Chicago Spots with Vegan and Vegetarian Dishes for Eating Green
Arami
Eating clean and green is becoming easier and easier in our current food world. Chefs are now, more than ever, are focusing on clean cooking that is good for the local community as well as your stomach. So if you are a vegan or vegetarian diner, you have more options than ever of restaurants and menus that are catering to those very diets. Where can you go in Chicago for these dishes? These are our top spots right now for seasonal, clean eating…
Arami {1829 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago; 312.243.1535}: While there are also vegan options on this menu of Asian cuisine, they really shine in their vegetarian offerings. Everything from Nasu (Roasted Japanese Eggplant) to Kyuri Maki is yours for the eating!
Althea {Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 North Michigan Avenue, 7th Floor, Chicago; 312.525.3400}: Do some shopping, and dine on some Beet Ravioli or a Plant Burger in the same trip! Once Althea re-opens, they should be your must-stop shop for vegans and vegetarians alike.
Lyfe Kitchen {multiple locations}: Eating vegan doesn’t have to mean you go to a high-end, sit-down restaurant. You can try out dishes like Sweet Corn Chowder or a Quinoa Crunch Bowl and get them to go, thanks to Lyfe Kitchen! They have locations across the city to make it extra easy.
Brightwok
Brightwok Kitchen {21 East Adams Street, Chicago; 312.583.0729}: Take your delicious vegetarian meal to go! Or make it gluten-free or vegan! Heck, you can make it all of the above if you want…just head to Brightwok! Their customizable menu allows you to make the perfect dish for y-o-u, no matter the diet you observe.
Le Colonial {57 East Oak Street, Chicago; 312.255.0088}: Crispy Vegetable Rolls. Hanoi Steamed Rice Crepes. Banh Xao with tofu. The creative meat-free options on the Le Colonial menu are expansive, and ones you won’t see anywhere else. They also have plenty of options for friends or family who might want meat-focused plates like Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry.
ingrained {108 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago}: If you’re all about ease, ingrained is for you. It’s a vegan-specific pop-up that has a daily changing menu of specialties like a Cinnamon Toast Munch Bar. Simple and delicious!
Chicago Raw {multiple locations}: For those who are new to the vegan or vegetarian diet, you might need a little education to get you started! Chicago Raw is all about spreading awareness on the benefits of living plant foods, while making them accessible and delicious as well. Their team can answer all your questions and help you leave well-fed.
Uncooked
Uncooked {210 North Carpenter Street, Suite 140, Chicago; 312.315.5552}: This newly opened West Loop spot is bringing even more delicious, plant-based food to our city! We especially recommend The Flatbread with kale macadamia nut pesto and house-made mozzarella cheese, but they also have smoothies, coffees, and juices for early morning risers.
The Table at Crate {Crate & Barrel, 35 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook; 630.590.9444}: Even in outside the city, The Table at Crate provides healthy and plant-focused menu items like Tomato Tartine and Crispy Edamame Dumplings. Chef Bill Kim places a special focus on healthy dining that doesn’t sacrifice on taste, and it shows in every one of his dishes.
Politan Row {111 North Aberdeen Street, Chicago}: A food hall is the perfect place for a vegan or vegetarian diner because your options are far more vast than at a traditional restaurant. Lashuk Street Food is one of our favorite vendors at Politan Row for Israeli dishes like hummus, but you can peruse all the vendors’ menus for more dishes you’ll love.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor