Vegetarian, vegan, pescetarian; all of these lifestyles have grown in popularity over the years. Restaurants have become more accommodating, and the options have become even more delicious and innovative. Still, it can feel like a struggle to find a good restaurant that offers quality vegetarian meals.
Look no further, because we scoured the streets of Chicago to find seven must-try restaurants that offer vegetarian, vegan and pescetarian meals that'll even turn the head of a meat lover.
These restaurants have different regulations in regard to COVID-19, so please look for the most up-to-date information on each eatery's websites.
See also: 5 Tips to Adopt a More Plant-Based Lifestyle From The Bizerkeley Vegan
The Chicago Diner
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3411 N Halsted St Chicago, IL 60657 / Website
Having been meat-free since 1983, the Chicago Diner offers so many different vegetarian options, where do we begin? You can start by looking at their appetizer section and order some Thai chili wings or nachos. Save some room for the entrees because the Diner offers burgers, sandwiches, and salads, all vegetarian friendly. This place is also great for the whole family, with a vegetarian-styled menu made specially for kids. The Chicago Diner also has a section filled with gluten-free options for customers. If you’re looking for a place with endless options, the Chicago Diner will be waiting with its doors open. There are two locations available, in the Logan Square area or in Lakeview.
Lula Cafe
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2537 N Kedzie Blvd Chicago, IL 60647 / Website
Offering breakfast, brunch, and dinner, the Lula Cafe has everything you need for a nice meal out while in the Windy City. From vegan-friendly to vegetarian meals, the Cafe has delicious meals for anyone. Even if you’re not hungry, stop by Lula Cafe for a delicious cocktail or a glass of wine. If you have any particular allergies or dietary restrictions, just let the staff know. The Lula Cafe has many food options that can be modified to be gluten or dairy free, or from vegetarian to vegan upon request.
Ground Control Restaurant
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3315 W Armitage Ave Chicago, IL 60647 / Website
Closed only on Mondays and Tuesdays, the Ground Control is open every other day for you to enjoy a delicious vegetarian or vegan meal here. With a large variety of sandwiches, soups, and tacos, Ground Control has a meal for anyone. Even if you’re a meat-lover, this restaurant has meat substitutes for you to try for that healthy eating lifestyle. It’s also available for delivery through their website.
Original Soul Vegetarian
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203 E 75th St Chicago, IL 60619 / Website
For the past 30 years, Original Soul Vegetarian has made it their goal to offer food that is both appetizing and healthy. Its values revolve around doing what’s best for the environment, so all of their products are plant-based and completely free from animal products and chemicals. From appetizers to desserts, they have everything a person needs to leave on a full stomach. If you’re looking for a place that serves vegetarian meals with flavor, then Original Soul Vegetarian is the place for you.
Beatrix
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519 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60654 / Website
Beatrix is a restaurant that is great for vegetarians, vegans, and even pescetarians. With this dining experience, you can have a vegan breakfast, a pescetarian lunch, or a vegetarian dinner. This restaurant has it all. This place is great for meat-eaters who want to cut back on their red meat intake and vegetarians who are looking for their new spot.
Handlebar
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2311 W North Ave Chicago, IL 60647 / Website
Nothing is more mouthwatering than food made from scratch. And if that’s what you’re looking for, then look no further because Handlebar restaurant has exactly that. Open seven days a week, Handlebar is a small, casual restaurant where you can get a nice meal and drink from. If you are looking for “Food, Booze, Good Times”, then come on down to Handlebar and experience their indoor dining or enjoy a cold beer in their garden.
Veggie House
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2109 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616 / Website
Now if you are a person who is looking for a delicious Chinese restaurant that fits your dietary restrictions, the Veggie House is here to serve you the best of the best. Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese delicacies, the Veggie House added its own little twist to make every dish vegan or vegetarian-friendly. Even if you are a meat enthusiast, the Veggie House welcomes you to try out some of their dishes to show you that you can eat healthy without having to worry about losing flavor. Just take a trip down to Chinatown and experience everything the Veggie House has to offer.
Photography by: Victoria Shes / Unsplash
