Today we’re exploring one of the biggest cities in the US and some of the most amazing vegan restaurants Chicago is hiding from the rest of us!
With a huge downtown and buzzing, diverse population – you can be sure to find some of the world’s best vegan restaurants in Chicago.
But with so many options in the Windy City, it’s hard to narrow them down.
Best Vegan Restaurants: Chicago Edition
If you’re just a vegan traveling to Chicago, you’ll have to figure out which of these options are a must for you.
On the other hand, if you’re a local, then luckily we have a full list of the best vegan restaurants Chicago is known for!
Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Price: $
- Address: 5812 N Broadway, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60660
The vegan Chicago restaurant to top our list is none other than Alice & Friends’.
This eclectic Alice & Wonderland-themed eatery is a local favorite with 100% vegan dishes.
All the delicious options are Asian-inspired, ending up with an exciting mix of dishes that make you really feel like you’re in Wonderland. Whether you get the Kingwich fried mushroom sandwich or the Heavenly Curry – you won’t be disappointed!
Native Foods
- Cuisine: Fast Food
- Price: $
- Address: 1484 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60622
One spot that absolutely has to be included in a list of the best vegan restaurants – Chicago’s rendition of Native Foods.
This chain originated in California but is quickly taking over some of the biggest cities in the US.
If you’re in the mood for some down-to-earth, plant-based food – then Native Foods is the spot for you.
With mouth-watering burgers and at low prices, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat.
Amitabul
- Cuisine: Korean
- Price: $$
- Address: 6207 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60646
Amitabul is by far one of the best vegan restaurants in Chicago.
This Buddhist Korean restaurant merges traditional cuisine with Western plant-based cravings to create the most amazing combination.
From veggie pancakes to a vegan Bi Bim Bop, Amitabul is the perfect zen-filled space to make any vegan happy.
If you’re looking for something different in Chicago, then Amitabul is the place for you.
Fons Empanadas
- Cuisine: Empanadas
- Price: $
- Address: 2566 N Clark St (at Wrightwood), Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60614
One of the most unique vegan restaurants Chicago has to offer is Fons Empanadas.
Selling nothing but colorfully wrapped and delicious empanadas, they take flavors from around the world and veganize them.
From a classic Andean Beyond Meat empanada to an adventurous Margherita-style empanada, the flavor options here are endless.
When that inevitable craving for an empanada hits – Fons will have the perfect one for you.
Don’t forget to check out their sweet options, too (looking at you, Apple Cinnamon)!
Soul Vegetarian East and The Eternity Juice Bar
- Cuisine: Soul Food
- Price: $
- Address: 203 E 75th St, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60619
No list of eateries would be complete without a fantastic soul food vegan restaurant.
Chicago’s Original Soul Vegetarian is a family-owned restaurant serving up your favorite dishes using all-natural plant-based ingredients.
From baskets of battered goodies to a full rotating dinner special, you’re getting the best of the best here.
Using seasonal veggies and the freshest ingredients, Soul Vegetarian turns some simple veggies into magic.
It’s one of those hidden gems that you have to see to believe, so head out there ASAP!
Kale My Name
- Cuisine: International
- Price: $$
- Address: 3300 W Montrose (at Kimball), Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60618
Winner of the Best Vegan Restaurant Chicago Reader Award, this is the place to go if you only have one day in the city.
Whether you’re looking for a globally-inspired brunch or full-on dinner with friends, Kale My Name has got something for everyone.
Get yourself a jackfruit wrap or even a full Southern platter – the choice is yours. No matter what you choose in this vegan restaurant, Chicago does not disappoint.
The Chicago Diner – Lakeview
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Price: $$
- Address: 3411 N Halsted, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60657
If you’re on the lookout for some of the best vegan restaurants, Chicago’s options might surprise you.
The Chicago Diner is a fully vegetarian restaurant with just about everything having a vegan alternative.
It gives off a classic small-town diner feel, while still being completely vegan-friendly. You can go for a classic Reuben and finish it off with a vegan milkshake.
This place has some of the best vegan food Chicago has to offer – so it’s definitely the place to go when your friends are picky eaters.
Plant Junkie
- Cuisine: International
- Price: $$
- Address: 15 W Washington St, Chicago, Illinois
This is another one of those vegan restaurants Chicago locals are obsessed with.
Plant Junkie is dedicated to creating delicious and sustainable vegan food, taking inspiration from all over the world.
If you want a fantastic lunch (and feel good about it afterward), then Plant Junkie is the place to go. Enjoy a spicy Yucatan rice bowl or go for a yummy pulled jackfruit sandwich.
No matter what you choose, you’ll have more than enough energy to get you through the rest of the day.
Stand-Up Burgers
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Price: $$
- Address: 204 N Wells St, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60606
Now let’s say you’re looking for some delicious vegan food, but you’re in the mood for that classic comfort-food feel. Then you’ll want to go to Stand-Up Burgers.
One of the most unique vegan restaurants Chicago has to offer, they’re serving plant-based food that makes a stand.
They’re mixing revolutionary statements with delicious vegan food, like their orange dreamsicle float that proudly says “Eat Like You Give a Shake”.
If you’re looking for a heaping burger to fill you while working towards a plant-based world – this restaurant is for you.
Upton’s Breakroom
- Cuisine: International
- Price: $$
- Address: 2054 W Grand Ave, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60612
Need to grab a filling lunch in the middle of your workday? Then Upton’s Breakroom is the spot for you.
Whether you want a full nacho plate or a more modest breakfast croissant, this eatery has you covered.
This is another one of those vegan restaurants Chicago locals love. With scratch-made food and an all-day brunch menu, what’s not to love?
Liberation Donuts
- Cuisine: Donuts
- Price: $
- Address: 2054 W Grand Ave, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60612
If you love Upton’s Breakroom, then you’ll love Liberation Donuts – they’re owned by the same family!
So if you’re looking to get your sweet tooth filled with the best vegan donuts in Chicago, then you can head on over to the same building.
Their cookie dough donut is a major crowd-pleaser, so if you only have room for one – that’s the option to go for.
But if you swing by in the morning, you can grab a Baker’s Choice Mixed Dozen and try out all of their best-selling flavors.
Bloom Plant-Based Kitchen
- Cuisine: Upscale International
- Price: $$$
- Address:1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
If you’re ready to have a fantastic night out in an elevated style, then you’ll want to head over to Bloom Plant-Based Kitchen.
This Michelin-star nominee serves up international food with an exciting flair.
As one of the most creative vegan restaurants Chicago has to offer, they’re serving up dishes like saffron risotto, sundried tomato sashimi, and cactus schnitzel.
So if you’re in the mood for a once-in-a-lifetime dish, Bloom is the place to go.
Arya Bhavan
- Cuisine: Indian
- Price: $$
- Address: 2508 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Indian food is always a fantastic choice when on the lookout for vegan restaurants. Chicago-favorite Arya Bhavan certainly fits the bill for anyone looking for authentic vegan dishes.
Their entire menu is completely vegan and gluten-free, making this an excellent solution for anyone with dietary restrictions.
From scrumptious samosas to a classic Palak Dal, you don’t want to miss out on these homecooked meals.
Urban Vegan
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
- Price: $$
- Address: 1601-1603 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
Urban Vegan is one of those one-stop shops that every big city needs!
With Thai-inspired cuisine and featuring a mix of Western-style dishes, this plant-based diner has something for everyone.
They’re absolutely one of the best vegan restaurants Chicago locals are raving about. Head over there for the Pad Thai, but stick around for the fantastic sticky mango rice.
Althea
- Cuisine: Upscale International
- Price: $$$$
- Address: 700 N Michigan Ave 7th floor, Chicago, IL 60611
Want to try one of the most displays of vegan cooking from a plant-based pioneer? Well, you’re going to need a reservation.
Althea offers a variety of internationally-inspired dishes from celebrity chef Matthew Kenney.
By far one of the best vegan restaurants, Chicago is keeping Althea hidden on the 7th floor. Up there, you’ll experience the best seasonal and rotating dishes straight from the earth.
Every visit will be different – and you’ll definitely want to be going back.
Kitchen 17
- Cuisine: Vegan Pizza
- Price: $$
- Address: 2554 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Kitchen 17 has a little bit of everything for the plant-based eater. But let’s be honest, we’re going for one thing – the best vegan pizza Chicago has to offer.
Deep dish, cheesy, and everything you could ever want – this place is an absolute must for anyone visiting.
This all-vegan restaurant is a local’s favorite with tons of options to choose from. I guess that just means you’ll have to come back!
Vacas Creamery
- Cuisine: Ice Cream
- Price: $
- Address: 1436 W Blackhawk St, Chicago, IL 60642
After you’ve tried all of these savory vegan restaurants Chicago is giving us, it’s time to go get some sweet fixings.
Vaca’s Creamery is by far the best vegan ice cream Chicago has to offer – and also the first!
Whether you just want a simple vanilla soft serve or you want a confetti cookie dough ice cream bowl, they’ve got you covered.
Vacas features several tasty plant-based flavors that make it the perfect way to get through a summer’s day.
Ground Control
- Cuisine: Pub Food
- Price: $
- Address: 3315 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Sometimes you just need a casual restaurant with delicious comfort food. And that’s exactly what you get at Ground Control.
This vegan restaurant is serving plant-based pub food in a classic neighborhood restaurant.
From buffalo wings to even bowls of noodles, you can get anything to fill your late-night cravings.
Majani
- Cuisine: Southern
- Price: $$
- Address: 7167 S Exchange Ave, Chicago, IL 60649
To end our list of the best vegan restaurants Chicago has to offer, we have the fantastic Majani.
The pair of creative owners cook up fantastic southern dishes and connect to the African roots of the cuisine.
From black-eyed peas to vegetable gumbo, Majani has some of the most mouth-watering dishes in town.
This husband-wife team will have you coming back for more and feel right at home!
Happy Eating at Vegan Restaurants Chicago!
Chicago is an enormous city with plenty of diversity in its food scene.
Whether you just want to grab a quick bite for lunch or have an elevated fine-dining experience – vegans will have plenty of options to choose from.
This list of the best vegan restaurants Chicago is known for is just the beginning.
So don’t be afraid to get out there and explore the world of plant-based Chicago food!