Chicago has a reputation for being quite a carnivorous town, but the city has many veggie-friendly establishments that surpass the traditional brown rice and leafy greens. The restaurants listed below boast creations so good, even die-hard steak lovers won't miss the meat!
GREEN ZEBRA – Vegetarian, Small Plates 1460 W. Chicago Ave., 60622, 312-243-7100 Tuesday – Thursday, 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Friday - Saturday, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Sunday, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Chef/owner Shawn McClain was awarded the honor of James Beard 2006 Best Chef Midwest for good reason: this innovative West Town restaurant elevates vegetarian dining to a whole new level. Focused on freshness and seasonality, the globally inspired menu is full of surprising selections like Shaved Artichoke Salad with Parmesan, Preserved Lemons and Red Pepper Foam or Creamy Beet Raviolis with Black Walnuts, Torpedo Onions and Aged Blue Cheese. Taking on the “small plate” trend, the restaurant encourages guests to taste and share a variety of dishes instead of one large entrée. For a sampling of the menu’s best, opt for the Five-Course Tasting Menu ($55). Individually designed by the chef, each guest at your table will receive a different lineup of imaginative selections.
The estimated cost per diner is $30-$60.
Reservations are recommended.
CHICAGO DINER - Vegetarian & Vegan 3411 N. Halsted St., 60657, 773-935-6696. Monday - Friday, 11 am to 10 pm. Saturday and Sunday, 10 am - 10 pm. This much-loved Chicago institution and popular weekend brunch spot is located in the lively Lakeview neighborhood. The diner's menu is completely composed of vegetarian offerings that can be prepared vegan. Along with the regular menu, patrons can choose from an extensive list of changing specials, such as the spring rolls with tofu, as well as entrees that make creative use of soy-based meat substitutes. Another tasty specialty is shepherd's pie made with lentils and mashed potatoes.
The estimated cost per diner is $12-$16.
Reservations are accepted for parties of six or more.
The Chicago Diner is closed on Christmas, but their schedule for other holidays varies. It is recommended that customers call if they wish to come in on a particular holiday.
PAPAJIN - Vegetarian & Vegan 1551 N. Milwaukee Ave., 60622, 773-384-9600. Monday - Thursday, 11:30 am to 10:30 pm. Friday, 11:30 am to 11:30 pm. Saturday, 2:30 pm to 11:30 pm.; Sunday 2 pm - 10 pm.. Papajin boasts amazing Chinese food served in large portions in their elegant, dimly lit dining room. The chefs use a light touch when it comes to the sauces on each of the savory dishes, and the vegetables are so fresh, they crunch! Vegetarians and vegans will find a lot to choose from on Papajin's extensive menu. Appetizers include a variety of soups as well as delicious veggie potstickers. The entrée selection includes Szechwan broccoli and eggplant in garlic sauce. In addition, many of the entrees can be made with tofu instead of meat. Papajin is also a sure bet for take out.
The estimated cost per diner is $15-$20.
Reservations are accepted.
Papajin is closed on the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.
HEARTLAND CAFÉ - Vegetarian 7000 N Glenwood Ave., 60626, 773-465-8005. Monday - Thursday, 7 am to 10 pm. Friday, 7 am to 11 pm. Saturday, 8 am to 11 pm. Sunday, 8 am to 10 pm. This funky, bohemian eatery has a lot going on under one roof. Part restaurant, part store and part live entertainment venue, this hotbed of activity is always filled with an eclectic group of people. The restaurant portion of the Heartland Café is a large rustic area that used to be exclusively vegetarian, but it now offers some entrees for meat eaters. The ample vegetarian offerings include hearty soups, tofu dishes and steamed or grilled vegetable-laden entrees. For breakfast or brunch, the chile rellenos are a satisfyingly gooey choice.
The average price per diner is $10-$15.
Reservations are accepted for parties of six or more.
The Heartland Café is closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving. They are open most other holidays and on the Fourth of July, but only if it falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
HEMA'S KITCHEN - Vegetarian 6406 N. Oakley Ave., 60645, 773-338-1627 Monday - Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm. Sunday, Noon to 10 pm. With an intimate, friendly setting, Hema's Kitchen has been serving up mouth-watering delicacies for more than 10 years. Traditional Indian and Pakistani dishes are served with homemade sauces that are concocted in the restaurant's kitchen daily. The vegetarian selections include samosa (pastries filled with vegetables), sag paneer (spinach with cheese) and dal makni (roasted lentils with curry, mustard, garlic and cumin). The owner, Hema Potla, has been known to greet patrons, offering her own personal touch to the dining experience.
The average cost per diner is $10 - $15.
Reservations are accepted.
Hema's Kitchen is closed on Christmas day and Easter.
MAIZ - Vegetarian 1041 N. California Ave. 60622, 773-862-1801 Tuesday - Sunday 5 pm to 10 pm. Closed Monday. The walls of this quaint, colorful eatery are adorned with ancient Mexican gods, while Mayan and Aztec figures and designs grace the wooden tables and chairs. Diners can watch the dishes being prepared in the open kitchen. Maiz's menu is centered around homemade corn tortilla and tamale entrees with fillings that are meant to mix and match. While meat selections are available, the vegetable fillings, which include mushroom, spinach, zucchini and cactus, offer a delicious alternative. Unique atoles (a porridgelike drink in flavors such as strawberry or raisin) and fruit- or vegetable-infused water (such as cucumber-herb) compliment the entrees.
The average price per diner is $15 - $20.
Reservations are accepted.
They are closed most major holidays.
LULA CAFÉ - Vegetarian, Vegan & Organic 2537 N. Kedzie Ave., 60647, 773-489-9554 Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 8 am to 10 pm. Friday, 8 am to Midnight. Saturday, 9 am to Midnight. Sunday, 9 am to 9 pm. This busy, comfortable Logan Square eatery focuses on cuisine made with organic ingredients. The warm, eclectic décor includes work by local artists as well as a beautiful antique bar. Lula Cafe's always-inventive fare features a variety of vegetarian and vegan specials, along with the regular menu, that changes on a regular basis. In addition, some of the vegetarian dishes can be made vegan upon request. Diners can choose from selections such as veggie tortas with black olive tampenade, carmelized onions, roasted red peppers and mozzarella. For brunch, the restaurant's overflowing breakfast burrito or fresh fruit, yogurt and granola bowl are two tasty options.
The average cost per diner including liquor and tax is $15-$20.
Reservations are not accepted.
Lula Café's holiday schedule varies. The restaurant is closed Christmas day, but for any other holiday hours, it is recommended that diners call ahead.
VICTORY'S BANNER - Vegetarian 2100 W. Roscoe, 60618, 773-665-0227. Wednesday - Monday, 8 am to 3 pm. Closed Tuesdays. Victory Banner is considered by some to be a "hidden treasure" tucked away in the Roscoe Village area. The bistro serves breakfast and lunch, focusing on vegetarian offerings. Breakfast items include egg dishes and omelets as well as a French toast made with cream and marmalade and served with peach butter and maple syrup. For lunch, patrons can choose from homemade soups, salads and sandwiches.
The average cost per diner is $10-$12.
Reservations are not accepted.
Victory's Banner is closed most major holidays.
IRAZU - Vegetarian 1865 N. Milwaukee Ave., 60647, 773-252-5687. Monday - Friday, 10 am to 9 pm. Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm. Closed Sunday. Just west of the bustling North/Damen/Milwaukee intersection in Wicker Park, diners will find Costa Rican fare served in a friendly, bright environment. The restaurant itself is small and unpretentious, with colorful murals painted on the walls. While meat dishes are available, Irazu attracts many loyal vegetarian patrons for black bean and avocado burritos, gallo pinto (white rice with black beans and eggs or plantains) and fried yucca with garlic. Their black bean dip with tortilla chips is also delicious. Tasty shakes flavored with fruits such as mango, banana or tamarind can be made with either milk or water and are excellent with a meal or when saved for an after-dinner treat.
The average price per diner $10- $12.
Reservations are accepted.
Irazu is closed all major holidays.
JANE'S - Vegetarian 1655 W. Cortland, 60622, 773-862-5263 Monday – Thursday, 7 am to 10 pm. Friday, 7 am to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 am to 11 pm. Sunday, 10 am to 10 pm. Brunch: Saturday – Sunday, 10 am to 2:30 pm.
Recently expanded, Jane’s now offers breakfast, lunch and a weekend brunch featuring homemade favorites like Veggie Frittata and Banana Nut French Toast. Jane's is a popular, inviting Bucktown restaurant that resides in a converted house. The eclectic menu has something for everyone, whether omnivore or strictly herbivore. Appetizers include the spinach ravioli stuffed with artichoke and covered in tomato puree. A flavorful main dish is the burrito stuffed with grilled vegetables, tofu and goat cheese and topped with homemade salsa. Jane's salads are large and fresh with one particular offering made up of mesclun greens with pear slices, bleu cheese and pecans tossed in balsamic vinaigrette.
The Top List of Veggie Restaurants - Chicago, IL