Mobile Vegan Food Favorite Cycle Dogs Plans First Seattle Restaurant

One roving Seattle spot is about to set down more permanent roots. After six years as a mobile operation, Cycle Dogs — the vegan favorite that serves a variety of fast food facsimiles — plans to open a full-fledged Ballard restaurant in the former No Bones Beach Club space this spring at 5410 17th Avenue NW.

Co-founders Keaton and Becky Tucker started the business as a small bike cart in 2015 funded by a Kickstarter campaign. It soon grew into a food truck that has appeared outside Ballard beer destinations such as Peddler Brewing and The Dane, serving up elaborately garnished vegan hot dogs using locally sourced ingredients. It also offers some playful plant-based cover versions of Whataburger and Dick’s burgers, and most recently added a fried “chicken” sandwich using a patty from Rebellyous, a Seattle-based company trying to compete with the likes of Impossible Foods.

The menu at the new restaurant will only change slightly from the truck, says Keaton (“comfort food with PNW flair”), but there will be some room for more sides, such as a blooming onion take and beer battered mushrooms. Having a conventional commercial oven will allow Cycle Dogs to roll out baked mac ‘n’ cheese, savory pies, quiches, cookies, and ice cream cookie sandwiches. And with more fridge space, diners can expect some hearty salads to make the cut, while Keaton is applying for a liquor license to add beer, wine, and cocktails to the mix as well.

No Bones had a tropical vacation vibe, and Keaton says the renovated space will carry the laid-back escapist torch a bit. “We’re going to make it backyard themed where it will feel like summer year round,” he says. “Think trellises with vines, garden lights and lanterns with warm cedar accents, and of course, plenty of plants.” There’s another Kickstarter about to launch to help with final costs, bringing things full circle.

• Cycle Dogs [Official]
• Cycle Dogs [Instagram]
• 15 Restaurants for Terrific Vegan Food, Winter 2021 [ESEA]