Vegan in Chicago
By Laura Beck
With warmer weather on the horizon, now is the perfect time for a weekend getaway to Chicago.
As temperatures creep upward and the last remnants of snow melt away, Chicago's bustling landscape becomes even more inviting to the veg-minded visitor. On top of a mouthwatering variety of plant-based food, the city is full of character and opportunities for stellar sightseeing and shopping. From brilliant architecture to innovative cuisine, Chicago is truly a destination spot for any vegan traveler.
Hometown Handmade
The store that created the wildly popular Renegade Craft Fairs is the cute-as-a-button Renegade Handmade shop in Wicker Park. It is brimming with goodies made by the craftiest individuals on earth, many of them Chicago locals. Think Ira Glass finger puppets and magnets in the shape of capybaras. They even have a shirt to proclaim your love for three-legged dogs. Who doesn't love a three-legged dog? The devil?
Tea & Company
It isn't very often that we vegans can participate in something so fabulously foodie as a traditional high tea. The Lobby restaurant at the Peninsula Hotel has an afternoon tea service that features a completely separate vegan menu. Three tiers of scones, pastries, and finger sandwiches await you, along with an excellent selection of teas from around the world. A great choice for when you're feeling classy, and you always are, right? Reservations are essential, darling.
Cupcakes & Cuties
No trip to Chicago is complete without a vegan root beer float mini-cupcake from the adorable Sweet Cakes Bakery. Emily Smith, the proprietress and head baker, is vegan, as is a large selection of her treats. Scones, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, soymilk for your coffee, lots of comfy seating, free Wi-Fi-what more could a traveler ask for? Oh, yes, cute patrons. Sweet Cakes has the best (read: most attractive) people-watching in town.
Dig-In Diner
Peanut-butter cookie-dough milkshake—a phrase any dessert-loving vegan would love to hear. If savory dishes are more your style, the food is beyond delicious, too. For every vegan who has endured "just a side of fries" at a typical diner, Chicago Diner is for you! You can now indulge in biscuits ‘n' gravy, tempeh Reuben sandwiches, chicken-fried steak, and cookies-and-cream cake. It's even better because your cuisine is cruelty-free—especially if it's the peanut-butter cookie-dough milkshake.
Comforting Café
Delicious Café might be the tastiest place on earth. This all-vegetarian café offers up everything from vegan breakfast sandwiches to vegan parfaits to drinks made with soy or oat milk. Owners Kevin Porter and Chelsea Waldrop couldn't be nicer, and the food? Well. The homemade vegan cheese used in the sandwiches is incredible. The olive cheese is particularly mind-blowing-anyone would be lucky to be dropped into a vat of it and then have to eat his or her way out. Grab a seat and get to work on a vegan grilled cheese. Or two. Or seven.
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Posted: Mar 30 2010 13:07PM By Kitty
I have to give a shout out to the Pick Me Up Cafe, too. They have THE best vegan four-berry shakes. The rest of their food is really good too - friendly for vegans, veggies, and omnis alike - but the four berry shakes are amazing. I just recently got my mom hooked!
Posted: Mar 30 2010 13:35PM By Shayne
I second the Pick Me Up Cafe recommendation! Bleeding Heart Bakery is also an amazingly awesome bakery that is not only organic, but very very vegan friendly! Try their peanut butter and jelly bar or the walnut brownie. Also, don't forget Karyn's Cooked, which is all vegan and has some amazing gluten-free options, too! Chicago has so many amazing vegan options!
Posted: Apr 02 2010 14:56PM By Shylo
In Lincoln Square, check out Drew's Eatery for vegan hot dogs and Temptation ice cream as well as The Grind for vegan options and awesome coffee. Then, head up to Albany Park for some truly bitchin' middle eastern choices. You can even get vegan baklava at Nazareth Sweets on Kedzie.
Posted: Apr 03 2010 05:30AM By Courtney Mayhew
Why did this article not mention Karyns?! It is by far the BEST vegan place in the world! I was very disappointed that it was not featured.
Posted: Apr 07 2010 15:20PM By Miranda
Handlebar!
Posted: Apr 23 2010 06:11AM By Kate
life on mars (2910 w armitage) - AWESOME Vegan take-out!!! Mac & "cheese", incredible chocolate chip cookies... i could eat it every day!
Posted: Apr 30 2010 20:50PM By Jme
Today we visited Delicious Cafe...needless to say, it was very dissappointing. There was a small, small selection and almost nothing in the display case to choose from. Walking in, the atmosphere was depressing, quiet, there were a couple of people on wi fi and the gal behind the counter was less than enthused to take care of my hubby and I...not sure we would go again. However for lunch we did go by the Dig In and it was awesome, everything from service to food, rocked.
Posted: May 12 2010 08:56AM By Rachel
I agree, any Karyn's is a great Chicago choice. Not very often can you eat great vegan food, and dress up? Spectacular service. My review here: http://www.zipsetgo.com/karyn%E2%80%99s-green-new-chicago-vegan-favorite
Posted: Jun 10 2010 17:03PM By Camille
Delicious Cafe is a wonderful place to visit while in Chicago. My husband and I took a trip here from Austin and loved it. The owner was super friendly and the vibe was so welcoming and positive. Seems like a great neighborhood hangout. Wish Austin had something like this little jewel of Vegan Greatness to offer! Will for sure be back the next time we visit. I love Chicago!
Posted: Jun 29 2010 10:16AM By Bonnie
I don't understand why Bleeding Heart Bakery is never mentioned! It's the greatest, the food is crazy good and the customer service is spectacular! It's not fully vegan but neither is handle bar or pick me up cafe but at least all their ingredients are local and/or sustainable.
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