Must-Try Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Chicago, IL

The Chicago Diner, a beloved vegetarian and vegan institution since 1983, has become a Chicago landmark known even among non-vegetarians. Famous for its expansive, meat-free menu, this time-tested favorite offers everything from Portobello truffle melts with vegan mozzarella to classic or quinoa chili with jalapeño corn fritters, diced tomato, onion, sour cream, cheese, and avocado.

Recommended For: Vegetarians, vegans, adventurous diners, and anyone craving hearty, meat-free comfort food in Chicago.

• Savor creative vegetarian and vegan dishes, including the iconic seitan Reuben sandwich.
• Enjoy hearty classics like vegan country-fried steak, meat-free gyros, and Cuban sandwiches.
• Relax in a welcoming, time-tested diner atmosphere at two Chicago locations.
• Indulge in brunch, lunch, or dinner any day of the week.
• Experience a Chicago culinary institution that’s been “meat free since ’83.”

3411 N Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: 773-935-6696

Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen, formerly known as Loving Hut, is part of an international vegan franchise owned by Supreme Master Ching Hai, offering creative vegan and vegetarian cuisine in a sleek, minimalist setting. The imaginative menu features healthy and flavorful dishes like pesto quinoa with shiitake mushrooms and Taiwanese-inspired eggplant with San Bei Ji sauce.

Recommended For: Vegans, vegetarians, health-conscious diners, and anyone curious to explore international vegan flavors in Chicago.

• Savor creative vegan dishes like pesto quinoa and Taiwanese-style eggplant.
• Enjoy signature plates such as steamed or pan-fried vegetable dumplings.
• Warm up with a hearty vegan Won Ton Soup packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients.
• Dine in a sleek, minimalist space designed for a peaceful, health-focused experience.
• Experience globally inspired vegan cuisine from an acclaimed international franchise.

5812 N. Broadway, Chicago IL 60660
Phone: 773-275-8797

Date Ideas:

Chicago Raw, founded by passionate foodies Carole Jones and Polly Byrd, is dedicated to raising awareness about the benefits of raw, plant-based eating. This standout spot offers a variety of high-quality, fully uncooked, 100% plant-based dishes and products. Diners can enjoy creative plates like collard burritos, spinach lasagna, fresh ravioli, and sweet potato pancakes.

Recommended For: Raw food enthusiasts, vegans, health-focused diners, and anyone curious about high-quality, uncooked plant-based cuisine in Chicago.

• Savor fresh, creative raw dishes like collard burritos and spinach lasagna.
• Indulge in decadent, guilt-free desserts like raw carrot cake and coconut macaroons.
• Explore the health benefits of a fully uncooked, plant-based menu.
• Dine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner Monday through Saturday.
• Experience a leading raw vegan destination founded by local Chicago food pioneers.

131 N. Clinton St, Suite 7, Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: 312-831-2729

Handlebar is a trendy Wicker Park favorite known for made-from-scratch vegetarian and vegan comfort food, fair-trade coffee, and freshly baked organic treats. Packed daily with local hipsters, this laid-back spot serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring dishes like pepita scrambled eggs, veggie chili mac and cheese, meat-free buffalo “chicken” wings, and the signature fried avocado tacos filled with cabbage slaw, refried beans, queso fresco, fresh tomatoes, and house-made salsa verde.

Recommended For: Vegans, vegetarians, hipster foodies, and anyone craving hearty, eco-friendly comfort food in a casual Chicago setting.

• Savor vegetarian and vegan comfort dishes like fried avocado tacos and buffalo “chicken” wings.
• Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with fair-trade coffee or local draft beers.
• Relax in a casual, bike-friendly atmosphere perfect for eco-conscious diners.
• Indulge in freshly baked organic treats alongside a robust vegetarian menu.
• Experience a beloved Wicker Park staple packed with local flavor and charm.

2311 W North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: 773-384-9546

Kitchen 17 is a casual, laid-back vegan café in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, specializing in house-made seitan-based vegetarian and vegan fare served in a friendly, welcoming setting. The cozy restaurant features a menu of simple yet satisfying dishes, including nachos, hummus with toasted pita, artichoke dips, hearty burgers with creative toppings, gyros, barbecue sandwiches, and Philly “cheesesteaks” (sans steak), plus refried black beans.

Recommended For: Vegans, vegetarians, comfort food lovers, and anyone craving hearty, homemade vegan dishes in a relaxed Chicago setting.

• Savor house-made seitan creations like vegan gyros, barbecue sandwiches, and Philly “cheesesteaks.”
• Enjoy shareable starters like nachos, hummus with pita, and artichoke dip.
• Indulge in decadent vegan desserts, including cupcakes, cakes, and homemade fudge.
• Relax in a cozy, laid-back atmosphere perfect for casual meals with friends.
• Visit on weekdays for dinner or weekends for lunch and dinner (closed Tuesdays).

613 W Briar Place, Chicago, Illinois 60657
Phone: 773-661-1757

Loving Heart is a charming café on Montrose Avenue that specializes in 100% vegan, plant-based fare crafted with care. This friendly spot offers a menu of freshly prepared seasonal dishes made from locally sourced organic ingredients, including potato and kale soup, a variety of burgers and wraps, hearty rice and grain bowls, and shareable plates like nachos and summer rolls.

Recommended For: Vegans, vegetarians, health-conscious diners, and anyone craving fresh, organic, plant-based meals in a welcoming café setting.

• Savor seasonal vegan dishes made from locally sourced organic ingredients.
• Enjoy house favorites like the Green Deva Salad with homemade green ginger pesto.
• Share tasty small plates like nachos and summer rolls with friends.
• Dine in a charming, friendly café open for brunch, lunch, and early dinner.
• Experience the warmth and care behind every bite at this neighborhood vegan gem.

838 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: 773-561-5399