Elixir Superfood & Juice
Elixir (noun): medicinal potion intended to cure an illness
Like its origin, Elixir restaurant in Reno (and its original location in Mammoth Lakes, CA) has an intention of serving whole foods, rich in remedial properties to boost your health. It’s 100% gluten-free, mostly organic, dairy-free (except for the optional cheeses), and plant-focused. While Elixir is not a vegan restaurant, all of its dishes can be made vegan.
The decadent bowls and salads (all fully customizable) are comprised of fresh ingredients; with no GMOs, no preservatives, no refined oils, and no refined sugars. Many Americans do not consume the daily recommended serving of vegetables and Elixir is set on changing that. “If we can get people to view meat as a condiment and not the main course, we know they will begin to see a change in their energy and vitality,” says Elixir founder and owner, Karla Perry.
From energy treats in a familiar (and desirable) shape of cookies to colorful and nutritious smoothies, you’ll find something to perhaps boost your mood, uplift your energy, and even settle your rumbling tummy.
What’s better? You’ll find folks from all walks of life strutting in for sustenance. Staff vouches that staunch meat-eaters come in and may start with a chicken teriyaki bowl and a few weeks later, they're eating tofu spring rolls. “Our goal is to get people in our community to eat and love more vegetables,” says Perry. “Cheers to eating more plants!”
Elixer Superfood & Juice
24 California Ave.
(775) 622-8368
Enjoyelixir.com
The Fix Falafel & Things
Ever had a vegan friend say, “you won’t even know the difference!” And you smirk, thinking you’ll never try vegan “chicken” let alone like it. With The Fix, you may cautiously bite into your food be it the “Beef” Shawarma or the Mango Habanero Wings and quickly go for a second, third, and soon your last bite of plant-based goodness.
The Fix serves falafel and things, all vegan, and as online reviews suggest, they are, “out of this world.” You can find generously portioned wraps, “wings,” sandwiches, salads, tacos, and savory classic sides such as hand-cut garlic fries and housemate ranch, or even obscure snacks like seaweed fries, topped with ground seaweed and Old Bay Seasoning.
I, personally, don’t find a weekend where I don’t trot over to West Street Market for the “chicken” salad, complete with buffalo “chicken,” “bacon” bits, pepperoncini, herbs, house-made ranch, lettuce, onion, and diced tomato. Call it a craving, call it a habit… whatever you call it, I’m not remotely mad about it because I’ll bet you’ll be in the same boat after indulging in a few of their plant-based shareables.
Before opening in the West Street Market, The Fix slung vegan treats off their food truck for seven years. While they love promoting veganism, they also are rooted in providing the community affordable (and delicious) vegan food. “Being a part of this lifestyle for so many years, we know that we want to normalize being satisfied with a meal that doesn’t contain meat,” says one of the founders, Jack Mcgrath. “But our vegan food still checks all the boxes and satiates the ‘normal’ tastes and textures that a typical meal is comprised of. Our goal is to accomplish that without using animal products to do so."
While the why can be important when it comes to choosing your next meal … and arguably even more for vegans, the comfort food at The Fix is unparalleled.
The Fix Falafel & Things
148 West St.
(775) 409-4813
Thefixvegan.com
House of Mexica
Like many restaurants, House of Mexica is rooted in identity. It exists, in part, to honor its owners ancestral lineage and tribe, the Mexihcahyotl. A lot of dishes served at the restaurant are ancestral dishes using plants, such as, Nopalli (cactus) and the Hibiscus flower. The bold, purple logo is based off of their Ancient calendar and is used to track the cycles of nature, the cycles of the human, and the cycles of time.
This amount of intention is what you can expect when dining at House of Mexica. All of the food is vegan, and most is prepared to order. The classic asada tacos and mac and cheese are divine.
I have been going to House of Mexica for years, it was even my first date with my now husband. The service and food is always incredible and there’s a sense of calm while dining. While we have our favorites, it’s a great spot to share a few dishes so you get a sampling of everything.
House of Mexica
3600 Warren Way, Unit 107
(775) 384-1690
Houseofmexica.com
"Our vegan food... satiates the ‘normal’ tastes and textures... a typical meal is comprised of."
