9 Can't-Miss Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Chicago

Looking for some plant-based eats in the Windy City? Whether you’re local to the area or just visiting, there’s definitely no shortage of vegan cuisine in Chicago. Chicago’s vegan and vegetarian scene serves up several options, and we've picked some of the top restaurants for you to try.

Now, vegan and vegetarian eaters don't have to struggle to find something they can eat on these menus! From Thai food to plant-based meats, there’s something in this city for everyone—even those who haven't tried plant-based foods yet. 

If you're traveling elsewhere, be sure to check out our top vegan restaurants in Denver, Colorado, and Atlanta, Georgia! But first, drool over these vegan restaurants in Chicago.

9 Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Chicago

1. I'm Vegan Restaurant

Location:

2907 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657

I'm Vegan gives Chicago diners a Vegan Thai experience. This restaurant fuses together authentic Thai culinary traditions with a completely plant-based menu. Find all your favorites, including steamed buns, pad Thai, chive dumplings, and more.

2. Alice & Friends' Vegan Kitchen

Location:

5812 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660

At Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen, the goal is to make vegan options easily accessible for those who either are vegan or want to try more vegan foods. This restaurant made the Michelin Guide in 2017 for its great atmosphere and food. And it's serving up Asian-inspired entrees and appetizers, along with house-made desserts. 

3. Kale My Name

Location:

3300 W Montrose Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Self-described as a globally inspired, 100% plant-based restaurant and bar, Kale My Name’s menu speaks for itself! With various menu items, like soups, salads, wraps, tacos, burgers, brunch, and more, you’ll have no shortage of options to choose from. The restaurant, which is co-owned by Tabitha Brown, even has afternoon tea party sets!

4. Urban Vegan

Location:

1601-1603 W Montrose Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613

Another restaurant serving Thai and Asian-inspired dishes is Urban Vegan. This restaurant uses seitan and soy ”meat” and has classic dishes like dumplings, curry, noodles, burgers, and more. At Urban Vegan, the mission is to provide meals that taste great every single time—so you can't go wrong eating here.

5. Uncooked

Location:

210 N Carpenter Street, UNIT 140, Chicago, IL 60607

Uncooked is a grab-and-go restaurant offering uncooked, plant-based food made from whole ingredients. This is a health-conscious restaurant, specializing in plant-based raw food—including yummy smoothies and juices. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Uncooked serves coffee, smoothies, elixirs, juices, sushi, bowls, and desserts. It's a one-stop shop!

6. Upton's Breakroom

Location:

2054 W Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612

Upton’s Breakroom is attached to Upton's Naturals' seitan factory. It opened in 2013 to feed the factory staff and Chicago customers. And the menu is 100% vegan, featuring rotating specials! Everything on the menu—from sandwiches to donuts—is made with carefully chosen ingredients for all. Be sure to stop in and grab a nacho plate or a flapjack donut.

7. Handlebar

Location:

2311 W North Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

Handlebar is a neighborhood restaurant, bar, and beer garden serving vegetarian and vegan comfort food. While this restaurant's primary focus is vegetarian and vegan offerings, they also serve fish. On the menu, you can find bar appetizers, tacos, sandwiches, and more! Plus, this restaurant brews Fair Trade coffee, serves organic eggs, and sources ingredients locally.

8. The Chicago Diner

Locations:

Logan Square: 2333 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647
Lakeview: 3411 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60657

With locations in Logan Square and Lakeview, The Chicago Diner has been serving up meat-free dishes since 1983! They have a variety of cuisines including American, Thai, and Mexican. And the diner even has all your favorite diner classics, with a plant-based spin. When you’re ready for dessert, you can try an award-winning vegan milkshake. Not local to the area? Check out this diner's cookbook!

9. Ground Control

Location:

3315 W Armitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647

Ground Control is an eclectic vegetarian and vegan eatery. The menu spans cuisines from Asian to Mexican, and includes dishes like sesame cold noodles, a beet burger, plant-based gyros, and more! The menu even offers delicious cocktails and beers. You'll definitely want to dine in.