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Best Places For Vegetarian Chili In Chicago

Chilis are thick and hearty soups that often easily fill you up -- and that even goes for vegetarian ones. All veggie chilis are, naturally, made with lots of veggies and no meat, and typically with a tomato base or vegetable stock. But after that, vegetarian chilis are made with a variety of beans, as well as an array of vegetables, depending on where you're dining. Some are served with cheese, others with cornbread -- perfect for dipping. No matter which one you pick, though, it's hard to go wrong.

Cafe Selmarie
4729 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 989-5595
www.cafeselmarie.com

Cafe Selmarie in the heart of Lincoln Square may be known for its amazing pastries, but it's also a hopping restaurant, particularly when it comes to brunch on the weekends. While the menu is packed with goodies, the vegetarian chili is a perennial favorite. Whether you order a cup or a bowl, the chili is made with pinto beans and white cheddar cheese; it's also served with a good size hunk of cornbread, a wonderful complement.

Chili
(Photo Credit: chicagobotanic.org)

Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-5440
www.chicagobotanic.org

People come to the Chicago Botanic Garden for the amazing gardens and plants, but there's another reason to visit: the food, the vegetarian chili in particular. Their chili is on the menu year 'round, and it's sure to satisfy both vegetarians and carnivores alike. That's because this thick and hearty chili is made with red and black beans, corn, red and green peppers, and so much more. It's so popular in their cafe that they've even shared the recipe with everyone on their website!

Uncommon Ground
1401 W. Devon Ave.
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 465-9801
www.uncommonground.com

Enjoy one of their popular cocktails all while warming up with their comfort food -- and that includes a cup or bowl of chili. While the ingredients are basic, they're fresh -- just as everything is here -- in no small part because of their roof top garden (the first certified organic one in Chicago at their Devon location). This delectable and filling bowl of chili comes with cheddar cheese, sour cream and scallions, and is perfectly complemented by a warm baguette and just the right amount of house-whipped butter. Come for the chili on its own, or enjoy it as a starter to their other farm-to-table fare.

Related:  Best Chili In Chicago

Soupbox
Soupbox (Photo Credit: Miguel Rojas)

Soupbox
50 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 951-5900
www.soupbox.com

The Soupbox might be known for, no surprise here, it's soup, but it also knows how to do a chili too, including a hearty vegetarian one. Their veggie chili is loaded with vegetables starting with a healthy helping of black beans. Tomatoes, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, garlic, onion, chili powder and tofu round out this dish, and the chili is available in three sizes. Since the menu here is a seasonal one, don't be surprised if its not on the menu once warmer weather rolls around. (Want something a tad last hearty but just as filling? Check out their vegetable soup too).

Chicago Diner
3411 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 935-6696
www.veggiediner.com

If you have a hankering for vegetarian (or vegan for that matter) cuisine, be sure to stop in at the Lakeview restaurant, as they have an array of good eats that even a meat eater will enjoy. One of those dishes is their quinoa chili, made with -- you guessed it -- quinoa, as well as jalapeno corn fritters for the perfect amount of spice to warm up a cold brisk day in Chicago. Other items can be added to the chili as well, for $1 piece, including sour cream, avocado, cheese and tomato and onion.

Related: Best Vegetarian Hot Dogs In Chicago

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.

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