Our summer road trip was planned because we were attending a wedding in St. Louis.
As we were planning, I started thinking of other places and people to visit.
Then we added spots in Michigan.
Then Chicago. And of course back home to Denver.
Our trip was filled with seeing people we love, and eating some amazing food.
I want to make sure that I share the places we ate at that we loved. All five were wonderful food surprises.

Lunch at Sweet Art
#1 Sweet Art in St. Louis, MO
Oh my! This place was perfect. We started with Big Momma’s Pecan Roll which was an absolute delight. The guy behind the counter who took our order was super kind and friendly. The restaurant has wonderful sayings on the walls.
For a meal I had a plate of food that include fried chikn. It was delectable. Every bite. We loved Sweet Art and wished we could have gone back for a second meal.

Detroit Vegan Soul
#2 Detroit Vegan Soul in Detroit, MI
I have loved Detroit Vegan Soul since they first opened. The experience is a little different now as it is only delivery or pickup. We picked up a meal for the family and I was concerned it may not be as good after an hour drive back to where we were staying.
It was.
The soul platter is my go-to, with the tofu catfish.
Their food is part of what makes Detroit amazing for me.
#3 Amateur Coffee in Omaha, NE
A small coffee house that is all-vegan, has wonderful staff, delish coffee (served in a jar or your own cup), and has many delish options to eat.
We both LOVE their breakfast sandwich! Oh my goodness, simply packed with flavor. We started trying them once we were well on the road and I almost turned around for two more! They also have wonderful drinks and plenty of sweet options to go with the breakfast sandwiches.
#4 Chicago Diner in Chicago, IL
An old favorite and still one of my favorite places.
Staff is great.
The cookie dough milkshake is always an automatic order for me.
We tried a new-to-us appetizer and I had the Soul Bowl. I wish I could have tried other entrees. I love being at the Chicago Diner; it always feels like home.

Mashed potato bowl
#5 The Loaded Bowl in Oklahoma City, OK
The mashed potato bowl! Holy cow! This was amazing. Too much for me as it was a heavy meal, but the flavors were spot on and I loved every bit I could eat. Plus the staff was beyond hosptitable. Not far off of I40 so convenient to pull over for a quick lunch while on our way.
I would also like to add one more spot, one that was a huge (and wonderful) surprise to us. We were visiting family in Algonquin, IL and decided we wanted to grab something to eat. Buona came up in a search. They serve Italian beef sandwiches and bowls. Well they have a vegan version of both! The person who took our order knew all about the vegan options, didn’t downplay them, and was very kind. The sandwiches were amazing. Mike absolutely loved his, and he has history with this type of food. I found myself wanting a second.
Whether you live near any of these or are also on a road trip, I highly recommend a meal or two.
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