What we’re about
Do you love trying new vegetarian & vegan restaurants? Do you enjoy the company of fellow vegetarians & vegans? Are you occasionally frustrated that your meat-eating friends "don't get it," and do you wish to dine with others that have the same enthusiasm for vegetarian and vegan food that you do?
Welcome to our group. What I am especially proud of is all the wonderful members we have. We seem to attract some of the very nicest, most thoughtful people in New York. Given the focus of our group, I am not surprised.
New York has many excellent vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and new ones are opening all the time. Join us as we explore them all, and enjoy dining with some of the kindest, most gracious, most socially-conscious people in New York.
Plus, join us as we go out on the town to vegetarian and vegan friendly bars and lounges. And partake when we go to visit some outstanding music venues. Great ways to have delightful nights on the town in the company of a fun and friendly group of vegetarians and vegans.
We warmly welcome all vegetarians and vegans as well as those that are considering a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Our meetup group was profiled in a news story on CNN's Headline News channel. Check out the video.
Now you can also follow us on Instagram @nycveganmeetup
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Vegan Eats and West Village Art Gallery Walk #LowerManhattanSpring Cafe, NYC, NY
Our Art Walk event begins from Spring Cafe (153d Centre St, bet. Canal St & Walker St, NYC) - 11:00 AM onwards and ends up at CHLOE (185 Bleecker St, corner of MacDougal St, NYC) by 3:00 PM. You can join us for the entire event, tag along halfway, and leave the Artwalk whenever you wish. Buying Vegan food/drink options along the way at various Stops is at your discretion.
West Village - Soho, a vibrant neighborhood in Manhattan, New York City, is renowned for its thriving art scene. The area boasts a plethora of art galleries that cater to a diverse range of tastes and styles. From contemporary and abstract art to photography and sculpture, Soho's galleries offer a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for a cultural outing, Soho's art galleries are a must-visit destination for anyone seeking inspiration and a glimpse into the ever-evolving art landscape of New York City.
As NYCgo.com states "New York City’s art galleries are as varied and surprising as NYC itself. Thankfully, they’re mostly clustered into six main neighborhoods, each with its own artistic vibe...Regardless of what’s being shown, you’re guaranteed to encounter art that will amaze you—all for FREE."
Join us as we walk through the neighborhood of West Village/SOHO - exploring local art galleries and eat/shop at vegan establishments.
Art Walk - 11:00 AM onwards
Stop 1 - Spring Cafe (153d Centre St, NYC)
Meet/Greet and Grab quick bite/ smoothieStop 2 - James Cohan (48, 52 Walker St 2nd Fl, NYC)
Gallery Info at http://www.jamescohan.com/Stop 3 - The Untitled Space (45 Lispenard St # 1w, NYC)
Gallery Info at https://untitled-space.com/Stop 4 - Space Gallery St Barth (428 Broome St NYC)
Gallery Info at https://spacegallerystbarth.com/BREAK/REST STOP - Broome Street Ganesha Temple
(430 Broome St, NYC)Stop 5 - Allouche Gallery (77 Mercer St, NYC)
Gallery Info at https://www.allouchegallery.com/Stop 6 - LUMAS (474 W Broadway, NYC)
Gallery Info at https://www.lumas.com/galleries/new-york-soho/Stop 7 - CHLOE (185 Bleeker St, NYC)
Get Rest, grab late lunch at Plant-based venueTotal Art Walk coverage - 1.5 mile/ 35 min walking
FOR OUR NEW MEMBERS: this is an incredibly friendly and welcoming group. We are a FUN group. Join us for a stellar afternoon of walk in the Lower East Side with lively conversations, great food and drinks with fellow vegetarians and vegans.
Free Gallery Walk - Everyone pays for themselves at vegan venue. Most of them take major credit cards. Easy!
TRAIN DIRECTIONS: For SPRING CAFE - Take 6 train to Canal Street - 1 min / 335 ft walk. Take N,R,W train to Canal Street - 2 min / 0.1 mile walk. For CHLOE - Take B/D/F/M or A,C,E Train to W 4 St-Wash Sq - Exit via 6th Ave & West 3rd St at NW corner - 4 min/ 0.3 mile walk.
We would love to have you join our ART Walk - Mark the day!
Our Art Walk event begins from Spring Cafe (153d Centre St, bet. Canal St & Walker St, NYC) - 11:00 AM onwards and ends up at CHLOE (185 Bleecker St, corner of MacDougal St, NYC) by 3:00 PM. You can join us for the entire event, tag along halfway, and leave the Artwalk whenever you wish. Buying Vegan food/drink options along the way at various Stops is at your discretion.
Karthik :))
Image courtesy - https://www.tripadvisor.com/
- Navratri / Garba Festival @ India Square, Jersey City w/Veg*n DinnerWhite Castle, Jersey City, NJ
Join us in the vibrant and enchanting world of Navratri celebrations in the heart of Jersey City, New Jersey! In 2025, India Square in Jersey City is set to come alive with the joyous rhythms of Navratri, one of India's most spirited and colorful festivals. This annual extravaganza promises to be a captivating fusion of traditional Indian culture and modern excitement, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the triumph of good over evil through dance, music, and devotion. Every year in Jersey City, along Newark Avenue, there is a huge Navratri / Garba Festival that draws more than 10,000 people. It is an inexpensive and excellent event that is easily accessible to New Yorkers via Path Train. Usually a festival toll gate is set up around 8:00pm, and if we eat dinner early we will likely be inside of it. We will see what happens, but be prepared to pay $5 if you need to.
"Newark Avenue, in the township of Jersey City, New Jersey sets a unique example during Navratri, where more than fifteen thousand men, women and children play Garba-Raas on the street, all throughout the night, every night for 4-6 nights - a rare spectacle to be observed." Website address: http://www.indiasquare.org
2024 Navratri videos: https://youtu.be/vLxQ1wr0OEE?si=ygt4DCeeFNOuN1Wm
Directions and WHERE TO MEET US: Take the PATH train to Journal Square in Jersey City. From Manhattan you can get on the JOURNAL SQUARE-bound train (NOT the Hoboken train) at 33rd Street & 6th Avenue (in the 34th Street subway station), or at other Manhattan PATH train stops. When you exit the Journal Square PATH Train station, you will be directly on John F Kennedy Blvd. Walk north along John F Kennedy Blvd three blocks to Newark Ave. That is where the Garba/Navratri Festival is across Newark Avenue. You will see a big White Castle Restaurant -- on the corner of Newark Ave and John F Kennedy Blvd (it is on John F Kennedy Blvd). Do NOT go inside the White Castle. Our group will be meeting between 7:00pm and 7:15pm IN FRONT OF the White Castle at 2995 John F Kennedy Blvd. We will be holding a "VEG MEETUP" sign. Don't be late! After meeting, we will all walk a few feet to the Garba/Navratri Festival on Newark Avenue.
See you there, in front of the White Castle, between 7:00pm and 7:15pm. Don't go inside the White Castle, instead meet us right in front of it. Don't be late! Arrive early if you are unsure of your timing.
Dinner: There are many Indian restaurants up and down Newark Avenue, serving veg*n options. We will be grabbing food as a group prior to the Garba/Raas event, and feel free to grab something to eat at anytime, just for yourself. There are many, many vegetarian and vegan options in the many restaurants, and numerous restaurants are all-vegetarian (though not all-vegan, so check your specific item before ordering).
Karthik
Why is Navratri celebrated ?
Navratri, rooted in ancient Hindu mythology and history, holds a significant place in India's cultural and religious heritage. The history of Navratri dates back thousands of years and is steeped in legend and tradition.One of the most famous stories associated with Navratri is the battle between the goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, Mahishasura, a shape-shifting demon, terrorized the heavens and the earth. Unable to bear his tyranny, the gods created the goddess Durga, an embodiment of their collective divine power, to defeat Mahishasura. This epic battle lasted for nine days and nights, symbolizing the nine nights of Navratri. On the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, Durga emerged victorious, marking the triumph of good over evil. Navratri also celebrates the goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, during this period. Each of the nine nights is dedicated to one of these goddesses, with special prayers and rituals performed to invoke their blessings.
Over the centuries, Navratri has evolved from a primarily religious observance into a grand cultural festival. It is a time when people come together to dance the energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas, wearing traditional attire and forming intricate dance circles. These dances symbolize the joyous celebration of life, as well as the triumph of light over darkness.
Today, Navratri transcends religious boundaries and is celebrated by people of various backgrounds, not only in India but also in Indian communities worldwide. It's a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the significance of preserving cultural heritage in a modern world. Navratri continues to be a time of unity, devotion, and festivity, honoring the ancient legends and history that make it a cherished part of Indian culture.
Image Courtesy: https://www.nj.com/hudson/2021/10/thousands-dance-in-the-streets-to-celebrate-festival-of-navratri-in-nj-photos.html
