A Plant-Based Paradise: Exploring Chicago's Thriving Vegan Restaurant Scene

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Chicago, a city renowned for its culinary diversity, has truly embraced the plant-based movement. From innovative fine dining to casual comfort food, the Windy City offers an incredible array of vegan establishments that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a long-time vegan, exploring a plant-based diet, or simply curious about delicious meat-free options, this guide to some of Chicago's top vegan restaurants is for you!

Here's a look at some must-try vegan spots in Chicago, complete with their ratings, addresses, phone numbers, and popular dishes:

Bloom Plant-Based Kitchen

  • Rating: 4.765 on OpenTable (based on 600+ reviews), with high marks for food, service, and ambiance.
  • Address: 1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
  • Phone: (312) 363-3110
  • Vibe: Trendy and cozy, offering a refined dining experience perfect for a special occasion or a casual night out. Their menu features a variety of creative and beautifully presented plant-based dishes.
  • Popular Dishes: Turnip Causa, Whipped Feta, Ube Cheesecake, Yuca Gnocchi, Sun-Dried Tomato Sashimi. Known for creative and flavorful dishes that impress both vegans and non-vegans.

Amitabul

  • Rating: 4.8/5 on Grubhub (based on 600+ ratings), also highly rated on HappyCow.
  • Address: 6207 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
  • Phone: (773) 774-0276
  • Vibe: A long-standing Chicago favorite, Amitabul offers unique Buddhist Korean vegan cuisine with a focus on healthy, flavorful dishes. Expect hearty noodle soups, stir-fries, and a truly authentic experience.
  • Popular Dishes: Dr. K's Cure All Noodle Soup, Mandoo Vegan Dumplings, Maha Pyogo (mixed mushrooms and green vegetables in garlic sauce), Dark Side of the Moon (oyster and shiitake mushrooms with noodles in black bean sauce). This spot is praised for its healthy, nourishing, and flavorful Korean Buddhist cuisine.

Soul Veg City

  • Rating: 4.4/5 on Google Reviews (based on 2.2K+ ratings).
  • Address: 201-209 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619
  • Phone: (773) 224-0104
  • Vibe: A true Chicago institution with over 40 years of history, Soul Veg City serves up comforting and delicious soul food with a vegan twist. Think "chick'n drumsticks," "steak" and rice, and plenty of flavorful greens.
  • Popular Dishes: Hot bar with a huge variety (including BBQ seitan, mac & cheese, yams), Sloppy Joe, Lasagna, Gyro, Fried Tofu Sandwich, Quiche. A long-standing Chicago institution, Soul Veg City offers comforting and hearty plant-based soul food.

Planta Queen

  • Rating: Highly rated with 4.5+ on various platforms (150+ ratings on Grubhub).
  • Address: 413 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
  • Phone: (630) 691-7238
  • Vibe: A vibrant and stylish eatery specializing in elevated Asian-inspired plant-based cuisine. Their menu boasts creative sushi rolls, flavorful stir-fries, and unique small plates perfect for sharing.
  • Popular Dishes: Ahi Watermelon Nigiri, Bang Bang Broccoli, 1000 Layer Crispy Potatoes, Udon Noodles (with truffle mushroom cream), Crispy Gyoza. This upscale spot offers creative and sophisticated pan-Asian plant-based dishes and a chic ambiance.

Vegan Plate

  • Rating: Highly rated 4.8/5 on Google Reviews (428+ reviews).
  • Address: 1550 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
  • Phone: (773) 472-8208
  • Vibe: This spot offers delicious Thai vegan food in a casual setting. A great choice for satisfying curries, noodle dishes, and traditional Thai flavors, all made entirely plant-based.
  • Popular Dishes: Green Curry, Katsu Curry, Kung Pao Chicken, Pad Thai, Crab Rangoon, Thai Tea. A beloved spot for delicious and hearty vegan Thai cuisine with a massive menu.

Spirit Elephant

  • Rating: Highly rated 4.7/5 on Google Reviews (718+ reviews).
  • Address: 924 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 (Note: This is the primary location for Spirit Elephant. 
  • Phone: (847) 238-9054
  • Vibe: Known for its upscale, elegant atmosphere and sophisticated plant-based dishes, Spirit Elephant offers a refined dining experience with a focus on innovative and beautifully crafted cuisine.
  • Popular Dishes: While specific popular dishes vary, Spirit Elephant is renowned for its elevated plant-based dining experience and elegant atmosphere. They focus on award-winning, wildly delicious food made exclusively from plants.

Alice & Friends Vegan Kitchen

  • Rating: Google Reviews 4.8/5 (based on 913 reviews). Consistently well-rated across various platforms.
  • Address: 5812 N Broadway, Chicago IL 60660
  • Phone: (773) 275-8797
  • Vibe: A welcoming and diverse menu featuring a wide range of Asian-inspired vegan dishes, from Korean to Thai and more. They aim to create a "wonderland of flavorful vegan food.”
  • Popular Dishes: Known for a diverse menu of Asian-inspired vegan dishes, including various noodle dishes, curries, and unique appetizers. Many reviews highlight their friendly service and delicious, comforting food.

Runaway Cow

  • Rating: 4.8/5 on Google Reviews (based on 225+ reviews).
  • Address: 608 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616
  • Phone: (312) 846-1626
  • Vibe: Specializing in vegan ice cream, this spot is a sweet tooth's dream. They offer a delightful array of cups, cones, sundaes, and "snowstorms" (blended treats).
  • Popular Dishes: Runaway Cow is known for its vegan comfort food, often featuring burgers, sandwiches, cakes, and shakes. Specific popular dishes can vary, but expect classic American diner fare made plant-based.

Fancy Plants Café

  • Rating: 4.6/5 on Google Reviews 4.6/5 (based on 347 reviews)
  • Address: 613 W Briar Pl, Chicago, IL 60657
  • Phone: (773) 857-1588
  • Vibe: A charming café focusing on plant-based breakfast and lunch items, including pastries, savory sandwiches, and a rotating selection of delicious grab-and-go options.
  • Popular Dishes: Croissant Sandwiches, Carrot Lox Bagels, Cherry Lavender Scones, Greek Spinach Pie, Fancy Grilled Cheese, Truffle Mushroom and Brie Pastries. This charming café offers a delightful array of vegan pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.

Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria

  • Rating: 4.5/5 on Google Reviews (based on 38 reviews - Pilsen location); and 4.6/5 on Google Reviews (based on 522 reviews - River North location)
  • Address: 1165 West 18th Street, Chicago, IL 60608 (Pilsen location) and 230 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60654 (River North location)
  • Phone: (872) 342-3851 (Pilsen) and (312) 265-0400 (River North)
  • Vibe: Bringing the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food to the vegan scene, Penelope's offers a delicious selection of plant-based tacos and other Mexican favorites.
  • Popular Dishes: Expect a range of delicious vegan tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired fare. Reviews often praise the creative plant-based interpretations of classic Mexican dishes.

This list is just a glimpse into Chicago's thriving vegan culinary landscape. So, whether you're a long-time vegan or just exploring plant-based options, Chicago's vibrant vegan restaurant scene offers an abundance of delicious choices. Get out there and discover your new favorite Asian fusion, comforting soul food, or sweet treat! Enjoy your vegan food adventure in Chicago!


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