For those who have been dreaming about vegan deep-dish pizzas or imagining a plant-based spin on the famous Chicago-style hot dogs, your foodie dreams are about to get real. Chicago is humming with innovative vegan chefs who are redesigning these iconic dishes using plant-based ingredients. 🌱🌭🍕
Let’s embark on a culinary journey through the bustling streets of Chicago, a city renowned for its vibrant food scene. Whether you're a lifelong resident of the Windy City or just swinging by for a visit, our list of top vegan-friendly restaurants will surely serve as a compass to some exceptional plant-based eats.
So, whether you've fully embraced the vegan lifestyle, exploring plant-based options, or simply curious, we've got you covered. These establishments won't just tickle your taste buds but also align with a lifestyle that values both health and the planet.
Get ready to discover our selection of restaurants, each demonstrating their unique approach to vegan gastronomy right here in Chicago. It's time to take a leap into a flavorful expedition that's compassionate, eco-friendly, and undeniably delightful. Stick with us as we dive in!
Handlebar
Discover the inviting ambience of Handlebar, a small neighborhood restaurant serving made-from-scratch vegan comfort food for all times of the day. Ensconced in Wicker Park since 2003, it offers a unique array of offerings from scrumptious wraps, sandwiches, to the famous vegan chili mac attack. Don't forget to dip into their phenomenal vegan queso, a treat that pairs with just about everything! Complete your meal with a slice of Pie Pie My Darling cakes for a delightful sweet ending. True to its sustainable ethos, Handlebar also brews fair-trade coffee and champions local sourcing, making it not just a foodie's haven but an eco-conscious diner's dream.
Photo: veganjewelsnyc
Beacon Doughnuts
If you're on a quest for the ultimate vegan doughnuts, Beacon Doughnuts should be your final stop. As a walk-up window establishment that recommends pre-orders, Beacon delights in selling out their small-batch, hand-made, all-vegan doughnuts every day. From classics like Raised Glazed and Chocolate Glazed Brioche to inventive takes like Blueberry Pancake and Boston Cream, the sheer variety of flavors is astounding. Their generous fillings, balanced sweetness, and innovative flavors have earned them a reputation that crosses continents. Savor each bite and you might just be convinced to become a full-time Chicago resident!
Photo: yourfriendjen
Chicago Diner
Step into the Chicago Diner, a vegan and vegetarian comfort food haven where tradition meets innovation. Serving plant-based takes on beloved American classics, the diner offers everything from truffle mushroom lentil loaf, country fried steak, to the memorable seitan-based Philly cheesesteak. Satiate your sweet tooth with their award-winning vegan shakes or dig into the decadent cocoa mousse cake. With its retro diner aesthetic and menu brimming with comfort food, it's a journey of nostalgia with a compassionate twist. Their standout Reuben sandwich, served with waffle fries and a peanut butter chocolate shake, is a must-try delight that will redefine your sandwich standards. An organic beer or wine completes the experience at this heartwarming diner, meat-free since 1983.
Photo: rosieb33
Kale My Name
Feast your senses at Kale My Name, a multiple-award winning, entirely plant-based restaurant that's won hearts, accolades, and Chicago's Best Vegan Restaurant title. From being crowned America's "Vegan Restaurant of the Year" to boasting the "Best Brunch" in Chicago, it embodies vegan excellence. Its menu is a veritable bounty of creativity, featuring everything from appetizing starters to delightful tacos and burgers. With a dedicated children's menu and a friendly, relaxed ambiance, it's a spot that caters to all. Make sure to try their famous Buffalo Tofu wraps and the unforgettably scrumptious PPMD Rainbow Sprinkle cake.
Photo: berryveganplanet
Native Foods Cafe
Nestled in The Loop, steps from the CTA Blue Line Jackson stop, you'll find the herbivore haven that is Native Foods Cafe. Crafting 100% plant-based, craveable dishes since 1994, it's a small vegan chain with a big heart. It is known for its variety of sandwiches, veggie burgers, bowls, and salads. From the outstanding Cauliflower Po'boy to the BBQ Brisket burger, the menu is a journey through hearty, wholesome vegan food. Whether you are in for dine-in, takeout, or delivery, Native Foods Cafe extends its embrace to friends of the Earth with comfort food rich in bold flavors.
Photo: canica
Fancy Plants Kitchen
At Fancy Plants Kitchen, farm-to-table vegan cuisine takes center stage. Situated in Lincoln Park, Chicago, it is renowned for its expressive, refined seasonal specials. This culinary gem serves a splendid array of breakfast sandwiches, bagels, pastries, and croissants. Weekend brunch is a special occasion, with a couple of daily specials that keep patrons coming back for more. With craft cocktails, a late-night menu, and a warm, hospitable staff, it's the epitome of a relaxed, upscale dining experience. Known for their exquisite appetizers and extensive drink menu, including non-alcoholic options, don't miss the chance to try their acclaimed Sushito peppers and Broccolini salad.
Photo: jonok
Pie, Pie My Darling
Dive into the world of 100% vegan delights at Pie, Pie My Darling, where every sweet treat is a labor of love. Baked fresh from scratch in Chicago, IL, this place is heaven for misfit souls seeking indulgence. Offering whole cakes, slices, and their signature CUP-CAKES, they ensure that their treats remain fresh, fun, and irresistible. The cup-cake flavors change monthly, and everything's made to order. This means you can get your hands on the most luscious vegan cakes, pies, cupcakes, cookies, and brownies, but remember to place your orders beforehand. You won't want to miss their highly recommended Chocolate Hazelnut Cake or the acclaimed Carrot Cake, praised as the "best carrot cake ever".
Photo: perfectlyplantbased
Liberation Kitchen
Located next to Upton's Naturals seitan factory, Liberation Kitchen serves up tantalizing vegan comfort food in a bright, modern café setting. Since its establishment in 2013, it's been serving made-to-order vegan delicacies, from fried bacon mac and croissant sandwiches to Chicago-style hot dogs. But their innovation doesn't stop at savory fare. A full ice cream menu, vegan donuts, and products from other Chicago vegan businesses grace their offerings. They have a dog-friendly patio for those who prefer to dine alfresco. Don't miss their delicious Seitan sandwiches and the mouthwatering Strawberry and Whip Cream donuts. You're bound to leave feeling thoroughly liberated.
Photo: yourfriendjen
