New York: The Empire of International Dairy-Free & Vegan Cuisine

Last Update in July 2023! I think Brooklyn must be the unofficial capitol of vegan restaurants in the U.S. Long before plant-based was a buzz word, vegan pizzerias and cafes were popping up in the hip Park Slope neighborhood of this NYC borough. And in recent years, trendy Manhattan has had it’s own special diet surge. Consequently, there are a lot of dairy-free options in New York state. We’re keeping track of them for you in this ever-growing guide to restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and shops. 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.

Pictured: Ess-a-Bagel in NYC

Dairy-Free New York: Recommended Restaurants & Shops

New York is a literal melting pot of cuisines. Dairy-free diners will find many options in kosher delis, Mediterranean eateries, coffeehouses, gelaterias, and bagel shops. But our guide also includes restaurants with a range of baked goods, global fare, and health-focused food. We’ve listed these recommendations alphabetically by city, and then by the restaurant or shop name.

⭐️ = 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.)

Akron

• Perry’s Ice Cream – They have come out with their own line of dairy-free ice cream, and usually have a couple flavors available by the scoop.

Albany

• B. Good – With the help of their allergen chart, you can order crispy chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, veggie burgers, and fries, and custom order various burgers, salads, and bowls. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
• Maggie McFly’s – They label for gluten-free, not dairy-free, but this hip eatery and bar offers quite a few dairy-free options on their menu. Many of their items have a healthier spin, with salads, wraps, and burgers, and bowls available.
• Sweet Eats ⭐️ – This is a dairy-free gluten-free bakery that sells wholesale, but they also offer curbside pick up direct to customers at their production facility.

Amherst

• 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.
• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

Auburn

• Moro’s Table – Thank you to Lyndsie for this recommendation. “Very nice dinner spot. Dairy free options on the menu and wait staff was happy to assist when I needed something tweaked to make it DF.”
• Prison City Brewing ⭐️ – Lyndsie also let us know this spot has dairy-free labels right on the menu. They offer a few salads and entrees, and also have a few additional items that can be dairy-free without cheese.

Baldwin Place

• Green’s Natural Foods (formerly Dean’s) – This is a popular natural and organic, full-service grocery store for special diet customers. Not only do they carry a plethora of vegan and allergy-friendly brands, they also have a full sandwich deli with an impressive vegan menu (vegan cheeses, cashew cream, and a build-your-own vegan burger or brat options) and many additional sandwiches can be ordered dairy free. They also have a superfood juice and smoothie bar that’s mostly dairy free (whey protein is offered as a dairy option).

Beacon

• Peaceful Provisions – This vegan doughnut shop hand-crafts each flavor in small batches. Their flavors ar comforting, but just a little unique, like blueberry fritters and lemon poppy seed twists.
• The Vegan Stuff ⭐️ – Thanks to Rachel for sharing this all-vegan ice cream shop with us. They churn a rotating selection of flavors in small batches and also offer vegan and gluten-free baked goods.

Black River

• Blizzard Barn – If you’re in upstate New York, pop into this local stand. They offer two flavors of dairy-free Dole Whip, which you can order swirled.

Briarcliff Manor

• Green’s Natural Foods (formerly Dean’s) – This is a popular natural and organic, full-service grocery store for special diet customers. Not only do they carry a plethora of vegan and allergy-friendly brands, they also have a full sandwich deli with an impressive vegan menu (vegan cheeses, cashew cream, and a build-your-own vegan burger or brat options) and many additional sandwiches can be ordered dairy free. They also have a superfood juice and smoothie bar that’s mostly dairy free (whey protein is offered as a dairy option).
• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes – This expanding franchise makes dairy-free burgers with a range of protein, bun, sauce, and topping options. They have a detailed allergen chart to help you order. They also offer vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options.

Buffalo

• Churn Soft Serve & Coffee – They offer a creamy coconut vegan soft serve and can top it with churros (yes, they’re vgan!) and dairy-free sundae sauces for you. You can also enjoy their vegan ice cream sandwich made with ginger snap cookies.
• Fig Tree Patisserie – Thanks to Sheila for letting us know about this bakery. She says they’re pricey but have a lot of vegan and gluten-free options. Also, their macarons are all gluten-free and can be ordered without dairy.
• Fran-Ceil Custard – This soft serve shop offers a rotating flavor of Dole Whip, and has vanilla vegan oatmilk soft serve by Temptation. Sheila says they also offer a scoopable dairy-free flavor or two.
• King Condrell’s Candy and Ice Cream – They offer a few flavors of oat milk-based, dairy-free ice cream daily, and some topping options and ice cream sodas. Thanks to Nicole for this recommendation.
• Little Black Heart Coffee ⭐️ – Thank you to Nicole for letting us know about this vegan coffee shop. Their mighty menu of drinks includes a wide range of lattes, hot chocolate, and more.
• Mister Sizzle’s – This burger bar offers a couple vegan burgers, and most burgers can be made dairy-free with a vegan cheese swap. They also offer dairy-free milkshakes and floats in a range of flavors and they have boozy beverages.
• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
• Rosie’s Handcrafted Ice Cream – Nicole let us know they have dairy-free ice cream available. When we looked, they had seasonal creamy oatmilk based flavors like verbena lemon poppyseed in summer and apple caramel crisp in fall.
• Strong Hearts ⭐️ –  This casual little vegan cafe serves a relatively big and hearty menu and a HUGE selection of dairy-free milkshakes. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a good variety of comfort cuisine, like scrambles, burgers, and even “fried chicken.”
• Sunshine Vegan Eats ⭐️ – As the name implies, this is an all-vegan cafe. They serve a big range of comfort-style food, including southern favorites, for brunch, lunch, and dinner. They also make dairy-free milkshakes and other desserts.
• Sweet Jenny’s Chocolates & Ice Cream – They offer rotating vegan ice cream and sorbet flavors in addition to a fun candy selection. Thanks to Nicole for this recommendation!
• The Pita Place – Their friendly towards special diets at this healthy local shop. They label vegan options on their menu and most items are, or can be made dairy-free. They also have gluten-free options.

Carmel Hamlet

• Ice Cream Studio 105 – They reportedly offer a few flavors of house-made, creamy, dairy-free, hard-packed ice cream, and also serves slushes.
• Scoops N More – They swirl two flavors of dairy-free Dole soft serve, which can rotate, and also blend vegan green smoothies with almond milk. They are open seasonally.

Cedarhurst

• Holy Schnitzel ⭐️ – This is a kosher glatt chain, so their entire menu is dairy-free. And it’s a very big menu, with all types of starters, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and sides.

Central Valley

• Läderach – These Swiss chocolate shops now offer a full dairy-free and vegan line with various dark and cashewmilk chocolate options. The decadent collection includes bars, all types of barks, and some other confections.

Chappaqua

• Ibiza Kitchen ⭐️ – Dairy-free and gluten-free are labeled right on the menu at this Spanish restaurant. And most of their tapas and platos are in fact dairy-free!
• Susan Lawrence Gourmet Foods ⭐️ – This restaurant and bakery clearly labels their menus for dairy-free and gluten-free customers. And they typically offer many dairy-free salads, entrees, and other items daily.

Cheektowaga

• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

Cold Spring

• Home Style Creamery – They offer vegan soft serve in chocolate, vanilla, and twist. They sometimes have a dairy-free hard packed flavor of ice cream, too. And rumor has it, their waffle cones are dairy free.

Corning

• Little Boomers’ Burrito Bar – This is a build your own burrito and taco spot recommended by Lyndsie. She say’s it’s “easy to create a DF option.”
• Nine Elephants – Thanks to Lyndsie for recommending this Thai restaurant and letting us know it has many dairy-free options.
• Thali of India – According to Lyndsie, this Indian restaurant has vegan options labeled on their in-house menu. They also have quite a few additional dairy-free menu items.
• The Cellar – Lyndsie wrote in to tell us this is a nice fine dining option. As the name implies, they have a big wine selection, but they also have excellent vegan options on the menu, like a full vegan cheese board, tofu paneer, and house-made vegan ice cream. There are additional dairy-free options on their menu.
• Wild Ginger – This eclectic Asian restaurant serves sushi along with other Japanese, Thai, and Chinese dishes. It was recommended as a good spot by Lyndsie.

Croton-On-Hudson

• The Blue Pig – They scoop some rotating vegan flavors, like matcha latte, vanilla, cardamom rosewater, peanut butter swirl with chocolate chips, and seasonal sorbets.

Deer Park

• PizzaRev – This build-your-own pizza joint has four dairy-free pizza crusts (two of which are gluten-free, and three of which are vegan), Daiya dairy-free cheese alternative, and most of their sauces and toppings are dairy-free (skip the alfredo, pesto, and meatballs). They also offer Beyond Meat sausage for vegan guests.

Depew

• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

East Amherst

• Feature Meals & Eatery – They offer lunch delivery and meal prep pick up. Their menu is mostly gluten-free, and they have many dairy-free options. They even have vegan meal packs. But you do need to call to find out the dairy-free choices.

East Aurora

• Homegrown Kitchen – Nicole let us know, “they offer build your own salads, so you can make them vegan/dairy free.” Their smoothie menu also includes dairy-free options.

East Syracuse

• Hercules Candy Company – Their chocolates include a big array of vegan options, from cookie bark to nut brittle to holiday shapes.

Elmira

• Downtown Grind – Lyndsie said this is a good coffee shop with vegan food offerings for breakfast and lunch. Their casual menu includes things like acai and smoothie bowls, toasts, and breakfast sandwiches.
• Honeyduke Confections – This is an allergy-friendly, Harry Potter-themed bakery, sweet shop, and they even have some savory items. Amy wrote in to share her experience. “They are not completely dairy-free, but have so many options! They have bakery items (their cinnamon rolls are awesome!), dairy-free gourmet chocolates, drinks and even pizza! They are very helpful and knowledgeable! I have a hard time choosing from all of their options!”

Getzville

• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

Glens Falls

• Bitchin Donuts ⭐️ – This vegan donut shop offers a rotating selection of flavors and also serves some other breakfast eats and bites. Gluten-free donuts are available.
• Cooper’s Cave – They offer a few vegan entrees, and some other options can be ordered dairy-free and even gluten-free, like burgers (they offer Udi’s buns and dairy-free cheese). They also have an ice cream window where you can order dairy-free almond milk soft serve.

Greenburgh

• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!

Greenport

• The Frisky Oyster ⭐️ – Their menu is labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan guests. It includes a small range of dairy-free small plates and entrees.

Guilderland

• Tara Kitchen ⭐️ – The menu is clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and vegan guests at this Moroccan restaurant. And at last check, only a few of their dishes (on a very big menu) contained dairy. They offer a good selection of vegetable, seafood, chicken, and lamb dishes.

Hamburg

• 2 Scoops Ice Cream – Sheila let us know this shop “always has Dole Whip & Vegan Temptation (on the same machine, so SAFE) and one or two scoopable flavors.”
• Amsdell Ice Cream – According to Sheila, this shop offers Dole whip or vegan Temptation soft serve, but they are not offered at the same time.
• Highland House Candies – This sweet local shop offers dairy-free chocolate in all types of fun and seasonal shapes.
• Jess in the Kitchen – This meal prep service is friendly to special diet needs, and includes dairy-free and gluten-free options on their rotating menu.
• Main Street Ice Cream – They offer vegan soft serve daily and also have dairy-free shaved ice options.
• Pegasus Restaurant – This Greek restaurant is always open, and according to Sheila, they are great at catering to milk allergies.
• Peg’s Place – This classic American restaurant serves a big menu of diner fare. It is traditional, but according to Sheila, they are good at accommodating needs with milk allergies.
• Prima Cafe & Store – This olive oil and vinegar store has obvious tasting appeal, but they also have a full cafe menu with dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options throughout. From their vegan mochas (on request) to dairy-free smoothies, build-your-own salads and wraps.
• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
• Sweet Pea Bakery – They have a huge menu of gluten-free options (sweet and savory), many of which are or can be made dairy-free, and many of which are vegan-friendly too. They also do custom order cakes.
• Uncle Joe’s Diner – This is another classic American-style diner in Hamburg that Sheila says is good with milk allergy special requests.
• Woody’s Ice Cream Shack – You can go inside or drive thru this ice cream shop to order soft serve Dole Whip. But be warned that their “non-dairy” soft serve is not dairy-free – it does contain milk protein.

Hastings on Hudson

• By the Way Bakery ⭐️ – Muffins, scones, tea cakes, cupcakes … it’s all gluten-free and dairy-free at this old-fashioned bakery. They have a daily array of sweets, and also take custom orders for cakes. They bake for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.

Henrietta

• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.

Ho-Ho-Kus

• Alt Eats Cafe – This is a vegetarian restaurant, but most of their menu is or can be made vegan. They offer toasts, sandwiches, salads, buddha bowls, chia bowls, and more. They also offer baked goodies that are made in house.

Irvington

• Red Barn Bakery – This local organic bakery makes all types of vegan and gluten-free baked goods, including muffins, cakes, cupcakes, whoopie pies, breakfast cookies, and pies on order. They also make non-dairy omelets and daily soups.

Ithaca

• 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.
• Ithaca Bakery – Thanks to Lyndsie for sharing this find. It’s a casual all-day spot with sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She says, “most sandwiches can be changed to be dairy free.” They offer vegan cheese, vegan cream cheese for bagels, and offer dairy-free bread and bagel options. Vegan options are labeled.

Long Island (outside of NYC; East of Brooklyn & Queens)

• 75 Main – Located in Southampton, this fine restaurant offers a “healthy” menu with a few vegan options. Some additional seafood and salad options can be ordered without dairy.
• A La Mode Shoppe ⭐️ – This is a nut-free ice creamery that also churns several dairy-free flavors. They have creamy, oat milk flavors like vanilla, chocolate, oat latte, pink sprinkle, apple pie, and rose, and a selection of fruity sorbets.
• Ben’s Deli – They boldly state, “We are a kosher meat restaurant. We have no dairy on  premises.” They’re also friendly to gluten-free and vegan guests (they have a plant-based menu). But dairy-free customers can order from anything on their expansive menu. Their sandwich menu is huge (deli-style, stuffed, paninis, etc), and they also have burgers, hot meals, omelettes, and more. They have locations in Greenvale, Woodbury, and Carle Place on Long Island.
• Bluestone Lane – This Australian-style cafe chain does a great job in labeling top allergens, and they offer a small selection of dairy-free sandwich and bowl options on their menu, along with a couple vegan items. Their full coffee bar has oat milk and almond milk options, and they sometimes have dairy-free specialty drink promotions.
• Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company – Obviously they have a big selection of bagels, but they also offer non-dairy tofu schmears. They also make bagel sandwiches and salads, and have dairy-free milk beverage for vegan coffee and tea drinks.
• Baked by Melissa – This bakery has locations dotted around the city, plus one in Garden City on Long Island, all selling their indulgent, two-bite cupcakes. They offer several vegan flavors, which include Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Vanilla Chip, Triple Chocolate Chip, Cookie Dough, and Superfood. They also ship nationwide.
• Carissa’s the Bakery – At their locations in Sag Harbor and East Hampton you’ll find some amazing dairy-free breads, including their famous vegan Salted Soured Pickled Rye Bread. On the sweet side, they usually have some vegan cookies and sorbets available. Carissa’s also has a full lunch menu with a couple vegan options and additional items that can be ordered dairy free, and they have a full coffee bar with oat milk and pistachio milk available.
• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Dos Toros Taqueria ⭐️ – This special diet friendly build-your-own burrito, bowl, salad, or tacos shop offers vegan and gluten-free tips, has a full allergen chart, and has an abundance of options for all needs. As for dairy-free, all but the cheese, sour cream, and the occasional sauce or dressing is made without dairy.
• Emack & Bolio’s – This Boston-based ice creamery churns a handful of vegan flavors made with coconut milk. They include Cappucino Fudge Swirl, Chocolate Pudding, Mint Chocolate Freckle, Raspberry Chocolate Krispy Rice, Goa Mango, and Toasted Coconut. They also offer dairy-free sorbets. This location is in Manorville.
• Goldberg’s Famous Bagels – They offer dairy-free tofu schmears and a good selection of vegan bagels. They also have a big bagel sandwich menu with lots of dairy-free options.
• Hale and Hearty ⭐️ – Their healthy menus are labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. The dairy-free options include numerous soups, sandwiches, and salads.
• Hot Chicken Takeover – This Nashville-inspired hot chicken chain is remarkably special diet friendly. All of their chicken is made without milk, including the tenders, boneless chicken, and vegan Nuggs. They also offer vegan ranch, dairy-free sides, and chicken sandwiches.
• I Heart Mac & Cheese – This is a build-your-own mac and cheese bowl or grilled cheese sandwich chain. They offer vegan cheese, various meats and vegan meats, and several other toppings. They have several pasta, base, and bread choices. Gluten-free options are available. They have locations in a couple hamlets on Long Island.
• Läderach – These Swiss chocolate shops now offer a full dairy-free and vegan line with various dark and cashewmilk chocolate options. The decadent collection includes bars, all types of barks, and some other confections. They have a few locations dotted on long island.
• La Fin Kitchen & Lounge – This restaurant in Montauk boldly caters to special diets. Their menu is littered with gluten-free, vegan, and paleo options. They offer vegan muffins, paleo muffins, dairy-free chia pudding and coconut yogurt for snacks. They also have a raw oyster bar, raw seafood items, vegan eggplant “meatballs,” vegan toasted quinoa bowl, and fresh fish that can be cooked to order.
• Le Pain Quotidien – This Belgian bake shop has a plethora of dairy-free fresh baked breads, sandwiches, soups, and breakfast bowls (think oats, chia, and granola options). Almond, coconut, and oat milks are available or coffee drinks and tea lattes. And they often a dairy-free pastry or two – ask at your location.
• Levain Bakery – They bake fresh dairy-free breads, but also offer big, thick, vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip walnut cookies on their daily menu.
• Little Beet – This is a local New York chain with one location in Garden City on Long Island. They have a fast casual build-your-own bowl style for lunch and dinner. The menu is gluten-free, and they clearly label for vegan, vegetarian, and top allergens. Most of their menu items and components are dairy free, including all of their grains, proteins, and sauces, at last check.
• Organic Krush ⭐️ – They have five locations dotted along the hamlets of Long Island. Almost everything on their menu is dairy-free or can be made without dairy, and they have dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan  labels right on their menu. Service includes breakfast all day, custom bone broth soups, and build your own wrap, salad, bowl, or tacos, with flavors ranging Tex Mex to Thai. They also serve acai bowls, snacks, and a kids menu. For dessert, they have treats like Mamma’s Breakfast Cookies (a recipe they shared with us!).
• Pelican’s SnoBalls – This sweet chain makes New Orleans style shaved ice. And according to the company, their flavor syrups are all made without top allergens. Just skip the cream snowcap or ask if they have dairy-free coconut cream available.
• Pizza Twist – They have an extensive vegan pizza menu with dairy-free cheese, all types of sauces, and a plethora of dairy-free toppings. Almost any pizza on their menu can be ordered without dairy.
• Pokeworks – All of their signature poke bowls, and pretty much all of their menu is dairy-free, including the Dole Whip for dessert! They offer raw, cooked, and vegan proteins.
• Shuga Pie Shop – Located in Babylon, they specialize in whoopie pies and reportedly offer dairy-free and vegan flavors.
• Seasons 52 – See our Seasons 52 Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Sweet Charlie’s – This rolled ice cream chain offers a dairy-free and vegan base that you can customize with various flavor and add-in options or even enjoy as a “milkshake.” It’s located in the village of New Hyde Park.
• Tipsy Scoop – This adults-only ice cream barlour churns boozy ice cream in some rather unique flavors. They always have a selection of dairy-free and vegan sorbets, and also have the occasional creamy variety, along with some creative toppings. You can visit one of their shops, or get pints (and toppings) delivered to your home. The deliver locally and ship.
• True Food Kitchen – See our True Food Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace – This regional supermarket has locations scattered about Long Island. They have a good selection of dairy alternatives and specialty items, but are also known for their house-made goods, which can include things like vegan ravioli.
• Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – This popular NYC ice cream shop chain has one location at the far tip of Long Island in Montauk. They scoop a selection of the brand’s beloved dairy-free flavors (made with cashew and coconut milk or oat milk). They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or make you a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.
• Yama Q – This sushi spot in Bridgehampton s obviously has a good selection of naturally dairy-free sushi, but they also have a few popular vegan items, like vegan tofu lasagna and two types of vegan tapioca pudding for dessert.

Mt Kisco

• Green’s Natural Foods (formerly Dean’s) – This is a popular natural and organic, full-service grocery store for special diet customers. Not only do they carry a plethora of vegan and allergy-friendly brands, they also have a full sandwich deli with an impressive vegan menu (vegan cheeses, cashew cream, and a build-your-own vegan burger or brat options) and many additional sandwiches can be ordered dairy free. They also have a superfood juice and smoothie bar that’s mostly dairy free (whey protein is offered as a dairy option).

New City

• Goldberg’s Famous Bagels – They offer dairy-free tofu schmears and a good selection of vegan bagels. They also have a big bagel sandwich menu with lots of dairy-free options.

New Paltz

• Lagusta’s Luscious Cafe ⭐️ – This all-vegan shop is famous for their truffles and chocolates (which they ship throughout the U.S. This location also serves handmade drinks and pastries.

NYC – Brooklyn

• Aunts et Uncles ⭐️ – This is a casual all-vegan eatery serving plant-based burgers, tacos, mac and cheese, breakfast sandwiches, and more.
• Bagelsmith – They offer a whole selection of tofu cream cheese alternative flavors and have a great array of toppings for dairy-free or vegan needs.
• Beatnic ⭐️ – Formerly known as by Chloe, this plant-based restaurant chain serves a healthy vegan array of burgers, sandwiches, salads, pastas, and smoothies, with pancakes on the weekend. They’re open for lunch, dinner, and dessert, which includes house-made ice cream (also sold by the pint), cookies, cupcakes, and other pastries.
• Bluestone Lane – This Australian-style cafe chain does a great job in labeling top allergens, and they offer a small selection of dairy-free sandwich and bowl options on their menu, along with a couple vegan items. Their full coffee bar has oat milk and almond milk options, and they sometimes have dairy-free specialty drink promotions.
• Bunna Cafe ⭐️ – This vegan Ethiopian restaurant serves a range of traditional dishes that are usually served as combos with Injera bread. They also offer gluten-free Injera, making the entire menu open to gluten-free patrons. They are open for lunch and dinner, and even offer a unique brunch experience.
• Champs Diner ⭐️ – Their all-vegan menu has favorites like poutine, mozzarella sticks, chick’n and waffles, and cheeseburgers. They’re open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
• China Glatt ⭐️ – This fine dining American and Chinese restaurant is kosher glatt and dairy-free. They have an expansive menu for lunch and dinner, but please note that they are closed on Fridays and Saturdays, and have limited hours on Sundays.
• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Clementine Bakery ⭐️ – Although they keep it quiet, this friendly bakery is completely vegan, and they sell their pastries to other shops and restaurants locally. Their freshly baked goods include sweets and savories, with pies, cheesecakes, danishes, and more. They also serve a full menu of sandwiches, salads, and wraps, and pour locally-roasted coffee. They do take custom orders and bake cakes for special occasions.
• Dos Toros Taqueria ⭐️ – This special diet friendly build-your-own burrito, bowl, salad, or tacos shop has locations dotted all over NYC. They offer vegan and gluten-free tips, have a full allergen chart, and have an abundance of options for all needs. As for dairy-free, all but the cheese, sour cream, and the occasional sauce or dressing is made without dairy.
• Double Zero ⭐️ – Like all Matthew Kenney creations, this restaurant is plant-based. Their menu centers around pizza cooked in a custom built wood burning oven. But they also serve small plates, including house tree-nut cheeses and vegan desserts.
• Dre’s Desserts – They hand-craft ice creams and hand deliver them by the pint to customers in NYC. Their flavors include some creamy vegan varieties, like Madagascar vanilla, peanut butter and jam French toast, and the cookie monster. They use oat milk and soymilk for their dairy-free bases.
• Dun-Well Doughnuts ⭐️ – You’ll have a hard time choosing a flavor at this all-vegan doughnut shop. They have a rotating list of 200 varieties, with nearly every favor imaginable – including Butterfinger, French Toast, Green Tea & Ginger, Peach Cobbler, and more. To accompany the dizzying doughnut menu, they offer an array of dairy-free coffee beverages, ice cream, and even vegan egg creams.
• Eden Wok ⭐️ – This is a Glatt Kosher American-Asian eatery and sushi bar – which means milk and meat cannot be mixed. Consequently, they are a dairy-free establishment, right down to the non-dairy cream cheese in some of their sushi rolls! They serve a big array of Chinese dishes, Asian salad bowls, poke bowls, and teriyaki bowls. Their sushi can be made with white rice, brown rice, black rice, or quinoa.
• Emack & Bolio’s – This Boston-based ice creamery churns a handful of vegan flavors made with coconut milk. They include Cappucino Fudge Swirl, Chocolate Pudding, Mint Chocolate Freckle, Raspberry Chocolate Krispy Rice, Goa Mango, and Toasted Coconut. They also offer dairy-free sorbets.
• Familiars Vegan Coffee Shop ⭐️ – They offer bagels, soups, donuts, and a full coffee bar.
• Green’s Bakery ⭐️ – They run two separate kitchens, a pareve one that is dairy-free and nut-free, and the other uses dairy. Most of their non-cheese items are dairy-free, including cakes, cupcakes, cookies, rugelach, babka, and challah.
• Greenberg’s Bagels – This local bagel shop goes above and beyond for special diet guests. They offer both dairy-free cream cheese and butter for their bagels, and also have vegan “egg” and “bacon” options.
• Hale and Hearty ⭐️ – Their healthy menus are labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. The dairy-free options include numerous soups, sandwiches, and salads.
• HanGawi Restaurant ⭐️ – Take your shoes off at the door, relax, and enjoy the upscale menu of creative vegan Korean dishes. They serve lunch, dinner, and dessert, which includes dairy-free cheesecake and ice creams. A gluten-free menu is available.
• Hidden Leaf – This trendy pan-Asian spot offers many dairy-free options, and has also scooped OddFellows vegan ice cream flavors (made with different non-dairy milks). But call ahead to ensure they have the ice cream, if interested.
• Holy Schnitzel ⭐️ – This is a kosher glatt chain, so their entire menu is dairy-free. And it’s a very big menu, with all types of starters, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and sides.
• Honeygrow – This fresh restaurant concept offers several dairy-free stir fries, build-your-own salad with many dairy-free dressing options, and a “honeybar” where you pick your fruit, honey drizzle, and other toppings. They have a great allergen chart available, which breaks down all components for the build-your-own options.
• Ice Cream House – This kosher shop serves both dairy and dairy-free ice cream in hard-packed scoops and soft serve swirls. They also offer sorbet, smoothies, pareve (dairy-free) shakes, coffee drinks, and can make vegan ice cream cakes. But keep in mind that they have a dress code – even in summer there are no tank tops or open toe shoes allowed. They have a few shops around the city.
• 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.
• Izzy Rose ⭐️ – Also known as Izzy Provisions, this vegan gathering spot is a cafe + flower shop by day, cocktail bar by night. They have a rotating menu of casual all-vegan cuisine, featuring fresh, local ingredients.
• JaJaJa Plantas Mexicana ⭐️ – Street tacos, bowls, tamales, quesadillas, and endless bottles of tequila – this vegan Mexican restaurant has it all. Their menu is also labeled for gluten-free and items containing nuts.
• Juice Press ⭐️ – This purely plant-based and dairy-free juice chain blends healthy smoothies and protein shakes with almond milk, offers blue magic and acai bowls, and sells several vegan grab-and-go snacks.
• King David Tacos – They serve breakfast-all-day and lunch-ish tacos, including a non-carne vegan option. They can make several additional tacos dairy-free and gluten-free on request. They also serve Oatly cold brew horchata.
• La Colombe – This coffee chain is known for their oatmilk draft lattes, which they also offer on tap. They also usually have some dairy-free baked goodies (some vegan, some with eggs), like quick bread slices and cookies, and biscotti. The options can vary by location, so ask for allergen information at the shop.
• Le Pain Quotidien – This Belgian bake shop has a plethora of dairy-free fresh baked breads, sandwiches, soups, and breakfast bowls (think oats, chia, and granola options). Almond, coconut, and oat milks are available or coffee drinks and tea lattes. And they often a dairy-free pastry or two – ask at your location.
• Levain Bakery – They bake fresh dairy-free breads, but also offer big, thick, vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip walnut cookies on their daily menu.
• Levy’s ⭐️ – There’s a little something for everyone at this glatt kosher restaurant. Their dairy-free menu includes everything from knishes to sandwiches to Hungarian goulash.
• Little Choc Apothecary ⭐️ – Crepes without dairy, eggs, and gluten? They don’t even use gums or binders at this little creperie. Their menu includes a savory selection and build-your-own sweet crepes. They also make acai bowls and some small plates. But their beverage menu is also a highlight. It includes smoothies, juices, coffee drinks, natural wines, beer, and one of the biggest tea menus we’ve seen.
• Little Cupcake Bakeshop – They bake a few flavors of vegan cookies, gluten-free vegan chocolate cupcakes, gluten-free vegan muffins, and vegan cookies and cream layer cake.
• Loco Coco ⭐️ – This plant-based, dairy-free superfood shop blends a healthy array of smoothies and smoothie bowls, and also offers nutritious soft serve.
• Loving Hut ⭐️ – This is a vegan chain with an eclectic, global fast food menu and desserts.
• Luanne’s Wild Ginger ⭐️ – They have a few locations around the city, each serving a completely vegan menu of Asian cuisine. The cuisine spans many countries, but has a healthy, macrobiotic focus.
• MidiCi Pizza – Their signature Neapolitan dough is light, thin, soft, and chewy, with a high crust, and it’s dairy-free. It’s made purely with a special Neapolitan flour, water, sea salt, and yeast. They also offer dairy-free cheese alternative and vegan sausage, and have several custom order salad options.
• Modern Love ⭐️ – Oddly, this is their second location, the first one is in Omaha. Modern Love Brooklyn is a vegan partnership between cookbook author Isa Chandra Moskowitz and the founders of MooShoes. Their purely vegan menu focuses on plant-based comfort food. Sample dishes include cheeseburgers, build your own mac and shews, and buckets of wings.
• Next Level Burger ⭐️ – This fledgling chain touts itself as America’s first fully vegan burger joint. It’s a counter-serve spot with an array of plant-based burgers, “chicken” sandwiches, fries, and tots. They also blend dairy-free shakes and have house-made soft serve. This location is inside Whole Foods.
• Paulie Gee’s – This small-time pizza chain has a full vegan menu with a range of cheese alternatives. Consequently, most of their menu can be made dairy-free.
• Pizza Studio – They have a vegan pizza, complete with vegan “cheese” and “sausage.” Many other pizzas can be ordered dairy-fee with a cheese swap. They also have build your own salads.
• Plantega ⭐️ – This plant-based deli has locations at bodegas around the city. They offer burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, and burritos.
• Pokeworks – All of their signature poke bowls, and pretty much all of their menu is dairy-free, including the Dole Whip for dessert! They offer raw, cooked, and vegan proteins.
• Pressed Juicery ⭐️ – The menu at this juice shop is dairy-free, and includes a range of smoothies, bowls, and healthy soft serve with toppings.
• Raaka Chocolate Shop ⭐️ – Next door to their factory, Raaka has a chocolate shop you can visit or pick up orders at. This is an organic, vegan chocolatier that creates innovative chocolate bar flavors.
• Screamer’s Pizzeria ⭐️ – New York’s first all-vegan pizza restaurant has two locations, one in the Greenpoint neighborhood and one in Crown Heights. Whether you want a whole pie or just a quick wedge, they have you covered with 13 signature pizzas, a weekly special, and the ability to customize your own. Their menu includes classic and unique varieties, along with garlic knots, calzones, baked ziti, and Italian subs like “meatball” and eggplant parmesan.
• Seitan’s Helper ⭐️ – This little vegan deli makes their own plant-based meats from house-made seitan. They offer an array of sandwiches.
• Slutty Vegan ⭐️ – The names at this local fast casual restaurant are a little naughty, but they say the food is quite nice. The menu includes an array of plant-based burgers piled high with toppings and served on vegan Hawaiian buns. They also serve crispy fried “shrimp,” “chicken,” “bratwurst,” and some other comfort dishes.
• Smith Street Bagels – Their menu includes a couple flavors of dairy-free tofu cream cheese alternative, but this is far more than a bagel shop. They have a very full breakfast and lunch menu with dairy-free options, and also offer dairy-free smoothies and milk alternatives at their coffee bar.
• Springbone Kitchen ⭐️ – This casual eatery focuses on nourishing meals made with organic fruits, vegetables, and grass-fed free range meats, Their whole menu is gluten-free, heavily paleo, and mostly dairy-free. The few items with dairy are clearly labeled. They serve lunch, dinner, and late breakfast all day, but the real feature is their expansive broth menu. It includes a variety of bone broths and vegan broths.  All are available as drinking broths or can be beefed up with your choice of add ins for a comforting soup.
• Patis Bakery ⭐️ – They are a kosher certified bakery offering both dairy and parve (dairy-free) goods. The dairy-free items include numerous breads, focaccia, cakes, and viennoiseries. They also offer sandwich and salad options, and have many vegan items.
• The Butcher’s Daughter ⭐️ – This plant-heavy restaurant and juice bar bills itself as a “vegetable slaughterhouse.” Their menus are completely vegetarian, filled with vegan and gluten-free options, and clearly labeled for dairy, nuts, and soy. Their food includes a nice little array of small plates and large plates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But it’s the beverages that take center stage. They serve a big selection of  cold-pressed juices, elixir shots, dairy-free wellness lattes, dairy-free smoothies, cocktails, mocktails, craft brews, and more.
• Tipsy Scoop – This adults-only ice cream barlour churns boozy ice cream in some rather unique flavors. They always have a selection of dairy-free and vegan sorbets, and also have the occasional creamy variety, along with some creative toppings. You can visit one of their shops, or get pints (and toppings) delivered to your home. The deliver locally and ship.
• Two Boots Pizza – They typically have one vegan pizza available by the slice, but they have a total of nine vegan pizzas that you can order by the whole pie. And you can order a calzone. They offer various dairy-free sauces, vegan ricotta, Daiya cheese alternative, various vegetable toppings, and some vegan faux meats.
• Urban Pops ⭐️ – They make a range of indulgent pops, like Butterfinger with peanut butter gelato and homemade Butterfinger candy bits and Ferrero Rocher with hazelnut gelato and dark chocolate drizzle. But despite the names, they’re all kosher parve and dairy-free. Most varieties are vegan, too.
• Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – This popular local ice cream chain has a whole line of dairy-free and vegan ice creams. In fact, they sell their cashew-coconut milk pints and oat milk pints in stores across the U.S. And on any given day, they have a selection of dairy-free flavors in their scoop shops. They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or make you a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.
• VSPOT Restaurant ⭐️ – If you’re looking for Latin food with a vegan spin, this is your spot. It’s a casual plant-based restaurant serving a range of Caribbean and South American-inspired cuisine.

NYC – Manhattan

• &pizza – See our &pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for more details.
• abcV – The focus is sustainable, plant-based cuisine with ingredients sourced from small and family farms at this vegan spot by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. It’s located inside ABC Carpet.
• Agata & Valentina – Their second location at 1st avenue and 79th street has a strong focus on special diet needs. This market, deli, and bakery offers a big gluten-free selection, and also has an expansive line up of dairy-free and vegan products and prepared goods.
• A La Mode Shoppe ⭐️ – This is a nut-free ice creamery that also churns several dairy-free flavors. They have creamy, oat milk flavors like vanilla, chocolate, oat latte, pink sprinkle, apple pie, and rose, and a selection of fruity sorbets.
• Alimama Tea – This sweet shop serves bubble tea, milk tea, and desserts with options for gluten-free and vegan customers.
• American Girl Cafe – These cafes are located inside American Girl stores, and host lunches and parties by reservation. See our Dairy-Free Tips for American Girl Cafe.
• Anita Gelato – Though they only have four shops, they’re scattered around the world – one each in Puerto Rico, Israel, Australia, and New York. Anita has a whole vegan line up of fruity sorbets and creamy soy-based ice creams to choose from.
• AO Bowl ⭐️ – This East Village organic Japanese eatery and smoothie bar is completely dairy-free, plant-based, and paleo and keto friendly. They focus on organic, locally sourced ingredients and use a “revolutionary commercial vacuum blender which prevents ingredients in smoothies from oxidizing (and therefore preventing nutrient degradation).” They also brew their own oatmilk, grown ther own microgreens and sprouts, and make nitrogen-infused lattes. In addition to smoothies, they also offer an array of breakfast bowls and macrobiotic entrees.
• Avant Garden ⭐️ – Both their food menu and their curated selection of global natural wines are vegan. Their food menu includes cold dishes, toasts, and a simple menu of plant-forward hot dishes.
• Bagels & Co – Their menus are far from dairy-free. But this kosher shop does offer ample dairy-free bagels daily, a few flavors of tofu “cream cheese,” and other spreads, like peanut butter, baba ganoush, and more.
• Baked by Melissa – This bakery has locations dotted around the city, all selling their indulgent, two-bite cupcakes. They offer several vegan flavors, which include Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Vanilla Chip, Triple Chocolate Chip, Cookie Dough, and Superfood. They also ship nationwide.
• Beatnic ⭐️ – Formerly known as by Chloe, this plant-based restaurant chain serves a healthy vegan array of burgers, sandwiches, salads, pastas, and smoothies, with pancakes on the weekend. They’re open for lunch, dinner, and dessert, which includes house-made ice cream (also sold by the pint), cookies, cupcakes, and other pastries.
• Ben’s Deli – They boldly state, “We are a kosher meat restaurant. We have no dairy on  premises.” They’re also friendly to gluten-free and vegan guests (they have a plant-based menu). But dairy-free customers can order from anything on their expansive menu. Their sandwich menu is huge (deli-style, stuffed, paninis, etc), and they also have burgers, hot meals, omelettes, and more.
• Beyond Sushi ⭐️ – This in all-vegan “sushi and more” spot – they also have dumplings and small plates.
• Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer (The Venetian) – They offer vegan classic milkshakes and crazy cakeshakes! The savory menu also includes vegan burgers and sandwiches, and additional menu items can be custom ordered without dairy.
• Blossom Restaurant ⭐️ – They now have two Manhattan locations, one in Chelsea and one on the Upper West Side. Both serve modern vegan cuisine for lunch and dinner with an eclectic range of casual dishes. They also offer dessert, cocktails, and a full vegan wine list.
• Bluestone Lane – This Australian-style cafe chain does a great job in labeling top allergens, and they offer a small selection of dairy-free sandwich and bowl options on their menu, along with a couple vegan items. Their full coffee bar has oat milk and almond milk options, and they sometimes have dairy-free specialty drink promotions.
• Boba Guys – This artisan bubble tea and coffee shop chain has ample dairy-free and vegan options, and three locations in NYC. See our Boba Guys Dairy-Free Guide for more details.
• Bo’s Bagels – To top your dairy-free bagels, they have tofu cream cheese, peanut butter, jelly, and hummus. They also have a big menu of hot and cold bagel sandwiches.
• Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company – Obviously they have a big selection of bagels, but they also offer non-dairy tofu schmears. They also make bagel sandwiches and salads, and have dairy-free milk beverage for vegan coffee and tea drinks.
• By the Way Bakery ⭐️ – This is an old-fashioned bakery where everything is made by hand, from scratch, in small batches. And, by the way, all of their baked goods are gluten-free and dairy-free. They’re also certified kosher. They serve a daily array of pastries, and specialize in custom order cakes for weddings and other occasions. They have two locations in NYC.
• Caravan Of Dreams ⭐️ – This cozy, laid back, vegan restaurant serves a large menu of cooked and raw dishes and often hosts local musicians.
• Carmine’s ⭐️ –  It’s easy to enjoy family-style Italian food at this boisterous restaurant. They offer a dairy and egg allergy menu, which includes all of the menu items they can make without dairy and eggs on request – and it’s extensive! It includes many pastas, steaks, seafood, and sides.
• Casse Cou ⭐️ – This vegan chocolate shop is a collaboration between Matthew Kenney Cuisine and Sebastian Brecht. Everything they create is dairy-free, and made with high quality ingredients. This is a high end boutique with prices to match.
• Cha Cha Matcha – Skip the soft serve, it contains dairy, but they have plenty of vegan lattes, chia pudding, and other snacks to keep you interested. They also sell packaged dairy-free matcha lattes.
• Chloe’s NYC ⭐️ – Chloe’s soft serve fruit is dairy-free, vegan, certified gluten-free, certified kosher pareve, and made with just fruit, water, and cane sugar. They swirl several classic flavors and some seasonal varieties, which you can order in a cup, pretzel, or waffle cone (not gluten free), or as a sundae with toppings. They also offer pops, chocolate-dipped pops, dairy-free smoothies, bowls, and vegan waffles!
• Citizens Of Soho ⭐️ – This Aussie-themed cafe serves breakfast & lunch with a clearly labeled menu for dairy-free, gluten-free, and other special diet guests. Their dairy-free options include porridge, egg breakfasts, toasts, , bowls, and burgers. They also have a full coffee bar.
• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Converso Kosher Mexican ⭐️ – This dairy-free Mexican kitchen is run by Hummus Kitchen (at their 2nd avenue location), and offers pick-up and delivery only. They don’t have a physical dining restaurant. Their menu includes innovative tacos, burritos, and enchiladas with cashew crema. The options include chicken, fish, beef, bean, and vegan chorizo, and they do have gluten-free menu items available.
• Crisp & Green – You can enjoy their full menu of smoothies and acai bowls, and they offer a great allergen menu to help you custom order their savory bowls. They also cater to vegan and gluten-free guests, and even have some dairy-free grab ‘n go dessert treats.
• Delice & Sarrasin ⭐️ – Crepes, croissants, creme brulee? It’s all on-limits at this 100% vegan French restaurant. They also serve a full dinner of classics (with a plant-based spin), from Boeuf Bourguignon to Coq au Vin.
• Dos Toros Taqueria ⭐️ – This special diet friendly build-your-own burrito, bowl, salad, or tacos shop has locations dotted all over NYC. They offer vegan and gluten-free tips, have a full allergen chart, and have an abundance of options for all needs. As for dairy-free, all but the cheese, sour cream, and the occasional sauce or dressing is made without dairy.
• Double Zero ⭐️ – Like all Matthew Kenney creations, this restaurant is plant-based. Their menu centers around pizza cooked in a custom built wood burning oven. But they also serve small plates, including house tree-nut cheeses and vegan desserts.
• Eleven Madison Park ⭐️ – With a Michelin star under it’s belt, this upscale restaurant has decided to take on veganism. Their menu, which is known for being heavy in dairy and meat, is flipping to be completely plant-based and dairy-free, with the exception of milk and honey for tea.
• Emack & Bolio’s – This Boston-based ice creamery churns a handful of vegan flavors made with coconut milk. They include Cappucino Fudge Swirl, Chocolate Pudding, Mint Chocolate Freckle, Raspberry Chocolate Krispy Rice, Goa Mango, and Toasted Coconut. They also offer dairy-free sorbets.
• Erin McKenna’s Bakery ⭐️ – It’s hard to resist the flagship location of this sweet dairy-free bakery. It’s completely vegan and gluten-free, and they don’t use any soy. Their daily menu includes a pretty selection of cupcakes, muffins, donuts, cookies, crumb cakes, and more. They also swirl dairy-free soft serve. And yes, they take custom cake orders!
• Ess-a-Bagel – They call it “tofu spread,” but for all intents and purposes, this bagelry churns out several dairy-free cream cheese flavors. They include plain, herb, lox, and more. At last count, they had eight flavors to accompany one of their many vegan bagels. In fact, all of their bagel varieties are dairy-, egg-, and nut-free!
• Fairway Market – Michelle let us know this local area market has a great selection of dairy alternatives and vegan and gluten-free brands.
• Georgetown Cupcake – Their is a lot of dairy at this cupcakery, but they offer Vegan Apple Cinnamon or Carrot Cupcakes with dairy-free cream cheese frosting, depending on the day of the week.
• Gotham Burger Social Club – This NYC burger pop-up is putting down roots in Manhattan, and they’ve teamed up with Violife to offer dairy-free options on their menu. Vegan burgers are also available.
• Hale and Hearty ⭐️ – Their healthy menus are labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. The dairy-free options include numerous soups, sandwiches, and salads.
• HipCityVeg ⭐️ – This vegan fast food chain from Philly has one location in this town. Their menu includes burgers, sandwiches, golden nuggets, salads, sweet potato fries, and a full breakfast menu. They also offer smoothies, banana whip, and dairy-free milkshakes.
• Holy Schnitzel ⭐️ – This is a kosher glatt chain, so their entire menu is dairy-free. And it’s a very big menu, with all types of starters, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and sides.
• Hummus & Pita Co ⭐️ – Almost all of their Mediterranean menu is, or can be ordered, dairy-free, and they have several impressive vegan options on the menu. Plus, they offer “Chickpea Chillers” – dairy-free and vegan milkshakes made with chickpeas! They’re indulgent but high protein.
• Hummus Kitchen ⭐️ – This kosher restaurant is completely dairy-free, and has many vegan and gluten-free options clearly labeled on the menu. They serve dishes like kebabs, falafel, and shawarma, but hummus is at the center of their menu. They have a couple locations in the city.
• 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.
• Intelligentsia – This U.S. coffee chain offers oat milk and almond milk, and usually has a specialty dairy-free drink right on the menu. They also typically have a couple vegan pastry options (not guaranteed, but most locations have a rotating selection) and some vegan pre-packaged food options.
• JaJaJa Plantas Mexicana ⭐️ – Street tacos, bowls, tamales, quesadillas, and endless bottles of tequila – this vegan Mexican restaurant has it all. Their menu is also labeled for gluten-free and items containing nuts.
• Jerrell’s BETR BRGR ⭐️ – This late night vegan burger joint serves a short but effecient menu of veggie burgers, chili, fries, and oatmilk shakes.
• John’s of 12th Street – This is a historic spot that’s been serving traditional “gravy and red-sauce Italian food” since 1908. But they also have a full vegan menu with stuffed mushrooms, caesar salad, garlic bread, pizza, parmigiana, alfredo, raviolis, and honestly, I could go on. They also serve several vegan desserts, including tiramisu and cannoli. For “just dairy-free” customers who would like meat or seafood, some of their traditional menu items can be made dairy-free.
• Juice Press ⭐️ – This purely plant-based and dairy-free juice chain blends healthy smoothies and protein shakes with almond milk, offers blue magic and acai bowls, and sells several vegan grab-and-go snacks.
• Katz’s Delicatessen – This small Lower East Side deli has been run by the Katz family for over 100 years. It’s a bustling shop with big portions that has become a part of New York’s culture and history. Although it isn’t strictly kosher, this deli has been recommended by several of our readers for an abundance of simple, dairy-free options. They slow cure their own deli meats (no lactic acid starter cultures or other dairy ingredients additives), and pile them on sandwiches sans cheese. Their large menu also includes salads, hot dogs, omelets, and soups. Many of their items are already dairy-free or can easily be made so.
• La Colombe – This coffee chain is known for their oatmilk draft lattes, which they also offer on tap. They also usually have some dairy-free baked goodies (some vegan, some with eggs), like quick bread slices and cookies, and biscotti. The options can vary by location, so ask for allergen information at the shop.
• Läderach – These Swiss chocolate shops now offer a full dairy-free and vegan line with various dark and cashewmilk chocolate options. The decadent collection includes bars, all types of barks, and some other confections.
• Lagusta’s Luscious Cafe ⭐️ – This all-vegan shop is famous for their truffles and chocolates (which they ship throughout the U.S. This location also serves handmade drinks and Sweet Maresa’s pastries.
• Lazy Sundaes – This bubble tea and dessert shop makes sundaes with their house oat milk-based snow, and offers oat milk for their boba teas. Their topping, flavor, and “boba” options for dairy-free guests and vegans are plentiful.
• Le Botaniste ⭐️ – This vegan and gluten-free spot is also heavily raw. They use a range of international flavors in their bowls and small plates, and also serve dessert. They have several locations in Manhattan and Belgium.
• Le Pain Quotidien – This Belgian bake shop has a plethora of dairy-free fresh baked breads, sandwiches, soups, and breakfast bowls (think oats, chia, and granola options). Almond, coconut, and oat milks are available or coffee drinks and tea lattes. And they often a dairy-free pastry or two – ask at your location.
• Leo’s Bagels – At last check, all of their bagels were dairy free, and they offer a selection of tofu cream cheeses, tofu spreads, hummus, peanut butter, and jelly. They also make bagel sandwiches with a big range of smoked fish and kosher meats.
• Levain Bakery – They bake fresh dairy-free breads, but also offer big, thick, vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip walnut cookies on their daily menu.
• Liberty Bagels – They offer a dizzying selection of bagels and bagel sandwich toppings, including dairy-free tofu cream cheese.
• Little Beet – This is a local New York chain with one location in Garden City on Long Island. They have a fast casual build-your-own bowl style for lunch and dinner. The menu is gluten-free, and they clearly label for vegan, vegetarian, and top allergens. Most of their menu items and components are dairy free, including all of their grains, proteins, and sauces, at last check.
• Little Cupcake Bakeshop – They bake a few flavors of vegan cookies, gluten-free vegan chocolate cupcakes, gluten-free vegan muffins, and vegan cookies and cream layer cake.
• Loco Coco ⭐️ – This plant-based, dairy-free superfood shop blends a healthy array of smoothies and smoothie bowls, and also offers nutritious soft serve.
• Luanne’s Wild Ginger ⭐️ – They have a few locations in Brooklyn and one in NYC, each serving a completely vegan menu of Asian cuisine. The cuisine spans many countries, but has a healthy, macrobiotic focus.
• 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.
• Más Veggies Vegan Taqueria ⭐️ – This all-vegan taco chain offers tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos, and taco salads with a modern plant-based spin. They’re available at Veggie Grill locations.
• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes – This expanding franchise makes dairy-free burgers with a range of protein, bun, sauce, and topping options. They have a detailed allergen chart to help you order. They also offer vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options.
• Mora Pizza ⭐️ – This local pizzeria is completely vegan, and offers all types of classic and crazy slices. They also use a unique dairy-free cheese alternative, Pleese. It’s located inside the Vegan on the Fly restaurant.
• Morgenstern’s Bananas ⭐️ – This dairy-free soft serve shop swirls various flavors made from bananas. They offer coconut vanilla, caramel, chocolate, yuzu, and more. If vegan, be sure to ask as they do have some items made with honey and other non-vegan ingredients.
• Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream – This local parlor offers a creamy vegan ice cream flavor or two, along with house sorbets.
• Murray’s Bagels – At last check, all of their bagels were dairy free, and they offer a selection of tofu cream cheeses, tofu spreads, hummus, peanut butter, and jelly. Bagel sandwiches and custom order salads can also be ordered.
• Orchard Grocer ⭐️ – This is an all-vegan deli and small grocer that serves sandwiches, dairy-free milkshakes, and local baked goods. Their groceries include specialty items.
• Peacefood Cafe ⭐️ – You can find this vegan bakery and cafe uptown or downtown – they have two locations. Their lunch and dinner menu includes an array of raw and cooked dishes, they also blend juices and smoothies, and they have a wonderful array of pastries. Their sweets include cookies, cookie sandwiches, pies, cakes, quick breads, cheesecakes, and more. They also have gluten-free options.
• Pick A Bagel – They offer a few dairy-free tofu cream cheese alternative spread and have an expansive bagel sandwich menu along with hot items that can be ordered dairy free.
• Planta Queen ⭐️ – This upscale Asian restaurant is completely vegan. Their home base is Toronto, where they have a smattering of locations run by Chef David Lee, but they also have additional locations in the U.S.
• Plantega ⭐️ – This plant-based deli has locations at bodegas around the city. They offer burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, and burritos.
• PLNT Burger ⭐️ – This quick serve vegan burger joint offers a selection of burgers, hot dogs, and fries, along with dairy-free soft serve, oatmilk shakes, and cookies for dessert.
• Pokeworks – All of their signature poke bowls, and pretty much all of their menu is dairy-free, including the Dole Whip for dessert! They offer raw, cooked, and vegan proteins.
• Pressed Juicery ⭐️ – The menu at this juice shop is dairy-free, and includes a range of smoothies, bowls, and healthy soft serve with toppings. They have several locations around Manhattan.
• Proper Food – Thank you to Amelia for letting us know they offer “to go meals for lunch and breakfast with gf & df options. They happily check their allergen list to help guests make choices.” They offer quick breakfasts, salads, hot plates, vegan wraps, and more, and have locations throughout the city.
• Quantum Leap – This vegetarian restaurant has two locations – one in Greenwich Village and one on the Upper East Side. They serve an array of American, Asian, and Mexican inspired dishes, with many vegan options. They also serve brunch with vegan pancakes (gluten-free option) and special treats like vegan shakes.
• Reserve Cut ⭐️ – This high-end steakhouse is kosher Glatt, which means milk and meat cannot be mixed. Consequently, their whole menu is dairy-free. And it’s a big one. They focus on French-Asian cuisine, but offer a range of sushi, seafood dishes, and of course, steaks. They also offer a decadent dairy-free dessert menu.
• Risotteria Melotti NYC – According to the staff at this authentic Italian eatery, “We can make all our dishes dairy free, for the risottos we use dairy only to do the “mantecatura” at the end.” Yes, that means an array of dairy-free risottos, and even a couple vegan options. This is also a great find for gluten-free diners.
• Riverdel Vegan Cheese ⭐️ – They closed their Brooklyn shop, but this “vegan cheese monger” can still be found in the Essex Street Market in Manhattan. They sell a wide variety of dairy-free cheeses, including some house-made selections, along with dairy-free yogurts and nut milks. They also serve a range of lunch sandwiches, made with local vegan charcuterie, and a big selection of condiments.
• Springbone Kitchen ⭐️ – This casual eatery focuses on nourishing meals made with organic fruits, vegetables, and grass-fed free range meats, Their whole menu is gluten-free, heavily paleo, and mostly dairy-free. The few items with dairy are clearly labeled. They serve lunch, dinner, and late breakfast all day, but the real feature is their expansive broth menu. It includes a variety of bone broths and vegan broths.  All are available as drinking broths or can be beefed up with your choice of add ins for a comforting soup.
• Sutra ⭐️ – This is a healthy, plant-based, Matthew Kenney restaurant that’s sensitive to special diet needs (their vegan menu is also labeled for gluten-, nut-, and soy-free guests). It’s a fitting theme for their location on the rooftop of the Alo Yoga building.
• Sweetcatch Poke ⭐️ – They have a smattering of locations around the city to please dairy-free and gluten-free fish fans (though they also offer chicken and tofu). Their menu includes clear dietary labels, and at last check, everything was dairy free!
• Sweet Vegan Chocolates ⭐️ – They don’t have a storefront, but you can order and pick up their chocolates and truffles curbside. They also hand deliver throughout NYC and ship.
• Ted’s Montana Grill – Founded by media mogul and rancher Ted Turner, this American chain serves a meat-heavy menu with lots of dairy-free options. See our Dairy-Free Guide for Ted’s Montana Grill for more details.
• Tatsu Ramen ⭐️ – Yes, ramen houses often use dairy, but this one is transparent. They label their menu for top allergens and also list which options can be special ordered dairy free. At last check, their dairy-free options included some ramens, their couple of rice dishes, and pork buns.
• The Butcher’s Daughter ⭐️ – The menus at this “vegetable slaughterhouse” are all-vegetarian, filled with vegan and gluten-free options, and clearly labeled for dairy, nuts, and soy. Their food includes a nice selection of small plates and large plates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And they also have dairy-free desserts. For sipping, they serve serve cold-pressed juices, dairy-free wellness lattes, dairy-free smoothies, cocktails, mocktails, craft brews, and more. They have two locations in NYC and one in Brooklyn.
• The Commons Chelsea – This popular coffee shop offers almond milk and oat milk for their beverages. But they are most known (by the dairy-free community) for their vegan hot cocoa, which is made with organic, single origin, fair trade cocoa from Portland’s Holy Kakow. They have a petite food menu with just a couple of dairy-free options.
• The Organic Grill ⭐️ – This healthy Manhattan cafe serves vegan burgers, sandwiches, bowls, and breakfast all day. Their menu is heavy on vegetables, and includes some surprises, like house made spirulina “blue cheese.” Gluten-free and items containing soy are clearly labeled. They also serve a selection of raw dairy-free cakes and cheesecakes.
• The Wesley ⭐️ – This fine, vegan-forward restaurant pairs a mostly plant-based menu with a few meat and seafood offerings. Their menu is almost completely dairy free.
• Tipsy Scoop – This adults-only ice cream barlour churns boozy ice cream in some rather unique flavors. They always have a selection of dairy-free and vegan sorbets, and also have the occasional creamy variety, along with some creative toppings. You can visit one of their shops, or get pints (and toppings) delivered to your home. The deliver locally and ship.
• Tompkins Square Bagels – They hand roll, kettle boil, and oven bake their bagels right on the premises of their two locations daily. The dairy-free selection is unsurpassed, and the staff quite helpful, as the owner is vegan. To top the bagels, they have several nut butters, fruit butters, and tofu cream cheese spread in an assortment of flavors! They also serve many breakfast, lunch, and specialty sandwiches that are either dairy-free or can be ordered without dairy. For dessert, they bake up a whole selection of vegan cookies!
• Two Boots Pizza – They typically have one vegan pizza available by the slice, but they have a total of nine vegan pizzas that you can order by the whole pie. And you can order a calzone. They offer various dairy-free sauces, vegan ricotta, Daiya cheese alternative, various vegetable toppings, and some vegan faux meats.
• Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – If you’re in NYC, then you probably aren’t far from one of these ice cream shops. They have locations around the city, and each one scoops a selection of their dairy-free flavors (made with cashew and coconut milk or oat milk). They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or make you a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.
• Vegan on the Fly ⭐️ – Their casual menu includes faux meat sandwiches, burgers, and chicken. They also specialize in gyros and other Mediterranean-style eats. Grab-and-go desserts, like cookies and cake jars, are also available.
• Veggie Grill ⭐️ – This vegan fast-casual restaurant chain serves burgers, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and plant-based variations on popular dishes. Their selection ranges from fresh and healthy to comfort food. They also have a menu of desserts.
• VSPOT Express ⭐️ – This is a fast casual outpost of their Brooklyn restaurant. The menu is completely vegan, and includes a range of empanadas, papas fritas, and other Latin-inspired dishes.
• Wattle Cafe – This unique healthy spot has a great selection of dairy-free options, with wattle bites, dairy-free and vegan waffles, acai bowls, and other cafe eats.
• Whipped Urban Dessert Lab ⭐️ – This is a dairy-free ice cream shop that blends their oat milk ice cream bases with natural sauces and dips them in coatings.
• Zazzy’s Pizza – They offer a plant-based menu with house-made mozzarella sticks, calamari, and more. You can also order various dairy-free pizzas with their vegan cheese, and they have a vegan gluten-free crust available.

NYC – Queens

• Aaron’s Gourmet Emporium – This is a glatt kosher meat market, so their meat products and dishes are dairy-free. They have many other foods available, too.
• Ben’s Deli – They boldly state, “We are a kosher meat restaurant. We have no dairy on  premises.” They’re also friendly to gluten-free and vegan guests (they have a plant-based menu). But dairy-free customers can order from anything on their expansive menu. Their sandwich menu is huge (deli-style, stuffed, paninis, etc), and they also have burgers, hot meals, omelettes, and more.
• Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company – Obviously they have a big selection of bagels, but they also offer non-dairy tofu schmears. They also make bagel sandwiches and salads, and have dairy-free milk beverage for vegan coffee and tea drinks.
• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Gossip Coffee ⭐️ – This gathering spot serves all types of drinks, and has breakfast and lunch menus that are labeled with dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options. They have a handful of items that are dairy-free as is.
• HipCityVeg ⭐️ – This vegan fast food chain from Philly has one location in this town. Their menu includes burgers, sandwiches, golden nuggets, salads, sweet potato fries, and a full breakfast menu. They also offer smoothies, banana whip, and dairy-free milkshakes.
• Holy Schnitzel ⭐️ – This is a kosher glatt chain, so their entire menu is dairy-free. And it’s a very big menu, with all types of starters, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and sides.
• Liberty Bagels – They offer a dizzying selection of bagels and bagel sandwich toppings, including dairy-free tofu cream cheese.
• No5 – They have a HUGE vegan menu (it rivals the impressive size of their non-vegan menu) and can make many additional dairy-free items. Their selection includes tartines, pastas, salads, ravioli, burgers, dessert, and more.
• Pizza Twist – They have an extensive vegan pizza menu with dairy-free cheese, all types of sauces, and a plethora of dairy-free toppings. Almost any pizza on their menu can be ordered without dairy.
• Plantega ⭐️ – This plant-based deli has locations at bodegas around the city. They offer burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, and burritos.
• Pokeworks – All of their signature poke bowls, and pretty much all of their menu is dairy-free, including the Dole Whip for dessert! They offer raw, cooked, and vegan proteins.
• Sensible Edibles Bakery ⭐️ – This is a vegan and gluten-free bakery that’s well known for cookies, bundt cakes, sweet loaves, bars, cakes, and more. You might spot their goodies at some other places in the area.
• Tea and Milk – These creamy tea experts offer all types of milk teas, tea lattes, bubble teas, and more. They offer Oatly Oat Milk, Califia Almond Milk, and Pacific Soy Milk (for an extra charge on some drinks) and even have vegan house horchata. Banh mi sandwiches are also available.
• Tipsy Scoop – This adults-only ice cream barlour churns boozy ice cream in some rather unique flavors. They always have a selection of dairy-free and vegan sorbets, and also have the occasional creamy variety, along with some creative toppings. You can visit one of their shops, or get pints (and toppings) delivered to your home. The deliver locally and ship.

NYC – Staten Island

• Bario’s – This local pizzeria offers a full vegan menu on the side, with pizzas, appetizers (mozzarella sticks!), pastas, wraps, and more. They offer Violife vegan cheese, and can make most of their pizzas dairy-free with a cheese swap.
• Bloom Cafe – Most of their cafe menu is vegan, including favorites like veggie scrambles, yogurt parfaits, and stuffed French toast. On the coffee-house side, most drinks (including specialty lattes) can be made dairy-free with oat, soy, or rice milk, but there is a surcharge.
• Cinnaholic – This is a vegan cinnamon roll bakery chain. See our Cinnaholic Post for full details.
• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Emack & Bolio’s – This Boston-based ice creamery churns a handful of vegan flavors made with coconut milk. They include Cappucino Fudge Swirl, Chocolate Pudding, Mint Chocolate Freckle, Raspberry Chocolate Krispy Rice, Goa Mango, and Toasted Coconut. They also offer dairy-free sorbets.
• Holy Schnitzel ⭐️ – This is a kosher glatt chain, so their entire menu is dairy-free. And it’s a very big menu, with all types of starters, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and sides.
• 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.
• Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – This popular localized ice cream chain sells their pints in grocery stores, but they also have scoop shops. They churn both classic dairy ice cream and a huge array of dairy-free flavors, which are made with cashew and coconut milk or oat milk. They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or craft a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.

NYC – The Bronx

• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Freckles Juice Bar – Healthy eats, juices, smoothies, and acai bowls are on order at this local shop. Most of their smoothies are made with fresh fruits, superfoods, and almond milk or coconut water, and most of their food can be made dairy-free on request. Vegan items are clearly labeled.
• Kai Fan⭐️ – Yes, Asian restaurants tend to have lots of dairy-free options, but few are completely dairy-free. This restaurant is kosher, so meat and milk cannot be mixed. They offer a huge Chinese food menu and a full sushi menu, complete with Philadelphia rolls with Tofutti cream cheese.
• La Masa – This Columbian restaurant has all the classics, including empanadas, arepas, patacones, and hamburguesas. They offer vegan menu items in each food category, naturally dairy-free dishes, and some dishes can be made dairy-free with vegan cheese.
• Peachwave – If you’re craving something cool and creamy, pop into this froyo chain for some dairy-free Dole Whip or sorbet soft serve! They usually have a few flavors each day.
• Pizza Studio – They have a vegan pizza, complete with vegan “cheese” and “sausage.” Many other pizzas can be ordered dairy-fee with a cheese swap. They also have build your own salads.
• Plantega ⭐️ – This plant-based deli has locations at bodegas around the city. They offer burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, and burritos.
• Yankee Stadium – Of course, dairy-free hot dogs can be found, but this stadium also offers Oatly oat soft serve ice cream, vegan burgers and brats, vegan churros, and they have Bareburger on site – a good spot for dairy-free options.

North Salem

• The Market at Union Hall – This specialty grocer sells all types of popular and local dairy-free foods. They also have some freshly made vegan eats available.

North Tonawanda

• Little Black Heart Coffee ⭐️ – Located just across the street from the vegan grocery store is this vegan espresso bar. They serve all types of dairy-free lattes, hot chocolate, and more.
• The Vegan Grocery Store ⭐️ – Just as the name implies, this is an all-vegan grocery store. They stock pantry, refrigerated, and frozen items with various dairy alternative brands.

Orchard Park

• Route 20 Ice Cream – They offer vegan oat milk soft serve (by Rich’s), vegan temptation soft serve, and dairy-free Dole Whip. They also blend vegan shakes with oat milk, build sundaes, and more.

Painted Post

• Beartown Peaches ‘n Cream – They offer a flavor of dairy-free Dole Whip at this seasonal ice cream stand daily.

Peekskill

• Homestyle Desserts – This bakery and creamery now offers dairy-fee oatmilk soft serve in two flavors that can be swirled together. On the bakery side, they also have dairy-free options like vegan baklava and strudel.

Penn Yan

• Spotted Duck Creamery – This frozen custard shop rotates their flavors, but they usually offer at least a couple dairy-free options. We spotted candied coconut and fudgie wudgie in their seasonal flavors. They are open seasonally.

Pittsford

• So Belly Happy – You can find this nut-free baker at the Pittsford MRKT. They offer gluten-free vegan macaroons and brownies.

Plainview

• ZuckerBakers Bake Shop ⭐️ – This is a dairy-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, sesame-free, kosher pareve bakery. They whip up challah breads, rye bread, onion rolls, cupcakes, cookies, pastries, and more daily. They are also well known for their chocolate meltaway cakes and custom birthday cakes, which are all hand drawn.

Port Chester

• Bartaco – Their allergen menu is so detailed, that it states exactly what in the item contains the allergen. And their dairy-free options are abundant. Most of their tacos, rice bowls, other entrees, and sides are, or can be ordered, dairy-free. But the dessert and kids menus are heavy in dairy.

Port Jefferson

• Tiger Lily Cafe – This alternative eatery is a funky place for food, art, and music. They have vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus with several vegan and dairy-free options. They also have a full juice bar with fresh-squeezed juices, dairy-free soy smoothies and soy protein shakes. And you can get a coffee drink or frappe made with rice milk or soy milk.

Queensbury

• Martha’s Dandee Creme – They swirl two flavors of dairy-free Dole Whip soft serve daily.

Rochester

• Balsam Bagels – They offer a range of dairy-free bagels, along with several flavors of vegan cream cheese alternative. They even have a full vegan menu, complete with breakfast sandwiches, bagel dogs, and more.
• Biscotti Brewers – Everything is gluten-free at this commissary bakery. But they also bake some dairy-free and vegan treats daily, and are quite aware when labeling. In addition to sweets, they also bake breads and bagels, offer Mexican meals.
• Create-A-Pizza – This local spot was recommended by Colleen. “They have a wood-fired oven and the calzones fly out of the door. They use a dairy free oil blend for the tops and have multiple types of dairy free cheeses.” They also have vegan alternatives and are friendly toward gluten-free guests.
• Get Caked Bakery ⭐️ – This little bakery showcases cupcakes, but they offer an array of sweet treats, with many options for special diets. They have pastries that are naturally vegan, bake vegan and vegan/gluten-free cookies, and can make any of their cupcakes and cookie sammies dairy-free, egg-free, vegan, and/or gluten-free.
• Hollycake House ⭐️ – This all-vegan bakery covers sweets and savories. They have cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and other pastries, and do bake cakes on order. They also have a bread-centric breakfast and lunch menu (toast, paninis, other sandwiches), along with a full salad bar. And yes, they bake croissants!
• 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.
• Laughing Gull Chocolates – They offer a nice selection of vegan chocolates, including various types of chocolate bark, chocolate truffles, and “fluffies” filled with vegan marshmallow cream.
• Original Grain ⭐️ – Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options are labeled at this healthy cafe. Their dairy-free choices include some toasts, green bowls, grain bowls, noodle bowls, and pitas. Their sandwiches can be custom ordered without dairy. But be warned that all of their smoothies and smoothie bowls are made with a yogurt base. You can probably request a substitution, since they do use dairy-free milk beverage.
• Malek’s Brighton Bakery – They label “Non-Dairy” items, which include danishes, turnovers, kuchens, cookies, and much more. They also have pre-made cakes available daily, and also take custom orders.
• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
• Taste of Supreme ⭐️ – You can find their vegan and gluten-free goodies at their own public market location, and at restaurants and retailers in the area. They bake cakes, pies, cookies, muffins, and more.
• The Chai Guy – Their perfectly spiced coffee and tea drinks can be ordered dairy-free with almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk. They also offer many dairy-free baked goods including Salty Bread, vegan muffins, and vegan and gluten-free cookies.
• The Red Fern ⭐️ – Almost anyone can find something at this casual vegan eatery. They have a big menu of snacks, salads, sandwiches, and plates. For sips they offer juices, smoothies, coffee drinks, kombucha, and more. They also have a full bakery on site and dairy-free ice cream for dessert a la mode. And to make special diet lives easier, they offer menus for gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, oil-free, garlic-free, and onion-free! Their bakery accepts special orders, including cakes, pastry trays, and gluten-free breads.

Rye

• Elevation Burger – This progressive fast food chain caters to all types of special diets, with a few plant-based and paleo burger options on their menu. Almost all of their burgers and sandwiches can be ordered without dairy, they offer dairy-free cheese alternative, and at last check, their chicken tenders were even dairy-free. Plus, they offer vegan milkshakes made with oatmilk ice cream and almond milk.
• Green & Tonic ⭐️ – They proudly proclaim to be dairy-free and plant-based, with many gluten-free options. Their menu is heavy with acai bowls and superfood smoothies, but they also offer many savory, like salads, wraps, tartines, and soups. This is a mostly vegan spot, but honey and collagen are offered.
• Le Pain Quotidien – This Belgian bake shop has a plethora of dairy-free fresh baked breads, sandwiches, soups, and breakfast bowls (think oats, chia, and granola options). Almond, coconut, and oat milks are available or coffee drinks and tea lattes. And they often a dairy-free pastry or two – ask at your location.

Saugerties

• Love Bites Cafe – This local eatery touts “food 4 everyone.” They have limited hours – last we checked, it was brunch and lunch 4 days a week – but have a unique and varied menu with a few solid vegan entrees. They are also reportedly friendly to dairy allergies, and can make other menu options without milk.

Scarsdale

• Green’s Natural Foods (formerly Dean’s) – This is a popular natural and organic, full-service grocery store for special diet customers. Not only do they carry a plethora of vegan and allergy-friendly brands, they also have a full sandwich deli with an impressive vegan menu (vegan cheeses, cashew cream, and a build-your-own vegan burger or brat options) and many additional sandwiches can be ordered dairy free. They also have a superfood juice and smoothie bar that’s mostly dairy free (whey protein is offered as a dairy option).

Schenectady

• Tara Kitchen ⭐️ – The menu is clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and vegan guests at this Moroccan restaurant. And at last check, only a few of their dishes (on a very big menu) contained dairy. They offer a good selection of vegetable, seafood, chicken, and lamb dishes.

Syracuse

• Alto Cinco – Their menu is filled with vegan options, including nachos, tacos, and enchiladas. Many additional menu items are, or can be ordered, dairy free. They offer creamy house specialties like vegan queso and vegan crema.
• Farm Girl Juicery – Most of their smoothies are dairy-free, and they offer dairy-free soups, juices, and switchel.
• Fifi’s Ice Cream – They carry Perry’s Ice Cream, which includes several of their dairy-free oatmilk ice cream flavors. They also offer some dairy-free soft serve and sorbets, and can make you a vegan milkshake, float, flurry, sundae, or slushy.
• Funk ‘n Waffles – They serve a range of waffles, including vegan waffles. Their banana bread and falafel batters are also dairy-free. And they offer dairy-free cheese, so several menu items can be ordered without dairy.
• 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.
• LODED – They offer a separate vegan menu with vegan smash burgers, mac and cheeses (yes, multiple!), and loaded fries. Many more menu items can be ordered dairy free, since they vegan cheeses and sauces.
• 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.
• Mello Velo Bicycle Shop & Cafe – Their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are labeled with several vegan options, and some additional sandwiches, burgers, and entrees can be ordered without dairy.
• Natur-Tyme – This is a local, full-service health and natural food store recommended by Kim for dairy-free needs. They carry many local brands, plus gluten-free and vegan products. They typically have a cafe with dairy-free deli options, smoothies, milkshakes, and more, but at the time of our review, it was temporarily closed.
• Original Grain ⭐️ – Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options are labeled at this healthy cafe. Their dairy-free choices include some toasts, green bowls, grain bowls, noodle bowls, and pitas. Their sandwiches can be custom ordered without dairy. But be warned that all of their smoothies and smoothie bowls are made with a yogurt base. You can probably request a substitution, since they do use dairy-free milk beverage.
• Our Vegan Corner – This comfort food restaurant specializes in soul food, with vegan fried chicken, ribs, and sandwiches featured on their menu.
• Pastabilities – Skip Olive Garden, and head to this local Italian restaurant instead. They offer several vegan pasta options, with vegan vodka cream, pesto, and house tomato sauces and “meatballs.” They serve other protein options to help you build your own dairy-free pasta or salad. And they have their own bakery on-site, with dairy-free breads available.
• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
• Razzle Dazzle: Our Vegan Corner ⭐️ – Their all-vegan, Southern-style menu is filled with comfort foods, like ribs, fried chick’n, nachos, mac and cheese, and much more. They also swirl vegan soft serve ice cream and scoop gelati.
• Strong Hearts ⭐️ –  This casual little vegan cafe serves a relatively big and hearty menu and a HUGE selection of dairy-free milkshakes. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a good variety of comfort cuisine, like scrambles, burgers, and even “fried chicken.”
• The Cookie Connection – This is a gluten-free bakery, and most of their goodies are, or can be baked, dairy free, too. They offer much more than cookies, and also take custom cake orders.
• The Hops Spot – You can custom order your own dairy-free burger and poutine at this casual restaurant. They offer vegan gravy, vegan cheese, and vegan sourdough and vegan-gluten-free buns for the burgers. They also serve salads with tofu, chicken, or lobster.
• The Ice Cream Stand – This simple ice cream shop offers several creamy vegan scoops in classic flavors, like chocolate, vanilla, mint chip, and cookies & cream. You can order them in a cup or a regular cone, which is vegan, with or without vegan toppings (like the sprinkles or crunch coating). They can also make a vegan ice cream cookie sandwich, float, milkshake (with oat milk), or flurry with your flavor of choice. They do sometimes offer vegan soft serve, too, depending on foot traffic to the store.
• The Sweet Praxis – This bakery offers an impressive vegan selection. They make vegan donuts, croissants, breakfast sandwiches, muffins, cookies, and more!
• XO Taco ⭐️ – They clearly label their menu for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. The menu options include several tacos, sides, and even churros for dessert!

Tonawanda

• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

Troy

• Primo Botanica ⭐️ – This local chocolatier focuses on sustainable chocolate, and at last check, everything they craft is dairy free! They make chocolate bars, truffles, and various other chocolate confections.
• Tara Kitchen ⭐️ – The menu is clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and vegan guests at this Moroccan restaurant. And at last check, only a few of their dishes (on a very big menu) contained dairy. They offer a good selection of vegetable, seafood, chicken, and lamb dishes.

Vestal

• 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.

Watkins Glen

• Green Elephants Thai Vegan Restaurant ⭐️ – Thank you to Lindsay for letting us know about this vegan restaurant. Their menu includes all the Thai food favorites, thai iced teas, and even some fresh Thai-inspired desserts.
• The Great Escape Ice Cream – In addition to sorbets, they offer creamy house-made vegan ice cream with an oat, coconut, or soy base. They typically have a few flavors daily. They are open seasonally (spring through fall).

Webster

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.

West Nyack

• 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.

White Plains

• Little Beet – This is a local New York chain with one location in Garden City on Long Island. They have a fast casual build-your-own bowl style for lunch and dinner. The menu is gluten-free, and they clearly label for vegan, vegetarian, and top allergens. Most of their menu items and components are dairy free, including all of their grains, proteins, and sauces, at last check.
• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!

Williamsville

• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

Yonkers

• Elevation Burger – This progressive fast food chain caters to all types of special diets, with a few plant-based and paleo burger options on their menu. Almost all of their burgers and sandwiches can be ordered without dairy, they offer dairy-free cheese alternative, and at last check, their chicken tenders were even dairy-free. Plus, they offer vegan milkshakes made with oatmilk ice cream and almond milk.

Yorktown Heights

• Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace – This regional supermarket has a good selection of dairy alternatives and specialty items, but are also known for their house-made goods, which can include things like vegan ravioli.

Pictured: Katz’s Delicatessen in NYC

Restaurant & Grocery Chains found throughout New York

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.

• Blaze Pizza
• Byrne Dairy – They offer Vanilla, Chocolate, and Maple Cinnamon oat milk ice cream flavors at locations throughout upstate New York. They also have wraps available to order without dairy.
• Chipotle
• CoreLife Eatery – If you love nutritious bowls, then this is a chain to hit up. They serve salad bowls, grain bowls, and bone broth and vegetable broth bowls. You can also choose from a selection of tacos. They have a few dairy-free items on the menu, but also have build-your-own bowl choices with a plethora of dairy-free ingredients.
• Stewart’s Shops (Upstate New York) – They started as ice cream shops, but now sell bakery and grocery items. They have two (at last count) vegan and non-dairy ice cream pints that they make: Mint Cookie Crumble and Chocolate Peanut Butter cup.
• Uno Pizzeria & Grill

Pictured: Blossom Restaurant in NYC

Local Dairy-Free Food & Drink Producers in New York

These dairy-free friendly companies don’t have their own retail location, but are in New York. 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!

• Amazing Grains Bread – They service upstate New York with their popular Salty Bread, Sourdoughs, and even some vegan sweets. They do use dairy in some of their products, so read the labels, and keep an eye out for the vegan items specifically.
• Elmhurst 1925 – This used to be a dairy company, but now they make pure, simple dairy-free milks and creamers in Elma, NY. They are available nationwide, but you’ll probably see them more in stores and cafes in New York.
• Goodman Gluten Free – This dedicated dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free bakery sells their goodies through local markets and regional grocery chains.

Pictured: Sensible Edibles Bakery in Queens

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!