New York Dairy-Free Restaurant Guide (Recommendations by City)

Last Update in April 2026! Brooklyn is the unofficial capitol of vegan restaurants in the U.S. Long before plant-based was a buzz word, vegan pizzerias and cafes were popping up in the hip Park Slope neighborhood of this NYC borough. It eventually led to a special diet surge in Manhattan, which has spilled over into cities throughout New York State. We’re keeping track of the options in this ever-growing guide to restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and shops. It’s a collection based on research and reader recommendations (send yours!) that’s divided into restaurants & shops by city (first) and major chains found throughout the state (second). And we’ve started a section for specialty dairy-free foods produced in this state.

This post is updated continuously! We update whenever we're alerted to a new recommendation, change, or closure. But the listings are for informational purposes only and are merely ideas for consideration. Restaurant menus, staff, and policies do change, and potential allergen cross-contamination is a risk in any commercial kitchen. Only you can decide what is safe for your needs.

Pictured: Ess-a-Bagel in NYC

Dairy-Free New York: Recommended Restaurants & Shops

New York is a literal melting pot of cuisines. Dairy-free diners will find many options in kosher delis, Mediterranean eateries, coffeehouses, gelaterias, and bagel shops. But our guide also includes restaurants with a range of baked goods, global fare, and health-focused food. We’ve listed these recommendations alphabetically by city, and then by the restaurant or shop name.

⭐️ = Restaurant is either dairy-free, has a dairy-free menu, has dairy-free labels on their menu(s), or lists top allergens with menu items. (At the time of our last review.)

Akron

• Perry’s Ice Cream – They have come out with their own line of dairy-free ice cream, and usually have a couple flavors available by the scoop.

Albany

• 110 Grill – This northeastern chain restaurant has an “allergy commitment” that includes extensive staff training and managerial oversight for allergen orders. Their entire menu can be made without gluten, and most items can be custom ordered without dairy.
• Bar Vegan ⭐️ – This is a vegan tapas and cocktail bar, but their menu has more of an Asian, Italian, and American flair than Spanish.
• Bare Blends ⭐️ – Everything is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan at this growing chain. They serve a big menu of smoothies, smoothie bowls, mini waffles, and salads.
• Emack & Bolio’s – This Boston-based ice creamery churns a handful of vegan flavors made with coconut milk. They include Cappucino Fudge Swirl, Chocolate Pudding, Mint Chocolate Freckle, Raspberry Chocolate Krispy Rice, Goa Mango, and Toasted Coconut. They also offer dairy-free sorbets.
• Honest Weight Food Coop – They have a healthy kitchen on site with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. And of course, they offer some good dairy-free grocery items, too.
• Maggie McFly’s – They label for gluten-free, not dairy-free, but this hip eatery and bar offers quite a few dairy-free options on their menu. Many of their items have a healthier spin, with salads, wraps, and burgers, and bowls available.
• Subculture Vegan Deli & Provisions ⭐️ – This indulgent casual restaurant serves sandwiches, wraps, burgers, bites, and even a handful of everyday desserts.
• Sweet Eats ⭐️ – This is a dairy-free gluten-free bakery that sells wholesale, but they also offer curbside pick up direct to customers at their production facility.
• The Halal Shack ⭐️ – This quick serve chain is located on the University at Albany campus, but it’s open to the public. They offer build-your-own rice bowls, salad bowls, fry bowls, hummus bowls, naanritos, and pita wraps. They have a full allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. At last check, they used no peanuts or tree nuts, and had ample gluten-free and vegan options.
• Wizard Burger ⭐️ – Their burgers and sandwiches are piled high at this vegan restaurant, and they offer ice cream floats and shakes with oatmilk soft serve.

Amherst

• Anchor Bar – Known as the home of the original buffalo wing, they reportedly don’t coat their traditional wings in butter, leaving them dairy-free and gluten-free (without the dip). They also offer grilled tenders and salads.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

Auburn

• Moro’s Table – Thank you to Lyndsie for this recommendation. “Very nice dinner spot. Dairy free options on the menu and wait staff was happy to assist when I needed something tweaked to make it DF.”
• Prison City Brewing ⭐️ – Lyndsie also let us know this spot has dairy-free labels right on the menu. They offer a few salads and entrees, and also have a few additional items that can be dairy-free without cheese.

Baldwin Place

• Green’s Natural Foods (formerly Dean’s) – This is a popular natural and organic, full-service grocery store for special diet customers. Not only do they carry a plethora of vegan and allergy-friendly brands, they also have a full sandwich deli with an impressive vegan menu (vegan cheeses, cashew cream, and a build-your-own vegan burger or brat options) and many additional sandwiches can be ordered dairy free. They also have a superfood juice and smoothie bar that’s mostly dairy free (whey protein is offered as a dairy option).

Beacon

• Peaceful Provisions – This vegan doughnut shop hand-crafts each flavor in small batches. Their flavors ar comforting, but just a little unique, like blueberry fritters and lemon poppy seed twists.

Black River

• Blizzard Barn – If you’re in upstate New York, pop into this local stand. They offer two flavors of dairy-free Dole Whip, which you can order swirled.

Blasdell

• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

Briarcliff Manor

• Green’s Natural Foods (formerly Dean’s) – This is a popular natural and organic, full-service grocery store for special diet customers. Not only do they carry a plethora of vegan and allergy-friendly brands, they also have a full sandwich deli with an impressive vegan menu (vegan cheeses, cashew cream, and a build-your-own vegan burger or brat options) and many additional sandwiches can be ordered dairy free. They also have a superfood juice and smoothie bar that’s mostly dairy free (whey protein is offered as a dairy option).

Buffalo

• Anchor Bar – Known as the home of the original buffalo wing, they reportedly don’t coat their traditional wings in butter, leaving them dairy-free and gluten-free (without the dip). They also offer grilled tenders and salads.
• Churn Soft Serve & Coffee – They offer a creamy coconut vegan soft serve and can top it with churros (yes, they’re vgan!) and dairy-free sundae sauces for you. You can also enjoy their vegan ice cream sandwich made with ginger snap cookies.
• Fig Tree Patisserie – Thanks to Sheila for letting us know about this bakery. She says they’re pricey but have a lot of vegan and gluten-free options. Also, their macarons are all gluten-free and can be ordered without dairy.
• Fran-Ceil Custard – This soft serve shop offers a rotating flavor of Dole Whip, and has vanilla vegan oatmilk soft serve by Temptation. Sheila says they also offer a scoopable dairy-free flavor or two.
• Hummus Republic – Their build-your-own pita, wrap, or bowl menu is filled with dairy-free options. They even offer vegan proteins, and most components are dairy-free (includes hummuses and dressings). They clearly label for vegan and gluten-free guests and have an allergen menu.
• King Condrell’s Candy and Ice Cream – They offer a few flavors of oat milk-based, dairy-free ice cream daily, and some topping options and ice cream sodas. Thanks to Nicole for this recommendation.
• Little Black Heart Coffee ⭐️ – Thank you to Nicole for letting us know about this vegan coffee shop. Their mighty menu of drinks includes a wide range of lattes, hot chocolate, and more.
• Augie’s – This burger bar offers a couple vegan burgers, and most burgers can be made dairy-free with a vegan cheese swap. They also offer dairy-free milkshakes and floats in a range of flavors and they have boozy beverages.
• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
• Rosie’s Handcrafted Ice Cream – Nicole let us know they have dairy-free ice cream available. When we looked, they had seasonal creamy oatmilk based flavors like verbena lemon poppyseed in summer and apple caramel crisp in fall.
• Strong Hearts ⭐️ –  This casual little vegan cafe serves a relatively big and hearty menu and a HUGE selection of dairy-free milkshakes. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a good variety of comfort cuisine, like scrambles, burgers, and even “fried chicken.”
• Sunshine Vegan Eats ⭐️ – As the name implies, this is an all-vegan cafe. They serve a big range of comfort-style food, including southern favorites, for brunch, lunch, and dinner. They also make dairy-free milkshakes and other desserts.
• Sweet Jenny’s Chocolates & Ice Cream – They offer rotating vegan ice cream and sorbet flavors in addition to a fun candy selection. Thanks to Nicole for this recommendation!
• The Halal Shack ⭐️ – This quick serve chain is located on the University of Buffalo campus, but it’s open to the public. They offer build-your-own rice bowls, salad bowls, fry bowls, hummus bowls, naanritos, and pita wraps. They have a full allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. At last check, they used no peanuts or tree nuts, and had ample gluten-free and vegan options.

Canandaigua

• Simply Crepes – Sue let us know they offer dairy-free, gluten-free buckwheat crepes at this restaurant, and have various topping options.

Carmel Hamlet

• Scoops N More – They swirl two flavors of dairy-free Dole soft serve, which can rotate, and also blend vegan green smoothies with almond milk. They are open seasonally.

Cedarhurst

• Holy Schnitzel ⭐️ – This is a kosher glatt chain, so their entire menu is dairy-free. And it’s a very big menu, with all types of starters, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and sides.

Central Valley

• Läderach – These Swiss chocolate shops now offer a full dairy-free and vegan line with various dark and cashewmilk chocolate options. The decadent collection includes bars, all types of barks, and some other confections.

Chappaqua

• Ibiza Kitchen ⭐️ – Dairy-free and gluten-free are labeled right on the menu at this Spanish restaurant. And most of their tapas and platos are in fact dairy-free!
• Susan Lawrence Gourmet Foods ⭐️ – This restaurant and bakery clearly labels their menus for dairy-free and gluten-free customers. And they typically offer many dairy-free salads, entrees, and other items daily.

Cheektowaga

• Anchor Bar – Known as the home of the original buffalo wing, they reportedly don’t coat their traditional wings in butter, leaving them dairy-free and gluten-free (without the dip). They also offer grilled tenders and salads.
• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

Clifton Park

• Bare Blends ⭐️ – Everything is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan at this growing chain. They serve a big menu of smoothies, smoothie bowls, mini waffles, and salads.

Cold Spring

• Home Style Creamery – They offer vegan soft serve in chocolate, vanilla, and twist. They sometimes have a dairy-free hard packed flavor of ice cream, too. And rumor has it, their waffle cones are dairy free.

Corning

• Little Boomers’ Burrito Bar – This is a build your own burrito and taco spot recommended by Lyndsie. She say’s it’s “easy to create a DF option.”
• Nine Elephants – Thanks to Lyndsie for recommending this Thai restaurant and letting us know it has many dairy-free options.
• Thali of India – According to Lyndsie, this Indian restaurant has vegan options labeled on their in-house menu. They also have quite a few additional dairy-free menu items.
• The Cellar – Lyndsie wrote in to tell us this is a nice fine dining option. As the name implies, they have a big wine selection, but they also have excellent vegan options on the menu, like a full vegan cheese board, tofu paneer, and house-made vegan ice cream. There are additional dairy-free options on their menu.
• Wild Ginger – This eclectic Asian restaurant serves sushi along with other Japanese, Thai, and Chinese dishes. It was recommended as a good spot by Lyndsie.

Croton-On-Hudson

• The Blue Pig – They scoop some rotating vegan flavors, like matcha latte, vanilla, cardamom rosewater, peanut butter swirl with chocolate chips, and seasonal sorbets.

Darien Center

• Anchor Bar – Known as the home of the original buffalo wing, they reportedly don’t coat their traditional wings in butter, leaving them dairy-free and gluten-free (without the dip). They also offer grilled tenders and salads.

Depew

• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

Dobbs Ferry

• The Halal Shack ⭐️ – This quick serve chain is located on the Mercy University campus, but it’s open to the public. They offer build-your-own rice bowls, salad bowls, fry bowls, hummus bowls, naanritos, and pita wraps. They have a full allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. At last check, they used no peanuts or tree nuts, and had ample gluten-free and vegan options.

East Amherst

• Feature Meals & Eatery – They offer lunch delivery and meal prep pick up. Their menu is mostly gluten-free, and they have many dairy-free options. They even have vegan meal packs. But you do need to call to find out the dairy-free choices.

East Aurora

• Homegrown Kitchen – Nicole let us know, “they offer build your own salads, so you can make them vegan/dairy free.” Their smoothie menu also includes dairy-free options.

East Syracuse

• Hercules Candy Company – Their chocolates include a big array of vegan options, from cookie bark to nut brittle to holiday shapes.

Elmira

• Honeyduke Confections – This is an allergy-friendly, Harry Potter-themed bakery, sweet shop, and they even have some savory items. Amy wrote in to share her experience. “They are not completely dairy-free, but have so many options! They have bakery items (their cinnamon rolls are awesome!), dairy-free gourmet chocolates, drinks and even pizza! They are very helpful and knowledgeable! I have a hard time choosing from all of their options!”

Geneseo

• The Halal Shack ⭐️ – This quick serve chain is located on the SUNY Geneseo campus, but it’s open to the public. They offer build-your-own rice bowls, salad bowls, fry bowls, hummus bowls, naanritos, and pita wraps. They have a full allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. At last check, they used no peanuts or tree nuts, and had ample gluten-free and vegan options.

Getzville

• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

Glens Falls

• Bitchin Donuts ⭐️ – This vegan donut shop offers a rotating selection of flavors and also serves some other breakfast eats and bites. Gluten-free donuts are available.
• Cooper’s Cave – They offer a few vegan entrees, and some other options can be ordered dairy-free and even gluten-free, like burgers (they offer Udi’s buns and dairy-free cheese). They also have an ice cream window where you can order dairy-free almond milk soft serve.
• Rock Hill Bakehouse & Cafe ⭐️ – Thanks to Alyssa for letting us know about this vegan restaurant. On the bakery side, they focus on breads with simple, natural ingredients, and have quite a selection. On their cafe menu they offer breakfast, salads, soup, sandwiches, pizzas, other Italian mains, and more.

Glenmont

• Bare Blends ⭐️ – Everything is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan at this growing chain. They serve a big menu of smoothies, smoothie bowls, mini waffles, and salads.

Greenport

• The Frisky Oyster ⭐️ – Their menu is labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan guests. It includes a small range of dairy-free small plates and entrees.

Guilderland

• Tara Kitchen ⭐️ – The menu is clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and vegan guests at this Moroccan restaurant. And at last check, only a few of their dishes (on a very big menu) contained dairy. They offer a good selection of vegetable, seafood, chicken, and lamb dishes.

Hamburg

• 2 Scoops Ice Cream – Sheila let us know this shop “always has Dole Whip & Vegan Temptation (on the same machine, so SAFE) and one or two scoopable flavors.”
• Amsdell Ice Cream – According to Sheila, this shop offers Dole whip or vegan Temptation soft serve, but they are not offered at the same time.
• Augie’s – This burger bar offers a couple vegan burgers, and most burgers can be made dairy-free with a vegan cheese swap. They also offer dairy-free milkshakes and floats in a range of flavors and they have boozy beverages.
• Dinosaur Bar-B-Que ⭐️ – Thanks to Sue for this recommendation! “There are some non-dairy items on the menu. Ask. The server can tell you. The item is checked & delivered by the manager generally. Also their Sensuous Slathering BBQ Sauce available in the grocery.” They do have allergen protocols and offer a great allergen chart, which not only includes dairy-free options, it also references where the dairy or other allergens are in many items so you can customize.
• Jess in the Kitchen – This meal prep service is friendly to special diet needs, and includes dairy-free and gluten-free options on their rotating menu.
• Main Street Ice Cream – They offer vegan soft serve daily and also have dairy-free shaved ice options.
• Pegasus Restaurant – This Greek restaurant is always open, and according to Sheila, they are great at catering to milk allergies.
• Prima Oliva Cafe & Store – This olive oil and vinegar store has obvious tasting appeal, but they also have a full cafe menu with dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options throughout. From their vegan mochas (on request) to dairy-free smoothies, build-your-own salads and wraps.
• Sweet Pea Bakery – They have a huge menu of gluten-free options (sweet and savory), many of which are or can be made dairy-free, and many of which are vegan-friendly too. They also do custom order cakes.
• Uncle Joe’s Diner – This is another classic American-style diner in Hamburg that Sheila says is good with milk allergy special requests.
• Woody’s Ice Cream Shack – You can go inside or drive thru this ice cream shop to order soft serve Dole Whip. But be warned that their “non-dairy” soft serve is not dairy-free – it does contain milk protein. This is a seasonal shop.

Hastings on Hudson

• By the Way Bakery ⭐️ – Muffins, scones, tea cakes, cupcakes … it’s all gluten-free and dairy-free at this old-fashioned bakery. They have a daily array of sweets, and also take custom orders for cakes. They bake for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.

Ho-Ho-Kus

• Alt Eats Cafe – This is a vegetarian restaurant, but most of their menu is or can be made vegan. They offer toasts, sandwiches, salads, buddha bowls, chia bowls, and more. They also offer baked goodies that are made in house.

Irvington

• Red Barn Bakery – This local organic bakery makes all types of vegan and gluten-free baked goods, including muffins, cakes, cupcakes, whoopie pies, breakfast cookies, and pies on order. They also make non-dairy omelets and daily soups.

Ithaca

• Angelhearts Diner ⭐️ – Thanks to Tasha for letting us know about this all-vegan restaurant. They serve plant-based versions of classic diner breakfasts, burgers, and sandwiches from morning until mid-afternoon.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Ithaca Bakery – Thanks to Lyndsie for sharing this find. It’s a casual all-day spot with sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She says, “most sandwiches can be changed to be dairy free.” They offer vegan cheese, vegan cream cheese for bagels, and offer dairy-free bread and bagel options. Vegan options are labeled.
• Mama Said Hand Pies – Tasha says they have “vegan options and the menu rotates weekly. These are incredible!” They typically have a vegan hand pie variety and a gluten-free/dairy-free hand pie option daily. Their daily soup is often vegan, too.

Kingston

• Moonburger ⭐️ – Their menu is simple: veggie burgers, veggie cheeseburgers, fries, spicy fries, and shakes. And almost everything can be ordered dairy-free. Their shakes, fries, and burgers are dairy-free, and they offer dairy-free cheese. Gluten-free options are also available.

Lancaster

• Big Papa’s Creamery – This local ice cream shop scoops a few dairy-free flavors daily. The flavors rotate, but we spotted flavors like Salted Caramel, Coconut Lime, Orange Creamsicle, Chocolate, and Cinnamon Bun.

Latham

• 110 Grill – This northeastern chain restaurant has an “allergy commitment” that includes extensive staff training and managerial oversight for allergen orders. Their entire menu can be made without gluten, and most items can be custom ordered without dairy.
• Bare Blends ⭐️ – Everything is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan at this growing chain. They serve a big menu of smoothies, smoothie bowls, mini waffles, and salads.

Long Island (outside of NYC; East of Brooklyn & Queens)

• 75 Main – Located in Southampton, this fine restaurant offers a “healthy” menu with a few vegan options. Some additional seafood and salad options can be ordered without dairy.
• A La Mode Shoppe ⭐️ – This is a nut-free ice creamery that also churns several dairy-free flavors. They have creamy, oat milk flavors like vanilla, chocolate, oat latte, pink sprinkle, apple pie, and rose, and a selection of fruity sorbets.
• Baked by Melissa – This bakery has locations dotted around the city, plus one in Garden City on Long Island, all selling their indulgent, two-bite cupcakes. They offer several vegan flavors, which include Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Vanilla Chip, Triple Chocolate Chip, Cookie Dough, and Superfood. They also ship nationwide.
• Ben’s Deli – They boldly state, “We are a kosher meat restaurant. We have no dairy on  premises.” They’re also friendly to gluten-free and vegan guests (they have a plant-based menu). But dairy-free customers can order from anything on their expansive menu. Their sandwich menu is huge (deli-style, stuffed, paninis, etc), and they also have burgers, hot meals, omelettes, and more. They have locations in Greenvale, Woodbury, and Carle Place on Long Island.
• Bluestone Lane – This Australian-style cafe chain does a great job in labeling top allergens, and they offer a small selection of dairy-free sandwich and bowl options on their menu, along with a couple vegan items. Their full coffee bar has oat milk and almond milk options, and they sometimes have dairy-free specialty drink promotions.
• Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company – Obviously they have a big selection of bagels, but they also offer non-dairy tofu schmears. They also make bagel sandwiches and salads, and have dairy-free milk beverage for vegan coffee and tea drinks.
• Carissa’s the Bakery – At their locations in Sag Harbor and East Hampton you’ll find some amazing dairy-free breads, including their famous vegan Salted Soured Pickled Rye Bread. On the sweet side, they usually have some vegan cookies and sorbets available. Carissa’s also has a full lunch menu with a couple vegan options and additional items that can be ordered dairy free, and they have a full coffee bar with oat milk and pistachio milk available.
• Chip City Cookies – They offer dairy-free chocolate chip cookies in jumbo and lil’ sizes. They also typically have a rotating dairy-free flavor, like cookie butter cookies. Almond milk and oat milk are available for dunking. These cookies are available in store and for nationwide shipping.
• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Dos Toros Taqueria ⭐️ – This special diet friendly build-your-own burrito, bowl, salad, or tacos shop offers vegan and gluten-free tips, has a full allergen chart, and has an abundance of options for all needs. As for dairy-free, all but the cheese, sour cream, and the occasional sauce or dressing is made without dairy.
• Emack & Bolio’s – This Boston-based ice creamery churns a handful of vegan flavors made with coconut milk. They include Cappucino Fudge Swirl, Chocolate Pudding, Mint Chocolate Freckle, Raspberry Chocolate Krispy Rice, Goa Mango, and Toasted Coconut. They also offer dairy-free sorbets. This location is in Manorville.
• Goldberg’s Famous Bagels – They offer dairy-free tofu schmears and a good selection of vegan bagels. They also have a big bagel sandwich menu with lots of dairy-free options.
• Hale and Hearty ⭐️ – Their healthy menus are labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. The dairy-free options include numerous soups, sandwiches, and salads.
• Läderach – These Swiss chocolate shops now offer a full dairy-free and vegan line with various dark and cashewmilk chocolate options. The decadent collection includes bars, all types of barks, and some other confections. They have a few locations dotted on long island.
• La Fin Kitchen & Lounge – This restaurant in Montauk boldly caters to special diets. Their menu is littered with gluten-free, vegan, and paleo options. They offer vegan muffins, paleo muffins, dairy-free chia pudding and coconut yogurt for snacks. They also have a raw oyster bar, raw seafood items, vegan eggplant “meatballs,” vegan toasted quinoa bowl, and fresh fish that can be cooked to order.
• Le Pain Quotidien – This Belgian bake shop has a plethora of dairy-free fresh baked breads, sandwiches, soups, and breakfast bowls (think oats, chia, and granola options). Almond, coconut, and oat milks are available or coffee drinks and tea lattes. And they often a dairy-free pastry or two – ask at your location.
• Levain Bakery – They bake fresh dairy-free breads, but also offer big, thick, vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip walnut cookies on their daily menu.
• Little Beet – This is a local New York chain with one location in Garden City on Long Island. They have a fast casual build-your-own bowl style for lunch and dinner. The menu is gluten-free, and they clearly label for vegan, vegetarian, and top allergens. Most of their menu items and components are dairy free, including all of their grains, proteins, and sauces, at last check.
• Mr. Wish ⭐️ – This is a boba tea chain that clearly labels their menu to show which items contain dairy. They also label for gluten and non-vegan drinks. Their menu includes a good selection of dairy-free fruit teas and smoothies, but they have some surprising dairy-free options, too.
• Naya ⭐️ – This build-your-own bowl or pita Mediterranean restaurant labels which items contain dairy or other top allergens, and which are vegan-friendly. They have a surprising choice of toppings and also a good array of appetizers and desserts.
• Organic Krush ⭐️ – They have five locations dotted along the hamlets of Long Island. Almost everything on their menu is dairy-free or can be made without dairy, and they have dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan  labels right on their menu. Service includes breakfast all day, custom bone broth soups, and build your own wrap, salad, bowl, or tacos, with flavors ranging Tex Mex to Thai. They also serve acai bowls, snacks, and a kids menu. For dessert, they have treats like Mamma’s Breakfast Cookies (a recipe they shared with us!).
• Pelican’s SnoBalls – This sweet chain makes New Orleans style shaved ice. And according to the company, their flavor syrups are all made without top allergens. Just skip the cream snowcap or ask if they have dairy-free coconut cream available.
• Pizza Twist – They have an extensive vegan pizza menu with dairy-free cheese, all types of sauces, and a plethora of dairy-free toppings. Almost any pizza on their menu can be ordered without dairy.
• Pokeworks – All of their signature poke bowls, and pretty much all of their menu is dairy-free, including the Dole Whip for dessert! They offer raw, cooked, and vegan proteins.
• Shuga Pie Shop – Located in Babylon, they specialize in whoopie pies and reportedly offer dairy-free and vegan flavors.
• Seasons 52 – See our Seasons 52 Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Sweet Charlie’s – This rolled ice cream chain offers a dairy-free and vegan base that you can customize with various flavor and add-in options or even enjoy as a “milkshake.” It’s located in the village of New Hyde Park.
• Tatte Bakery & Cafe ⭐️ – This restaurant chain provides a cozy spot for several dairy-free fresh baked breads, sandwiches, soups, oatmilk lattes, and more. They have a full allergen chart to make ordering easy.
• The Halal Shack ⭐️ – This quick serve chain is located on the Hofstra University and SUNY Old Westbury campuses, but it’s open to the public. They offer build-your-own rice bowls, salad bowls, fry bowls, hummus bowls, naanritos, and pita wraps. They have a full allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. At last check, they used no peanuts or tree nuts, and had ample gluten-free and vegan options.
• Tipsy Scoop – This adults-only ice cream barlour churns boozy ice cream in some rather unique flavors. They always have a selection of dairy-free and vegan sorbets, and also have the occasional creamy variety, along with some creative toppings. You can visit one of their shops, or get pints (and toppings) delivered to your home. The deliver locally and ship.
• Toastique – They offer dairy-free smoothies, smoothie bowls, collagen lattes, toasts, grab-and-go eats, and even some housemade treats.
• True Food Kitchen – See our True Food Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace – This regional supermarket has locations scattered about Long Island. They have a good selection of dairy alternatives and specialty items, but are also known for their house-made goods, which can include things like vegan ravioli.
• Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – This popular NYC ice cream shop chain has one location at the far tip of Long Island in Montauk. They scoop a selection of the brand’s beloved dairy-free flavors (made with cashew and coconut milk or oat milk). They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or make you a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.

Middletown

• 110 Grill – This northeastern chain restaurant has an “allergy commitment” that includes extensive staff training and managerial oversight for allergen orders. Their entire menu can be made without gluten, and most items can be custom ordered without dairy.

Mt Kisco

• Green’s Natural Foods (formerly Dean’s) – This is a popular natural and organic, full-service grocery store for special diet customers. Not only do they carry a plethora of vegan and allergy-friendly brands, they also have a full sandwich deli with an impressive vegan menu (vegan cheeses, cashew cream, and a build-your-own vegan burger or brat options) and many additional sandwiches can be ordered dairy free. They also have a superfood juice and smoothie bar that’s mostly dairy free (whey protein is offered as a dairy option).

New City

• Goldberg’s Famous Bagels – They offer dairy-free tofu schmears and a good selection of vegan bagels. They also have a big bagel sandwich menu with lots of dairy-free options.

New Paltz

• Lagusta’s Luscious Cafe ⭐️ – This all-vegan shop is famous for their truffles and chocolates (which they ship throughout the U.S. This location also serves handmade drinks and pastries.
• Moonburger ⭐️ – Their menu is simple: veggie burgers, veggie cheeseburgers, fries, spicy fries, and shakes. And almost everything can be ordered dairy-free. Their shakes, fries, and burgers are dairy-free, and they offer dairy-free cheese. Gluten-free options are also available.

New Rochelle

• Toastique – They offer dairy-free smoothies, smoothie bowls, collagen lattes, toasts, grab-and-go eats, and even some housemade treats.

Niagara Falls

• Anchor Bar – Known as the home of the original buffalo wing, they reportedly don’t coat their traditional wings in butter, leaving them dairy-free and gluten-free (without the dip). They also offer grilled tenders and salads.

NYC – Brooklyn

• Aunts et Uncles ⭐️ – This is a casual all-vegan eatery serving plant-based burgers, tacos, mac and cheese, breakfast sandwiches, and more.
• Bagelsmith – They offer a whole selection of tofu cream cheese alternative flavors and have a great array of toppings for dairy-free or vegan needs.
• Bluestone Lane – This Australian-style cafe chain does a great job in labeling top allergens, and they offer a small selection of dairy-free sandwich and bowl options on their menu, along with a couple vegan items. Their full coffee bar has oat milk and almond milk options, and they sometimes have dairy-free specialty drink promotions.
• Breadsmith – They do use dairy in many of their products, but you’ll find some milk-free surprises, like biscotti, apple cinnamon pecan bread, blueberry cornbread, and more. Many of their classic yeast breads are also made without milk. They are transparent with ingredients.
• Bunna Cafe ⭐️ – This vegan Ethiopian restaurant serves a range of traditional dishes that are usually served as combos with Injera bread. They also offer gluten-free Injera, making the entire menu open to gluten-free patrons. They are open for lunch and dinner, and even offer a unique brunch experience.
• China Glatt ⭐️ – This fine dining American and Chinese restaurant is kosher glatt and dairy-free. They have an expansive menu for lunch and dinner, but please note that they are closed on Fridays and Saturdays, and have limited hours on Sundays.
• Chip City Cookies – They offer dairy-free chocolate chip cookies in jumbo and lil’ sizes. They also typically have a rotating dairy-free flavor, like cookie butter cookies. Almond milk and oat milk are available for dunking. These cookies are available in store and for nationwide shipping.
• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Clementine Bakery ⭐️ – Although they keep it quiet, this friendly bakery is completely vegan, and they sell their pastries to other shops and restaurants locally. Their freshly baked goods include sweets and savories, with pies, cheesecakes, danishes, and more. They also serve a full menu of sandwiches, salads, and wraps, and pour locally-roasted coffee. They do take custom orders and bake cakes for special occasions.
• Cloudy Donut Co. ⭐️ – Formerly known as Donut Alliance, this all vegan shop churns out handmade, small batch donuts daily in an array of attractive flavors. On any given day, you might find boston cream, PB&J, maple butter pecan, cookies and cream, cinnamon sugar, and many others. They always offer seasonal flavors, too.
• DIG Inn ⭐️ – This healthy fast casual restaurant shuns additives, making nutritious bowls with whole food ingredients. The majority of their menu is dairy-free, and they offer full ingredient lists with allergens clearly noted.
• Dinosaur Bar-B-Que ⭐️ – Thanks to Sue for this recommendation! “There are some non-dairy items on the menu. Ask. The server can tell you. The item is checked & delivered by the manager generally. Also their Sensuous Slathering BBQ Sauce available in the grocery.” They do have allergen protocols and offer a great allergen chart, which not only includes dairy-free options, it also references where the dairy or other allergens are in many items so you can customize.
• Dos Toros Taqueria ⭐️ – This special diet friendly build-your-own burrito, bowl, salad, or tacos shop has locations dotted all over NYC. They offer vegan and gluten-free tips, have a full allergen chart, and have an abundance of options for all needs. As for dairy-free, all but the cheese, sour cream, and the occasional sauce or dressing is made without dairy.
• Dough – Their “handmade artisinal doughnuts” include a small menu of vegan options.  They offer raise glazed and cinnamon sugar varieties daily, and usually have a couple seasonal iced flavors.
• Dun-Well Doughnuts ⭐️ – You’ll have a hard time choosing a flavor at this all-vegan doughnut shop. They have a rotating list of 200 varieties, with nearly every favor imaginable – including Butterfinger, French Toast, Green Tea & Ginger, Peach Cobbler, and more. To accompany the dizzying doughnut menu, they offer an array of dairy-free coffee beverages, ice cream, and even vegan egg creams.
• Eden Wok ⭐️ – This is a Glatt Kosher American-Asian eatery and sushi bar – which means milk and meat cannot be mixed. Consequently, they are a dairy-free establishment, right down to the non-dairy cream cheese in some of their sushi rolls! They serve a big array of Chinese dishes, Asian salad bowls, poke bowls, and teriyaki bowls. Their sushi can be made with white rice, brown rice, black rice, or quinoa.
• Emack & Bolio’s – This Boston-based ice creamery churns a handful of vegan flavors made with coconut milk. They include Cappucino Fudge Swirl, Chocolate Pudding, Mint Chocolate Freckle, Raspberry Chocolate Krispy Rice, Goa Mango, and Toasted Coconut. They also offer dairy-free sorbets.
• Everybody Eats – This is a gluten-free, nut-free bakery. They don’t have a storefront, but bake cakes for local pick-up with 1 week advanced notice. And yes, they do make dairy-free cakes! They also bake all types of breads which they deliver / ship throughout the country.
• Familiars Vegan Coffee Shop ⭐️ – They offer bagels, soups, donuts, and a full coffee bar.
• Green’s Bakery ⭐️ – They run two separate kitchens, a pareve one that is dairy-free and nut-free, and the other uses dairy. Most of their non-cheese items are dairy-free, including cakes, cupcakes, cookies, rugelach, babka, and challah.
• Greenberg’s Bagels – This local bagel shop goes above and beyond for special diet guests. They offer both dairy-free cream cheese and butter for their bagels, and also have vegan “egg” and “bacon” options.
• Hale and Hearty ⭐️ – Their healthy menus are labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. The dairy-free options include numerous soups, sandwiches, and salads.
• HanGawi Restaurant ⭐️ – Take your shoes off at the door, relax, and enjoy the upscale menu of creative vegan Korean dishes. They serve lunch, dinner, and dessert, which includes dairy-free cheesecake and ice creams. A gluten-free menu is available.
• Holy Schnitzel ⭐️ – This is a kosher glatt chain, so their entire menu is dairy-free. And it’s a very big menu, with all types of starters, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and sides.
• Honeygrow – This fresh restaurant concept offers several dairy-free stir fries, build-your-own salad with many dairy-free dressing options, and a “honeybar” where you pick your fruit, honey drizzle, and other toppings. They have a great allergen chart available, which breaks down all components for the build-your-own options.
• Ice Cream House – This kosher shop serves both dairy and dairy-free ice cream in hard-packed scoops and soft serve swirls. They also offer sorbet, smoothies, pareve (dairy-free) shakes, coffee drinks, and can make vegan ice cream cakes. But keep in mind that they have a dress code – even in summer there are no tank tops or open toe shoes allowed. They have a few shops around the city.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Izzy Rose ⭐️ – Also known as Izzy Provisions, this vegan gathering spot is a cafe + flower shop by day, cocktail bar by night. They have a rotating menu of casual all-vegan cuisine, featuring fresh, local ingredients.
• JaJaJa Plantas Mexicana ⭐️ – Street tacos, bowls, tamales, quesadillas, and endless bottles of tequila – this vegan Mexican restaurant has it all. Their menu is also labeled for gluten-free and items containing nuts.
• Juice Press ⭐️ – This purely plant-based and dairy-free juice chain blends healthy smoothies and protein shakes with almond milk, offers blue magic and acai bowls, and sells several vegan grab-and-go snacks.
• King David Tacos – They serve breakfast-all-day and lunch-ish tacos, including a non-carne vegan option. They can make several additional tacos dairy-free and gluten-free on request. They also serve Oatly cold brew horchata.
• La Colombe – This coffee chain is known for their oatmilk draft lattes, which they also offer on tap. They also usually have some dairy-free baked goodies (some vegan, some with eggs), like quick bread slices and cookies, and biscotti. The options can vary by location, so ask for allergen information at the shop.
• Le Pain Quotidien – This Belgian bake shop has a plethora of dairy-free fresh baked breads, sandwiches, soups, and breakfast bowls (think oats, chia, and granola options). Almond, coconut, and oat milks are available or coffee drinks and tea lattes. And they often a dairy-free pastry or two – ask at your location.
• Levain Bakery – They bake fresh dairy-free breads, but also offer big, thick, vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip walnut cookies on their daily menu.
• Levy’s ⭐️ – There’s a little something for everyone at this glatt kosher restaurant. Their dairy-free menu includes everything from knishes to sandwiches to Hungarian goulash.
• Little Cupcake Bakeshop – They bake a few flavors of vegan cookies, gluten-free vegan chocolate cupcakes, gluten-free vegan muffins, and vegan cookies and cream layer cake.
• Loco Coco ⭐️ – This plant-based, dairy-free superfood shop blends a healthy array of smoothies and smoothie bowls, and also offers nutritious soft serve.
• Luanne’s Wild Ginger ⭐️ – They have a few locations around the city, each serving a completely vegan menu of Asian cuisine. The cuisine spans many countries, but has a healthy, macrobiotic focus.
• Moonburger ⭐️ – Their menu is simple: veggie burgers, veggie cheeseburgers, fries, spicy fries, and shakes. And almost everything can be ordered dairy-free. Their shakes, fries, and burgers are dairy-free, and they offer dairy-free cheese. Gluten-free options are also available.
• Mr. Wish ⭐️ – This is a boba tea chain that clearly labels their menu to show which items contain dairy. They also label for gluten and non-vegan drinks. Their menu includes a good selection of dairy-free fruit teas and smoothies, but they have some surprising dairy-free options, too.
• Naya ⭐️ – This build-your-own bowl or pita Mediterranean restaurant labels which items contain dairy or other top allergens, and which are vegan-friendly. They have a surprising choice of toppings and also a good array of appetizers and desserts.
• Next Level Burger ⭐️ – This fledgling chain touts itself as America’s first fully vegan burger joint. It’s a counter-serve spot with an array of plant-based burgers, “chicken” sandwiches, fries, and tots. They also blend dairy-free shakes and have house-made soft serve. This location is inside Whole Foods.
• Patis Bakery ⭐️ – They are a kosher certified bakery offering both dairy and parve (dairy-free) goods. The dairy-free items include numerous breads, focaccia, cakes, and viennoiseries. They also offer sandwich and salad options, and have many vegan items.
• Paulie Gee’s – This small-time pizza chain has a full vegan menu with a range of cheese alternatives. Consequently, most of their menu can be made dairy-free.
• Pizza Studio – They have a vegan pizza, complete with vegan “cheese” and “sausage.” Many other pizzas can be ordered dairy-fee with a cheese swap. They also have build your own salads.
• Plantega ⭐️ – This plant-based deli has locations at bodegas around the city. They offer burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, and burritos.
• Pokeworks – All of their signature poke bowls, and pretty much all of their menu is dairy-free, including the Dole Whip for dessert! They offer raw, cooked, and vegan proteins.
• Pressed Juicery ⭐️ – The menu at this juice shop is dairy-free, and includes a range of smoothies, bowls, and healthy soft serve with toppings.
• Raaka Chocolate Shop ⭐️ – Next door to their factory, Raaka has a chocolate shop you can visit or pick up orders at. This is an organic, vegan chocolatier that creates innovative chocolate bar flavors.
• Screamer’s Pizzeria ⭐️ – New York’s first all-vegan pizza restaurant has two locations, one in the Greenpoint neighborhood and one in Crown Heights. Whether you want a whole pie or just a quick wedge, they have you covered with 13 signature pizzas, a weekly special, and the ability to customize your own. Their menu includes classic and unique varieties, along with garlic knots, calzones, baked ziti, and Italian subs like “meatball” and eggplant parmesan.
• Seitan’s Helper ⭐️ – This little vegan deli makes their own plant-based meats from house-made seitan. They offer an array of sandwiches.
• Slutty Vegan ⭐️ – The names at this local fast casual restaurant are a little naughty, but they say the food is quite nice. The menu includes an array of plant-based burgers piled high with toppings and served on vegan Hawaiian buns. They also serve crispy fried “shrimp,” “chicken,” “bratwurst,” and some other comfort dishes.
• Smith Street Bagels – Their menu includes a couple flavors of dairy-free tofu cream cheese alternative, but this is far more than a bagel shop. They have a very full breakfast and lunch menu with dairy-free options, and also offer dairy-free smoothies and milk alternatives at their coffee bar.
• Springbone Kitchen ⭐️ – This casual eatery focuses on nourishing meals made with organic fruits, vegetables, and grass-fed free range meats, Their whole menu is gluten-free, heavily paleo, and mostly dairy-free. The few items with dairy are clearly labeled. They serve lunch, dinner, and late breakfast all day, but the real feature is their expansive broth menu. It includes a variety of bone broths and vegan broths.  All are available as drinking broths or can be beefed up with your choice of add ins for a comforting soup.
• The Butcher’s Daughter ⭐️ – This plant-heavy restaurant and juice bar bills itself as a “vegetable slaughterhouse.” Their menus are completely vegetarian, filled with vegan and gluten-free options, and clearly labeled for dairy, nuts, and soy. Their food includes a nice little array of small plates and large plates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But it’s the beverages that take center stage. They serve a big selection of  cold-pressed juices, elixir shots, dairy-free wellness lattes, dairy-free smoothies, cocktails, mocktails, craft brews, and more.
• Tipsy Scoop – This adults-only ice cream barlour churns boozy ice cream in some rather unique flavors. They always have a selection of dairy-free and vegan sorbets, and also have the occasional creamy variety, along with some creative toppings. You can visit one of their shops, or get pints (and toppings) delivered to your home. The deliver locally and ship.
• Two Boots Pizza – They typically have one vegan pizza available by the slice, but they have a total of nine vegan pizzas that you can order by the whole pie. And you can order a calzone. They offer various dairy-free sauces, vegan ricotta, Daiya cheese alternative, various vegetable toppings, and some vegan faux meats.
• Two Hands ⭐️ – This Australian-inspired restaurant chain is allergy-friendly. They offer an allergen guide, and label dairy-free options on their menus. They have dairy-free choices at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also label gluten-free items.
• Urban Pops ⭐️ – They make a range of indulgent pops, like Butterfinger with peanut butter gelato and homemade Butterfinger candy bits and Ferrero Rocher with hazelnut gelato and dark chocolate drizzle. But despite the names, they’re all kosher parve and dairy-free. Most varieties are vegan, too.
• Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – This popular local ice cream chain has a whole line of dairy-free and vegan ice creams. In fact, they sell their cashew-coconut milk pints and oat milk pints in stores across the U.S. And on any given day, they have a selection of dairy-free flavors in their scoop shops. They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or make you a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.
• VSPOT Restaurant ⭐️ – If you’re looking for Latin food with a vegan spin, this is your spot. It’s a casual plant-based restaurant serving a range of Caribbean and South American-inspired cuisine.

NYC – Manhattan

• abcV – The focus is sustainable, plant-based cuisine with ingredients sourced from small and family farms at this vegan spot by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. It’s located inside ABC Carpet.
• Agata & Valentina – Their second location at 1st avenue and 79th street has a strong focus on special diet needs. This market, deli, and bakery offers a big gluten-free selection, and also has an expansive line up of dairy-free and vegan products and prepared goods.
• A La Mode Shoppe ⭐️ – This is a nut-free ice creamery that also churns several dairy-free flavors. They have creamy, oat milk flavors like vanilla, chocolate, oat latte, pink sprinkle, apple pie, and rose, and a selection of fruity sorbets.
• Alimama Tea – This sweet shop serves bubble tea, milk tea, and desserts with options for gluten-free and vegan customers.
• American Girl Cafe – These cafes are located inside American Girl stores, and host lunches and parties by reservation. See our Dairy-Free Tips for American Girl Cafe.
• Anita Gelato – Though they only have four shops, they’re scattered around the world – one each in Puerto Rico, Israel, Australia, and New York. Anita has a whole vegan line up of fruity sorbets and creamy soy-based ice creams to choose from.
• Anixi ⭐️ – Their kosher Mediterranean menu is completely vegan. It includes a large selection of mezze, Turkish flatbreads, kabobs, and a nice gathering of desserts.
• Avant Garden ⭐️ – Both their food menu and their curated selection of global natural wines are vegan. Their food menu includes cold dishes, toasts, and a simple menu of plant-forward hot dishes.
• Bagels & Co – Their menus are far from dairy-free. But this kosher shop does offer ample dairy-free bagels daily, a few flavors of tofu “cream cheese,” and other spreads, like peanut butter, baba ganoush, and more.
• Baked by Melissa – This bakery has locations dotted around the city, all selling their indulgent, two-bite cupcakes. They offer several vegan flavors, which include Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Vanilla Chip, Triple Chocolate Chip, Cookie Dough, and Superfood. They also ship nationwide.
• Beatnic ⭐️ – Formerly known as by Chloe, this plant-based restaurant chain serves a healthy vegan array of burgers, sandwiches, salads, pastas, and smoothies, with pancakes on the weekend. They’re open for lunch, dinner, and dessert, which includes house-made ice cream (also sold by the pint), cookies, cupcakes, and other pastries.
• Ben’s Deli – They boldly state, “We are a kosher meat restaurant. We have no dairy on  premises.” They’re also friendly to gluten-free and vegan guests (they have a plant-based menu). But dairy-free customers can order from anything on their expansive menu. Their sandwich menu is huge (deli-style, stuffed, paninis, etc), and they also have burgers, hot meals, omelettes, and more.
• Ben’s Fast Food ⭐️ – This healthy quick serve chain serves nutritious bowls and salads. Their entire menu is “free of gluten, dairy, peanuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, and mustard.” Walnuts (as a topping) were the only tree nut at last check. They do have a detailed allergen menu and vegan options.
• Beyond Sushi ⭐️ – This in all-vegan “sushi and more” spot – they also have dumplings and small plates.
• Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer (The Venetian) – They offer vegan classic milkshakes and crazy cakeshakes! The savory menu also includes vegan burgers and sandwiches, and additional menu items can be custom ordered without dairy.
• Blossom Restaurant ⭐️ – They now have two Manhattan locations, one in Chelsea and one on the Upper West Side. Both serve modern vegan cuisine for lunch and dinner with an eclectic range of casual dishes. They also offer dessert, cocktails, and a full vegan wine list.
• Bluestone Lane – This Australian-style cafe chain does a great job in labeling top allergens, and they offer a small selection of dairy-free sandwich and bowl options on their menu, along with a couple vegan items. Their full coffee bar has oat milk and almond milk options, and they sometimes have dairy-free specialty drink promotions.
• Bo’s Bagels – To top your dairy-free bagels, they have tofu cream cheese, peanut butter, jelly, and hummus. They also have a big menu of hot and cold bagel sandwiches.
• Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company – Obviously they have a big selection of bagels, but they also offer non-dairy tofu schmears. They also make bagel sandwiches and salads, and have dairy-free milk beverage for vegan coffee and tea drinks.
• Bub’s Bakery ⭐️ – This allergy-friendly bakery offers decadent treats and savory eats, all without dairy, eggs, gluten, nuts, and soy. Their menu includes a special array of baked goods and they serve vegan ice cream.
• By the Way Bakery ⭐️ – This is an old-fashioned bakery where everything is made by hand, from scratch, in small batches. And, by the way, all of their baked goods are gluten-free and dairy-free. They’re also certified kosher. They serve a daily array of pastries, and specialize in custom order cakes for weddings and other occasions. They have two locations in NYC.
• Candle ⭐️ – Two of the chefs behind the famed Candle 79 restaurant and Candle Cafe have rekindled the vegan spark with this new restaurant in Manhattan. They serve some of the popular classics plus some new dishes.
• Caravan Of Dreams ⭐️ – This cozy, laid back, vegan restaurant serves a large menu of cooked and raw dishes and often hosts local musicians.
• Carmine’s ⭐️ –  It’s easy to enjoy family-style Italian food at this boisterous restaurant. They offer a dairy and egg allergy menu, which includes all of the menu items they can make without dairy and eggs on request – and it’s extensive! It includes many pastas, steaks, seafood, and sides.
• Carrot Express ⭐️ – This healthier fast casual eatery has an expansive menu with dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan labels. The dairy-free options include some wraps, acai bowls, smoothies, soups, waffles, egg breakfasts, salads, power bowls, and more. They also have a full coffee bar with milk alternatives and vegan banana bread.
• Cha Cha Matcha – Skip the soft serve, it contains dairy, but they have plenty of vegan lattes, chia pudding, and other snacks to keep you interested. They also sell packaged dairy-free matcha lattes.
• Citizens Of Soho ⭐️ – This Aussie-themed cafe serves breakfast & lunch with a clearly labeled menu for dairy-free, gluten-free, and other special diet guests. Their dairy-free options include porridge, egg breakfasts, toasts, , bowls, and burgers. They also have a full coffee bar.
• Chip City Cookies – They offer dairy-free chocolate chip cookies in jumbo and lil’ sizes. They also typically have a rotating dairy-free flavor, like cookie butter cookies. Almond milk and oat milk are available for dunking. These cookies are available in store and for nationwide shipping.
• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Cloudy Donut Co. ⭐️ – Formerly known as Donut Alliance, this all vegan shop churns out handmade, small batch donuts daily in an array of attractive flavors. On any given day, you might find boston cream, PB&J, maple butter pecan, cookies and cream, cinnamon sugar, and many others. They always offer seasonal flavors, too.
• Coletta ⭐️ – Their Italian-American menu is vegan and kosher. It includes starters, pastas (including house ravioli), pizzas, other entrees, salads, and desserts. There are many cheesy and creamy options to satisfy cravings and they do have gluten-free items labeled.
• Confectionery! ⭐️ – Everything in this sweet shop is dairy-free and vegan, including their range of macarons, chocolates, cookies, and other pastries.
• Crisp & Green – You can enjoy their full menu of smoothies and acai bowls, and they offer a great allergen menu to help you custom order their savory bowls. They also cater to vegan and gluten-free guests, and even have some dairy-free grab ‘n go dessert treats.
• Delice & Sarrasin ⭐️ – Crepes, croissants, creme brulee? It’s all on-limits at this 100% vegan French restaurant. They also serve a full dinner of classics (with a plant-based spin), from Boeuf Bourguignon to Coq au Vin.
• DIG Inn ⭐️ – This healthy fast casual restaurant shuns additives, making nutritious bowls with whole food ingredients. The majority of their menu is dairy-free, and they offer full ingredient lists with allergens clearly noted.
• Dinosaur Bar-B-Que ⭐️ – Thanks to Sue for this recommendation! “There are some non-dairy items on the menu. Ask. The server can tell you. The item is checked & delivered by the manager generally. Also their Sensuous Slathering BBQ Sauce available in the grocery.” They do have allergen protocols and offer a great allergen chart, which not only includes dairy-free options, it also references where the dairy or other allergens are in many items so you can customize.
• Dos Toros Taqueria ⭐️ – This special diet friendly build-your-own burrito, bowl, salad, or tacos shop has locations dotted all over NYC. They offer vegan and gluten-free tips, have a full allergen chart, and have an abundance of options for all needs. As for dairy-free, all but the cheese, sour cream, and the occasional sauce or dressing is made without dairy.
• Double Zero ⭐️ – This is an all-vegan pizzeria and Mexican restaurant. They offer classic pizzas and ones with cashew cream or pesto. They also have nachos, empanadas, and more.
• Dough – Their “handmade artisinal doughnuts” include a small menu of vegan options.  They offer raise glazed and cinnamon sugar varieties daily, and usually have a couple seasonal iced flavors.
• Eleven Madison Park – With a Michelin star under it’s belt, this upscale restaurant decided to go vegan … then they added meat. They still have plant-based and dairy-free options, and are friendly toward special diets.
• Emack & Bolio’s – This Boston-based ice creamery churns a handful of vegan flavors made with coconut milk. They include Cappucino Fudge Swirl, Chocolate Pudding, Mint Chocolate Freckle, Raspberry Chocolate Krispy Rice, Goa Mango, and Toasted Coconut. They also offer dairy-free sorbets.
• Erin McKenna’s Bakery ⭐️ – It’s hard to resist the flagship location of this sweet dairy-free bakery. It’s completely vegan and gluten-free, and they don’t use any soy. Their daily menu includes a pretty selection of cupcakes, muffins, donuts, cookies, crumb cakes, and more. They also swirl dairy-free soft serve. And yes, they take custom cake orders!
• Ess-a-Bagel – They call it “tofu spread,” but for all intents and purposes, this bagelry churns out several dairy-free cream cheese flavors. They include plain, herb, lox, and more. At last count, they had eight flavors to accompany one of their many vegan bagels. In fact, all of their bagel varieties are dairy-, egg-, and nut-free!
• Fairway Market – Michelle let us know this local area market has a great selection of dairy alternatives and vegan and gluten-free brands.
• Fresh from Hell – This health-focused spot offers dairy-free options for smoothies, acai bowls, bagels, and oatmeals.
• Georgetown Cupcake – Their is a lot of dairy at this cupcakery, but they offer Vegan Apple Cinnamon or Carrot Cupcakes with dairy-free cream cheese frosting, depending on the day of the week.
• Gotham Burger Social Club – This NYC burger pop-up is putting down roots in Manhattan, and they’ve teamed up with Violife to offer dairy-free options on their menu. Vegan burgers are also available.
• Hale and Hearty ⭐️ – Their healthy menus are labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. The dairy-free options include numerous soups, sandwiches, and salads.
• HipCityVeg ⭐️ – This vegan fast food chain from Philly has one location in this town. Their menu includes burgers, sandwiches, golden nuggets, salads, sweet potato fries, and a full breakfast menu. They also offer smoothies, banana whip, and dairy-free milkshakes.
• Holy Schnitzel ⭐️ – This is a kosher glatt chain, so their entire menu is dairy-free. And it’s a very big menu, with all types of starters, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and sides.
• Hummus & Pita Co ⭐️ – Almost all of their Mediterranean menu is, or can be ordered, dairy-free, and they have several impressive vegan options on the menu. Plus, they offer “Chickpea Chillers” – dairy-free and vegan milkshakes made with chickpeas! They’re indulgent but high protein.
• Hummus Kitchen ⭐️ – This kosher restaurant is completely dairy-free, and has many vegan and gluten-free options clearly labeled on the menu. They serve dishes like kebabs, falafel, and shawarma, but hummus is at the center of their menu. They have a couple locations in the city.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Intelligentsia – This U.S. coffee chain offers oat milk and almond milk, and usually has a specialty dairy-free drink right on the menu. They also typically have a couple vegan pastry options (not guaranteed, but most locations have a rotating selection) and some vegan pre-packaged food options.
• JaJaJa Plantas Mexicana ⭐️ – Street tacos, bowls, tamales, quesadillas, and endless bottles of tequila – this vegan Mexican restaurant has it all. Their menu is also labeled for gluten-free and items containing nuts.
• Jerrell’s BETR BRGR ⭐️ – This late night vegan burger joint serves a short but effecient menu of veggie burgers, chili, fries, and oatmilk shakes.
• John’s of 12th Street – This is a historic spot that’s been serving traditional “gravy and red-sauce Italian food” since 1908. But they also have a full vegan menu with stuffed mushrooms, caesar salad, garlic bread, pizza, parmigiana, alfredo, raviolis, and honestly, I could go on. They also serve several vegan desserts, including tiramisu and cannoli. For “just dairy-free” customers who would like meat or seafood, some of their traditional menu items can be made dairy-free.
• Juice Press ⭐️ – This purely plant-based and dairy-free juice chain blends healthy smoothies and protein shakes with almond milk, offers blue magic and acai bowls, and sells several vegan grab-and-go snacks.
• Katz’s Delicatessen – This small Lower East Side deli has been run by the Katz family for over 100 years. It’s a bustling shop with big portions that has become a part of New York’s culture and history. Although it isn’t strictly kosher, this deli has been recommended by several of our readers for an abundance of simple, dairy-free options. They slow cure their own deli meats (no lactic acid starter cultures or other dairy ingredients additives), and pile them on sandwiches sans cheese. Their large menu also includes salads, hot dogs, omelets, and soups. Many of their items are already dairy-free or can easily be made so.
• La Colombe – This coffee chain is known for their oatmilk draft lattes, which they also offer on tap. They also usually have some dairy-free baked goodies (some vegan, some with eggs), like quick bread slices and cookies, and biscotti. The options can vary by location, so ask for allergen information at the shop.
• Läderach – These Swiss chocolate shops now offer a full dairy-free and vegan line with various dark and cashewmilk chocolate options. The decadent collection includes bars, all types of barks, and some other confections.
• Lagusta’s Luscious Cafe ⭐️ – This all-vegan shop is famous for their truffles and chocolates (which they ship throughout the U.S. This location also serves handmade drinks and Sweet Maresa’s pastries.
• Lazy Sundaes – This bubble tea and dessert shop makes sundaes with their house oat milk-based snow, and offers oat milk for their boba teas. Their topping, flavor, and “boba” options for dairy-free guests and vegans are plentiful.
• Le Botaniste ⭐️ – This vegan and gluten-free spot is also heavily raw. They use a range of international flavors in their bowls and small plates, and also serve dessert. They have several locations in Manhattan and Belgium.
• Le Pain Quotidien – This Belgian bake shop has a plethora of dairy-free fresh baked breads, sandwiches, soups, and breakfast bowls (think oats, chia, and granola options). Almond, coconut, and oat milks are available or coffee drinks and tea lattes. And they often a dairy-free pastry or two – ask at your location.
• Le Petit Monstre ⭐️ – This vegan patisserie serves sweet and savory pastries with French flair. You will find croissants, palmiers, quiche, and more, right alongside some American favorites, including donuts and brownies. They also have a gluten-free menu.
• Leo’s Bagels – At last check, all of their bagels were dairy free, and they offer a selection of tofu cream cheeses, tofu spreads, hummus, peanut butter, and jelly. They also make bagel sandwiches with a big range of smoked fish and kosher meats.
• Levain Bakery – They bake fresh dairy-free breads, but also offer big, thick, vegan and gluten-free chocolate chip walnut cookies on their daily menu.
• Liberty Bagels – They offer a dizzying selection of bagels and bagel sandwich toppings, including dairy-free tofu cream cheese.
• Little Beet – This is a local New York chain with one location in Garden City on Long Island. They have a fast casual build-your-own bowl style for lunch and dinner. The menu is gluten-free, and they clearly label for vegan, vegetarian, and top allergens. Most of their menu items and components are dairy free, including all of their grains, proteins, and sauces, at last check.
• Little Cupcake Bakeshop – They bake a few flavors of vegan cookies, gluten-free vegan chocolate cupcakes, gluten-free vegan muffins, and vegan cookies and cream layer cake.
• Loco Coco ⭐️ – This plant-based, dairy-free superfood shop blends a healthy array of smoothies and smoothie bowls, and also offers nutritious soft serve.
• Lotus & Lime ⭐️ – They offer a fresh take on Asian food with a selection of purple rice bowls and salad bowls. Their entire menu is “free of gluten, dairy, peanuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, and mustard.” Cashews (as a topping) were the only tree nut at last check. They do have a detailed allergen menu.
• Luanne’s Wild Ginger ⭐️ – They have a few locations in Brooklyn and one in NYC, each serving a completely vegan menu of Asian cuisine. The cuisine spans many countries, but has a healthy, macrobiotic focus.
• Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett’s signature restaurant chain borrows some allergy-friendly spirit from his younger sister’s restaurant chain, Lulu’s. Their Gulf Coast cuisine includes lots of seafood, some Caribbean flavors, and many American favorites. They don’t have an allergen guide, but their staff is well trained for food allergic guests, and they are able to easily accommodate dairy-free requests.
• Más Veggies Vegan Taqueria ⭐️ – This all-vegan taco chain offers tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos, and taco salads with a modern plant-based spin. They’re available at Veggie Grill locations.
• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes – This expanding franchise makes dairy-free burgers with a range of protein, bun, sauce, and topping options. They have a detailed allergen chart to help you order. They also offer vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options.
• Mora Pizza ⭐️ – This local pizzeria is completely vegan, and offers all types of classic and crazy slices. They also use a unique dairy-free cheese alternative, Pleese. It’s located inside the Vegan on the Fly restaurant.
• Morgenstern’s Bananas ⭐️ – This dairy-free soft serve shop swirls various flavors made from bananas. They offer coconut vanilla, caramel, chocolate, yuzu, and more. If vegan, be sure to ask as they do have some items made with honey and other non-vegan ingredients.
• Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream – This local parlor offers a creamy vegan ice cream flavor or two, along with house sorbets.
• Murray’s Bagels – At last check, all of their bagels were dairy free, and they offer a selection of tofu cream cheeses, tofu spreads, hummus, peanut butter, and jelly. Bagel sandwiches and custom order salads can also be ordered.
• Naya ⭐️ – This build-your-own bowl or pita Mediterranean restaurant labels which items contain dairy or other top allergens, and which are vegan-friendly. They have a surprising choice of toppings and also a good array of appetizers and desserts.
• Off the Wheat Sweets & Eats – This locally owned business can be found at the purple tent in Union Square. It’s a gluten-free bakery that also has dairy-free options. They also ship goodies across the U.S.
• Ole & Steen – They have locations dotted around Manhattan, each one offering a range of dairy-free breads, plus soup, salad, and sandwich options. For dessert, they have vegan cream cake and usually have seasonal or limited time vegan treats, too.
• Orchard Grocer ⭐️ – This is an all-vegan deli and small grocer that serves sandwiches, dairy-free milkshakes, and local baked goods. Their groceries include specialty items.
• Palmita ⭐️ – They serve a quick serve menu of California-style Mexican cuisine. It includes a selection of bowls, house sauces, and sides. Their entire menu is “free of gluten, dairy, peanuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, and mustard.” They also shun tree nuts on their menu, but walnuts might be used on site. They offer additional allergen information and vegan options.
• Peacefood Cafe ⭐️ – You can find this vegan bakery and cafe uptown or downtown – they have two locations. Their lunch and dinner menu includes an array of raw and cooked dishes, they also blend juices and smoothies, and they have a wonderful array of pastries. Their sweets include cookies, cookie sandwiches, pies, cakes, quick breads, cheesecakes, and more. They also have gluten-free options.
• Pick A Bagel – They offer a few dairy-free tofu cream cheese alternative spread and have an expansive bagel sandwich menu along with hot items that can be ordered dairy free.
• Planta Queen ⭐️ – This upscale Asian restaurant is completely vegan. Their home base is Toronto, where they have a smattering of locations run by Chef David Lee, but they also have additional locations in the U.S.
• Plantega ⭐️ – This plant-based deli has locations at bodegas around the city. They offer burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, and burritos.
• PLNT Burger ⭐️ – This quick serve vegan burger joint offers a selection of burgers, hot dogs, and fries, along with dairy-free soft serve, oatmilk shakes, and cookies for dessert.
• Pokeworks – All of their signature poke bowls, and pretty much all of their menu is dairy-free, including the Dole Whip for dessert! They offer raw, cooked, and vegan proteins.
• Pressed Juicery ⭐️ – The menu at this juice shop is dairy-free, and includes a range of smoothies, bowls, and healthy soft serve with toppings. They have several locations around Manhattan.
• Proper Food – Thank you to Amelia for letting us know they offer “to go meals for lunch and breakfast with gf & df options. They happily check their allergen list to help guests make choices.” They offer quick breakfasts, salads, hot plates, vegan wraps, and more, and have locations throughout the city.
• Quantum Leap – This vegetarian restaurant has two locations – one in Greenwich Village and one on the Upper East Side. They serve an array of American, Asian, and Mexican inspired dishes, with many vegan options. They also serve brunch with vegan pancakes (gluten-free option) and special treats like vegan shakes.
• Reserve Cut ⭐️ – This high-end steakhouse is kosher Glatt, which means milk and meat cannot be mixed. Consequently, their whole menu is dairy-free. And it’s a big one. They focus on French-Asian cuisine, but offer a range of sushi, seafood dishes, and of course, steaks. They also offer a decadent dairy-free dessert menu.
• Risotteria Melotti NYC – According to the staff at this authentic Italian eatery, “We can make all our dishes dairy free, for the risottos we use dairy only to do the “mantecatura” at the end.” Yes, that means an array of dairy-free risottos, and even a couple vegan options. This is also a great find for gluten-free diners.
• Riverdel Vegan Cheese ⭐️ – They closed their Brooklyn shop, but this “vegan cheese monger” can still be found in the Essex Street Market in Manhattan. They sell a wide variety of dairy-free cheeses, including some house-made selections, along with dairy-free yogurts and nut milks. They also serve a range of lunch sandwiches, made with local vegan charcuterie, and a big selection of condiments.
• Salt & Straw – See our Salt & Straw Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Spicy Moon ⭐️ – This is a vegan Szechuan Chinese restaurant with modern takes on classic dishes like mapo tofu, dandan noodles, and wontons.
• Springbone Kitchen ⭐️ – This casual eatery focuses on nourishing meals made with organic fruits, vegetables, and grass-fed free range meats, Their whole menu is gluten-free, heavily paleo, and mostly dairy-free. The few items with dairy are clearly labeled. They serve lunch, dinner, and late breakfast all day, but the real feature is their expansive broth menu. It includes a variety of bone broths and vegan broths.  All are available as drinking broths or can be beefed up with your choice of add ins for a comforting soup.
• Springy – This is a new quick serve burger concept from the founders of Springbone Kitchen. They sent us this information. “We’ve got grass-fed beef tallow in our deep fryer (just like McDonald’s used to do it back in the day!) and of course our beef is 100% grass-fed; even our burger buns are gluten free. We do have a few dairy ingredients on our menu, but almost everything is already dairy-free and anything we serve can be made dairy-free.” This includes burgers, sandwiches, and fries, but it doesn’t look like they have dairy-free shakes as of yet.
• Sweetcatch Poke ⭐️ – They have a smattering of locations around the city to please dairy-free and gluten-free fish fans (though they also offer chicken and tofu). Their menu includes clear dietary labels, and at last check, everything was dairy free!
• Sweet Vegan Chocolates ⭐️ – They don’t have a storefront, but you can order and pick up their chocolates and truffles curbside. They also hand deliver throughout NYC and ship.
• Ted’s Montana Grill – Founded by media mogul and rancher Ted Turner, this American chain serves a meat-heavy menu with lots of dairy-free options. See our Dairy-Free Guide for Ted’s Montana Grill for more details.
• Tatsu Ramen ⭐️ – Yes, ramen houses often use dairy, but this one is transparent. They label their menu for top allergens and also list which options can be special ordered dairy free. At last check, their dairy-free options included some ramens, their couple of rice dishes, and pork buns.
• Teriyaki Madness ⭐️ – This is a great casual spot for a range of teriyaki-style bowls and Asian appetizers. They offer an easy-to-read allergen chart. At last check, everything was dairy-free on the savory menu, except for the crab rangoon.
• The Butcher’s Daughter ⭐️ – The menus at this “vegetable slaughterhouse” are all-vegetarian, filled with vegan and gluten-free options, and clearly labeled for dairy, nuts, and soy. Their food includes a nice selection of small plates and large plates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And they also have dairy-free desserts. For sipping, they serve serve cold-pressed juices, dairy-free wellness lattes, dairy-free smoothies, cocktails, mocktails, craft brews, and more. They have two locations in NYC and one in Brooklyn.
• The Commons Chelsea – This popular coffee shop offers almond milk and oat milk for their beverages. But they are most known (by the dairy-free community) for their vegan hot cocoa, which is made with organic, single origin, fair trade cocoa from Portland’s Holy Kakow. They have a petite food menu with just a couple of dairy-free options.
• The Organic Grill ⭐️ – This healthy Manhattan cafe serves vegan burgers, sandwiches, bowls, and breakfast all day. Their menu is heavy on vegetables, and includes some surprises, like house made spirulina “blue cheese.” Gluten-free and items containing soy are clearly labeled. They also serve a selection of raw dairy-free cakes and cheesecakes.
• The Wesley ⭐️ – This fine, vegan-forward restaurant pairs a mostly plant-based menu with a few meat and seafood offerings. Their menu is almost completely dairy free.
• Tipsy Scoop – This adults-only ice cream barlour churns boozy ice cream in some rather unique flavors. They always have a selection of dairy-free and vegan sorbets, and also have the occasional creamy variety, along with some creative toppings. You can visit one of their shops, or get pints (and toppings) delivered to your home. The deliver locally and ship.
• Toastique – They offer dairy-free smoothies, smoothie bowls, collagen lattes, toasts, grab-and-go eats, and even some housemade treats.
• Tompkins Square Bagels – They hand roll, kettle boil, and oven bake their bagels right on the premises of their two locations daily. The dairy-free selection is unsurpassed, and the staff quite helpful, as the owner is vegan. To top the bagels, they have several nut butters, fruit butters, and tofu cream cheese spread in an assortment of flavors! They also serve many breakfast, lunch, and specialty sandwiches that are either dairy-free or can be ordered without dairy. For dessert, they bake up a whole selection of vegan cookies!
• Two Boots Pizza – They typically have one vegan pizza available by the slice, but they have a total of nine vegan pizzas that you can order by the whole pie. And you can order a calzone. They offer various dairy-free sauces, vegan ricotta, Daiya cheese alternative, various vegetable toppings, and some vegan faux meats.
• Two Hands ⭐️ – This Australian-inspired restaurant chain is allergy-friendly. They offer an allergen guide, and label dairy-free options on their menus. They have dairy-free choices at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also label gluten-free items.
• Umami Express ⭐️ – They offer a fresh take on east Asian food with a selection of nutritious bowls. Their entire menu is “free of gluten, dairy, peanuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, and mustard.” Walnuts (as a topping) were the only tree nut at last check. They do have a detailed allergen menu.
• Uno Pizzeria & Grill – See our Uno’s Pizzeria Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Unregular Pizza – This local chain offers vegan pizzas, garlic squares, and salad on their menu. You can also make many other pizzas dairy-free with their vegan mozzarella.
• Urban Dessert Lab ⭐️ – This is a dairy-free ice cream shop that blends their oat milk ice cream bases with natural sauces and dips them in coatings.
• Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – If you’re in NYC, then you probably aren’t far from one of these ice cream shops. They have locations around the city, and each one scoops a selection of their dairy-free flavors (made with cashew and coconut milk or oat milk). They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or make you a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.
• Vegan Ginger Root ⭐️ – Thanks to Jonathan for letting us know about this all-vegan restaurant! “They are vegan place that serves Asian cuisine. Mainly Chinese food. I highly recommend them!”
• Veganhood ⭐️ –  This all-vegan restaurant focuses on Southern comfort food with fried “chicken,” mac and “cheese,” burgers, and much more. They have a petite dessert menu with pudding.
• Vegan on the Fly ⭐️ – Their casual menu includes faux meat sandwiches, burgers, and chicken. They also specialize in gyros and other Mediterranean-style eats. Grab-and-go desserts, like cookies and cake jars, are also available.
• Veggie Grill ⭐️ – This vegan fast-casual restaurant chain serves burgers, sandwiches, bowls, salads, and plant-based variations on popular dishes. Their selection ranges from fresh and healthy to comfort food. They also have a menu of desserts.
• Vito’s Slices & Ices – This “authentic” pizzeria offers a vegan pizza on their menu and you can order a dairy-free pizza with their plant-based cheese. They also scoop homemade Italian ice, some of which is dairy free. The options do change.
• Wattle Cafe – This unique healthy spot has a great selection of dairy-free options, with wattle bites, dairy-free and vegan waffles, acai bowls, and other cafe eats.
• Zazzy’s Pizza – They offer a plant-based menu with house-made mozzarella sticks, calamari, and more. You can also order various dairy-free pizzas with their vegan cheese, and they have a vegan gluten-free crust available.

NYC – Queens

• Aaron’s Gourmet Emporium – This is a glatt kosher meat market, so their meat products and dishes are dairy-free. They have many other foods available, too.
• Ben’s Deli – They boldly state, “We are a kosher meat restaurant. We have no dairy on  premises.” They’re also friendly to gluten-free and vegan guests (they have a plant-based menu). But dairy-free customers can order from anything on their expansive menu. Their sandwich menu is huge (deli-style, stuffed, paninis, etc), and they also have burgers, hot meals, omelettes, and more.
• Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company – Obviously they have a big selection of bagels, but they also offer non-dairy tofu schmears. They also make bagel sandwiches and salads, and have dairy-free milk beverage for vegan coffee and tea drinks.
• Chip City Cookies – They offer dairy-free chocolate chip cookies in jumbo and lil’ sizes. They also typically have a rotating dairy-free flavor, like cookie butter cookies. Almond milk and oat milk are available for dunking. These cookies are available in store and for nationwide shipping.
• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Dough – Their “handmade artisinal doughnuts” include a small menu of vegan options.  They offer raise glazed and cinnamon sugar varieties daily, and usually have a couple seasonal iced flavors.
• Emack & Bolio’s – This Boston-based ice creamery churns a handful of vegan flavors made with coconut milk. They include Cappucino Fudge Swirl, Chocolate Pudding, Mint Chocolate Freckle, Raspberry Chocolate Krispy Rice, Goa Mango, and Toasted Coconut. They also offer dairy-free sorbets.
• Gossip Coffee ⭐️ – This gathering spot serves all types of drinks, and has breakfast and lunch menus that are labeled with dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options. They have a handful of items that are dairy-free as is.
• HipCityVeg ⭐️ – This vegan fast food chain from Philly has one location in this town. Their menu includes burgers, sandwiches, golden nuggets, salads, sweet potato fries, and a full breakfast menu. They also offer smoothies, banana whip, and dairy-free milkshakes.
• Holy Schnitzel ⭐️ – This is a kosher glatt chain, so their entire menu is dairy-free. And it’s a very big menu, with all types of starters, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and sides.
• Liberty Bagels – They offer a dizzying selection of bagels and bagel sandwich toppings, including dairy-free tofu cream cheese.
• Mr. Wish ⭐️ – This is a boba tea chain that clearly labels their menu to show which items contain dairy. They also label for gluten and non-vegan drinks. Their menu includes a good selection of dairy-free fruit teas and smoothies, but they have some surprising dairy-free options, too.
• No5 / The Vegoist – They have a HUGE vegan menu (it rivals the impressive size of their non-vegan menu) and can make many additional dairy-free items. Their selection includes tartines, pastas, salads, ravioli, burgers, dessert, and more.
• Pizza Twist – They have an extensive vegan pizza menu with dairy-free cheese, all types of sauces, and a plethora of dairy-free toppings. Almost any pizza on their menu can be ordered without dairy.
• Plantega ⭐️ – This plant-based deli has locations at bodegas around the city. They offer burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, and burritos.
• Pokeworks – All of their signature poke bowls, and pretty much all of their menu is dairy-free, including the Dole Whip for dessert! They offer raw, cooked, and vegan proteins.
• Sensible Edibles Bakery ⭐️ – This is a vegan and gluten-free bakery that’s well known for cookies, bundt cakes, sweet loaves, bars, cakes, and more. You might spot their goodies at some other places in the area.
• Tea and Milk – These creamy tea experts offer all types of milk teas, tea lattes, bubble teas, and more. They offer Oatly Oat Milk, Califia Almond Milk, and Pacific Soy Milk (for an extra charge on some drinks) and even have vegan house horchata. Banh mi sandwiches are also available.
• Tipsy Scoop – This adults-only ice cream barlour churns boozy ice cream in some rather unique flavors. They always have a selection of dairy-free and vegan sorbets, and also have the occasional creamy variety, along with some creative toppings. You can visit one of their shops, or get pints (and toppings) delivered to your home. The deliver locally and ship.
• Uno Pizzeria & Grill – See our Uno’s Pizzeria Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.

NYC – Staten Island

• Bario’s – This local pizzeria offers a full vegan menu on the side, with pizzas, appetizers (mozzarella sticks!), pastas, wraps, and more. They offer Violife vegan cheese, and can make most of their pizzas dairy-free with a cheese swap.
• Bloom Cafe – Most of their cafe menu is vegan, including favorites like veggie scrambles, yogurt parfaits, and stuffed French toast. On the coffee-house side, most drinks (including specialty lattes) can be made dairy-free with oat, soy, or rice milk, but there is a surcharge.
• Cinnaholic – This is a vegan cinnamon roll bakery chain. See our Cinnaholic Post for full details.
• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Emack & Bolio’s – This Boston-based ice creamery churns a handful of vegan flavors made with coconut milk. They include Cappucino Fudge Swirl, Chocolate Pudding, Mint Chocolate Freckle, Raspberry Chocolate Krispy Rice, Goa Mango, and Toasted Coconut. They also offer dairy-free sorbets.
• Holy Schnitzel ⭐️ – This is a kosher glatt chain, so their entire menu is dairy-free. And it’s a very big menu, with all types of starters, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, and sides.
• Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.
• Van Leeuwen ⭐️ – This popular localized ice cream chain sells their pints in grocery stores, but they also have scoop shops. They churn both classic dairy ice cream and a huge array of dairy-free flavors, which are made with cashew and coconut milk or oat milk. They can also make you a vegan ice cream sandwich with chocolate chip cookies, blend a dairy-free milkshake, or craft a sundae with vegan whipped cream, hot fudge, and various other toppings.

NYC – The Bronx

• Chip City Cookies – They offer dairy-free chocolate chip cookies in jumbo and lil’ sizes. They also typically have a rotating dairy-free flavor, like cookie butter cookies. Almond milk and oat milk are available for dunking. These cookies are available in store and for nationwide shipping.
• Clean Eats Meal Prep – This meal delivery service lets your pick your own entrees, and they’re clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan customers. But be sure to check both the dairy-free and vegan sections if you want to view all entrée options – for some reason, the vegan options aren’t in the dairy-free section. They are based in New Jersey, but deliver to this area.
• Freckles Juice Bar – Healthy eats, juices, smoothies, and acai bowls are on order at this local shop. Most of their smoothies are made with fresh fruits, superfoods, and almond milk or coconut water, and most of their food can be made dairy-free on request. Vegan items are clearly labeled.
• Kai Fan⭐️ – Yes, Asian restaurants tend to have lots of dairy-free options, but few are completely dairy-free. This restaurant is kosher, so meat and milk cannot be mixed. They offer a huge Chinese food menu and a full sushi menu, complete with Philadelphia rolls with Tofutti cream cheese.
• La Masa – This Columbian restaurant has all the classics, including empanadas, arepas, patacones, and hamburguesas. They offer vegan menu items in each food category, naturally dairy-free dishes, and some dishes can be made dairy-free with vegan cheese.
• Peachwave – If you’re craving something cool and creamy, pop into this froyo chain for some dairy-free Dole Whip or sorbet soft serve! They usually have a few flavors each day.
• Pizza Studio – They have a vegan pizza, complete with vegan “cheese” and “sausage.” Many other pizzas can be ordered dairy-fee with a cheese swap. They also have build your own salads.
• Plantega ⭐️ – This plant-based deli has locations at bodegas around the city. They offer burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas, and burritos.
• The Halal Shack ⭐️ – This quick serve chain is located on the Manhattan University campus, but it’s open to the public. They offer build-your-own rice bowls, salad bowls, fry bowls, hummus bowls, naanritos, and pita wraps. They have a full allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. At last check, they used no peanuts or tree nuts, and had ample gluten-free and vegan options.
• Yankee Stadium – Of course, dairy-free hot dogs can be found, but this stadium also offers Oatly oat soft serve ice cream, vegan burgers and brats, vegan churros, and they have Bareburger on site – a good spot for dairy-free options.

North Salem

• The Market at Union Hall – This specialty grocer sells all types of popular and local dairy-free foods. They also have some freshly made vegan eats available.

North Tonawanda

• Little Black Heart Coffee ⭐️ – Located just across the street from the vegan grocery store is this vegan espresso bar. They serve all types of dairy-free lattes, hot chocolate, and more.
• The Vegan Grocery Store ⭐️ – Just as the name implies, this is an all-vegan grocery store. They stock pantry, refrigerated, and frozen items with various dairy alternative brands.

Orchard Park

• Route 20 Ice Cream – They offer vegan oat milk soft serve (by Rich’s), vegan temptation soft serve, and dairy-free Dole Whip. They also blend vegan shakes with oat milk, build sundaes, and more.

Painted Post

• Beartown Peaches ‘n Cream – They offer a flavor of dairy-free Dole Whip at this seasonal ice cream stand daily.

Peekskill

• Homestyle Desserts – This bakery and creamery now offers dairy-fee oatmilk soft serve in two flavors that can be swirled together. On the bakery side, they also have dairy-free options like vegan baklava and strudel.

Penn Yan

• Spotted Duck Creamery – This frozen custard shop rotates their flavors, but they usually offer at least a couple dairy-free options. We spotted candied coconut and fudgie wudgie in their seasonal flavors. They are open seasonally.

Pittsford

• Cinnaholic – This is a vegan cinnamon roll bakery chain. See our Cinnaholic Post for full details.
• Simply Crepes – Sue let us know they offer dairy-free, gluten-free buckwheat crepes at this restaurant, and have various topping options.
• So Belly Happy – You can find this nut-free baker at the Pittsford MRKT. They offer gluten-free vegan macaroons and brownies.

Plainview

• ZuckerBakers Bake Shop ⭐️ – This is a dairy-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, sesame-free, kosher pareve bakery. They whip up challah breads, rye bread, onion rolls, cupcakes, cookies, pastries, and more daily. They are also well known for their chocolate meltaway cakes and custom birthday cakes, which are all hand drawn.

Plattsburgh

• The Halal Shack ⭐️ – This quick serve chain is located on the SUNY Plattsburgh campus, but it’s open to the public. They offer build-your-own rice bowls, salad bowls, fry bowls, hummus bowls, naanritos, and pita wraps. They have a full allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. At last check, they used no peanuts or tree nuts, and had ample gluten-free and vegan options.

Port Chester

• Bartaco – Their allergen menu is so detailed, that it states exactly what in the item contains the allergen. And their dairy-free options are abundant. Most of their tacos, rice bowls, other entrees, and sides are, or can be ordered, dairy-free. But the dessert and kids menus are heavy in dairy.

Port Jefferson

• Tiger Lily Cafe – This alternative eatery is a funky place for food, art, and music. They have vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus with several vegan and dairy-free options. They also have a full juice bar with fresh-squeezed juices, dairy-free soy smoothies and soy protein shakes. And you can get a coffee drink or frappe made with rice milk or soy milk.

Poughkeepsie

• 110 Grill – This northeastern chain restaurant has an “allergy commitment” that includes extensive staff training and managerial oversight for allergen orders. Their entire menu can be made without gluten, and most items can be custom ordered without dairy.
• Moonburger ⭐️ – Their menu is simple: veggie burgers, veggie cheeseburgers, fries, spicy fries, and shakes. And almost everything can be ordered dairy-free. Their shakes, fries, and burgers are dairy-free, and they offer dairy-free cheese. Gluten-free options are also available.
• The Halal Shack ⭐️ – This quick serve chain is located on the Marist College campus, but it’s open to the public. They offer build-your-own rice bowls, salad bowls, fry bowls, hummus bowls, naanritos, and pita wraps. They have a full allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. At last check, they used no peanuts or tree nuts, and had ample gluten-free and vegan options.

Queensbury

• Martha’s Dandee Creme – They swirl two flavors of dairy-free Dole Whip soft serve daily.

Rochester

• 110 Grill – Thanks to Sue for this recommendation! “Walk in & they ask how many regular menus & how many gluten free menus.  When seated you are told that all employees are trained in food allergies.  When ordering you are first asked if you have food allergies & what they are.  If you have food allergies, after preparation your food is checked by the manager & they bring it to you personally.  The menu has many items that contain dairy, but they will tell you they can make almost anything without, if necessary.  Some things aren’t worth it without the dairy but if you know what you know what you plan to order ahead of time, take the non-dairy cheese with you.  They’ll prepare the dish with your cheese.”
• Abundance Food Coop – Thanks to Ashlea for this recommendation! “They have a large selection of dairy free and vegan baked goods. As well as dairy free alternative groceries and ready to eat food, hot soups, breakfast sandwiches and cold pre-made good items to grab and go.”
• Balsam Bagels – They offer a range of dairy-free bagels, along with several flavors of vegan cream cheese alternative. They even have a full vegan menu, complete with breakfast sandwiches, bagel dogs, and more.
• California Rollin II Sushi Bar – Sue let us know their menu is mostly dairy free, and is “Awesome stuff.”
• Clownboy Coffee ⭐️ – Thanks to Ashlea for letting us know about this vegan coffee shop. “The owner offers vegan pastries freshly delivered and has a choice of almond or oat milk! In brightly colored shops that’s incredibly welcoming.”
• Create-A-Pizza – This local spot was recommended by Colleen. “They have a wood-fired oven and the calzones fly out of the door. They use a dairy free oil blend for the tops and have multiple types of dairy free cheeses.” They also have vegan alternatives and are friendly toward gluten-free guests.
• Dinosaur Bar-B-Que ⭐️ – Thanks to Sue for this recommendation! “There are some non-dairy items on the menu. Ask. The server can tell you. The item is checked & delivered by the manager generally. Also their Sensuous Slathering BBQ Sauce available in the grocery.” They do have allergen protocols and offer a great allergen chart, which not only includes dairy-free options, it also references where the dairy or other allergens are in many items so you can customize.
• Donna Marie’s Gluten Free Bakery – Thanks to Sue for letting us know this bakery has added quite a few dairy free options. They also shun peanuts, tree nuts, and preservatives, and do custom order cakes for events.
• Get Caked Bakery ⭐️ – This little bakery showcases cupcakes, but they offer an array of sweet treats, with many options for special diets. They have pastries that are naturally vegan, bake vegan and vegan/gluten-free cookies, and can make any of their cupcakes and cookie sammies dairy-free, egg-free, vegan, and/or gluten-free.
• Hedonist Artisan Ice Cream & Chocolates – Thanks to Sue for this recommendation. “Locally made artisan chocolates. If you visit the store, ask. The employee on duty can tell you exactly what is dairy free. Online there is a separate page for vegan and dairy free chocolate. Available online for shipping.” Their options include various dark chocolate covered confections, peanut butter cups, and hot chocolate. In terms of the ice cream, she says, “there is always 1 flavor of non-dairy ice cream plus chocolate sorbet, which is rich & delish.”
• Hollycake House ⭐️ – This all-vegan bakery covers sweets and savories. They have cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and other pastries, and do bake cakes on order. They also have a bread-centric breakfast and lunch menu (toast, paninis, other sandwiches), along with a full salad bar. And yes, they bake croissants!
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Laughing Gull Chocolates – They offer a nice selection of vegan chocolates, including various types of chocolate bark, chocolate truffles, and “fluffies” filled with vegan marshmallow cream.
• Original Grain ⭐️ – Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options are labeled at this healthy cafe. Their dairy-free choices include some toasts, green bowls, grain bowls, noodle bowls, and pitas. Their sandwiches can be custom ordered without dairy. But be warned that all of their smoothies and smoothie bowls are made with a yogurt base. You can probably request a substitution, since they do use dairy-free milk beverage.
• Malek’s Brighton Bakery – They label “Non-Dairy” items, which include danishes, turnovers, kuchens, cookies, and much more. They also have pre-made cakes available daily, and also take custom orders.
• Mission BBQ – This restaurant chain offers a great allergen chat and lots of dairy-free options. Most of their BBQ meats and sauces are dairy-free, and they have a good handful of sides and plate specials. At last check, their sandwich bread contained milk, but their buns did not! Ask at your location since bread sourcing can vary.
• Taste of Supreme ⭐️ – You can find their vegan and gluten-free goodies at their own public market location, and at restaurants and retailers in the area. They bake cakes, pies, cookies, muffins, and more.
• The Chai Guy – Their perfectly spiced coffee and tea drinks can be ordered dairy-free with almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk. They also offer many dairy-free baked goods including Salty Bread, vegan muffins, and vegan and gluten-free cookies.
• The Owl House ⭐️ – Thanks to Ashlea for recommending this restaurant that “has vegan, vegatarian and a 90% dairy free menu all labeled.” They are open for dinner and weekend brunch, serving American fare with a “bohemian vibe.”
• The Red Fern ⭐️ – Almost anyone can find something at this casual vegan eatery. They have a big menu of snacks, salads, sandwiches, and plates. For sips they offer juices, smoothies, coffee drinks, kombucha, and more. They also have a full bakery on site and dairy-free ice cream for dessert a la mode. And to make special diet lives easier, they offer menus for gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, oil-free, garlic-free, and onion-free! Their bakery accepts special orders, including cakes, pastry trays, and gluten-free breads.
• Ugly Duck Coffee – Thanks to Ashlea for letting us know they are “extremely allergen friendly and accommodating with dairy allergies. Getting clean steaming pitchers and wiping down with clean sanitizer. They also carry vegan baked goods from Black Cat Baking Co. (a local wholesale baker).”

Rye

• Elevation Burger – This progressive fast food chain caters to all types of special diets, with a few plant-based and paleo burger options on their menu. Almost all of their burgers and sandwiches can be ordered without dairy, they offer dairy-free cheese alternative, and at last check, their chicken tenders were even dairy-free. Plus, they offer vegan milkshakes made with oatmilk ice cream and almond milk.
• Green & Tonic ⭐️ – They proudly proclaim to be dairy-free and plant-based, with many gluten-free options. Their menu is heavy with acai bowls and superfood smoothies, but they also offer many savory, like salads, wraps, tartines, and soups. This is a mostly vegan spot, but honey and collagen are offered.
• Le Pain Quotidien – This Belgian bake shop has a plethora of dairy-free fresh baked breads, sandwiches, soups, and breakfast bowls (think oats, chia, and granola options). Almond, coconut, and oat milks are available or coffee drinks and tea lattes. And they often a dairy-free pastry or two – ask at your location.

Rye Brook

• DIG Inn ⭐️ – This healthy fast casual restaurant shuns additives, making nutritious bowls with whole food ingredients. The majority of their menu is dairy-free, and they offer full ingredient lists with allergens clearly noted.

Saratoga Springs

• Bare Blends ⭐️ – Everything is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan at this growing chain. They serve a big menu of smoothies, smoothie bowls, mini waffles, and salads.

Scarsdale

• Green’s Natural Foods (formerly Dean’s) – This is a popular natural and organic, full-service grocery store for special diet customers. Not only do they carry a plethora of vegan and allergy-friendly brands, they also have a full sandwich deli with an impressive vegan menu (vegan cheeses, cashew cream, and a build-your-own vegan burger or brat options) and many additional sandwiches can be ordered dairy free. They also have a superfood juice and smoothie bar that’s mostly dairy free (whey protein is offered as a dairy option).

Schenectady

• Bare Blends ⭐️ – Everything is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan at this growing chain. They serve a big menu of smoothies, smoothie bowls, mini waffles, and salads.
• Take Two Cafe ⭐️ – This all-vegan breakfast and lunch spot serves bagels with “cream cheeses,” omelettes, sandwiches, and more.
• Tara Kitchen ⭐️ – The menu is clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and vegan guests at this Moroccan restaurant. And at last check, only a few of their dishes (on a very big menu) contained dairy. They offer a good selection of vegetable, seafood, chicken, and lamb dishes.

Schuylerville

• Saratoga Gluten Free Goods – This gluten-free bakery offers several dairy-free breads (with eggs), special pastries, and options on order. They usually have a vegan item or two, also.

Syracuse

• 110 Grill – This northeastern chain restaurant has an “allergy commitment” that includes extensive staff training and managerial oversight for allergen orders. Their entire menu can be made without gluten, and most items can be custom ordered without dairy.
• Alto Cinco – Their menu is filled with vegan options, including nachos, tacos, and enchiladas. Many additional menu items are, or can be ordered, dairy free. They offer creamy house specialties like vegan queso and vegan crema.
• Farm Girl Juicery – Most of their smoothies are dairy-free, and they offer dairy-free soups, juices, and switchel.
• Fifi’s Ice Cream – They carry Perry’s Ice Cream, which includes several of their dairy-free oatmilk ice cream flavors. They also offer some dairy-free soft serve and sorbets, and can make you a vegan milkshake, float, flurry, sundae, or slushy.
• Funk ‘n Waffles – They serve a range of waffles, including vegan waffles. Their banana bread and falafel batters are also dairy-free. And they offer dairy-free cheese, so several menu items can be ordered without dairy.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• LODED – They offer a separate vegan menu with vegan smash burgers, mac and cheeses (yes, multiple!), and loaded fries. Many more menu items can be ordered dairy free, since they vegan cheeses and sauces.
• Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett’s signature restaurant chain borrows some allergy-friendly spirit from his younger sister’s restaurant chain, Lulu’s. Their Gulf Coast cuisine includes lots of seafood, some Caribbean flavors, and many American favorites. They don’t have an allergen guide, but their staff is well trained for food allergic guests, and they are able to easily accommodate dairy-free requests.
• Mello Velo Bicycle Shop & Cafe – Their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are labeled with several vegan options, and some additional sandwiches, burgers, and entrees can be ordered without dairy.
• Natur-Tyme – This is a local, full-service health and natural food store recommended by Kim for dairy-free needs. They carry many local brands, plus gluten-free and vegan products. They typically have a cafe with dairy-free deli options, smoothies, milkshakes, and more, but at the time of our review, it was temporarily closed.
• Original Grain ⭐️ – Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options are labeled at this healthy cafe. Their dairy-free choices include some toasts, green bowls, grain bowls, noodle bowls, and pitas. Their sandwiches can be custom ordered without dairy. But be warned that all of their smoothies and smoothie bowls are made with a yogurt base. You can probably request a substitution, since they do use dairy-free milk beverage.
• Our Vegan Corner ⭐️ – Their all-vegan, Southern-style menu is filled with comfort foods, like ribs, fried chick’n, nachos, mac and cheese, and much more. They also swirl vegan soft serve ice cream and scoop gelati.
• Pastabilities – Skip Olive Garden, and head to this local Italian restaurant instead. They offer several vegan pasta options, with vegan vodka cream, pesto, and house tomato sauces and “meatballs.” They serve other protein options to help you build your own dairy-free pasta or salad. And they have their own bakery on-site, with dairy-free breads available.
• Strong Hearts ⭐️ –  This casual little vegan cafe serves a relatively big and hearty menu and a HUGE selection of dairy-free milkshakes. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a good variety of comfort cuisine, like scrambles, burgers, and even “fried chicken.”
• The Cookie Connection – This is a gluten-free bakery, and most of their goodies are, or can be baked, dairy free, too. They offer much more than cookies, and also take custom cake orders.
• The Halal Shack ⭐️ – This quick serve chain is located on the Syracuse University campus, but it’s open to the public. They offer build-your-own rice bowls, salad bowls, fry bowls, hummus bowls, naanritos, and pita wraps. They have a full allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. At last check, they used no peanuts or tree nuts, and had ample gluten-free and vegan options.
• The Hops Spot – You can custom order your own dairy-free burger and poutine at this casual restaurant. They offer vegan gravy, vegan cheese, and vegan sourdough and vegan-gluten-free buns for the burgers. They also serve salads with tofu, chicken, or lobster.
• The Ice Cream Stand – This simple ice cream shop offers several creamy vegan scoops in classic flavors, like chocolate, vanilla, mint chip, and cookies & cream. You can order them in a cup or a regular cone, which is vegan, with or without vegan toppings (like the sprinkles or crunch coating). They can also make a vegan ice cream cookie sandwich, float, milkshake (with oat milk), or flurry with your flavor of choice. They do sometimes offer vegan soft serve, too, depending on foot traffic to the store.
• The Sweet Praxis – This bakery offers an impressive vegan selection. They make vegan donuts, croissants, breakfast sandwiches, muffins, cookies, and more!
• XO Taco ⭐️ – They clearly label their menu for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan guests. The menu options include several tacos, sides, and even churros for dessert!

Troy

• Bare Blends ⭐️ – Everything is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan at this growing chain. They serve a big menu of smoothies, smoothie bowls, mini waffles, and salads.
• Tara Kitchen ⭐️ – The menu is clearly labeled for dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and vegan guests at this Moroccan restaurant. And at last check, only a few of their dishes (on a very big menu) contained dairy. They offer a good selection of vegetable, seafood, chicken, and lamb dishes.
• The Halal Shack ⭐️ – This quick serve chain is located on the Polytechnic Institute campus, but it’s open to the public. They offer build-your-own rice bowls, salad bowls, fry bowls, hummus bowls, naanritos, and pita wraps. They have a full allergen menu, and almost everything is dairy-free. At last check, they used no peanuts or tree nuts, and had ample gluten-free and vegan options.

Vestal

• Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh – This is a build-your-own pita, rice bowl, wrap, salad, gyro, or plate restaurant. The gyro bread and tzatziki contain dairy, but all other types can be made dairy-free. At last check, all of their proteins, other sauces, toppings (aside from cheese), and baklava were made without milk. They offer allergen information that is very helpful.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.

Watkins Glen

• Green Elephants Thai Vegan Restaurant ⭐️ – Thank you to Lindsay for letting us know about this vegan restaurant. Their menu includes all the Thai food favorites, thai iced teas, and even some fresh Thai-inspired desserts.
• The Great Escape Ice Cream – In addition to sorbets, they offer creamy house-made vegan ice cream with an oat, coconut, or soy base. They typically have a few flavors daily. They are open seasonally (spring through fall).

Webster

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• Simply Crepes – Sue let us know they offer dairy-free, gluten-free buckwheat crepes at this restaurant, and have various topping options.

West Nyack

• Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.

White Plains

• Little Beet – This is a local New York chain with one location in Garden City on Long Island. They have a fast casual build-your-own bowl style for lunch and dinner. The menu is gluten-free, and they clearly label for vegan, vegetarian, and top allergens. Most of their menu items and components are dairy free, including all of their grains, proteins, and sauces, at last check.
• Pokemoto ⭐️ – Enjoy their poke bowls with a range of dairy-free sauces, and get dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert!

Whitesboro

• City Cafe ⭐️ – Thanks to Theresa for sending this recommendation! “Everything in the bakery and restaurant is gluten free, dairy free, and peanut free. It also offers some vegan menu and dessert options. Try’s to address other allergies as well such as soy and tree nuts. My daughter is the only one in our family with food allergies, but we all enjoy eating at City Cafe.” The head chef of City Cafe also wrote to tell us they run “a 100% Gluten, Dairy, and Peanut free facility, with the capabilities of catering to several other food allergies as well.” Their menus include brunch, burgers, sandwiches, and more, and they offer a great selection of sweet baked goods. They also bake custom order cakes.

Williamsville

• Anchor Bar – Known as the home of the original buffalo wing, they reportedly don’t coat their traditional wings in butter, leaving them dairy-free and gluten-free (without the dip). They also offer grilled tenders and salads.
• Rachel’s ⭐️ – This Mediterranean Grill has locations throughout New York, and offers clear dairy-free information, including a full menu online. They have a build-your-own-bowl menu with ample dairy-free proteins, veggies, and even four dairy-free sauces. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.

Yonkers

• Elevation Burger – This progressive fast food chain caters to all types of special diets, with a few plant-based and paleo burger options on their menu. Almost all of their burgers and sandwiches can be ordered without dairy, they offer dairy-free cheese alternative, and at last check, their chicken tenders were even dairy-free. Plus, they offer vegan milkshakes made with oatmilk ice cream and almond milk.

Yorktown Heights

• Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace – This regional supermarket has a good selection of dairy alternatives and specialty items, but are also known for their house-made goods, which can include things like vegan ravioli.

Pictured: Katz’s Delicatessen in NYC

Restaurant & Grocery Chains found throughout New York

Some recommended restaurant and store chains are getting too big for our city listing britches. They have many locations, or are rapidly growing, and you might stumble across them in a number of towns in this state. Click on them for more dairy-free details.

• Blaze Pizza – See our Blaze Pizza Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Byrne Dairy – They offer Vanilla, Chocolate, and Maple Cinnamon oat milk ice cream flavors at locations throughout upstate New York. They also have wraps available to order without dairy.
• Chipotle Mexican Grill – See our Chipotle Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• CoreLife Eatery – If you love nutritious bowls, then this is a chain to hit up. They serve salad bowls, grain bowls, and bone broth and vegetable broth bowls. You can also choose from a selection of tacos. They have a few dairy-free items on the menu, but also have build-your-own bowl choices with a plethora of dairy-free ingredients.
• Stewart’s Shops (Upstate New York) – They started as ice cream shops, but now sell bakery and grocery items. They have two (at last count) vegan and non-dairy ice cream pints that they make: Mint Cookie Crumble and Chocolate Peanut Butter cup.

Pictured: Blossom Restaurant in NYC

Local Dairy-Free Food & Drink Producers in New York

These dairy-free friendly companies don’t have their own retail location, but are in New York. So you have a good chance of finding their products at grocery stores, restaurants, and/or other shops in this state. Keep an eye out!

• Amazing Grains Bread – They service upstate New York with their popular Salty Bread, Sourdoughs, and even some vegan sweets. They do use dairy in some of their products, so read the labels, and keep an eye out for the vegan items specifically.
• Elmhurst 1925 – This used to be a dairy company, but now they make pure, simple dairy-free milks and creamers in Elma, NY. They are available nationwide, but you’ll probably see them more in stores and cafes in New York.
• Goodman Gluten Free – This dedicated dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free bakery sells their goodies through local markets and regional grocery chains.
• Lilly’s Baking Company – This is a dairy- and peanut-free Bronx bakery that sells their kosher goodies throughout New York. They are known for babka, black and whites, vegan rugelach, and more.

Pictured: Sensible Edibles Bakery in Queens

This Guide is Continuously Updated with Recommendations

We welcome you to recommend other dairy-free friendly restaurants. Leave a comment or contact us and tell us why you like a certain restaurant. Restaurant owners and employees are also invited to reach out and let us know how you welcome dairy-free customers.

Please kindly let us know in the comments if any of these restaurants close. We want to keep this list current for you, but aren’t always notified when a restaurant closes. Let us know and we will quickly update!

This Guide is for Informational Purposes Only

Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, and restaurants are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure that they can accommodate your situation.

There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.

For More Dairy-Free Guidance, Get Go Dairy Free!