Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Chicago

"Lakeview, Logan SquareA Chicago classic serving up meat-free dishes since 1983The Chicago Diner has a cult following as one of the OG veggie-friendly spots in the city. Comfort food classics like wings, nachos, and poutine get a vegan spin, while entrees span global cuisines from Thai basil stir-fry and gyros to a pierogi quesadilla, plus plenty of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The expansive menu means there’s something for everyone."

"The Chicago Diner has been meat-free since ’83, and boy are they proud of that fact. Local and seasonal ingredients have been used here long before those became buzz words in the restaurant industry. Visit the original Halsted location in Chicago’s Boys Town — if it’s nice, eat outside on the patio — or pop into the one in Logan Square and have a beer at Revolution Brewing afterward."

"Restaurants Vegetarian Boystown. Even non-vegetarians know Chicago Diner. The vibe is that of a normal, everyday diner, albeit with soy whip, tofu and tempeh on the giant menu."

"The mantra at Handlebar is “food, booze, and good times” — and it delivers on all three. The menu at this bustling Wicker Park spot reads like a typical tavern menu (think nachos, buffalo chicken wrap, grilled cheese, and sloppy joes), but everything is made-from-scratch vegan or vegetarian. The food is made with farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients, there’s a full service bar and beer garden, and the regular crowd of locals keep the good times going."

"Bars Beer bars Wicker Park. The multiple bike racks out back are packed with every kind of two-wheeler imaginable, no matter the time of year at this biker bar (and by biker, we mean bicycle-r). Eco-minded folks come together over tasty meat-free fare, like fried avocado tacos, sambal tofu and something called Vegan Chili Mac Attack (just trust us on this one)."

"Although we stopped by for lunch, this seems like a great place to head to for dinner and drinks. This vegetarian restaurant has plenty of vegan options. The lighting is incredibly dark and tables small, so it’s got a very cozy vibe and would be great for a date night."

"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."

"Load up on veggie dumplings and then hit the main course with the soy orange chicken dinner to get your fix."

"Every restaurant in Chicago seems to be doing fried chicken these days but Belly Q serves it up Thai style with sweet chili and lime. Belly Q is known for its Asian bbq but also for its fusion of different flavors to create tastes that are uniquely its own. Chef Billy Kim invites diners into his industrial-chic restaurant, which formerly housed a pickle factory, that easily seats 200."

"It’s fun to eat with your hands as a kid, which makes dumplings a great choice. For a fun mashup, Urbanbelly’s kids’ menu has a cheeseburger dumpling, but there are also more adventurous options like pork-cilantro or chicken curry fillings. Kids can also snack on edamame, slurp noodle soup or practice their chopsticks skills with a rice bowl."

"Its popularity inspired Chef Kim to open a second location just this year. Other than their famous dumplings, Urbanbelly favorites include the Phat Rice (or Noodle) and the Wok Fired Rice Cakes."

"Quesadilla serves up authentic Mexican food made vegetarian. Their tinga made with soy chicken is super flavorful and tasty in a super burrito, huarache, quesadilla, or taco. And when they said super burrito, they mean super."

"You'll be delighted to enjoy your favorite authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on vegetarian diets here. Delicious and healthy, you won't eat Mexican food the same way again."

"Amitabul, which means ‘awakening’, is a truly unique option in a sea of extraordinary dining options. A menu of vegan Buddhist Korean cuisine offers bright and nutritious dishes in a tranquil setting but it is the backstory that will captivate you before you’ve even tasted their divine creations. Every dish cooked up by Chef Bill Choi brings with it a little bit of his history."

"Amitabul takes traditional Korean techniques and merges them with Western tastes to create health-conscious and delicious vegan food. With items ranging from jade maki sushi to the cold buckwheat noodle salad to even the all-vegan pizza, you will leave full and satisfied."

"DMK goes beyond the burger with clever updates to the classic. Top grass-fed patties with Reuben ingredients — pastrami, sauerkraut and cheese — or New Mexico's Hatch green chilies and smoked bacon. The restaurant can also swap out the beef patty for alternative fillings."

"A lucky charms shake in March, a donut one for national donut day – DMK Burger Bar’s shakes are always creative and tasty. Plus, you now have an excuse to go at least once a month."

"Located in the heart of Old Town, this multi-level bar sports a retractable roof to make an amazing indoor/outdoor atmosphere. Known for it's amazing food and unbeatable atmosphere...it's time to Check In."

"Motor Row Brewery is located in Chicago’s historic Motor Row neighborhood|Courtesy of Motor Row Brewery. Frank Lassandrello, the head brewer of Motor Row, learned the tricks of his trade while at college in Vermont, creating home brews with his roommate. It wasn’t until 2007 that Lassandrello partnered with his son and purchased a space in Chicago’s historic Motor Row neighborhood to start his own legitimate brewery."

"German influence meets Midwestern hospitality at Motor Row Brewing. Located in an historic landmark warehouse building, Motor Row Brewing takes you back in time to when the neighborhood was home to Chicago’s auto industry. It offers extended seasonal releases (including a series of easy-drinking Belgian-style ales, perfect for summer), plus collaborations and experimental one-offs."

"Michigan Ave. (between 24th and 23rd streets), the brewery is the highest-rated brewery in Chicago, boasting 4.5 stars out of 80 reviews on Yelp."

"A den to counter culture, the Hideout is hidden between Lincoln Park and Bucktown in the area what developers are calling the Elston Industrial Corridor. It’s a civic-minded bar with a performance venue for concerts, stand-up comics, and newsy talk shows. Late night, find 20-something hipsters dancing the night away."

"While Chicago has more than its fair share of to-die-for taco restaurants, Taco In a Bag is a bucket list must for any foodie."