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Best Spots For A Vegetarian or Vegan In Chicago

Whether you are a vegetarian looking for good food or need some inspiration to go meat – free, here are some of the best vegetarian and vegan hot spots in Chicago.
chicago-diner
Rebun and sweet potato fries from Chicago Diner. (credit:veggiediner.com)

Chicago Diner

3411 N. Halsted
Chicago IL 60657
773-935-6696
veggiediner.com

This small popular "Meat-Free Since 83" diner is sure to please vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Known for having some of the "meatiest" dishes such as the award winning Rebun, burgers, steaks, meat ball subs and more– non vegetarians swear they can't tell it's not meat. Soups and salads are also available on their seasonal menu as well as vegan beer and wine. Of course don't miss the sweet potato fries and vegan bakery items. Delicious food and it shows by the crowd outside, however quick service makes it a short wait to be seated by friendly staff. No vegan is left out as all menu items have a vegan option.

soulvegetarianrestaurant2.com
Soul Vegetarian East (credit: soulvegetarianrestaurant2.com

Soul Vegetarian East

205 E 75th Street
Chicago IL 60619
773- 224-0104
soulvegetarianrestaurant2.com

They say soul food is food that tastes so good it speaks to the soul and this restaurant is no exception. For the past 28 years Soul Vegetarian has been serving an all vegan menu of great soul food like BBQ twists, greens, Mac 'N' "Cheese" plus much more. The flavorful meals will satisfy both vegetarians and soul food lovers all at a reasonable price.

mana
Mana Food. (credit: Grant Kessler via Mana Food Facebook)

Mana Food Bar

1742 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 342-1742
manafoodbar.com

Mana means supernatural power and you may feel you have it after you eat at Mana Food Bar. No meat or faux meat, just simple colorful plates of raw or slightly cooked veggies full of flavor in a Zen wood environment. Raw doesn't mean boring thus the variety of choices such as pumpkin ravioli, mushroom sauté, or the hummus plate. They also serve red/white wines, beer, and of course sake cocktails. Also good news for vegans - the majority of the menu is free of animal products.

karyns
Crispy Chicken-Style Legs (credit: karynsongreen.com)

Karyn's on Green

130 South Green Street
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 226-6155
karynsongreen.com

Karyn's is upscale elegant gourmet vegan restaurant great for a date night or drinks with friends. Portobello steaks, crispy chicken style legs, and eggplant cannelloni are just a few of the great items to choose from. A wide selection of drinks is available as well including non alcohol tonics made from fresh ingredients.

raw
RAW. (credit: Chicago RAW Facebook)

RAW

131 N Clinton
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 831-2729
chicagorawfood.com

If you have no idea what it's like when it comes to the idea of raw food, no worries! RAW offers free samples to help you get a taste before you buy. Freshly prepared items such as garden burgers, falafel, salads, and more. They say their mission is to change the way people eat and after trying RAW it may just do that for you.

handle
HandleBar At Night. (credit: handlebarchicago.com)

HandleBar

2311 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
handlebarchicago.com

Here you will find yourself among bike enthusiasts, hungry vegetarians, and beer fans. The menu offers plenty of vegetarian items, such as Buffalo "chicken" wrap, tofu fajitas, and more along with a huge beer selection. Most items can be made vegan by request as indicated on their menu.

lifeonmars
Life on Mars (credit: yelp.com)

Life on Mars

2910 W Armitage
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-6277
mars-takeout.com

There is Life on Mars, right here in Chicago and the best part is the food is all vegan! Coconut greens, mock tuna or chicken salad, BBQ ribs, chocolate chip cookies, and more – this place has all your old favorites but better because there are absolutely no animal products used in any of it. Grab it to go or stay in their small dining area. Check their website for what is on the menu today.

delicious
Vegan pastries and cakes. (credit: adeliciousvegancafe.com)

Delicious Cafe

3827 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 477-9840
adeliciousvegancafe.com

If you are looking for vegan coffees and pastries, search no more. This independent coffee shop has a complete vegan menu of your favorite style of coffee and teas. Also check out their sandwich menu featuring tofu eggless with cashew "cheese" and their BLT, a "bacon" spinach tomato combo.

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