Vegetarian diets have never been more popular. In 2022, more than 9.7 million U.S. consumers follow a vegetarian diet – a more than 3,200% increase since 2007, according to data from DoorDash. The delivery service saw more than 1.5 million plant-based meat orders placed in the first half of 2022, an impressive number for the ever-evolving protein.
With the help of DoorDash’s aggregated data, we’ve rounded up the five most popular vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Chicago. World Vegetarian Day is on Saturday, Oct. 1, and to celebrate, why not indulge in some of your city’s delicious veggie-full options?
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Multiple Locations / Website
This iconic vegetarian restaurant is known for being “meat free since ‘83” so they’re certainly experienced when it comes to creating tasty, crave-worthy vegetarian dishes. The lengthy menu features a solid selection of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and soups. The best part? There’s a mouthwatering brunch menu and a gluten-free menu that’s just as lengthy as the main menu. Check out the full menu here.
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Multiple Locations / Website
Enjoy “soulful” plant-based cuisine at this popular chain. The menu features vegan takes on ballpark favorites, like chili dogs, burgers, hot dogs, and cheesesteaks, as well as vegan Mexican snacks, like tacos and nachos. Popular menu items include cheesesteak egg rolls, lasagna, buffalo shrimp, and gumbo. Pair one of the shop’s antioxidant-rich smoothies with your meal to get your fruits in. Check out the full menu here.
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1313 W Wilson Avenue / Website
Head to Kal’ish for an entirely vegan menu of sandwiches, salads, and fabulous baked goods. The local spot is known for its “clucker” sandwiches, served with a side of broccoli succotash and your choice of housemade sauce. Or, choose a veggie-focused dish like the “cure-all KV detox salad,” loaded with chopped raw broccoli and cauliflower, a drizzle of sesame dressing, avocado, apple, currants and sunflower seeds. As for desserts, indulge in the cream-filled chocolate cupcake, the campfire s’mores cookie, and the peanut butter fluff brownie. Check out the full menu here.
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1601 W Montrose Avenue / Website
Enjoy vegan Thai cuisine made from fresh, quality ingredients and available at cheap prices. The menu is absolutely huge and features a few varieties of fried rice and curries and numerous delicious soups, salads and dumplings. Check out the full menu here.
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777 Central Avenue, Highland Park / Website
Eat high-quality, healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free, and fruit-heavy smoothie bowls at Bright Bowls. The popular acai smoothie drinks and bowls are available in over a dozen flavor combinations. One of the colorful options is the “Blue-tiful” bowl, made with banana, pineapple, spinach, cauliflower, blue spirulina, vegan vanilla protein, coconut yogurt, and topped with strawberries, blueberries, goji berries, and house-made granola. Check out the full menu here.
Hungry for more vegan treats in the city? Check out our picks for the 5 Best Vegan Ice Cream Shops In Chicago.
Photography by: Joey Ingelhart / Getty Images
