A Matter of Taste: Vegetarian Options Along the Beach

A lot of people think strictly greens when they hear that someone is a vegetarian. Although veggies are a plus and are usually a part of a herbivorous diet, people get creative when it comes to depleting meat. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine what a vegetarian might be “able” to eat when going to a steak house or pub that serves mostly meat products. The fact of the matter is that vegetarian can usually eat just about anywhere. We did the research to prove it.

• - Mini Tacos and a Green Horchata 

This Pass-A-Grille gem offers a 100% raw food menu. All items up for grabs are either vegan or vegetarian. The Mini Tacos use romaine lettuce wraps, rather than a carb-infused tortilla or taco shell. Pico de gallo, cilantro cashew cheese and freshly sliced avocado sit atop a pile of cashew/walnut taco “meat.” To wash it all down is a Green Horchata. Cinnamon and cayenne heat up the flavorful, spinach drink. Considering the food is all natural and 100% raw, pricing is reasonable. Side dishes start at $3.50 and entrees go up to $16. The Green Horchata is set at $6 while The Mini Tacos go for $7.
Location: 120 - 8th Avenue, St. Pete Beach

• Basil Leaf- A Variety of Sushi and Noodle Selections

For lunch, Basil leaf gives vegetarians the option to go with just vegetables or to add tofu as their “meat.” Items on the lunch menu include the Pad Thai, which contains rice noodle sauteed with egg, scallion, bean sprout and ground peanut. Tofu selections from this menu are sold for $8.95.
Sushi is a vegetarian hit when a good Veggie Roll comes to town. Basil Leaf’s Veg Roll has spinach, carrot, asparagus, lettuce and cucumber. It costs a slim $5.95. Noodle plates and soups run from $2 to $12.95.
Location: 6395 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach

• - Black Bean Burger and a Veggie Plate

There are very few places on any of Pinellas’ beaches that allow guests to soak up the true atmosphere of Florida. Caddy’s on the Beach is on the Gulf side, which means customers can actually have their toes in the sand while watching a canvas worthy sunset. What’s more is that the food is certifiably delicious. One vegetarian option is the Black Bean Burger. It comes with all the fix ins and your choice of sweet potato fries or another side item. The Black Bean Burger rings in at $7.50. A veggie plate complete with ranch sauce for dipping is a good starter for vegetarians. Season produce replenishes the Caddy’s favorite. The plate is sold for $6.99.
Location: 9000 W Gulf Boulevard, Sunset Beach

• - Pizza by the Pie or Slice 

Located between the shops and dock of restaurants at John’s Pass, DeLosa’s is well known for its tasty pizza. The pies are great for sharing and the slices can make a meal by themselves for solo wanderers. A slice of cheese goes for $2.25 but additional toppings can be added for $.35. Veggie lovers can choose from banana peppers, tomatoes, garlic, green peppers, black olives, extra cheese, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli and onion. Cheese pizzas are $11.95 for a meduim and $13.95 for a large. Tag on $.90 per topping for half of the pizza or $1.75 per topping for the whole thing.
Location: 12800 Village Boulevard, Madeira Beach

• Hooter’s- Take Your Pick

This one probably throws a lot of people off. With the “World’s Largest Wing” displayed out front, it is hard to believe that a vegetarian could enjoy a meal here. However, thinking outside the box will prove otherwise. One of Hooter’s signature items is a hit with veggie lovers: fried pickles. Places like Hooter’s don’t usually offer a huge selection for vegetarians, but what they do have can usually hit the spot. Appetizers that would pass the vegetarian requirements are Cheese Sticks, Lots-a-Tots (minus the meat), Fried Pickles, Onion Rings and Cheese Quesadillas. There is also the alternative to fried food, which is salad. A Caesar or Cobb salad with no meat would definitely pass as a vegetarian meal. Apps go from $4.99 to $6.29 and salads are priced under $9.
Location: 197 John’s Pass Boardwalk W, Madeira Beach