Vegans, we don’t know how you do it. Between cutting out all things delicious like butter, cheese, and bacon, you’re not left with much to enjoy cheat day with (assuming you’re giving yourself a day off of spin class and making your own jewelry).
However, there are some incredible vegan restaurants around the city that make us a little less confused as to why one would go without eggs Benedict ever again. In fact, some even offer vegan eggs Benedict. How is that possible? We don’t know! Flaxseeds are in everything!
If you’re looking for more then two options on a menu, then definitely hit up one of these. Here’s a list of the top places to get grub that doesn’t taste like plain spinach.
1. Pick Me Up Cafe
Photo by Natalie Reehl
Pick Me Up is right in the heart of Wrigley and is the local place for late-night “milkshakes,” tostadas, “burgers,” and the best all-day/all-night selection of vegan breakfast around. Always packed with hungry people and the expectation of getting gigantic plates of food for a very fair price, this cafe is for sure the #1 spot. Make sure to get their home fries and tofu with lots of hot sauce.
2. Native Foods
Photo by Natalie Reehl
With a few locations stretching from Belmont into the Loop there’s no shortage of healthy, colorful food from Native Foods to enjoy your lunch break with. From wraps filled with “chicken” strips, avocado, and salsa to the salads that are almost too pretty to eat and piled with exotic-sounding things like jicama, you’re getting more than a few vitamins and a mouth-watering vegan meat fake-out. Best thing on the menu? The Oklahoma burger and the sweet potato french fries topped with seasoning.
3. The Chicago Diner
Photo by Natalie Reehl
A Chicago staple. Since 1983, this Boystown hub has dished out the best “Thai chili wings” with “ranch” dipping sauce, nachos piled with the most tantalizing “cheese” you’ve ever seen, and dozens of other meals that make you wonder “HOW IS THIS VEGAN?!” It’s the perfect spot for a late-night dinner in your most comfortable leggings and stories to swap with friends. Don’t doubt their gyros or mashed potatoes because it all will fill you up.
4. Lyfe Kitchen
Photo by Natalie Reehl
A great thing about Lyfe Kitchen: they offer a meat menu, a meat-free menu, and totally vegan menu so you can bring your carnivore best friend and they won’t complain. This wide-open and naturally-“lit” place is also spotted around the Chicago area offering simple, fresh plates such as home-made chips & guacamole, tacos, salads, and a veggie burger that makes you feel almost as good as it tastes. It’s a sure-fire spot to eat well and feel satisfied, but it definitely won’t fill you up as much as the other places that have hard-carb items. Think “fit” and “organic.”
5. Kitchen 17
Photo by Natalie Reehl
Definitely the most well-known vegan place on this list, Kitchen 17 offers house-made seitan and the most eclectic menu since it’s Middle-Eastern inspired fare. It’s a great spot for comfort food, pizza, and some serious flavor-packed food that really does not taste like it’s faux meat and dairy. Order a lemonade and sit back because it’s going to be one of the best meals of your life.