Craving something tasty and meat-free? We scoured the streets of Chicago to find eight restaurants that offer vegetarian, vegan and pescetarian meals that’ll even turn the head of a meat lover. Sample vibrant, watermelon “Ahi” sushi from Planta Queen, dig into the Chicago Diner’s seitan-based spicy crispy chicken sandwich or enjoy plant-based broccoli soy beef from Chinatown’s Veggie House.
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3411 N. Halsted St., 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
Having been meat-free since 1983, the Chicago Diner makes vegan and vegetarian dining a walk in the park with irresistible plant-based entrees. You can start by ordering Thai chili wings or nachos, saving room for entrees like the seitan-based Cuban sandwich or gyros. The eatery also has a section filled with gluten-free options for customers at its Logan Square and Lakeview locations.
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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 completely fish-free.
Lula Cafe
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2537 N. Kedzie Blvd. / Website
Visit Lula Cafe for breakfast, brunch and dinner favorites, such as the tofu and veggie scramble, the chickpea and fennel tagine and the "Tineka," a spicy peanut butter sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers and sprouts. Or, satisfy your sweet tooth with the cannoli French toast, made with ricotta cream, cherry orange marmalade, pistachios and chocolate chips.
Soul Veg City
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203 E. 75th St. / Website
For the past 30 years, Soul Veg City has made it their goal to offer healthy menu options that don’t sacrifice taste. Try savory favorites, including the noodles stir kai, the sauteed spinach quesadilla with soy cheese or the vegetable stir fry. For dessert, dig into pies, cakes and cookies, including the cinnamon roll cake, the sweet potato pie and chocolate chip cookies.
See also: The 9 Best Vegan Food Influencers To Follow
Beatrix
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519 N. Clark St. / Website
Beatrix offers a vegan breakfast, a pescetarian lunch and a vegetarian dinner, served alongside vast cocktail, beer and wine selections. Lunchtime visitors can try the vegan pozole verde with hominy stew, watermelon radish, shaved cabbage and cilantro, or they can try the wild mushroom teriyaki bowl brimming with green veggies, bamboo rice, yuzu ponzu sauce, cashews and garden herb salad. For dinner, try the oven-baked vegetarian spinach and ricotta ravioli with roasted squash, sugar snap peas, grana padano, black truffles and lemon cream.
Handlebar
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2311 W. North Ave. / Website
Open seven days a week, Handlebar serves vegetarian favorites made from scratch, including the vegan chili mac attack with vegan “dream mac,” veggie chili, cashew queso, pickled jalapenos, pico and tortilla crisps. Or, spice things up with Handlebar’s sambal tofu, chocked full of spicy garlic chili sauce, kale, broccoli, collard greens, mushrooms, edamame, peanut sauce and brown rice.
Veggie House
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2109 S. China Place / Website
If you are looking for an authentic Chinese entree that fits your dietary restrictions, Veggie House is here to serve you with the best. Even if you are a meat enthusiast, the eatery welcomes you to try some of their mouthwatering fan favorites, like the orange tofu, the fried veggie potstickers, the crispy turmeric oyster mushrooms and more.
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59 W. Grand Ave. / Website
Visit River North’s India House to try traditionally inspired Indian fare with various vegan and vegetarian-friendly options. Try popular appetizers like the samosas with potatoes and green peas or the vegetarian mixed pakoras with mildly spiced vegetable rounds and garbanzo flour, deep-fried to perfection. For your main course, sample the Jeera Aloo, a tender blend of potatoes sauteed with cumin seeds and spices.
See also: The Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide
Photography by: iStock
