Guide to Vegetarian Friendly Restaurants in Chicago

Despite Chicago being known for its history of slaughterhouses and meatpacking industry depicted in Upton Sinclair's, The Jungle, vegetarian restaurants are plentiful and thriving. There are choices for everyone ranging from ethnic dishes to American comfort foods. Chicago's vegetarian restaurants will satisfy whatever your palate craves even if you're typically a meat-eater.

MY TOP 10 FAVORITES

Chicago Diner

3411 N. Halsted

Chicago, IL

Meals Served: All

Price Range: $4.50-$12.99

Ambience: Hip

*Vegetarian, Vegan

The Chicago Diner has been serving up veggie friendly grub since 1983 in the heart of Lakeview. A few of my breakfast favorites include Country Biscuit & Gravy, Harmony Scrambler, and the Root Revolution. For lunch, the Radical Reuben and Black Bean Burger are crowd pleasers, especially with a side of sweet potato fries or creamy macaroni and cheese. Dinner won't disappoint either. The Meatloaf is better than any mother's recipe, and the Enchiladas will have you saying, "delicioso!" Be sure to leave room for dessert because this place offers cakes, muffins, and cookies, too.

Green Zebra

1460 W. Chicago Ave.

Chicago, IL

Meals Served: Dinner, Sunday Brunch

Price Range: $24-$42

Ambience: Sophisticated

*Vegetarian, Vegan

Green Zebra's upscale décor goes along with its price but is well worth the cost. The tasting menu, based on the season, allows for a wide selection of choices to be had at one sitting. Each plate is beautifully decorated with fresh and high-end ingredients, such as truffled cream, saffron, and chanterelle mushrooms. My preferred meals are the Thai Spiced Carrot Soup, Slow Roasted Shitake Mushroom, and Foraged Mushroom Dumplings. I do like a good mushroom and this place serves them in a way I could never create at home. To feel satisfied but not overly stuffed, select three items from the menu while still leaving room for dessert.

Handlebar Bar and Grill

2311 W. North Ave.

Chicago, IL

Meals Served: All

Price Range: $6.75-$12.75

Ambience: City Bicyclists

*Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Want to ride your bike, eat good food, and drink some beers? Use Chicago's bike lanes and pedal on over to Handlebar where free bike parking is available. You don't need to wear cyclist gear to fit in here. Breakfast options are available, but if you popped in to take advantage of the bar atmosphere with friends, you're probably interested in lunch or dinner chow. The Buffalo 'Chicken' Wrap is big and satisfying. Even a carnivore would enjoy it. And, the Black Beans Maduro with sweet plantains is just right. Can't narrow down the scrumptious sides? Choose the Meal of Three Sides. "Peddling Fine Food and Drink since Feb, 2003."

Karyn's Cooked

738 N. Wells St.

Chicago, IL

Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Price Range: $8.95-$12.95

Ambience: Hip

*Vegan

Karyn has more than one location, but Karyn's Cooked is my go to for comfort food. Of course, if it's a hot summer day, Karyn's Raw at 1901 N. Halsted serves up refreshing shakes, smoothies, and ice cream. If you were the child in the lunch line eating that pile of meat heaped up on a bun, you'll enjoy the more nutritious and delicious version, Sloppy Jo. People who like to spice things up, try the Jerk Tofu. For some down home cookin' reminiscent of mom, there's nothing better than the Southern Comfort - beans, greens, rice, and cornbread. Mmm! If there is still room in your belly, definitely opt for a slice of Lemon Meringue pie.

Old Jerusalem

1411 N. Wells St.

Chicago, IL

Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner

Price Range: $5.25-$12.95

Ambience: Casual

*Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Around since 1976, Old Jerusalem continues to serve up savory Middle Eastern cuisine. During the nice weather, seating is available outside, perfect for people watching in the busy Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. Many of the appetizers can be ordered in larger portions under the entrée section. The Jerusalem Salad, Falafil, and Foul are easily shared by two, but who would want to do that when they're so delicious? If looking for a quick bite before watching a movie across the street, order one of the sandwiches. Feeling tired before a late night flick, finish your meal with the Arabic Coffee.

Pick-Me-Up Café

3408 N. Clark St.

Chicago, IL

Meals Served: All

Price Range: $5.50-$9.50

Ambience: Funky Diner, Colorful

*Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Looking to fortify yourself before a Cubs game? Stop by this Wrigleyville spot for some diner food. The Vegan Tofu Scram will ignite your taste buds with fresh cilantro, garlic, and salsa. For something sweet, order the vegan versions from Hans' Griddle - pancakes loaded with nuts, fruit, and syrup. Make sure you order the strong coffee for a caffeine fix. If stopping by after a game, try the Stir Crazy After All or the Veggie Burger from the Sammitches section.

Soul Vegetarian East

205 E. 75th St.

Chicago, IL

Meals Served: All

Price Range: $5-$13

Ambience: Spiritual

*Vegan

For some compassionate Soul Food, this place is a must visit. There's also an interesting history behind the creation of menu items by the head chef. Whether you're looking for collard greens done right or macaroni & cheese reminiscent of your childhood, Soul Vegetarian East will carry it and carry it better than you've had elsewhere. I'm also quite fond of the Biscuits and BBQ Twist.

Udupi Palace

2543 W. Devon Ave.

Chicago, IL

Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner

Price Range: $7-$10

Ambience: Family

*Vegetarian and Vegan Options

New York City, 1999, marks the year of my introduction to Indian cuisine. Now, I can't imagine my life without it. Chicago's Devon Avenue is lined with Indian restaurants and shops to locate those sometimes hard to find spices. The Vegetarian Samosas are a good starter, especially since these are quite difficult to replicate at home. Follow this appetizer with the Onion & Peas Uthappam, Masala Dosai, and Alu Gobi Masala. Yes, I know that's a lot of potatoes, but they are all differently seasoned. My other favorites include Chana Masala, Bhendi Masala, and Chana Palak. Order extra. Leftover Indian food easily reheats the next day.

Victory's Banner

2100 W. Roscoe St.

Chicago, IL

Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch

Price Range: $4.95-$8.95

Ambience: Spiritual

*Vegetarian, Vegan

This is a good spot for breakfast with family or friends. You will not be rushed. The Eggless Wonder is flavorful but if you're a strict vegetarian, skip the hearth bread - it contains honey. They will substitute with a bagel if you ask. If you popped in for lunch, munch on the Southwest Burger or Curry Wrap. I always make sure to get the vegan chocolate chocolate chip muffin even if I'm full. It carries out nicely to eat later at home.

Yummy Yummy Restaurant

2901 N. Broadway St.

Chicago, IL

Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner

Price Range: $2.95-$12.95

Ambience: Cozy, Take-Out

*Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Every city needs a good Asian food place for eating in or out and this is Chicago's spot. Besides being known for their tasty smoothies with tapioca, the food is always phenomenal and reasonably priced. If out walking around and need a quick bite, stop in for the Vegetarian Egg Rolls, which come out fast and piping hot. For lunch or dinner, choose from a wide selection, such as General Tao's Soy Gluten, Szechuan String Bean, and Japanese Vegetables Udon Noodle Soup.

For more suggestions, check out VegIllinois . Then, venture out into Chicago for some fine vegetarian fare and you'll see this city has wonderful options for all. Eat often. Enjoy compassionate food!