The Herbivorous Butcher
Vegan restaurant · Nicollet Island
507 1st Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Highlights
Vegan butcher serving meat & dairy alternatives; sandwiches, ribs
Vegan butcher serving meat & dairy alternatives; sandwiches, ribs
"A kitchen fire ripped through the shop on Tuesday night; firefighters arrived around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, and no injuries were reported. Aubry Walch, via an emailed statement to Eater, writes that the blaze began in the ceiling above the kitchen. Sprinklers suppressed most of the flames but flooded the space, and the operation has closed while ownership assesses the damage with the intent of temporarily moving some production to St. Paul sibling J. Selby’s. Siblings Aubry and Kale Walch remain hopeful and vow to reopen; they’ve already raised more than $16,000 as they start their journey toward reopening, and a GoFundMe with a $100,000 goal has attracted donations from vegans across the country. Kale Walch says they’re heartbroken: "This shop has always been more than just a business — it’s a space we built with love for our team, our customers, and our community," and later adds, "We’re deeply thankful for the outpouring of love and support we’ve received," followed by "Every donation, every share, every kind message — it means more than we can say. We truly feel held by our community." Walch also writes, "And if you’re able to donate, in any amount, it makes a real difference," and "Thank you for standing with us." Though repairs could take a while, much of the kitchen equipment — the appliances used to steam and smoke the vegan meats — remains intact; in an interview with the Star Tribune, he joked, "You know, smoked chicken, there’s a market for it." Through a variety of techniques the shop creates vegan food that tastes like meat: popular items include pastrami, a Porterhouse steak, Brie cheese, and Korean-style short ribs. The operation, which began as a farmers market vendor in 2014 before opening a permanent location in 2016, produces upwards of 15 homemade meat-free meats and an array of plant-based cheeses. Media quickly labeled the restaurant as the world’s first vegan butcher shop, and the food has wowed vegans and omnivores alike. Hot in-store specials include red miso ribs made with a tofu and jackfruit base, hot chili cheese dogs made with seitan, and shepherd’s pie; shoppers can also grab vegan porter cheddar or mint chocolate truffles from the case." - Ashok Selvam
"This revolutionary butcher shop produces upwards of 20 homemade meat-free meats and an array of plant-based cheeses. Founded by a brother-sister duo, the Herbivorous Butcher is a great place for a vegan pantry restock — but it also offers hot in-store specials like brats and paninis, as well as cold deli-style sandwiches and pasta salads." - Stacy Brooks
"At this creative “vegan” butchery in northeast Minneapolis, diners can choose between an Italian sausage, bacon brat, beer brat, or sriracha brat — all meat-free, of course. Top a beer brat with fried onions and dijon mustard for the full experience." - Nina Raemont
"A Minneapolis vegan butcher founded in 2014 by Kale Walch and his sister that demonstrates plant-based hot dogs can approach the desirable snap: Walch notes alginate-based casings and careful cooking can produce a satisfying crisp, but cautions these casings are finicky (prone to tearing, plasticky outcomes, and strict handling rules), and he continues to tweak recipes to balance realistic texture with a distinct, enjoyable plant-based identity." - Bettina Makalintal
"Plant-based diners and the vegan-curious can savor the Herbivorous Butcher’s Winter Holiday Feast, which serves eight to 10 people. For $105, each box includes a two-pound ham roast for the main course, plus bacon and Gruyère sauce, and caprese sausage and black garlic havarti to build a vegan charcuterie board. Order online for shipping on December 12 (recommended), December 19, or December 26, or pick up in-store December 15 through 23." - Stacy Brooks
