Green, government named Green New American Vegetarian, was the first fully vegan restaurant I ever visited, and it’s still one of my go-to spots in the valley. It’s a long-standing classic in the Phoenix community and makes vegan food approachable for everyone. They serve comfort dishes that taste incredible.
How to Eat Out as a Vegan in Phoenix (Dietitian Tips)
Eating out is something we all do and it’s impossible to say “never eat out again,” and I would never tell you to avoid restaurants forever. That advice helps no one. What actually helps is knowing how to make the right choices for you when eating out.
I treat restaurant meals as something to enjoy now and then. They are fun, tasty, expensive, and an overall good time, but like anything, too much of a good thing can turn bad.
I wrote about “balance” and the different ways that it can look. Take a read of that article about the 21 choices we have each week. That piece can help guide you on how often to eat out and how to create balance.
You don’t need perfect eating to stay on track. I go out with my family and friends all the time. People assume I avoid restaurant food because I am a dietitian, but I don’t. I just pay attention to what I order so I can enjoy the meal and reach the goals I have set for myself.
The Backstory of Green New American Vegetarian
Opened in 2006 in Tempe by Chef Damon Brasch, who didn’t go to culinary school but is arguably one of the best vegan chefs in the valley. He and Green have won awards from PETA, VegNews, Local Papers, and more. It is esteemed and very well loved.
Green Tempe opened first, and he always had a vision of expanding. And then in 2011, Green Phoenix opened. Chef Damon hasn’t sat for many interviews since the second opening, but I did find a few interviews from 2008 to 2012 with Phoenix New Times.
One of the things I love about Phoenix, especially the Phoenix area, is its history and historic homes. Chef Damon shares in the 2012 interview that Green #2 located on 7th street was previously a little grocery store called Los Olivos Grocery Store. When they opened Green, they took the time and money to preserve the building. Good food and good morals?! Check and check.
P.S.: If you like Nami, the vegan ice cream shop next door, it’s Green’s Sister, which is also a brainchild of Chef Damon!
My Favorite Menu Items at Green
Green has my heart because, as you now know, it was the first fully vegan restaurant I visited when I went vegan in 2015. I lived downtown near the Diamondbacks Stadium, so Green was just a quick drive away. Their menu is for everyone, not just vegans, which is why I think I loved it so much. I grew up a burger and fries kid and eating there felt like I didn’t have to change my diet so drastically to be vegan.
Of course, one of my favorite menu items is a burger, but there's another item I almost always order!
The Big Wac (+ West Coast Fries)
The Big Wac sounds exactly like what you are thinking it is. Two patties, special sauce, lettuce, vegan cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun. On occasion, I will order with a side of West Coast fries. The West Coast fries are my favorite; they're their thyme fries with melted cheddar, grilled onions, and 1000 Island sauce.
Make It Healthier: Take off 1 or 2 buns, especially if you’re getting fries! Ask for the special sauce on the side and only use as much as you want. Or make no modifications and enjoy however you want!
Ranchero
The Ranchero is my absolute favorite item at Green. Typically, I opt for the bowl/salad version, but sometimes I get it in a wrap. This dish uses their famous “wing” with BBQ sauce and fresh greens and carrots tossed in house-made ranch dressing, served with crunchy tortilla strips. I love this one as a go to because it’s nutrient-rich with the greens, and the wings add a nice amount of plant protein. While I wish the wings were baked instead of fried, having them every once in a while is okay!
Make It Healthier: I always get BBQ and ranch on the side and use only about half of each, and it’s still a banger!
Honorary Mention: Big Ole’ Breakfast Burrito
Okay, so this is kind of a Green product, but you get it at Nami during their breakfast hours, and it is one of my favorite breakfast items in the valley. This burrito is made with organic tofu scramble, seasoned seitan steak, melted cheddar vegan cheese, and homestyle potatoes wrapped in a flour tortilla with a side of Namibertos salsa.
Make It Healthier: Add a side of fruit and eat half the burrito, assess your hunger levels, and if you’re full, save the rest for later!
How I Make Balanced Choices at Vegan Restaurants
When I’m eating out, I look for meals that give me protein, fiber, and color because that mix helps me stay full for longer. I keep portions in mind and listen to hunger cues. If I get full, I save the rest for later. Here are some of my top dietitian tips for making balanced choices while eating out.
- Choose meals that include protein, fiber, and colorful vegetables to stay full and satisfied.
- Watch portion sizes, stop when you're full
- Listen to your body and notice how the food makes you feel, not just the calorie count.
- Ask for sauces or dressings on the side so you can control how much you use.
- Swap fried sides for vegetables, salads, or whole grains when possible.
- Don’t feel pressured to finish everything; pack leftovers to enjoy later.
- Drink water with your meal to stay hydrated and support digestion. Limit sugary soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
- Eat what you genuinely love; balance isn’t about restriction.
Supporting Local Vegan Spots
Supporting local restaurants keeps your community going and helps small business owners thrive. Eating at locally owned spots means your money stays in the community, creating jobs and sustaining unique flavors and combos you can’t find in chains.
Choosing local restaurants is a simple way to enjoy great meals, like the Ranchero Bowl, while making a positive impact close to home. Go give Green a try, and I might just see you there!
Phoenix: 2022 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Tempe: 2240 N Scottsdale Rd #113, Tempe, AZ 85288
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