here are some of my favorite places to get vegan food in chicago – everything from fast food to fancy.
alice and friends→
a cozy little place, alice and friends serves mostly asian vegan food. everything is vegetarian and i believe there are only one or two items on the menu that aren’t vegan. i personally love the curry.
amitabul→
this all-vegan korean restaurant has amazing, healthy dishes and friendly service. the soothing atmosphere instantly puts you in a good mood. here’s the menu – it’s not listed on their site
burger king→
i know, i know – but their french fries are vegan and delicious. there are lots of reasons not to eat there, but we all have our guilty pleasures.
the chicago diner→
if you’re craving the stuff you used to eat before you went vegan, the diner is the place to go. even non-vegans love it and usually can’t tell the difference between this faux food and the real deal.
chipotle→
when i want something quick and delicious, i go for the veggie burrito bol. everything is vegan except the pinto beans and the obvious choices like meat and cheese.
ethiopian diamond→
this place is great if you’re in the mood for delicious ethnic food. it’s best to go with a group of people and sample a little bit of everything. they have a whole section of vegan options on their menu.
flat top grill→
while they still have many vegan sauces, i used to love flat top for their outstanding peanut sauce. however, i dined there recently with my family and discovered that they started using a new recipe that contains fish :(. their website still lists it as vegan, so it might be vegan in some locations. either way, i thought i’d take this opportunity to express my disappointment.
karyn’s→
although the original karyn’s is raw food only, i prefer the cooked restaurant. it’s beautifully decorated and is a great place to bring family/friends who are suspicious of the vegan diet.
lincoln park’s noodle house→
this little thai place is great for dine-in or carry-out. many of their dishes can be made vegan as long as you ask for no fish sauce.
panera→
many of panera’s breads and bagels are vegan, not to mention 2 soups (black bean and garden vegetable) and several salads (some ingredients need to be left off). their website lists every item’s ingredients including dressings and everything. some of their bakery items do contain l-cysteine, but it is plant-derived.
pick me up cafe→
the pick me up is a hip, late-night hangout serving regular food as well as vegan options. they even have vegan mac and cheese!
quizno’s→
there is only one sandwich option, as far as i know, that’s vegan here: the vegetarian sub. make sure to ask for it without cheese and with balsamic vinaigrette instead of red wine (<- not vegan). their bread does not contain l-cysteine.
siam country→
this is hands down the best thai food i’ve ever had. many items can be made vegan by asking for no fish sauce or meat broth. the owner is very friendly and accommodating.
soul vegetarian→
although a bit of a trip from the city, this restaurant has great vegan soul food. all of the servers are volunteers, which sometimes makes for a long wait, but they’re always friendly and helpful. their mac and cheese is phenomenal, although i’ve never actually eaten it in the restaurant. ethical planet in evanston carries it along with lots of other great vegan products (definitely worth checking out).
veggie bite→
vegan fast food. chili cheese fries. need i say more? their second location in wicker park is now open! it’s just as delicious and much closer to me :)
there are tons of other great places to get vegan vittles in chicago that i have yet to visit – these are just my recommendations.
