Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Lower West Side

"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."

"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."

"Do you fancy inviting your beloved one to have a special dinner in a fancy restaurant?. Haven’t found any vegan-friendly restaurants yet?. Try a vegan restaurant in Chicago, The Chicago Diner out."

"Most dishes at Handlebar can be vegan upon request|© Handlebar. Veg lovers flock to this Wicker Park hipster haven for comfort food with a vegetarian twist. Most guests come for the fried avocado tacos, jammed with cabbage slaw, tomatoes, refried beans and house-made ranch, but there’s a bevy of other vegetarian dishes, too, such as a pepita scramble flanked by sweet potatoes, veggie chili mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy slathered in seitan sausage gravy."

"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)."

"If you’re in the frame of mind for great food, this is the spot for you. Handlebar supports fair trade in its coffee and local farmers for its products and is a place where we can fulfill your comfort food cravings with a vegetarian twist. This team has done an outstanding job of making vegan and vegetarian sweet treats."

"This Ravenswood gem takes traditional Thai dishes and remakes them using seitan and other meat substitutes. The result is the Asian flavors you love, with none of the meat products. At Urban Vegan, you’ll find almost everything you could order at a typical Thai restaurants: chicken satay (made with soy chicken), steamed dumplings (packed with vegetables), tons of flavorful curries, noodle dishes, stir-fried veggies with rice, and more."

"If you’re in the mood for Thai or Asian cuisine in Chicago, then Urban Vegan is a place you must go. I have dined here with both vegetarian and meat-eating friends, and they have all loved this restaurant. Prior to going vegan, I used to love orange chicken."

"They would like to grab this opportunity to greet you to your home for the great combination of Thai dishes. They give only the freshest and finest ingredients. at Urban Vegan, you will experience the liveliness and excitement of their exhibition kitchen."

"Steaming bowls of noodles have been a fixture of chef Bill Kim’s menus ever since he opened his first restaurant, and diners have always been eager to slurp his latest creations. Originally launched as a delivery-only concept, Bill Kim Ramen Bar specializes in broths that draw on Korean, Vietnamese and Mexican flavors, garnished with a creative array of toppings. Whether you’re looking for a conventional bowl or ramen or something a bit more adventurous, Kim has something you can enjoy by the spoonful."

"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."

"Our kids weren’t sure about trying the Asian inspired cuisine. They aren’t the most adventurous eaters. But by the time we were done they all LOVED it and wanted to come back the next day."

"Loving Heart is a charming café on Montrose Avenue that serves 100% vegan and plant-based fare. The friendly eatery offers a menu of freshly prepared seasonal cuisine made from locally sourced organic ingredients such as potato and kale soup, a selection of burgers and wraps, rice and grain bowls, and sharing plates of nachos and summer rolls. The Green Deva Salad is a house favorite and features organic spinach and romaine lettuce, avocado, red bell pepper, cilantro, seaweed, roasted peanuts, and homemade green ginger pesto."

"Loving Heart offers nothing but vegan cuisine|© Loving Heart. This postage-stamp-size café is 100 percent vegan. Using organic products, the kitchen transforms simple ingredients into wheat wraps rolled with sweet potatoes and black beans and summer rolls jammed with ginger pesto, avocado, spinach, seaweed and roasted peanuts."

"This cute Uptown cafe is perfect for a vegan meal when you're on the go. Place an order without feeling the instant regret that traditional fast food brings."

"The old Mongolian barbecue concept was perfected at the many Flat Top locations. The fresh meats and veggies alongside a myriad of sauces makes this a no-brainer for those interested in stuffing themselves with southeast Asian food."

"Chef Rodolfo Cuadros of pan-Latin restaurant Amaru responded to the pandemic with Bloom Vegetarian Kitchen, a new virtual venture based in Wicker Park. Inspired by the Indian dishes he grew up eating n New Jersey and New York, Cuadros offers samosa chat with tamarind and cashew crema, Peruvian tacu tacu (crispy rice and chickpea cake, achiote) and crispy hand-pulled noodles (Beyond ragout, cumin, radishes). Order carryout and delivery via Grubhubor DoorDash."

"For theatre lovers, check out a performance at The Chicago Theatre. If you feel like doing an activity, head to 10pin Bowling Lounge under the Marina Towers north of the Chicago River. They offer a selection of beers and upscale snacks."

"Southport's main claim to fame is this 1929 movie house, which shows independent and classic films on its two screens. Live organ music…"