What we’re about
Animal and plant lovers are invited to join seasoned herbivores dabbling in plant-based meals made of fresh produce at local restaurants and enjoying (mostly free) social and cultural events around the Midwest. We're a welcoming, animal-loving community that values compassion and respect for all the animals, including fellow humans.
(Heads-up everyone: for the sake of efficiency and due to constraints of Meetup's increased pricing, we're going to be slightly altering the nature of some groups as well as adding endeavors to help gather resources and better focus our efforts. Invites and suggestions for groups will be posted/sent by autumn. Thanks for your patience, understanding, and support during the transition, and for being part of the community. Please always let us know if you have questions, suggestions, or concerns.)
Want to connect with animals rescued from farms at sanctuary tours; frolic in the meadows, forests, and streams with the creatures; challenge yourself at game nights; soak up the stars in observatory telescopes and striking art at museums, movies, and plays; smells and tastes of edible wild flowers, spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits; and sounds and slick rhythms of concert halls, sick dancing, poetry, and more fire?
Yes?! Request to join us. We also host events with 2 groups that share our policies:
Madison Millennial+ IRL Nature Lover Social (now Chicago 20s-40s Single Vegans and Friends) and Madison Hiking Enthusiasts.
Please Read Policies Before Requesting to Join:
1. We have an intersectional, LGBTQIA+ ally policy with zero tolerance for bigotry and misogyny. Violators are banned.
2. Use your first name and a profile picture that clearly shows your face.
3. Ask for consent, e.g., announce you would like to take photos with members beforehand.
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Why Eat Plants?
101 Reasons by James Wilman
Wisconsin Sanctuaries (Animal Love!)
Heartland Farm Sanctuary
Off the Table
Primates, Inc.
SoL Criations
Tiny Hooves
100% Plant-Based (Vegan) Restaurants (Yay!): Madison, WI
Mad Rabbit Cafe
JustVeggiez
Vegan Friendly Restaurants (Thanks!): Madison, WI
Green Owl
(menu is all plant-based, but dairy is still offered as a modification)
Pure Green
(ask for easy swaps: plant-based protein powder for "grass fed" and no added honey)
Co-Organizers' Favorites (Local Vegan Gems!): Madison, WI
Cheeze curds: JustVeggiez (State St.)
Beer (local): Spotted Cow (New Glarus)
Wickedest theme: Mad Rabbit Cafe (Near East)
Best ambiance/plant-based cheeze (apps/pizza/pasta): Bar Corallini (Near East)
Best soup (chickpea soup with rice/pita): Michaelangelo's (State St.)
Tastiest savory foods and best art/service: Himal Chuli (State St.)
Healthiest dessert (salty caramel balls):) Pure Green (State St.)
Widest DIY selection, most whole foods: Forage (State St., Hilldale)
Fanciest nice cream: Blended (Hilldale)
Vegan friendliest grocery store: Willy Street Cooperative (Co-op; near east, north, Middleton)
Nonvegan Restaurants with Separate Vegan Menus (Thanks!): Madison, WI
Monty's Blue Plate Diner (Near East)
Tex Tubb's Taco Palace (Near East)
Bar Corallini (Near East)
Best All-Vegan Restaurants (Y'all Rock!): Chicago, IL, Area
Amitabul (Chicago)
Arya Bhavan (Chicago)
Spirit Elephant (Winnetka, IL)