Although ice cream is in the name, you also can grab great vegan and vegetarian lunch options at downtown hotspot Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream. A creative, fresh menu of vegetarian options includes homemade soups, wraps and salads.
“I like it that we have numerous vegetarian options and I can always choose depending on my mood,” said owner Ellen Beal.
Great green salads are always available, including the Greek Salad and the Special Salad, which features dried cranberries, toasted spiced pecans and bleu cheese. Topped with homemade dressings, these salads make delicious meals within themselves, but Ellen’s vegetarian and vegan options don’t stop there.
“Some days I just want a grilled cheese: honey whole wheat bread from Charleston Bread, sharp cheddar, with an optional homemade black bean patty added,” Beal said. And, she enjoys her ice cream just as much as we do. “I love having a chocolate milkshake along with my grilled cheese!”
Homemade rosemary hummus is available in a wrap and separately for dipping veggies and pitas. Pair with the soup of the day (Ellen’s favorite is Thai Green Curry, Chickpea and Lemongrass) for a deliciously satisfying lunch. Another of Beal’s personal favorites, the Wild Rice Salad w/Miso Orange dressing, includes edamame, tofu, carrots, and toasted sesame seeds.
“I love the constant variety of yummy vegetarian food that we serve,” Beal said and encouraged everyone to check out her website for daily and weekly specials.
Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream is located at 225 Capitol Street and is open seven days a week. Check ellensicecream.com for hours, the complete menu, daily specials, and, yes, a list of ice cream, gelato, sorbet and sherbets.