A spread by James Beard-nominated chef Rodolfo Cuadros’ Bloom Plant Based Kitchen
From savory breakfast dishes and gourmet donuts to elevated fare, these Chicago restaurants offer inspired plant-based plates.
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5812 N. Broadway / Website
Open since 2001, this vegan eatery is on a mission to bring delicious, meat-free fare to Chicagoans, all while adhering to sustainable practices like composting, using eco-friendly packaging, creating food from scratch and supporting local organizations. Choose from specialties like soy protein-filled bao buns, roasted sesame miso ramen, butternut squash curry and Korean rice bowls with smoked tofu and sliced mushrooms.
2508 W. Devon Ave. / Website
Since 1998, this Little India restaurant has been serving up tempting, flavorful vegan and gluten-free Indian cuisine. With healthy, fresh eats, including dishes such as organic tofu tikka masala and raw organic mango cake, Arya Bhavan strives to help guests feel good about what they’re eating.
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1559 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
James Beard-nominated chef Rodolfo Cuadros is the talent behind this popular Wicker Park spot. Offering plates like sun-dried tomato sashimi (crispy gohan, sundried tomato sashimi, truffle avocado, kabayaki and serrano chili) and truffle yuca gnocchi (toasted yuca, butternut squash puree, mushroom sofrito, kale and parmesan), plus an extensive cocktail, kombucha and wine list, this plant-based eatery is one of the city’s best.
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2315 N. Lincoln Ave. / Website
From plant-based breakfast wraps to Korean barbecue Chik’n sandwiches, this Lincoln Park hot spot offers an array of vegan and vegetarian specialties. Don’t miss out on the Thai crunch bowl with seasoned tofu, mixed greens and tasty veggies like edamame and the Mammoth burger with one or two Impossible beef patties, plus lettuce, onions, pickles, American cheese and tangy signature Elephant sauce.
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613 W. Briar Place / Website
This 100% vegan East Lakeview cafe is the place to go for crave-worthy breakfast sandwiches, wraps, New York-style bagels, pastries and more. Get your morning or afternoon pick-me-up with the carrot “lox” bagel sandwich with cashew cream cheese, or opt for the ABC wrap with avocado, tempeh bacon, lettuce and chickpea “tuna” salad. While you’re there, fuel up with coffees and teas, from lavender vanilla lattes to mochas, matchas and chais.
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2311 W. North Ave. / Website
This cozy Wicker Park restaurant offers fresh, made-from-scratch vegan and vegetarian bites. Whether you’re searching for a go-to breakfast spot or trying something new for lunch or dinner, guests are sure to enjoy favorites such as the fried avocado tacos with cabbage slaw and the “Green Meanie” sandwich with avocado, herbed goat cheese, spinach, tomato, agave-mustard spread and multigrain bread. Don’t forget to level up your meal with tasty sides like fried plantains, mac and “cheese,” cashew queso fries and more.
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3300 W. Montrose Ave. / Website
With an entirely plant-based menu and a slew of cocktails, mocktails and juices, this Albany Park joint is one to visit for small bites, breakfast plates, salads and wraps. Popular favorites include fried oyster mushrooms, Greek fries, jackfruit wraps, seitan tacos and Beyond Chicago-style burgers. Stick around for dessert to try vegan cheesecake and cake slices of the month.
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2054 W. Grand Ave. / Website
Founded in 2013, this West Town eatery and bakery offers a fully vegan menu stocked with scratch-made favorites like donuts, nacho plates, Chicago-style veggie dogs, milkshakes and soft-serve ice cream. The eatery donates a portion of its proceeds to nonprofit animal rights organizations, so be sure to check out the eatery’s Instagram to learn more about this month’s organization.
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838 W. Montrose Ave. / Website
Swing by this all-day vegan cafe to get your fix of lattes and smoothies while refueling with wraps, bowls and burgers. Dig into favorites like the vegan mayo and lotus sauce-topped brown rice Buddha bowl, the Heaven wrap with Korean barbeque-marinated veggie protein and the portobello mushroom burger with roasted red peppers, salted English cucumbers, arugula, cashew-based cilantro sauce, housemade mayo and a whole wheat bun.
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7167 S. Exchange Ave. / Website
Owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo chef Tsadakeeyah and Naysa Emmanuel, this South Shore eatery crafts indulgent plant-based, Southern comfort food favorites, from Jerk Chick’N sandwiches to lentil mushroom burgers. Start small with barbecue cauliflower bites, falafel fritters and fried grits, or go all in with the gyro sandwich, capellini spaghetti bowl and oyster mushroom tacos.
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204 N. Clark St.; 230 W. Chicago Ave., 1165 W. 18th St. / Website
Whether you’re craving a refreshing margarita or want to treat yourself to some tasty tacos, this buzzy vegan taqueria has got you covered. With locations in River North, Pilsen and Andersonville, Penelope’s offers plant-based versions of Mexican cuisine staples like sauteed mushroom quesabirria tacos, avocado-topped chilaquiles, soy chorizo burritos and tacos stuffed with pulled oat carnitas, cauliflower al pastor, jackfruit barbacoa and Baja-style beer-battered avocado.
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413 N. Clark St. / Website
From sushi rolls to veggie-forward entrees such as the crispy gyoza and the bao sliders, Planta Queen takes vegetarian and vegan dishes to the next level. Think thinly sliced watermelon, hearts of palm and eggplant that imitate Japanese-inspired favorites like ahi, baked crab and spicy tuna—not only in appearance but in taste. Thanks to Planta Queen, veggie lovers can enjoy their favorite nigiri and handrolls entirely fish-free.
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51 W. Huron St. / Website
An acronym for Raising Awareness Worldwide, RAW celebrates the power of plant-based foods. The spot’s freshly prepared raw vegan dishes are designed to nourish, inspire and delight your palate. Sip on a pitaya dragonfruit smoothie, grab a falafel sandwich to-go or indulge your sweet tooth with a coconut cacao truffle.
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3411 N. Halsted St.; 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
Meat-free since ’83, The Chicago Diner serves up America’s favorite comfort foods (that even dedicated meat eaters are sure to enjoy) in Lakeview and Logan Square. Tall stacks of pancakes, biscuits and seitan sausage gravy, delicious dairy-free milkshakes and more diner classics are on offer for your next vegan brunch.
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1601-1603 W. Montrose Ave. / Website
This Ravenswood spot is known for its tempting Thai fare, including dumplings, noodles, rice, curry and more. Sample specialties like glass noodle salad with fried tofu, aromatic yellow curry, soy chicken satay and Praram’s marinated soy chicken, pan-fried with peanut sauce and served on a bed of steamed spinach. End your meal on a sweet note with taro pearls in coconut cream, banana spring rolls and ginkgo nuts with sweet taro mousse.
See also: The 6 Best Smoothie And Green Juice Bars In Chicago
Photography by: COURTESY OF BLOOM PLANT BASED KITCHEN
