Enjoy A Vegan Picnic Lunch At These Tacoma Restaurants & Parks [2022 Guide]

Written by Alison Vallen & Darby Bundy

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we’re certainly not here to argue that. Tacoma has delicious vegan breakfast options for a that we swear by for a fun first date, or a catch-up sesh with your besties.

However, we are here to interject with, “Hey, what about lunch?!” Lunch can be a great date idea if you aren’t a morning person or don’t want to do the cliche bar meetup. And if you want to pair your lunch with a nearby activity or beautiful scenery, then you’ll love our ideas in this guide.

Seattleites and Tacomans alike are sure to swoon over these delicacies and attractions, paired perfectly together like wine and (vegan) cheese!

Vegan Picnic Lunch In The Park In Tacoma

Puget Creek Gardens

With Red Hot Not Dogs for Lunch

The Red Hot’s menu has its very own vegan section, and they offer seven uniquely delicious hot dogs (called “Not Dogs”, each sure to exceed your vegan tastebuds’ expectations!

Field Roast varieties like Apple-Sage Bratwurst and Italian Sausage are featured inside a fluffy bun and topped with different peppers and sauces. The Vegan Cole Slaw and Beer-B-Q-Baked Beans are available to add on the side (or come on top!) of your Not Dog, and we strongly advise not to miss out on either one! 

If you’re in the mood for a picnic, be sure to ask for plenty of napkins and head two miles North to the Puget Creek Natural Area. An adorable garden with picnic tables awaits you nearby, and it’s the perfect spot to enjoy your lunch from Red Hot! Walk the well-maintained trail down to the waterfront before you head home for a lovely view!

Visit The Red Hot | Visit Puget Creek

Swan Creek Park

With 3uilt And Mystical Cupcakes for Lunch

Keeping with the theme of non-vegan restaurants with plentiful vegan options, 3uilt in Tacoma is a top contender. With an extensive menu consisting of mac n cheese with vegan bolognese, a lovely assembled vegan cheese plate, and a variety of sandwiches and wraps, you can’t go wrong.

If you don’t mind getting a bit messy, you’ll want to try the buffalo sauce drenched “chicken” drumsticks: accompanied by carrots, celery and their “blue cheese” dipping sauce this dish will satiate even the most particular palate.

Vegan Vida Sandwich. Photo Credit: 3uilt

If you somehow have room for dessert, one of Miss Moffet’s Mystical Cupcakes will be the perfect ending to your delicious journey. These vegan & gluten-free frosted treats come in a variety of flavors and travelled from their home in Lacey just to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Now that your hunger has abated, it’s time to head to Swan Creek Park. This absolutely massive green space caters to nearly every kind of outdoor activity: hiking, biking, bird watching, picnicking and even watching salmon spawn. Whether you want to wander through the community food forest or challenge yourself on one of the three hiking loops, this 373-acre park gives you more than enough room to immerse yourself in mother nature. 

Visit 3uilt | Visit Swan Creek Park

McKinley Park

With Peterson Bros. 1111 for Lunch

The expansive options for vegan bar food in Tacoma has become a theme, and to that we raise a glass! The Peterson Bros. 1111 may not have been the first to start this trend, but they sure do embrace it by offering four different delectable sandwiches on the vegan section of their menu!

House made seitan meatloaf is the star of the Vegan Philly, topped with grilled onions and peppers, enrobed in melted Chao cheese, and hugged by a French hoagie roll. If you’re craving some leafy greens with a bit more delicious substance, dig into the Buffalo Ranch Salad. Spicy Buffalo Soy Curls, carrot, tomato, cucumber, red onion and Chao Cheese are arranged on a bed of romaine lettuce and drenched in creamy ranch dressing.

Vegan Buffalo Ranch Salad. Photo Credit: Peterson Bros 1111

It’s time to take your scrumptious sandwich or salad and head over to the expansive McKinley Park. After enjoying your lunch in front of one of the many views, stick around for the multiple tree-lined trails, the huge dog park, or the playground areas. There is a ton of wonder to be found within the park’s 26 acres, including a cool view of the Tacoma Dome that’s not from the highway.

We hope you’ve enjoyed these fun lunch ideas! Want more date ideas like this? Don’t miss our guide to Breakfast with a View in Tacoma, plus more to come!

What other cities and neighborhoods would you like some date ideas for? Let us know below!