With the booming veg scene in the Bay Area and parts of Northern California, plant-based foods are becoming everyoneâs favorite. Whether youâre a vegetarian, vegan, or a carnivore with veggie aspirations, each of these restaurants offers a unique flavor and atmosphere, all along (or not too far from) the Capitol Corridor train route.
Nectar CafĂŠ, Auburn
This healthy, organic cafĂŠ offers mostly vegan options, but has exceptional cheese add-ons. Located on Lincoln Way in Auburn, the Nectar Cafe’s menu features sprouted nut-based sauces with ready-made wraps, healthy bowls, sandwiches, and âOff the Grillâ items such as their taco plate, tempeh reuben, and more.
Getting there:
Take the Capitol Corridor to the Auburn Station, which is a short bike ride or 20 to 30-minute walk to the cafĂŠ.
Zest Kitchen, Rocklin
Formerly known as Baagan, Zest Kitchen in Rocklin offers stylized coffee substitute drinks, fresh wraps and sandwiches, as well as gluten-free options. If you prefer a hot meal, try out their signature Zest veggie burger, with a patty made from sprouted beans and veggies, along with vegan, house-made âwhite cheedarâ sauce, fresh tomatoes, and lettuce. If youâre feeling healthy and full-on veg, this place is a must.
Getting there:
Take the Capitol Corridor to the Rocklin Station, which is a short bike ride or 35-minute walk to the destination.
Andy Nguyenâs Vegetarian, Sacramento
Located in the farm-to-fork capital, Andy Nguyenâs Vegetarian Restaurant in Sacramento is well-known for their peaceful, spiritually-inspired dish names such as âDivine Realizationâ pad thai and âAwakening of Faithâ rice noodles (made with grilled tofu, shiitake mushrooms, lettuce, cucumbers, sprouts, and more!). With many vegan options available on the menu, this place is a must for veggie lovers.
Getting there:
Take the Capitol Corridor to the Sacramento Station. From there, connect to SacRT with a free Transit Transfer from the Capitol Corridor, or call a cab, Uber, or Lyft.
Backbone CafĂŠ, Sacramento
Backbone CafĂŠ is all about promoting health and wellness. With an inviting interior, healthy bowls and salads, and plant-based comfort food, a meal at Backbone will satisfy both the stomach and the soul. Whether you’re vegan, keto, or just looking for a great meal, Backbone is the place to go.
Getting there:
Take the Capitol Corridor to the Sacramento Station, where Backbone is just an eight-minute walk away. You can also bike, find an electric scooter and bike or connect to SacRT with a free Transit Transfer from the Capitol Corridor.
The Butcherâs Son, Berkeley
Donât be fooled by the name! The Butcherâs Son in Berkeley is a vegan butcher shop and delicatessen. Located in Downtown Berkeley, their menu features all plant-based vegan meats in sandwiches such as the pulled pork and bacon patty melt. Their menu changes regularly, so you’ll have lots to choose from.
Getting there:
Ride the Capitol Corridor to the Berkeley Station and take the AC Transit bus with a free Transit Transfer from the Capitol Corridor. You can also take the train to the Richmond Station or the Oakland Coliseum Station, transfer to BART, and get off at the Downtown Berkeley Station, which is a six-minute walk to the The Butcher’s Son. Discounted BART tickets are sold in the Cafe Car.
Timeless Coffee, Berkeley & Oakland
Timeless Coffee has a reputation for being one of the most impressive vegan brunch spots. Timeless takes the traditional coffee shop to new vegan levels with everyday specials, different flavors of donuts, cakes, and coffee drinks. You can grab a quick coffee and donut, meet friends for lunch, or grab a whole vegan cake for any occasion.
Getting there:
To get to the Berkeley location, ride the Capitol Corridor to the Berkeley Station and take the AC Transit bus with a free Transit Transfer from the Capitol Corridor. You can also take the train to the Richmond Station or the Oakland Coliseum Station, transfer to BART, and get off at the Downtown Berkeley Station, where you can use your transit transfer to take AC Transit from a closer distance. To get to Oakland, take the train to the Richmond Station or the Oakland Coliseum Station and hop off at the BART Rockridge Station. Discounted BART tickets are sold in the Cafe Car.
Mr. Dewieâs Cashew Creamery, Emeryville
If you have a sweet tooth, look no further! Mr. Dewieâs Cashew Creameryâs non-dairy ice cream is not only made of healthy ingredients, but it is also soy free, gluten free, and additive free! The ice cream cones come in your choice of vegetarian or vegan, and with delicious ice cream flavors such as Mocha Chip and Caramel Almond, itâs a great way to enjoy the hot weather without feeling guilty.
Getting there:
Take the Capitol Corridor to the Emeryville Station. The creamery is in the Emeryville Public Market across from the station.
Souley Vegan, Oakland
This soul food restaurant takes classic favorites and adds a vegan twist to create menu items like vegan mac nâ cheese, chickâin and waffles, cornbread, gumbo, and more. Although most of their cuisine is on the hearty side, they offer lighter salads and soups. If youâre craving fried comfort food, however, youâll love the abundance of it at this place.
Getting there:
Take the Capitol Corridor to the Oakland Jack London Square Station. The restaurant is a short walk, less than half-a-mile, from the station.
Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya, San Francisco
Rated over 4.5 stars on the popular vegan/veg online guide HappyCow, Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya in San Francisco offers all vegan sushi and small plates, including their ramen broth and noodles made from scratch. For seafood-like sushi, their menu features specialty rolls such as the âThe Candlestickâ, made with spicy tofuna, or an all-veggie specialty roll called the âHidden Agendaâ made with tempura eggplant, bell pepper, zucchini, carrots, and fried garlic. Be sure to get there before they open, as long waits are typical.
Getting there:
Take the Capitol Corridor to the Oakland Coliseum Station or the Richmond Station. Then take BART and get off at the 16th Street Mission Station, which is just a six-minute walk to the restaurant. Discounted BART tickets are available for purchase in the CafĂŠ Car.
Crepes Bistro, Santa Clara
This European-style cafĂŠ offers breakfast items, smoothies, baked goods, salads, soups, and of course, crepes! The Crepes Bistro in Santa Clara has signature dishes such as the bagel burger, made with a veggie patty topped with vegan mayo and other yummy goodness, while offering their savory crepes, such as the Royal Veggie Crepe, made with choice of vegan or dairy cheese, roasted eggplant, mushrooms, lemon tahini sauce, and more. With a ton of brunch items on their menu, itâll be hard to try them all!
Getting there:
Take the Capitol Corridor to the Santa Clara University Station. From there, you can either walk, take the VTA with a free Transit Transfer from the Capitol Corridor, or call a cab, Uber, or Lyft. The cafe is over a mile away from the station.
Good Karma Artisan Ales & CafĂŠ, San Jose
Vegan restaurant Good Karma Artisan Ales & CafĂŠ serves craft ales and stouts, along with  salads, Thai curry, burritos, and more. Established as the âSouth Bayâs Original Artisan/Craft Beer Destinationâ, this spot’s eclectic menu will not disappoint.
Getting there:
Take the Capitol Corridor to the San Jose/Diridon Station. From there, you can walk, take the VTA with a free Transit Transfer from the Capitol Corridor, or call a cab, Uber, or Lyft. The restaurant is just a mile away from the station.
To plan your culinary excursion along the Capitol Corridor, visit www.capitolcorridor.org for route and schedule information.
Photo courtesy of Nectar CafÊ