If you made a New Years’ resolution to go vegan and you’re struggling to find places to eat out, I’ve got your back. If you’ve been vegan for a while and want some new restaurants to check out, I’ve also got your back. As a vegan, your partner or friends may ask, “How are you going to go out to eat? You won’t be able to get anything!” Maybe it’s the other way around and your friend or partner who’s vegan feels like there’s no restaurants out there for them. You may even be reading this and simply want to try vegan food! Well, in no particular order, I’ve compiled a list of 9 vegan restaurants around Chicago that would be perfect for a little date night. Go with your partner, your family, your friends – heck, even go on a date with yourself! Treat. Your. Self.
Best part about all of these restaurants? They’re less than 30 minutes away from the Lincoln Park campus. I hope you enjoy them!
Spot #1 – Chicago Diner
Ride the red line north and get off at Addison to get a taste of what Chicago Diner has to offer. They have everything from a vegan chocolate chip cookie dough shake to a cauliflower kale burger. They even gluten-free options, so they really cater to everyone! If you can’t make it out of the house or would rather eat while watching a movie, don’t fret – Chicago Diner delivers through DoorDash.
Look at the full menu here: http://www.veggiediner.com/menus/
Spot #2 – Vegan Plate
Being the closest spot to campus, Vegan Plate is only an 8-minute bus ride from the Fullerton station (take 74 to Fullerton & Greenview!). Vegan Plate’s specialty is Thai food, so you know you won’t leave hungry. If you love seitan, you’re in luck – you can choose to have it with any of their entrees. For an extra $2, you can satisfy your inner child cravings and choose to have soy chicken nuggets with your entree instead. Bonus: you can order online, too.
Look at the full menu here: https://www.beyondmenu.com/30981/chicago/vegan-plate-chicago-60614.aspx
Spot #3 – Pick Me Up Cafe
Just a 5-minute walk from the Addison stop, Pick Me Up Cafe lives up to its name and will lift your spirits with its funky interior design. They’re open until 2am everyday, so if you have a late night craving they’ll be there for you. With creamy vegan mac ‘n’ cheese, to-die-for vegan nachos, and delicious vegan pizzadilla, you’ll always satisfy those cheesy cravings.
Look at the full menu here: http://pmucafe.com/menu/
Spot #4 – Rumi Middle Eastern Grill
Located in the hip area of Wicker Park, Rumi Middle Eastern Grill is only a 25-minute bus ride from campus. Think of it as Chipotle but with Middle Eastern food – yes, it’s heaven. They have yummy vegan falafel, as well as meat options for your omnivorous friends. For an extra $3, you can get hearty, vegan lentil soup and a soda with your plate. Its convenient location on North Milwaukee Ave means that there are plenty of places to shop around at before or after stopping at Rumi, so make a whole day out of it!
Look at the full menu here: https://www.rumifalafel.com/menu/
Spot #5 – Native Foods Cafe
Ride one stop north to Belmont and walk only one minute to get to the beauty called Native Foods Cafe. They’re famous for their mock-meat dishes, with their menu even having “chicken” wings as an appetizer! This restaurant has tons of wrap and sandwich options, as well as dessert to top it off. Native Foods Cafe is deliverable through GrubHub, so before you know it, you’ll have ordered 2 appetizers, 4 entrees, and 6 desserts to your door – that’s how good everything is.
Look at the full menu here: https://www.nativefoods.com/media/1527/q1-2018-system-web.pdf
Spot #6 – Chicago Raw
From the Fullerton Red Line stop, go south and get off on Chicago. Go 4 minutes on foot and you’ve made it to Chicago Raw! If you’re craving a smoothie, this is the place to be – they have ten different kinds. Their menu will make you feel super fancy since they have tiramisu, which is one of their best sellers. For a classic Lady and the Tramp-inspired date, get the spaghetti and “meatballs”! If you’re on the go, no worries. They have tons of prepackaged vegan meals to take back to your dorm.
Look at the full menu here: http://www.chicagorawfood.com/menu/
Spot #7 – Urban Vegan
The trek to Urban Vegan is 20 minutes in total, involving riding the Brown Line north and getting off at Montrose. It might be cold on the way there, but luckily they have tons of different soups and stir-fried dishes to warm you up once you arrive. Urban Vegan’s menu also has 7 meatless burgers, so you’ll probably have a hard time deciding what to eat. They are well-known for their dumpling appetizers, so make sure to get some before your meal comes.
Look at the full menu here: https://www.urbanveganchicago.com/
Spot #8 – Sultan’s Market
Take the 74 Halsted bus to Fullerton and Halsted/Lincoln and then walk the 11 minutes to Sultan’s Market. If it’s cold outside, make sure to bundle up for that trek! With prices that won’t break the bank and delicious vegan options, it’ll be worth that 11 minute hike. Their falafel sandwich is $4.75, made on pita bread topped with Jerusalem salad – you really can’t go wrong. Make sure to get lentil soup on the side since it’s only $3! Sultan’s Market has got you covered when you’re on a budget (or when you really need some delicious, vegan Middle Eastern food).
Look at the full menu here: http://chicagofalafel.com/menu/
Spot #9 – Kitchen 17
Only a stop away on the Red Line, Kitchen 17 is just a short bus ride or 10-minute walk from the Belmont station. This restaurant’s seitan is homemade, so you’ll find it in many of their dishes. They have an entire section of the menu dedicated to seitan sandwiches. The pepperoni on the pizzas is also made of seitan! If your date is a little nervous about trying vegan food, share the pepperoni pizza – chances are they’ll forget it’s vegan! It’s a comfort food that you’ll both enjoy. If you want it Chicago style, make the pizza deep dish for just a couple extra dollars. Delicious!
Look at the full menu here: http://www.kitchen17.com/menu