Austin is quickly becoming one of the most buzzed about food cities in the country, and its growing vegetarian restaurant scene is a major part of that growth. Here is just a sample of the area’s favorite meat-free restaurants.

Mother’s Cafe
With a casual atmosphere and convenient take-out and delivery services, Mother’s Cafe is one of Austin's go-to eateries for fast and affordable vegetarian and vegan food. One vegan and one vegetarian soup option is prepared daily, and the menu also includes a variety of fresh, colorful salads to choose from. Enchiladas and sandwiches are just as hearty and delicious as their meat-filled counterparts, and Mother’s Cafe also offers a weekend brunch that’s very popular among locals.

Mr. Natural
This impressive restaurant includes a bakery, juice bar, health food store, and even a yoga studio all in one place. The bakery offers cakes and pastries in gluten-free, vegan, and sugarless options to suit any diet, and the restaurant’s regular menu features creative vegetarian dishes for its weekly lunch specials, weekend brunch, and any other time of the day.

Swad Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
Indian restaurants are already popular among vegetarians because of their many meat-free options, but Swad Indian Vegetarian Restaurant is one of the only ones in Austin to offer an entirely meat-free menu!

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/David Boyle

While there are a number of big box toy stores in every city, there’s something charming and nostalgic about visiting an independently owned toy store. Terra Toys is just that type of store, with a sweet storefront tucked into a plaza near popular restaurants and other shops.

It’s very easy to spend an entire afternoon browsing the endless selection of unique toys here, so be sure to visit when you have some time to spare. The inventory is stacked from floor to ceiling, with a number of cozy nooks and play areas scattered throughout. The book section has a few small tables where kids can read, and there’s a large train table to check out the model trains.

Terra Toys carries all types of toys, from dolls and action figures to games and science toys, and it can seem overwhelming to attempt to locate a particular item. Regulars recommend sending the knowledgeable employees on a mission to track down the toy you need, and don't forget to grab some novelty candies before you go.

Terra Toys
2438 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 445-4489
www.terratoys.com
www.yelp.com/biz/terra-toys-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/supernico26

Stop in to this cozy little coffeehouse and café for a freshly brewed coffee drink and a bite to eat right in Bee Cave, Texas. If you need a little caffeine to rev up your motor, order a Cappuccino, Latte, or cup of brewed coffee. This cafe's specialty drinks include uber-yummy concoctions like Caramel Pecan Latte and Mocha Frappe. Specialty teas are also on the menu.

Breakfast fare here includes a Sweet Potato Biscuit topped with ham & apple butter, a Breakfast Croissant with scrambled eggs & cheese, Caramel Pecan Pancakes, and Breakfast Tacos with eggs, peppers, onions & cheese. Later in the day, you can order dishes like a Ham & Dijon Sandwich, a Southwest Chicken Salad, or a Grilled Portabella Panini.

Located in Bee Cave, Texas, Two Saints Baking Co and Café is open every day.

Two Saints Baking Co and Café
13011 Shops Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-1166
http://www.twosaintsbakingcompany.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/two-saints-baking-co-and-cafe-bee-cave

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Andy Melton