- Is Chicago known for vegetarian food?
- Chicago is traditionally known for its meat-centric cuisine, but there are plenty of restaurants offering excellent vegetarian fare.
- What types of vegetarian dining options are available in Chicago?
- Chicago offers a variety of vegetarian dining options, from charming bakeries and cozy sidewalk cafés to a Michelin-starred tasting menu.
- What are some of the best places to enjoy vegetarian meals in Chicago?
- Chicago has many great spots for a meat-free meal, with a variety of restaurants catering to different tastes and dining experiences.
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1. The Chicago Diner
A Chicago stalwart that even non-vegetarians know well, The Chicago Diner has been “meat free since ’83” as they tout in their slogan and has become a time-tested favorite for delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The expansive menu has something for everyone, from Portobello truffle melts oozing with vegan mozzarella to classic or quinoa chili served with jalapeño corn fritters, diced tomato and onion, sour cream, cheese, and avocado. Meat-free gyros, Cuban sandwiches, and country-fried steaks are also on the menu, as well as the diner's signature sandwich known as the Reuben, which features corned beef seitan, cheese, sauerkraut, peppers, grilled onions, and a vegan thousand island dressing on freshly baked rye bread. The original Halsted Street location and its Logan Square sister restaurant are open for brunch, lunch, and dinner every day of the week.
3411 N Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60657, Phone: 773-935-6696
2. Alice & Friends' Vegan Kitchen
Formerly known as Loving Hut, Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen is part of an international chain of vegan franchises owned by Supreme Master Ching Hai that serve delicious vegan and vegetarian cuisine in a sleek, minimalist setting. The creative menu features a variety of healthy dishes, ranging from pesto quinoa with shiitake mushrooms and Taiwanese-inspired eggplant with San Bei Ji sauce. Signature plates include pan-fried or steamed dumplings with tofu, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and broccoli, and a good Won Ton Soup filled with tofu, vegan ham, onions, garlic, leeks, carrots and sesame oil.
5812 N. Broadway, Chicago IL 60660, Phone: 773-275-8797
3. Chicago Raw
Founded by savvy foodies Carole Jones and Polly Byrd with the aim of raising awareness of the amazing benefits of eating raw foods, Chicago Raw serves a variety of high quality, fully uncooked, 100% plant-based products, and plates. Delicious dishes include collard burritos, spinach lasagna, fresh ravioli, and sweet potato pancakes, while sweet treats range from a decadent carrot cake packed with apricot, walnuts, fresh carrot, and cinnamon to homemade coconut macaroons with shredded coconut, almonds, and vanilla. Chicago Raw is open from Monday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is closed on Sundays.
131 N. Clinton St, Suite 7, Chicago, IL 60661, Phone: 312-831-2729
4. Handlebar
The trendy go-to spot for made-from-scratch vegetarian and vegan comfort food, fair-trade coffee, and freshly baked organic treats, Handlebar is packed on most days with local Wicker Park hipsters enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The menu features vegetarian delights like pepita scrambled eggs, veggie chili mac and cheese, meat-free buffalo “chicken” wings, and the signature fried avocado tacos stuffed with cabbage slaw, refried beans, queso fresco, fresh tomatoes, and house-made salsa verde. Named for the multiple bike racks out back, the laid-back, friendly restaurant sees eco-minded folks chatting over tasty vegan fare and sampling from the extensive list of different drafts.
2311 W North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647, Phone: 773-384-9546
5. Kitchen 17
Kitchen 17 is a casual, laid-back vegan café in Lakeview that focuses on house-made seitan-based vegetarian and vegan fare in a friendly, inviting setting. The cozy restaurant offers a menu of simple yet delicious food ranging from nachos, hummus and toasted pita bread, artichoke dips, and hearty burgers with a variety of toppings to gyros, barbecue sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks (sans the steak), and refried black beans. A weekly selection of mouthwatering desserts includes cupcakes, freshly baked cakes and homemade fudge for a sweet ending to your meal. Kitchen 17 is open on weekdays for afternoon tea and dinner, weekends for lunch and dinner, and is closed on Tuesdays.
613 W Briar Place, Chicago, Illinois 60657, Phone: 773-661-1757
6. Loving Heart
Loving Heart is a charming café on Montrose Avenue that serves 100% vegan and plant-based fare. The friendly eatery offers a menu of freshly prepared seasonal cuisine made from locally sourced organic ingredients such as potato and kale soup, a selection of burgers and wraps, rice and grain bowls, and sharing plates of nachos and summer rolls. The Green Deva Salad is a house favorite and features organic spinach and romaine lettuce, avocado, red bell pepper, cilantro, seaweed, roasted peanuts, and homemade green ginger pesto. Loving Heart is open from Monday to Saturday for brunch, lunch, and early dinner.
838 W Montrose Ave. Chicago IL 60613, Phone: 773-561-5399
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