Red Fern: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Red Fern is one of the best reasons to visit Rochester, NY if you eat plant-based. The restaurant has been 100% vegan since it opened in 2013, which means everything on the menu, from the appetizers to the housebaked cheesecake, is free of all animal products. You won’t find hidden dairy in the sauces or eggs in the baked goods. If it’s on the plate, it’s vegan.

What’s vegan and vegetarian at Red Fern

Everything is vegan. Red Fern runs an exclusively plant-based kitchen, so there’s no need to quiz the server or scan the menu for symbols. The full menu covers appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees, fresh juices, smoothies, and desserts. The bakery case adds housemade pastries, brownies, and cheesecakes. They also offer separate menus for guests who need gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, oil-free, onion-free, garlic-free, or sugar-free preparations. That level of specificity is rare even at fully vegetarian restaurants.

Signature dishes to order

The steak bomb sandwich shows up in reviews constantly, and for good reason. It’s a comfort-food knockout built entirely from plants. The mac n cheese nachos are another crowd favorite, and the compost plate is Red Fern’s riff on Rochester’s iconic garbage plate, reimagined without any meat or dairy. On the lighter side, Buddha bowls and fresh-pressed juices round out the menu nicely. Save room for dessert: the vegan cheesecake has its own fan club.

How to order

Dine-in is available Tuesday through Saturday (11am to 9pm weekdays, 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday). The dining room is small, so reservations are strongly recommended. Call (585) 563-7633 or check their website. For takeout, order through their Square online store or by phone. Delivery is available via DoorDash and Grubhub. Catering is also offered if you’re planning an event.

What to watch out for

The dining room is intentionally cozy, which means it fills up fast. Walk-ins on a Friday night are a gamble. Call ahead or book online. Parking is free in the lot behind the building until 5pm, but after that you’re on the street. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday, so plan your visit around their Tuesday through Saturday schedule. If you have a specific allergy beyond the standard allergen menus, email them in advance at [email protected]. They’re accommodating, but it’s worth confirming ahead of time.

Is Red Fern worth it?

Yes, and it’s not close. Red Fern has won Rochester City Magazine’s Best Vegan Restaurant award five consecutive years. It holds a 4.7 on Google and earned a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice designation, ranking in the top 2% of restaurants in Rochester. The price point is moderate for the quality you get. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just plant-curious, this is the kind of restaurant that makes the case that plant-based food doesn’t require any sacrifice on flavor or comfort.