Best Vegan Restaurants in Cook County

"Totally meat-free since 1983, The Chicago Diner has its menu packed with meat alternatives like seitan for staples like the deliciously spicy Thai chili wings and both black bean veggie and sweet potato-tofu patties that you can't miss. Don't forget to try one of its vegan milkshakes in many flavors from carrot cake to vanilla chai."

"Meat free since ’83, this beloved diner is always near the top of any vegetarian-friendly list. Its signature Radical Reuben is loaded with corned beef seitan, grilled onions, peppers, sauerkraut, vegan thousand island dressing, and cheese on marbled rye."

"For 32 years this restaurant has been satisfying vegetarians and meat-eaters alike with a veggie-centric interpretations of greasy spoon staples. Think country fried seitan steak, mushroom “meat” loaf, and cauliflower-kale burgers."

"RavenswoodYour favorite Thai takeout, but for vegansIf you’re a fan of Thai food, you’ll love this vegan-focused Asian restaurant. The menu features all of the staple Thai dishes with a vegan flair like Tom Kha Kai soup and Chicken Satay plus hearty veggie-forward rice and noodle dishes ranging from classic Pad Thai and Pad See Ew to Panang Curry and stir-fried veggie plates. There’s also a selection of veggie burgers and sandwiches for the pickiest of eaters."

"Restaurants Vegan Lake View. Vegans and vegetarians who love Thai food can breathe a sigh of relief. This may look like every other neighborhood joint, but there is no fish sauce hiding in the peanut satay nor egg wash coating the spring rolls: Everything on the menu is 100 percent vegan."

"Native Foods Café is a fast-casual vegan restaurant chain that operates around the country and serves a menu of hearty meat-free fare. Set in various locations around Chicago and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Native Foods Café features a menu with a variety of options for every taste, from award-winning Ensalada Azteca and bold and tasty Buddha Bowls to Twister Wraps and Native Chicken Wings and Nachos. Sweet treats for dessert include Oatmeal Créme Pie, and Peanut Butter Parfait, along with freshly brewed Fair Trade coffee and a selection of organic beverages and other drinks."

"This popular restaurant chain runs several vegan restaurants in Chicago. This restaurant never disappoints!. If you are in the mood for nachos or burgers, or you want something simple like soup or chili, this restaurant has you covered."

"Formerly known as Loving Hut, Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen is part of an international chain of vegan franchises owned by Supreme Master Ching Hai that serve delicious vegan and vegetarian cuisine in a sleek, minimalist setting. The creative menu features a variety of healthy dishes, ranging from pesto quinoa with shiitake mushrooms and Taiwanese-inspired eggplant with San Bei Ji sauce. Signature plates include pan-fried or steamed dumplings with tofu, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and broccoli, and a good Won Ton Soup filled with tofu, vegan ham, onions, garlic, leeks, carrots and sesame oil."

"Vegans rejoice — you’ll be able to satisfy all your cravings for Asian flavors at Alice & Friends Vegan Kitchen. This “wonderland for vegans” is dedicated to crafting flavorful, healthy 100% vegan dishes that change how diners think about a plant-based diet. Choose from an extensive list of entrees, including miso ramen, chow mein, bibimbap with smoked tofu, chana masala poke bowl, and so much more."

"Now, it’s quite a journey to get to this restaurant if you’re coming from the south side of the city. But trust me, this food is worth the trip!. Alice in Wonderland serves up organic vegetables, a unique taste and an even more amazing dessert menu!"

"Outstanding Mediterranean and Lebanese food consistently comes from the kitchen of this longtime Andersonville favorite. The large menu includes a mix of meat and vegetarian options (vegan options too). Roast lamb with couscous, Moroccan chicken with apricots, and Mediterranean eggplant are just a few of the goodies that await."

"Eden Chicago is a delightful offering on Chicago's West Loop dining scene, opened in 2016 by restaurateur Jodi Fife and her husband, executive chef Devon Quinn. The charming Mediterranean-style eatery serves up excellent brunch and dinner fare from the week, pulling from a variety of regional culinary traditions, including Israeli, Lebanese, and Spanish cuisines. Diners can enjoy delicious selections like baked shrimp paccheri, curried lentil brik, cumin-grilled lamb with couscous and merguez, and mushroom matzo ball soup with miso corn broth."

"Another restaurant with an appealing exterior facade, Eden goes for a more nature-filled ambiance to help you forget for a minute that you’re actually surrounded by skyscrapers, not trees."

"Le Macaron found on West Armitage Avenue invites guests to experience the best of French cuisine. The coffee shop’s website describes its macarons as the perfect delicacy, original and elegant, and we think they’re 100% correct. Le Macaron does offer some really fun flavors alongside the more traditional choices, though: including bubblegum, violet cassis, gingerbread, and strawberry key lime."

"The best example of an ice cream parlor that toes the line between bygone nostalgia and modern polish is Cone, the adorably named West Loop parlor with an Irish accent. Prior to Cone's opening, I wasn't aware Irish ice cream was a thing, but apparently it is, and it's pretty great, because any opportunity to consume Jameson in ice cream form is pretty cool. From milkshakes and sundaes to candy and soft-serve, the menu covers the whole spectrum of dessert."

"Description: Cone Chicago is a family-owned ice cream shop specializing in unique flavors like birthday cake ice cream covered in Lucky Charms."

"If you’re looking for a different sweet treat this summer, then head down to Ohana Ice & Treats. The concept here is simple – simply grab a pot, fill it with shaved ice, and choose your flavor!. This is one of the best desserts in Chicago for those intensely hot days, as the fresh ice will cool you down like nothing else can."

"Restaurants Bakeries Humboldt Park. One of Chicago’s oldest family-run businesses has operated out of the same storefront, distinguished today by its vertical neon sign and quaint painted lady facade, since its establishment in 1911. Today it’s a good all-arounder, with doughnuts and danish for breakfast, and a wide selection of cake slices and cookies (many in Chicago sports team motifs) for dessert."

"A staple of Chicago’s Humboldt Park for over 100 years, this Roeser’s Bakery celebrates true vintage fashion by selling incredible baked goods for cheap. This bakery in Chicago features custom cakes, tortes, and cookies and more, making Roeser’s Bakery everyone’s go-to place for amazing quality sweets."

"One of Chicago's oldest food purveyors, venerable Roeser's Bakery has been in business in Humboldt Park for more than 100 years. Beautiful custom cakes and tortes are a specialty, but don't miss the cookies and holiday items at this long-running local institution."

"A post shared by Insomnia Cookies (@insomniacookies) on Jul 17, 2019 at 12:04pm PDT. If even picking up cookies is low on your to-do list, Insomnia Cookies comes to the rescue. This chain specializes in late-night cookie delivery (yes, you read that right), including sugar cookies, double chocolate mint cookies and drool-worthy smores cookies."

"Insomnia cookies are next on this list of the best desserts in Chicago. Cookies are the perfect addition to any day, so why not stop by Insomnia Cookies for an ice cream sandwich fix?. Unlike some other joints that offer ice cream sandwiches, Insomnia Cookies lets you customize your treat every step of the way!"

"6 locations in and near the city; Online: insomniacookies.com. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Defloured Bakery (@deflouredbakery) on Aug 4, 2019 at 8:26am PDT"