I’d argue that Chicago has the best vegan restaurants in the WORLD. I’m slightly biased because it’s my hometown. I’ve had years and years to discover almost every vegan restaurant in Chicago. I’ve even wondered outside city lines for a veggie burger. Daring, I know.
I’ve compiled a list of all of the vegan Chicago restaurants you NEED to go to. They are not in order and all have their special reason for being on the list. If you’re only here for a short visit, I list my absolute must-eats at the end.
1. Chicago Diner
Chicago Diner is the OG of vegan restaurants in Chicago. It is the perfect restaurant if you are craving diner style food: reuben sandwich and a milkshake. I would take anyone who “doesn’t like vegan food” here. The food looks and tastes like “normal food.”
There are two locations, one in Lakeview and the other in Logan Square. Both are popular and get crowded during peak hours. I personally love getting a booth at 2pm or 4pm during off hours and enjoying a three course meal. #treatyoself
Price: $$
Favorite Dish: Reuben Sandwich and Gyro Sandwich (AND cinnamon rolls on their breakfast menu!!)
Favorite Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Milkshake
Location: Lakeview location is off the Belmont Red Line stop, head towards Halsted and take a left (15 min walk). Logan square location is off the California Blue Line stop, walk towards Milwaukee and take a left (2 min walk).
2. Quesadilla La Reina Del Sur
Quesadilla La Reina Del Sur is authentic Mexican food with a vegan twist. They’re food is AMAZING, but their juice list is what keeps me coming back.
Price: $
Favorite Dish: Tamales and Tinga Tacos
Tip: Order a fresh juice!!
Location: off the Western Blue Line stop, head towards Fullerton (8 min walk)
3. Blind Faith Cafe
This vegetarian restaurant and bakery is just north of the city right off the purple line. Almost all the food is fresh and cooked from scratch. Blind Faith‘s seitan is made-in-house and delicious! I recommend making a reservation for peak hours (brunch and weekend nights).
Price: $$
Favorite Dish: Thai Peanut Noodles and Mongolian Stir Fry
Favorite Dessert: Vegan Double Chocolate Cake
Location: It’s located outside of the city, but is worth the trip. Evanston is a neighboring town worth checking out. The main strip is lined with cute shops and local restaurants. Take the Red Line from downtown, then hop on the Purple Line. Get off at Dempster (Purple Line stop) and walk toward Chicago Ave. It’s off Dempster across from Starbucks.
4. Vegetarian Express
Fast-casual restaurant with a large menu! I love the fresh veggie burgers and juice selection at the Vegetarian Express. The staff is AMAZING and super friendly. Perfect for a quick lunch!
Price: $
Favorite Dish: Sweet Potato Burger
Tip: Order a wheat grass shot!
Location: Vegetarian Express is located off the Belmont Brown Line stop on the corner of Halsted and Clark St.
5. Handlebar
I always get the same thing at Handlebar: fried avocado tacos and Piepiemydarling seasonal cake for desert. Handlebar is not completely vegan, so it’s a great chill place for mixed group of friends. The vibe is chill grunge (not the most welcoming place I’ve ever been, BUT the service is good and the food is amazing.) There is limited seating, but they have patio seating in the summertime.
Price: $$
Favorite Dish: Fried Avocado Tacos
Favorite Appetizer: Fried Pickles (comes with vegan ranch) and vegan nachos
Dessert: Piepiemydarling seasonal cake (worth coming just for the cake!!!)
Location: If you are downtown, the easiest way to get to Handlebar is taking the North Ave bus (72). If I’m in a new city, I always opt for train transportation and/or go on foot. Maybe it’s because I’ve grown so accustom to subway life living in Chicago, so it feels like a safer option. If you’re like me and buses stress you out, take the Blue Line and get off at the Western Blue Line stop. Walk toward North Ave, take a left on North Ave (10 min walk.)
6. Kal’ish
Kal’ish is a fast-casual restaurant with a nice selection of fried chiken. The desert display is a piece of artwork and the chiken sandwiches are killer. I recommend this spot for lunch with a friend or a causal lunch date. Kal’ish has a mix of cute diner vibes and a cafe you could sit at for hours.
I’ll admit Kal’ish is not a vegan spot I hit up often. It’s more of a “once in a blue moon treat” type of place. If you are only in Chicago for a weekend, I’d pick somewhere like Chicago Diner or Handlebar. If you’re a local, it’s definitely worth stopping by at least once.
Price: $$
Favorite Dish: Classic Crisp Sandwich
Location: It’s located off the Wilson Red Line stop. Walk on Wilson towards Clark St (6 min walk.)
7. Dimo’s Pizza
Dimo’s a must-eat spot in Chicago. They have pizzas the size of your face and their vegan selection is ah-mazing. They have a large selection of vegan pizza slices OR you can order an entire pizza. During peak late night hours, you may have to wait 15 minutes for vegan slices. (WORTH THE WAIT)
Price: $
Favorite Pizza: Mac and Teese, Elote, and Buffalo Chiken
Bonus Tip: They have vegan brownies!!
Location: multiple locations – If you are a tourist, I recommend Wrigleyville or Wicker Park location. The Wrigleyville location is right off the Addison Red Line stop. Walk towards Clark St, take a left (4 min walk.) The Wicker Park location is right off the Damen Blue Line stop. It’s located on Damen street just past North Ave (3 min walk).
8. Native Foods Cafe
I know this is a chain restaurant, but ya’ll… it is SO good. It’s the kind of vegan restaurant where you have to double check, “is this REALLY vegan?” It’s unbelievable. Native Foods Cafe is a fast-casual chain with cafe vibes. It’s a spot you can bring your laptop to and chill for hours. Their chiken is arguably the best vegan chicken I’ve ever had in my life. Take your non-vegan friends here, they will never know what they’re eating isn’t vegan.
Price: $$
Favorite Dish: Chiken & Waffles (seasonal) and Twister Wrap
Location: There are multiple locations in the city. The Wicker Park location is located off the Damen Blue Line stop. Walk towards Milwaukee Ave, take a right (2 min walk.) The downtown location is located off the Monroe Blue Line stop. Walk toward Clark St, take a left (4 min walk.)
9. Alice & Friends‘ Vegan Kitchen
This is my new favorite restaurant! Alice & Friends’ is an asian-infused all vegan restaurant located up north in Edgewater. The service is amazing and the food is even better! Everything tastes like it’s made from scratch with love. This spot is perfect for a date night. Patio seating is optional in the summer.
Alice & Friends’ is BYOB, bring a bottle of wine, beer, or a big bottle of kombucha to share. They do not offer alcoholic beverages on their menu.
Price: $$
Favorite Dish: Popcorn Chicken, Burmese Noodle Salad, and Chow Mein
Favorite Dessert: Cheesecake
Location: It’s located off the Thorndale Red Line stop. Head towards Broadway, take a left (5 min walk.)
Tip: check the hours before going. They are not open on Tuesdays and only open for dinner during the week.
10. Urban Vegan
Urban Vegan is a vegan Thai restaurant with a huge menu filled with noodles, rice, burgers and curries! All of your favorite Thai food… but vegan!! It’s affordable and the meat substitutes are incredible.
I’ll be honest, service is not their strong point. Be patient and kind if you go during peak hours. Keep in mind, it’s a local spot. They do their best. Urban Vegan has authentic Thai food, incredibly cheap prices, and the best vegan orange chiken I’ve ever had. I’m a loyal customer for those reasons.
Price: $$
Favorite Dishes: Orange Chicken and Pad Thai
Location: It’s located in Uptown off the Montrose Brown Line stop, off the corner of Montrose and Ashland Ave (10 min walk.)
Only in Chicago for a short time?
I recommend figuring out which spots are closest to you and go to those. If you’re like me and travel mostly for the best vegan spots. I recommend breakfast at Chicago Diner, lunch at Handlebar, dinner at Alice & Friends’, late drunk food at Dimo’s pizza, and delivery from Urban Vegan the next morning.
Bonus Spot: If you’re here for a Saturday/Sunday morning, go to Pick Me Up Cafe for brunch. They have great vegan options and the diner itself is badass.
* $ – entrees under $10, $$- entrees $10-20, $$$- entrees over $20
Thanks for reading! Cheers to vegan feasting through the beautiful city of Chicago.
What is your favorite vegan spot in Chicago? What do you think NEEDS to be added to the list? Have you tried some on the list? What are your favorite dishes?
Looking for vegan replacements? Check out: My Favorite Vegan Replacements
Looking for healthy plant-based restaurants in Chicago? Check out: 10 Healthy Restaurants in Chicago
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