There’s a time for meat (like Owensboro’s famous bar-b-q), and there’s a time for veggies. Visit Owensboro can help you find the latter, especially now that Lent is upon us. Catholic’s give up meat in exchange for fish, seafood, and vegetarian meals every Friday between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Whether you observe the religious season or are going meatless for other reasons, you have plenty of delicious, local options in Owensboro. Here are some highlights:
Health Food:
Wheatgrass Juice Bar
Wheatgrass Juice Bar is a staple for delicious vegan, vegetarian, and healthy meals in Owensboro. Pick from lighter fare like juices, smoothies, bowls, cookie dough bites, and other snacks, or enjoy heartier meals with wraps, vegan grilled cheese & soup, and more. Click here to visit the website and view the entire meal.
Gene’s Health Food
Gene’s Health Food boasts a large menu that can accommodate any dietary restriction. Organic ingredients, unique items, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and paleo options give you plenty of flexibility. Any of their wraps, sandwiches, burritos, soups, and salads are sure to impress. You can also shop around the grocery and their wide selection of vitamins and supplements. Click here to visit Gene’s website.
Casual Favorites:
Moonlite Bar-B-Q
Moonlite bar-B-Q might not be the first restaurant to come to mind when you’re looking for a meatless meal, but the famous bar-b-q and mutton spot offers a special for just that reason. Dine in or pick up shrimp and catfish fiddlers and filets for one or for the whole family every Thursday and Friday! Meals also include cornbread and two sides, perfect for a satisfying, meat-free dinner. Click here to visit the website.
Don Mario’s
It’s no secret we have plenty of delicious Mexican food in Owensboro, but Don Mario’s sets themselves apart for their especially large seafood menu and variety of vegetarian-friendly meals. If you’re in the mood for shrimp, fish, scallops, or even octopus, Don Mario’s got you covered! The traditional Mexican soup, siete mares, is a spicy seafood soup served Friday through Sunday, the perfect meal for a chilly Friday during Lent. Check out the full menu here.
Fine Dining:
The Lure Seafood and Grille
When you’re looking to enjoy a special meal, The Lure Seafood and Grille has a menu that can accommodate the whole family. Fresh oysters, an appetizer menu entirely pescatarian and vegetarian menu, and delicious entrees like drunken seabass, smoked salmon risotto, and beer battered cod are just a start. Both lunch and dinner menus offer creative meals and variety of fish, seafood, and veggie meals so you never tire out. Check out the menu and book a reservation here.
Bill’s
Bill’s offers high quality food in a casual atmosphere, emphasizing unique, hand-crafted menus. No matter the dietary restrictions, food should never be boring. Bill’s menus typically focus on seafood dishes, but you certainly won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything. Eclectic menu staples like Chilean seabass and octopus risotto and cape cod black bass give you a taste of the creative spirit behind Bill’s. Dinner menus are regularly posted on their Facebook page, click here for more info.
Take it Home:
Bubby Gandy Seafood Market
Don’t feel like going out? No problem. Pick up some of the highest quality seafood you can find in the area at Bubba Gandy Seafood Market at 3600 Frederica St. Cook up your own seafood boil, clam chowder, or even your own fish fry at home! In addition to fresh cuts and sushi grade seafood, Bubba Gandy offers fresh pre-made foods like Maryland crab cakes, jambalaya, gumbo, dirty rice, and more. They’ll even make you a personalized Cajun seafood boil on the spot! Click here to check out the full market.