It’s no surprise that as a vegetarian one of my favorite weeks of the year is VegWeek. It may be surprising that there is a week that highlights vegetarian cuisine. Even if you aren’t veg (it shouldn’t surprise you that’s a term for vegetarians because it’s just the first part of the word vegetarian), it’s a good opportunity to get out and sample some of the awesome vegetarian/vegan fare we have in the city. Here’s a list of some the best veg dishes, discounts, and deals being offered during VegWeek, which runs from April 17-23, 2017.
Maketto
This Asian hotspot will be featuring a four course, $40 vegetarian/vegan tasting menu for VegWeek. Chef Erick Bruner-Yang is a genius with veg fare; if you haven’t had his leek buns your life sucks and you need to take advantage VegWeek and get over to Maketto to sample them immediately.
Leek Buns at Maketto
Equinox
Well, it doesn’t get better than free, and I’m pretty sure no one is going to argue with me about that. When you order any vegan item off of Equinox’s menu you will get a complimentary order of falafel bites and a rhubarb cocktail. Yes, vegans can drink.
Cocktails at Equinox
Cuba Libre
People always think Cuban cuisine is not veg friendly, but having been to Cuba recently I can emphatically state that that is an untrue generalization. Cuba food can be very diverse, and Cuba Libre offers a number of great vegetarian items. For VegWeek they  will offer 15% off their grilled vegetable paella, which is made with broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, leeks, eggplant, wild mushrooms, artichoke hearts, served over saffron-infused long grain rice and topped with an asparagus and roasted piquillo pepper salad.
All Set Restaurant
If you find yourself in the suburbs during veg week, stop by All Set to sample their chickpea fries, which will be half-price ($4.50) throughout the week, at lunch, dinner, and happy hour. These are awesome with a cold beer.
Chickpea Fries at All Set Restaurant
Busboys and Poets, all locations
The vegan special at D.C.’s favorite local chain for VegWeek is a Mediterranean couscous, made with shiitake mushrooms, shallots, dried cranberries, and roasted walnuts tossed in an olive oil dressing. It is available for $15.
Mediterranean couscous at Busboys and Poets
Fare Well
D.C.’s most popular vegan diner is serving up $10 lunch deals and free samples all week. Get the Mexicali (normally $15). The chickpea patty, smothered in garlic aioli, topped with sweet pickled jalapenos, and served on a housemade bun, is one of my favorite veggie burgers in town.
Roscoe’s Neapolitan PizzeriaÂ
For VegWeek diners can enjoy 20% off of the marinara pizza (tomato sauce, garlic, and oregano) or the vegani (tomatoes, olives, and rapini).
Sticky Finger’s BakeryÂ
If you want something sweet during VegWeek order a vegan dessert platter at this bakery, piled high with cookies, brownies and bars. Like the breakfast sampler, which features cinnamon buns and muffins, it will be 20% off during VegWeek.
