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Dining out as a vegetarian or vegan can sometimes be a pain, complete with steamed vegetables and the same old vegetarian burgers over and over. This is true even in Tacoma and Olympia.

Luckily, there are places that offer vegetarian or vegan fare galore, including vegetarian foods you just don't see every day.

Here's a down-and-dirty look at five of your best bets for vegetarian and vegan fare in the South Sound.

Quickie Too

1324 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.572.4549
At Quickie Too on Tacoma's Hilltop, it's all veggies (and tofu and meat substitutes), all the time. Quickie Too is hardcore veg, with items on the menu like TofuStrami and a millet and quinoa burger. Menu highlights include delicious burgers like the Crazy Jamaican Burger, a vegan gyro and a strong lineup of side dishes, soups and sweets.

Caffe Dei

2607 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2550
Caffe Dei is loaded with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options - and is known to be delicious for veggies and carnivores alike. The vegan grilled cheese and vegan meatloaf get high marks, and a special bonus is the vegan breakfast menu served all day. Caffe Dei is also a great coffee shop with free-trade coffees and teas, and is especially known for a fantastic chai tea.

The Red Hot

2914 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.779.0229

Veggie fans may not think to check a bar known for hot dogs and beer for vegetarian fare, but prepare to be surprised - The Red Hot substitutes all-veggie Not Dogs and Nisqually Not Brats (made with Full Sail Amber Ale) at no additional charge.

New Moon Café

113 Fourth Ave. W, Olympia, 360.357.3452
While New Moon Café is not exclusively vegetarian, it offers a good range of veg options. For breakfast, there are many meat-free dishes along with tofu scramble allowed to substitute for scrambled eggs. The lunch menu allows garden burgers to be substituted for meat patties, and has specials like the tempeh Reuben.

Darby's Café

211 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia, 360.357.6229
Darby's Café is a great option for vegetarians, vegans and meat eaters alike as the café caters to all. Nearly every category on the menu has both meat and veg options, from breakfast to burgers. Breakfast can be vegan egg substitute scramble. Vegan burgers include Facon Cheez Burgers and black bean burgers alike.

LINK: South Sound Restaurant Guide