chicago vegan dining guide.

the past couple months, i've noticed an increase in messages from people coming to visit chicago & looking for recommendations for vegan restaurants. sooo ... i decided to put together a little dining guide of my favorite places in the city.

so after a day of this ...

& this ... 

                                            

& obviously this ...

here are my favorite places to grab grub ...

first & most importantly ... my top vegan/vegetarian only joints :

• chicago diner : the true vegan chicago staple.
• quesadilla la reina del sur : 100% vegan/vegetarian mexican food. "carne asada" on fleek.
• kitchen 17 : the k burger & pizzas are legit. cons = sometimes they run out of menu items.
• handlebar : my fave spot for vegan brunch + awesome buffalo wrap if you do lunch/din. 

for pizza :

• lou malnati's : don't trust anyone who says giordano's is the best chicago deep dish. does not compare to lou's. 
• forno rosso : my new fave for neapolitan 'za + in the ultra trendy west loop. 
• the boiler room : two thumbs up for vegans & non-vegans alike. with great drink specials.

asian cuisine :

• coast : bomb sushi + byob.
• saigon sisters : one of my favorite spots for pho in the city.
• wasabi : legit vegan ramen. 
• slurping turtle : for frequent top chef master takashi spottings.
• le colonial : go for the spring rolls ... stay for the spring rolls. (also, separate vegan menu!)

quick bites :

• le pain quotidien : so much vegan stuff ... that is also 100% organic. 
• left coast food + juice : again, so much vegan stuff (the tostadas are my jam) + juice!
• lyfe kitchen : i know this is a "chain," but if you're coming from oklahoma, you may not have had it!
• doc b's fresh kitchen : get the california salad, add tofu, sub carrot/ginger dressing, thank me later.
• athenian room : my favorite hangover food ... a salad covered with fries & greek dressing. come on. 

nicer spots :

• girl & the goat : high-end dining with a separate vegan menu! (best shishitos in the city.)
• bad hunter : no words. just go.
• lula cafe : vegan options for those looking for something a little more hipster. 
• monteverde : give me all the pasta. 
• leña brava : an impossible to get into rick bayless spot.

dessert :

• sprinkles : again, i know there are lots of these. but you cannot beat the vegan red velv. i'm sorry, but you can't. 
• pie pie my darling : can be found at handlbar & misc. other vegan shops in the city. SEEK THIS OUT.
• stan's donuts : dessert, breakfast, whatever.

resident chicagoans ... what am i missing?! any glaring omissions?? other category suggestions?? maybe ... an "off the beaten path" list? feel free to weigh in! 

visitors ... enjoy!! 

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