This vegan restaurants Chicago guide was originally published in May 2018 and has since been thoroughly updated in August 2020. Since the update was written by a different author, the guide is divided into two parts.
Part one is the original guide written by guest author Elizabeth Buckman, while part two consists of new additions written by Naomi Israel.
The first part lists mainly vegan-friendly restaurants that cater for all diets. If you're looking for fully vegan restaurants in Chicago, keeping reading to part two!
In other news, I'm about to head out on another pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago, and I won't be updating the blog while I'm gone. But I'll see you back here in October 2020!
You can also follow along on my pilgrimage on my Instagram account, where I'll be posting daily stories showing what I eat as a vegan on Camino.
It's not all deep-dish pizza and hot dogs — there are vegan options all over Chicago. This includes Chicago's fully vegan restaurants as well as restaurants with vegan options.
From local neighborhood spots to tourist classics, there are any number of ways to be a vegan Chicago foodie.
You just have to know where to look. Whether you're just starting out on your vegan journey, you're looking to incorporate more sustainable and compassionate eating habits into your life, or you've been eating plant-based for years, these spots will make dining out a breeze.
Vegan Restaurants Chicago Part I
various locations
lunch + dinner
Vegan-friendly restaurant
Chicago is famous for its deep dish pizza. If you are traveling with other people, this is likely at the top of their list of things to eat while visiting. Luckily, at Lou Malnati's you can get a vegan deep dish pizza while you're in Chicago.
The deep dish dough at Lou Malnati's does not contain butter, despite being described as “buttery” on their website. The house salad (ask for no meat and no cheese) with a deep-dish veggie pizza (no cheese, please!) is the answer to checking a Chicago classic off of your list.
2537 North Kedzie Blvd Chicago, Il 60647
breakfast + brunch + lunch + dinner
Vegan-friendly restaurant
Lula Café sits in the heart of the vibrant Logan Square neighborhood, which is northwest of downtown and has a great music, art and food scene. The menu is seasonal and has many vegetable-forward dishes.
It’s always a relief to be able to order something exactly as it is on the menu and not ask for substitutions. So when the opportunity to have a few things to choose from sans modifications arises, I can’t help but get excited. Try the ginger miso tofu vegetable scramble from their breakfast menu.
Halsted and Logan Square locations
breakfast + brunch + lunch + dinner
Vegetarian restaurant
#sorrynotsorry —— Watch this space next week for #reubenpalooza!All options at this vegetarian restaurant in Chicago are either vegan or easily made vegan. Their motto “meat free since ‘83” tells you how forward-thinking this place truly is.
Classic comfort foods are made in vegan-friendly versions, from “wingz” to poutine. They don’t take reservations, but they’re open until 10pm on weekdays and 11pm on weekends. Don’t forget to order a vegan shake!
2311 W. North Avenue
breakfast + lunch + dinner
Pescatarian restaurant
If you’re looking for a place to have great food you can feel good about, this is the spot. Handlebar brews fair-trade coffee and gets its produce from local farms. They have mastered vegan and vegetarian comfort food.
With a full-service bar and beer garden, you can enjoy guilt-free dining in a great patio space. They have a gluten-free menu and serve comfort classics for brunch, lunch and dinner. Head to Wicker Park and get ready to start craving everything on the menu.
2878 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
breakfast + lunch + dinner
Vegan-friendly restaurant
Juice, smoothies, fresh coffee, wraps, greens and grains round out this menu to perfectly compliment a sunny Chicago day or brighten up a frosty winter one. With a plethora of vegan options both hot and cold, you will be sure to find something you like here.
Swing by on your way to work, after a workout class, or on your way to a friend’s house. This is a place where you can cozy in and sit for a while or grab and go to fit your schedule. Definitely one to keep on your roster or check out if you haven’t already!
Elizabeth Buckman
Hi, I’m Elizabeth! I live in the Denver area with my husband and two Aussies. I’m figuring out the vegan and plant-based thing one meal at a time. I know small changes can make a big difference and big differences can lead to substantial change. Follow along at on Instagram as I trial-and-error my way through new recipes and daily life.
Vegan Restaurants Chicago Part II
Hello fellow nomads! My name is Naomi and, I have been travelling and living around the world for the past 7 years. So, as a Chicago native, I am hardly ever in the windy city. However, when I do come to visit, I love dining out at these restaurants.
Native Foods Café
(my two favorite locations)
1518 E Harper Ct. Chicago, IL 60615 and
1484 N Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60622
Fully vegan restaurant
This popular restaurant chain runs several vegan restaurants in Chicago.
This restaurant never disappoints! If you are in the mood for nachos or burgers, or you want something simple like soup or chili, this restaurant has you covered. Another thing I love about this fully vegan restaurant chain is the atmosphere and décor.
Every location is inviting, clean and unique. My faves here are the Oklahoma Burger, lentil soup, chili, brownie, chocolate chip cookie and sweet potato fries.
Alice & Friends
5812 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60660
Fully vegan restaurant
Naomi enjoying some vegan Asian food at Alice & Friends
Now, it’s quite a journey to get to this restaurant if you’re coming from the south side of the city. But trust me, this food is worth the trip!
Alice in Wonderland serves up organic vegetables, a unique taste and an even more amazing dessert menu! From Vietnamese inspired dishes to poke bowls and burgers, this place will have what you’re craving.
I highly recommend the walnut shrimp, the chow mein and any of the cakes!
Urban Vegan
1601-1603 W. Montrose Ave. Chicago, IL 60613
Fully vegan restaurant
If you’re in the mood for Thai or Asian cuisine in Chicago, then Urban Vegan is a place you must go. I have dined here with both vegetarian and meat-eating friends, and they have all loved this restaurant.
Prior to going vegan, I used to love orange chicken. I could never find a place that made a great vegan orange chicken dish until I discovered Urban Vegan.
The orange chicken here is INCREDIBLE. It’s the only thing I eat when I come here because it is THAT GOOD!
Kal’ish
1313 W Wilson Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
Fully vegan restaurant
Vegan comfort food at Kal'ish in Chicago
Great burgers, sandwiches, Mexican food, ice cream and house-made desserts. What’s not to love?!
This clean and dainty place is a feel-good spot where you can relax, chat with the friendly staff and enjoy good food. I’ve eaten here several times, and every time the food has impressed me.
Breakfast lovers take note: Kal'ish serves what's possibly the best vegan breakfast Chicago has to offer. Their breakfast menu is available all day, too! AND they serve vegan brunch on Sundays.
Whether you want to try the all-day breakfast menu or you’re craving a burger, Kal’ish is a good spot to check out. It’s also not too far from the Cubs stadium and the bar scene.
No Bones Beach Club
1943 W. North Ave. Chicago, IL 60622
Fully vegan restaurant
No Bones Beach Club vegan restaurant Chicago
No Bones started out as a food truck in Seattle, Washington in 2016 and then expanded to Chicago in 2018. It has been a big hit, and it’s not hard to see why.
The food here is incredible! Plus there’s surf vibes and fun drinks, and very colorful dishes. Eating inside really made me feel like I was dining next to the beach in sunny California!
It’s located in a great area of Chicago too. Known as Wicker Park, you have everything here from vintage shops to pubs and dance clubs. I encourage you to eat at No Bones and then have a walk around.
Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat
1368 E. 53rd Street Chicago, IL 60615
Vegetarian restaurnt
Serious comfort food at Can't Believe It's Not Meat -- a vegetarian restaurant in Chicago.
This place opened in 2019 in Chicago’s Hyde Park area, and so far it’s had a great launch in the vegan and vegetarian scene. The folks here offer a veggie spin on classic Chicago foods, like the pizza puff and Italian beef.
Everything on the menu is vegetarian and can be made vegan. If you’re the kind of person who likes to try the local specialty dishes of the places you visit, you’ll definitely want to check this place out.
Loving Heart Café
838 W. Montrose Ave. Chicago, IL 60613
Fully vegan café
Enjoying a curry bowl from Loving Heart Café out in the fresh air.
I love this vegan café. Not only do they support local farmers, but they also use organic ingredients in all of their dishes. The café is small but spacious, allowing people to have some private time if they want to read alone, or grab a larger table to socialize with friends.
Whenever I come here, I order the same thing every time: The Curry Bowl!
Soul Vegetarian
203 E. 75th Street Chicago, IL 60619
Fully vegan restaurant
I’m saving the best for last. All the restaurants I’ve mentioned are great, and I may or may not visit them each time I’m in the city. However, when I come to Chicago, it’s a guarantee that I’m going to eat at Soul Vegetarian A LOT!
I’m obsessed with the gyro platter, the cornbread and greens, the apple pie and the onion rings. Though the name has the word ‘vegetarian’ in it, they are a fully vegan restaurant. This is also another Chicago restaurant that serves vegan brunch on Sundays.
Before I even get off the plane, I’m already thinking about Soul Vegetarian. Why? Because it is just that good. I love the food because it feels like my family has made this especially for me.
The atmosphere is all love, respect and kindness, and it’s just darn good food. I always have to work out hard after leaving Chicago because of this place. If you are ever near the south side of Chicago, please please go and eat here!
Naomi Israel
Naomi is living out her dreams by living abroad and inspiring others as a wellness coach. Previously a banker, she was once tired and miserable. But all that changed when she decided to listen to the call of her heart.
Now she's passionate about helping others get on the path to wellness. Through her online platform, Diverse Vegan, she's building a community around healthy eating and veganism – with an unbiased approach.
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Forastero Restaurant has plenty of Vegan options. Including the very first Vegan Korean Mexican shrimp taco. So yummy
That sounds like quite an innovative offering! I’m not surprised it’s the first one. I’d definitely be up for trying it.