Chicago is a longtime leader in plant-based dining, with a legacy of vegan restaurants spanning more than four decades. The city’s vegan scene reinvents classic Midwestern comfort food in ingenious meat-free fashion. Chicago’s top vegan restaurants have helped shape the city’s culinary landscape since the early 1980shere.
Some of the vegan dining options in town are as varied as your palate and craving. Diners can order everything from dairy-free melted deep-dish pizzas to hefty burgers, built on scratch-made seitan and vegetables. Several of these places have won devoted customers by offering comfort food that’ll satisfy vegetarians and omnivores alike.
These are iconic restaurants that have built place in the establishment through decades of consistency and creativity. They’ve helped turn Chicago into a destination for plant-based dining, demonstrating that vegan food can be hearty and delicious. Chicago’s most adored vegan haunts, from casual cafes to high-style dining rooms, each contribute to the city’s rich food culture by bringing a little something different to the party.
The Pioneers of Plant-Based Dining in Chicago
Chicago’s plant-based dining scene has grown from a few bold restaurants into a thriving community. These early pioneers changed the way people think about vegan food in the Windy City.
The Chicago Diner: Revolutionizing Vegan Comfort Food
The Chicago Diner opened in 1983 and coined their signature slogan “Meat Free Since ’83. It was on North Halsted Street that this landmark restaurant first made veganism accessible to anyone and everyone.
Their signature Radical Reuben made waves, reimagining the iconic sandwich using seitan and nonglutenous cheese. The buffalo tofu wings turned into another crowd pleaser that taught skeptics how good vegan food could taste.
The diner offers breakfast, lunch and dinner; the menu is filled with comfort food staples. Their milkshakes and desserts show that dairy-free treats can be every bit as indulgent as traditional ones.
Soul Veg City: A Staple for Vegan Soul Food Enthusiasts
Soul Veg City brought vegan soul food to Chicago’s South Side in the early 1980s. Their family recipes show that traditional African American dishes can be made completely plant-based.
The restaurant specializes in BBQ tofu, mac and cheese, and collard greens. Their Sunday brunch draws crowds from across the city.
Every dish comes with the warmth of home cooking and decades of expertise. The business remains family-owned and continues to pass down their cooking traditions.
Handlebar – a Hipster’s Vegan Haven
Handlebar opened in 2003 in Wicker Park, bringing vegan options to Chicago’s hip northwest side. The bike-themed restaurant creates a casual atmosphere perfect for any time of day.
Their weekend brunch became legendary among locals. The breakfast burrito and tofu scramble are must-try morning favorites.
The dinner menu features creative comfort foods like buffalo seitan wraps and vegan fish tacos. Their outdoor patio makes summer dining extra special.
Innovative Vegan Eats and Where to Find Them
Chicago’s vegan scene shines with creative takes on classic dishes and modern culinary innovations. Local chefs transform traditional favorites into plant-based masterpieces while introducing exciting new flavors to the city’s food landscape.
Planta Queen: A New Wave of Vegan Sushi
Planta Queen adds elevated vegan sushi to Chicago’s dining scene. At their chef creates one-of-a-kind rolls with inventive ingredients, including watermelon “tuna” and carrot “salmon.”
The restaurant’s signature Dragon Roll includes tempura broccoli and mushroom-based spicy unagi sauce. Their Spicy “Tuna” Roll makes watermelon act like raw fish through a special cooking technique.
In addition to sushi, Planta Queen offers inventive small plates such as mushroom dumplings and bang bang broccoli. The contemporary, chic space in River North attracts vegans and non-vegans alike looking for a special night out.
Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat: Plant-Based Fast Food Gets an Upgrade
This South Side favorite reimagines fast food classics with a vegan twist. Their “Bacon Cheeseburger” features Beyond Meat patties topped with plant-based bacon and cheese.
The menu features inventive offerings such as vegan shrimp tacos and “chicken” wings made from mushrooms. All sauces and toppings are house made and plant based.
Several locations around Chicago meet the rising demand for fast, filling vegan comfort food. The restaurants are bright colors and hip-hop music, and a fun, casual vibe.
Kale My Name: Celebrity-Approved Plant-Based Cookery
With singer Lizzo among its supporters, Kale My Name brings star power to veganism in Chicago. The menu runs the globe, from Thai curry to Mexican street tacos. Their most popular items are Buffalo Cauliflower Wings and the KMN Burger, outfitted with caramelized onions and their special sauce. It tries to use organic ingredients wherever possible.
The Albany Park site has an intimate dining room and an outdoor patio. Brunch on the weekend brings crowds looking for things like chicken and waffles made with seasoned oyster mushrooms.
