The need for plant-based foods is growing, especially in areas like Chicago, New York and California. Vegan breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, are gradually becoming the new norm in some restaurants as increasing numbers of people seek to improve their health and eat more fruits and veggies. If you live in the Windy City, you’re in luck! Below is a short list of all the restaurants I could find for vegans and vegetarians, or just people who want to give animal-free food options a try.
Vegan Breakfast Chicago
Vegan breakfast foods served in restaurants and eateries in Chicago usually look one of two ways: they’re either elaborate enough to substitute hearty breakfast meats and include high-calorie plant alternatives, or plain fruits and vegetables their uncreative arrangements of plain fruits and vegetables. Fruits, vegetables, and oats are a welcomed meal, but it can be difficult to get a sufficient amount of calories when eating those foods alone. Restaurants that employ proteins and calorie-rich meals are known to have plant-based eggs and sausage, mushrooms, grains, potatoes, nuts, and hopefully some avocado toast!
Fancy Plants Cafe
Fancy Plants café offers a well-reviewed dine-in experience, and partner with Dark Matter Coffee. Making it a perfect stop for a breakfast restaurant.
Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe
There are two Wildberry Pancake Cafes in Chicago; they are apart of the same chain and they both offer renown vegan pancakes.
Lula Cafe
Lula Café is a vegan friendly restaurant that is known for its brunch options. They have phenomenal acai bowls and fresh fruits.
Vegan Lunch Chicago
You can expect vegan lunch near you to consist of a pasta, perhaps vegetable-stuffed tacos and plenty of leafy greens (and if not, perhaps a salad). Leafy greens should be included in any daily diet. Leafy greens offer A, C, and K vitamins, in addition to phytochemicals-a type of antioxidant which protects bodily cells against free radical damage. Leafy greens are low in fat and high in fiber. Fiber aids in digestive processes and is consistent with a cholesterol lowering diet.
Native Foods
Native foods is a Californian-style vegan experience (where it was founded). Native foods is distinguished for its vegetable filled menu.
Urban Vegan
Urban Vegan is a relatively popular restaurant in Chicago, that is loved for its noodles, soy-meat alternatives and burgers.
Zest Raw Vegan
Zest Raw Vegan is known for its fresh vegetables, organic juices and raw entrees. This restaurant has without doubt earned its name.
Vegan Dinner Chicago
Vegan dinner is usually the place for most restaurants to go all out. Vegan dinners should contain hearty, high calorie dishes which make you feel full and keep you from craving more food throughout the night. Vegan dinner foods can be anything, but here are a few ideas: beans, vegan meat alternatives, lentils, soy, healthy fats and vegetables.
Chicago Diner
The Chicago is a vegetarian, mostly vegan, restaurant that does dinner well. Their vegan milkshakes and vegan bakery make them great for desert too.
Kitchen 17
Kitchen 17 is one of the restaurants on this list that is 100% vegan. They have award-winning deep dish pizza.
IM Vegan
IM vegan has plenty of fried rice, steamed vegetables and tofu- all of which are almost guaranteed to to provide enough carbs and calories to keep you full.
Most restaurants in Chicago have started to incorporate plant-based options over the last few decades. The rise of veganism in popular culture means that more restaurant-frequenters are routinely requesting plant-based alternatives. Having black-bean burgers, Impossible Foods, cauliflower substitutes and Beyond Meats on the menu now reflects how adaptable (and perhaps how modern) restaurants and food service companies are in the face of change.
