Great Sage: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Great Sage is one of the best all-vegan restaurants on the East Coast, and it’s been proving that point since 2004. Located in Clarksville, MD at the Conscious Corner shopping center, this upscale-casual spot serves a 100% plant-based menu with no exceptions. You won’t find a token fish dish or a dairy option hiding in the back. Every single thing on the menu is vegan, and most of it is made with organic, seasonal ingredients. It’s ranked #1 on TripAdvisor among all Clarksville restaurants, vegan or not.

What’s vegan and vegetarian at Great Sage

Everything is vegan. Full stop. Great Sage runs an entirely plant-based kitchen, so you don’t need to quiz your server about hidden dairy or ask whether the broth has chicken stock. If it’s on the menu, it’s vegan. The restaurant also labels gluten-free items, though it’s not a dedicated gluten-free facility, so if you have celiac disease, you’ll want to call ahead and talk through prep practices. The menu rotates seasonally, which means what you see on your visit might differ from what you find online, but the commitment to plant-based, organic ingredients stays constant.

Signature dishes to order

The hearts of palm crabcakes are a standout. They’re one of those dishes that routinely surprises non-vegan guests who come in skeptical. The spinach artichoke dip has developed a near-legendary reputation among regulars, and the buffalo cauliflower bites deliver on both texture and heat. For entrees, the adult mac and cheese shows up in reviews constantly, as does the pierogi quesadilla, which sounds unusual but works. Save room for the chocolate lava cake. It’s the dessert most people talk about on their way out. Saturday and Sunday brunch adds a whole separate menu worth exploring, and there’s a full bar if you want a cocktail alongside your meal.

How to order

You can dine in, order takeout, or book catering. Reservations are available and worth making for dinner, especially on weekends. The restaurant hosts live music on Thursday and Friday evenings, so those nights tend to fill up. Brunch runs on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 9am. If you’re ordering online, check the Toast ordering page or call (443) 535-9400 directly. The official menu at greatsage.com/menu gives you the current lineup, though seasonal specials rotate, so the printed menu you see in person may have additions.

What to watch out for

Prices run higher than a casual vegetarian cafe. You’re paying for full table service, organic sourcing, and a bar program, and most reviewers feel it’s worth it, but budget accordingly. A dinner for two with drinks can easily run $80-100+. The menu changes with the seasons, so a dish you loved on a previous visit might not be available. Also worth knowing: Great Sage went through an ownership transition in 2023-2024 when founders Jeff and Holly Kaufman sold after 20 years to focus on their other businesses (Roots Market and Nest). The restaurant stayed open throughout and continues operating under new ownership, so the experience you get today reflects the new team’s direction, which by all current accounts maintains the same all-vegan standard.

Is Great Sage worth it?

Yes, easily. For vegetarians and vegans driving through Maryland or based in the Baltimore/DC corridor, Great Sage is a destination restaurant, not just a convenient stop. The fact that it’s held the #1 TripAdvisor ranking in Clarksville across all cuisine types, including non-vegan restaurants, says something real. It earns its reputation with consistent cooking, a thoughtful full-service experience, and 20+ years of staying committed to plant-based food before that was a safe commercial bet. If you’re eating vegetarian or vegan anywhere near Howard County, MD, this is the meal to plan around.