The 15 best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Chicago

What is it? A Lakeview diner that’s been winning over Chicagoans—even non-vegetarians—since 1983.

Why we love it: Chicago Diner’s vibe is that of a normal, everyday diner, albeit with soy whip, tofu and tempeh on the giant menu. The nachos are loaded with chorizo-style seitan, spiced black beans and guacamole, while the Thai chili wings are coated in a chili-lime marinade and served with Sriracha ranch dipping sauce. 

Time Out tip: It doesn't matter what time of day it is—a vegan milkshake is always in order at Chicago Diner.

Address: 3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-10pm; Sat, Sun 10am-10pm

What is it? Chef Sujan Sarkar’s Michelin-starred spin on Indian cuisine.

Why we love it: Tasting menus are rarely worth the price if you’re not eating the prime meats and seafood, but the vegetarian and vegan versions at Indienne are so good that even omnivores should consider splitting their order to try more options and the different wine pairings chosen for each dish. 

Time Out tip: The restaurant’s offerings change seasonally, but you can always expect gorgeous presentations that use smoke and edible flowers to enhance the experience.

Address: 217 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-10pm, Fri-Sat 5-11pm

What is it? Chef Rodolfo Cuadros’s Wicker Park spot that started as a virtual restaurant operating out of Amaru.

Why we love it: Guests who stop into the bright and airy restaurant on Milwaukee Avenue are treated to creative originals like miso guava eggplant, banana blossom tacos and daikon bulgogi with pickled cucumbers. 

Time Out tip: The accommodating food lineup is 100% gluten-free.

Address: 1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-9pm; Sat 11:30am-3pm, 5-10pm; Sun 11am-3pm, 5-8:30pm

What is it? Chicago’s swankiest plant-forward restaurant.

Why we love it: Planta Queen’s menu, crafted by executive chef David Lee, is home to Asian fusion delights, such as crispy gyoza filled with cabbage, carrots and mushrooms; udon noodles with truffle mushroom cream; and dehydrated watermelon nigiri. Fun cocktails, like the Sake to Me (sake, orange liqueur, watermelon, lime), complement the food. For vegans who want an upscale and trendy scene, there’s no better choice than Planta Queen.

Time Out tip: Not sure if a dish is suitable for your diet? There’s a handy allergen guide you can check, so there are no unwelcome surprises.

Address: 413 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

What is it? A Hyde Park "flexitarian" restaurant that puts plant-based products on a pedestal.

Why we love it: When you see the food coming out of the kitchen, the name Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat makes perfect sense. The loaded Philly cheesesteak and the meatless Chicago dog might distract you, but you're here for the "Who Betta" burger, which finds a quarter-pound Impossible patty dressed up with fresh greens, tomato, pickles, grilled red onions, Epitome sauce and cheese (go vegan or dairy).

Time Out tip: Keep your eyes peeled while you’re here—you may see a celeb like Travis Barker, who has been known to stop by while in town.

Address: 1368 1/2 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-7pm; Sat 4-9:45pm

What is it? A neighborhood hangout in Wicker Park that serves top-notch vegan and vegetarian comfort food.

Why we love it: A cast of fiercely loyal regulars and out-of-towners have been gathering at this casual restaurant for 20 years to enjoy tasty meat-free fare like fried avocado tacos, sambal tofu and something called Vegan Chili Mac Attack (just trust us on this one). When the weather’s nice, you can park your bike in front of Handlebar and head to the shady beer garden to enjoy some of the diverse brews on draft. 

Time Out tip: Just be warned, they don’t take reservations, and lines can stretch out the door.

Address: 2311 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-midnight; Sat, Sun 9am-midnight

What is it? An elevated plant-based eatery in Winnetka.

Why we love it: Aiming to ease diners into the idea of plant-based eating, Spirit Elephant offers creative spins on favorite meat and seafood dishes like calamari made from king oyster mushrooms and a crispy onion mushroom burger with smoked gouda and balsamic aioli.

Time Out tip: Stop in for happy hour from 4:30-6pm Tuesday through Friday for a discounted taste of their most popular bites along with $6 draft beers.

Address: 924 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka, IL 60093

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 4:30-9pm; Thu 11am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 10am-9pm

What is it? An eatery that's been serving up unique vegan bites since 2001, with locations in Edgewater, Oak Park and Glenview.

Why we love it: Alice & Friends' menu—which incorporates veggies, tofu, and the meat-approximating textured vegan protein—tilts toward a pan-Asian flair, ranging from spicy, ginger-scented BBQ to a chana poke bowl that subs marinated tomatoes for the traditional cubed fish. 

Time Out tip: Don't hesitate to treat yourself to one of the restaurant's many desserts, either, like green tea soy ice cream or raw key lime cheesecake. 

Address: 5812 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660

Opening hours: Mon 4-9pm; Wed, Fri 4-9pm; Sat noon-9:30pm; Sun noon-9pm

What is it? A popular pizza joint with locations in Logan Square and Wicker Park.

Why we love it: Not only is Brooklyn export Paulie Gee’s one of the best pizzerias in Chicago, it’s also full of options for non-meat eaters. There’s a dedicated vegan section on the menu, where you’ll find Neapolitan-style, thin-crust pies topped with vegan mozzarella and fennel sausage plus cashew ricotta. 

Time Out tip: We’re also big fans of the Detroit-style slices, which are only available at the Logan Square location—so plan your visit accordingly.

Address: 2451 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-10pm; Fri 5-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10pm

What is it? The standard-bearer for Ethiopian cuisine in Chicago.

Why we love it: Opened in 2007, chef Tigist Reda's Uptown restaurant is an Uptown institution. Once you get your hands on Demera's flaky, lentil-filled sambusa, the kik alicha (mild yellow split peas transformed into a silky ginger-and-garlic–riddled puree) and the spicy dinich wot (chopped potatoes in berbere sauce), you’ll understand Demera's enduring popularity.

Time Out tip: Head out to the spacious patio during the summer to enjoy your meal al fresco.

Address: 4801 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 4-9pm; Fri 11:30am-10pm; Sat 11:30am-10pm; Sun 11:30am-9pm

What is it? Chinatown’s sole vegan restaurant. 

Why we love it: Veggie House offers fresh and healthy takes on Chinese staples. That means diners can expect orange “chicken” featuring fried king mushrooms in a sweet glaze, Mongolian “beef” made with plant-based strips and salt-and-pepper soy shrimp. 

Time Out tip: If you're dining with carnivores, this is a safe spot that's sure to please everyone in your group.

Address: 2109 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Sun 11:30am-9pm

What is it? Vegan influencer Nemanja Golubović's inventive Albany Park eatery.

Why we love it: We mean it when we say there’s something for nearly everyone at this globally-inspired restaurant. Whether it’s fried oyster mushrooms, jackfruit tacos or potato-and-veggies empanadas, Kale My Name’s eclectic menu is not short on delicious options. 

Time Out tip: Be sure to save space for a slice of homemade cheesecake.

Address: 3300 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

What is it? Once a Wrigleyville institution, this veggie alternative to late-night grease moved a couple blocks up Clark Street to Uptown in 2020, bringing some of its vintage hodgepodge decor and Haight-Ashbury vibes along with it.

Why we love it: Pick Me Up Cafe remains a place where you'll find vegetarian- and vegan-friendly fare alongside diner grub made with meat. Start out with a bowl of vegan mac and cheese or some vegan mozzarella sticks and then dig into an eggplant grinder or tostadas topped with tofu.

Time Out tip: If you need a real pick-me-up, you can grab coffee and espresso drinks made with oat, soy and almond milk.

Address: 4882 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-10pm; Sat 8am-11pm; Sun 8am-10pm

What is it? A vegan spot inspired by Korean Buddhist traditions.

Why we love it: Amitabul has been curing whatever ails you for more than 30 years. The restaurant serves a variety of noodle soups loaded with veggies and tofu that can bring comfort, whether you have the flu or a hangover. The menu also features energizing shakes, spicy kimchi bibimbap, and maki made with cucumber, avocado and spinach. 

Time Out tip: At the zen-like space, you’ll find an affirmation at your table, chanting on the stereo and quotes from the Buddha on the walls.

Address: 6207 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646

Opening hours: Wed-Sun noon-9pm

What is it? A Chatham-based spot that's been serving plant-based foods to Chicagoans for more than 40 years.

Why we love it: For vegans looking to escape boring lentil hell, Soul Veg City's the combo basket with battered steak, tofu, cauliflower, mushrooms and onion rings is simply scrumptious, and somehow the fried cauliflower tastes like chicken. 

Time Out tip: The vegan pies that follow may not be conventionally healthy, but that's never the point of soul food.

Address: 203 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm; Sat, Sun 10am-6pm