan options (labeled right on the menus) for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert at this elegant social house. They also serve organic coffee drinks and teas with a plethora of dairy-free milk beverage options, brunch cocktails, wine, and craft beers.
• J. Selby’s ⭐️ – Their entire menu is dairy-free and vegan, and reportedly delicious. They serve a casual lunch and dinner menu, and have a generous dessert menu with house-made baked goods and shakes.
• Luv Ice Cream Cafe – They’ve begun packing pints to sell in grocery stores, but Luv still operates this keto-friendly, gluten-free scoop shop. They also serve frappes and affogatos, and have other sweet treats on site, like chocolates!
• MyBurger – Thank you to Alli for recommending this Minnesota burger chain. She says they have “a way to easily note a dairy allergy and can modify almost anything to work.” Just make sure the buns in your order are not buttered.
• Parkway Pizza – This local pizza chain goes above and beyond for their dairy-free and vegan patrons. They have a full vegan pizza menu, vegan cheese toast, vegan artichoke dip, vegan hoagies, and vegan pasta. And of course, you can build your own dairy-free pizza with a variety of toppings and vegan cheese.
• Pizza Lucé – This Minnesota chain serves several creative vegan pizzas and hoagies, and can make many more menu items dairy free. They offer soy-free vegan cheese and a house-made “RiNOTa” cheese made from tofu and cashews.
• The Gnome Craft Pub – They label their menus for dairy-free and gluten-free customers, and their lunch/dinner menu includes a few dairy-free options. Thank you to Alli for this recommendation!
• Tongue in Cheek – They focus on sustainably sourcing meat, but also have vegan options throughout their menu. In fact, their chef has been experimenting with different vegan dishes and flavors, and even made a vegan tasting menu.
• Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.
• Urban Growler Brewing Company – They label vegan and gluten-free options on their menu. The vegan choices include some healthy bowls, hummus wraps, and watermelon pico. Additional menu items can be ordered without dairy. Thank you to Alli for this recommendation!
• Urban Wok ⭐️ – At last check, their entire menu of build-your-own bowls was dairy-free. They even use coconut milk in the Tikka Masala to keep it dairy-free and vegan. They have a variety of sauce flavors and various bases, including three types of noodles, brown and white rice, and grain-free zoodles.

Vadnais Heights

• Fresh Thyme Market – This is a full service grocery store with a focus on natural food and a great selection of dairy-free brands.

Victoria

• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.

Waite Park

• Fresh Thyme Market – This is a full service grocery store with a focus on natural food and a great selection of dairy-free brands.

Wayzata

• Ben & Jerry’s – See our Ben & Jerry’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Crisp & Green – This rapidly expanding, Minnesota-based chain focuses on fresh salad bowls, grain bowls, and smoothies. At last check, their entire smoothie menu was dairy-free and vegan, and they had a few Asian-inspired, dairy-free bowl options. But you can also build-your-own bowl using their handy allergen guide. As a side note, they also offer vegan, gluten-free crispy treats for dessert.
• MyBurger – Thank you to Alli for recommending this Minnesota burger chain. She says they have “a way to easily note a dairy allergy and can modify almost anything to work.” Just make sure the buns in your order are not buttered.

White Bear Lake

• Vegan East ⭐️ – Their main locations are in Minneapolis, but this all-vegan bakery has a suburban outpost. They bake all types of treats, including cupcakes, cakes, cinnamon rolls, pop tarts, and more, and have many gluten-free options. They also have a sandwich menu.

Winona

• Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.

Woodbury

• Aloha Poke Co – They’re great about sharing allergy, gluten, and vegan info at this midwest poke chain. Most of their menu is dairy-free, but they state that their yuzu ranch sauce, “crunch” fried onions, and furikake seasoning to contain milk. They do have vegan and gluten-free sauce and topping options, too.
• Cafe Zupas – This casual chain has a good handful of naturally dairy-free menu items, like the Thai Steak Salad, Nuts About Berries Salad, Asian Steak & Quinoa Bowl, Chicken Noodle Soup, and Chickpea & Vegetable. Most of their other bowls and salads can also be made dairy-free on request. You can even contact them ahead for options. But take note that their breads (for sandwiches) and BBQ sauce did contain milk when we last checked.
• Nadia Cakes – This popular cupcakery offers two gluten-free and vegan flavors daily: vanilla and chocolate.
• Nautical Bowls ⭐️ – This smoothie bowl shop has signature blends, but also has a build your own bowl option, where you even choose the base (acai, pitaya, mango, cacao, coconut, blue majik, or chia). All of their ingredients are reportedly gluten free, dairy free, and plant-based.
• Nekter Juice Bar – See our Nekter Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• The Tavern Grill – They’re friendly toward special diet and allergic guests with an allergen menu and dairy-free tips. They offer a couple dairy-free appetizers, custom order salads with various dressing choices, dairy-free gluten-free burger and sandwich options, and a few dairy-free seafood entrees. At last check, their fish and chips were also dairy free!
• Yogurt Lab – They label dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat on their flavors, and reportedly have several fruity dairy-free options daily. The staff can help you with dairy-free topping options and can get fresh toppings from the back if needed.

Photo from Olivia’s Organic Cafe in Burnsville

Restaurant & Grocery Chains found throughout Minnesota

Some recommended restaurant and store chains are getting too big for our city listing britches. They have many locations, or are rapidly growing, and you might stumble across them in a number of towns in this state. Click on them for more dairy-free details.

• Auntie M’s Gluten Free – This isn’t a chain, but rather a food truck that has a different location each day. They hit Duluth, Eagen, St. Paul, and more. Their fair-inspired menu includes dairy-free corn dogs and funnel cakes.
• CherryBerry Frozen Yogurt Bar – The flavors rotate at this Midwestern chain, but at any given time, you can usually find at least a few dairy-free flavors. They offer creamy vegan Silk almondmilk frozen yogurt in Chocolate and Vanilla. And they swirl numerous dairy-free sorbets, including Chocolate Fudge and a variety of fruity flavors. The staff has ingredient information, and can open new topping bags if cross-contamination is a concern. They have locations in other states, but half of them are in Minnesota.
• Chick-fil-A – See our Chick-fil-A Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Chipotle Mexican Grill – See our Chipotle Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Leeann Chin – This quick serve Asian restaurant has about 40 locations throughout Minnesota. At last check, all of their entrees and other menu items were dairy-free, except most desserts and the cream cheese appetizer. Thank you to Anna for the recommendation!
• Noodles & Company – See our Noodles & Co Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.

Photo from Naf Naf Grill

Local Dairy-Free Food & Drink Producers in Minnesota

These dairy-free friendly companies don’t have their own retail location, but are in Minnesota. So you have a good chance of finding their products at grocery stores, restaurants, and/or other shops in this state. Keep an eye out!

• Baba’s – They make Middle Eastern fare, including hummus, baba g’noosh, falafel, and breads. Most of their products are dairy free (they do make tzatziki with yogurt).
• House of Halva – They make an array of dairy-free and vegan halva cakes. Look for these kosher desserts at Minnesota co-ops and specialty food stores.
• Hoyo – Keep an eye out for their sambusas and sauces. They’re all made without dairy, and one of their sambusa varieties is also vegan.
• JonnyPops – They offer a non-dairy line of creamy pops, made with oat milk.
• Minneoats – If you spot their granola in stores or on menus, you can take heart that it is dairy-free and vegan (but they do not use gluten-free oats). They also have a cute oatmeal bowl catering service, and all options can be ordered dairy free.
• So Good So You – They make functional probiotic juice shots with a range of healthy benefits. They’re sold in stores locally.
• The Konery – You can easily spot these unique, infused waffle cones. They’re all vegan, come in tons of flavors, are sold in local stores, and are also used by many ice cream shops in the region.
• Thumbs Cookies – This tiny cookie company has a small selection of mini vegan and gluten-free cookies, too. You can find them in several shops in the Minneapolis area, and they have a shared local shop at Six for Good in a couple of locations.

Photo from MN Nice Cream in Minneapolis and Stillwater

This Guide is Continuously Updated with Recommendations

We welcome you to recommend other dairy-free friendly restaurants. Leave a comment or contact us and tell us why you like a certain restaurant. Restaurant owners and employees are also invited to reach out and let us know how you welcome dairy-free customers.

Please kindly let us know in the comments if any of these restaurants close. We want to keep this list current for you, but aren’t always notified when a restaurant closes. Let us know and we will quickly update!

This Guide is for Informational Purposes Only

Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, and restaurants are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure that they can accommodate your situation.

There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.

For More Dairy-Free Guidance, Get Go Dairy Free!