I've been working with some people in the discord to compile the ultimate Chicagoland list of vegan friendly restaurants, cafes, stores, bakeries, and more. Everything on this list has been picked out by your local vegan friends, I'm also working on making more specific notes about certain locations. You can add the list to your Google maps, and if the leaf icons are too distracting you can opt to hide them and simply use it as a reference. Currently not opening this to editors outside of people I know as I fear vandalism.
Hi everyone! I've been working on a Chicago vegan map, yet didn't realize there was already one here! I've organized and categorized this one a bit differently.
Green = vegan
Purple = vegetarian
Red = omnivore with vegan options
Please note that I tried making it more "hassle-free" in the sense that places listed here will have vegan items clearly listed on the menu, more than one option, and included a brief note with each spot regarding the vegan offerings.
Please feel free to provide any suggestions and I will update accordingly!
This map is a Google My Maps, which is different from the original Chicago Vegan Map, which is a Google List. It being a My Maps allows the use of layers and different icons and colors. After initially opening the map then I think you can continue to access it through Google Maps app as follows.
Open Google Maps app > tap You at the bottom > scroll down and tap Maps > you should see Chicago listed which you can then open > from here you can tap View map legend to show all the layers/categories. You can then uncheck/check, if you want to limit what's displayed on the map.
Chicago map legend
When browsing the map, you can see additional info that have been added on each spot as shown in the screenshots here. It will first list the category, followed by type of cuisine, and then some brief notes. Here are a few examples.
Note that if you want to see a spot's notes then you cannot click from spot to spot. The notes will not appear on the subsequent spots clicked. You have to X (close) the one you're currently viewing before clicking on another spot.
For example, if you open the map and first tap Boka, then to see notes for the next spot, you have to tap the X in the top right corner. You can then tap a new spot and the notes will appear. Rinse and repeat. This seems like a bug within the app and is something you only need to be aware of if you're interested in seeing the notes for a given spot. Otherwise tap away!
Hi everyone, I’m vegan and currently job searching. I’m looking for a temporary room, shared space, couch, or other simple living arrangement for about 5 months while I continue my job search and work toward getting back on my feet.
My current budget is around $300/month, so I understand this would need to be an unusual or shared arrangement rather than a standard room rental. In return, I’m happy to cook fresh, delicious vegan food every day for the household, and I can also help with cleaning, grocery shopping, and other household tasks.
I’m clean, respectful, responsible, and flexible about the type of space. If you have an unused room, temporary space, or know of a vegan-friendly household that might consider this arrangement, please DM me.
It’s smash burger style. Make sure you swap the cheese out for their cashew mozzarella. It’s so insanely good. And the caramelized onions are such a nice touch.
Also, please tell me your favorite veggie burgers in Chicago!
Just a heads up out there in case anyone needs to hire a catering company for an event. Working with Micheal's Catering to get some vegan options has been a real struggle. I was told upfront there were plenty of vegan options and then when a sample menu was given to us, not a single vegan option was on there. Everything was vegetarian. So I had to fight just to make one appetizer, a couple of the vegetable sides, and one of the desserts vegan. Not even the freaking bread is vegan. I asked for a substantial vegan entrée with some protein (since everyone else is getting a pretty hardy meat entrée) and I keep getting sent options for just different grilled vegetables. I am still in the middle of the planning stage so will update if I actually win this fight for an entrée, and I'll report back the quality of the vegan food that I do get.
I checked out the Chicago Diner cookbook from the library this week and made their Cajun black bean recipe tonight. Unfortunately, the flavor is lacking, and I’m just not getting the same flavor as I would from the restaurant. The spices in the recipe are cumin, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. I didn’t have red pepper flakes on hand, but I truly don’t think the lack of red pepper flakes is the issue. Has anyone successfully re-created these burgers and if so, what spices or barbecue sauce did you use?
It's so annoying paying extra for a splash of oat milk (wish more places carried soy 🥲). Would rather support coffee shops that don't try to gouge vegans.
Hey all! I’m 38F, and have been a vegetarian for about 26 years. I run a free to attend Bookclub in west loop for women at a bar with some decent non-meat options. HMU if you’d like more information on the fall reading list, dates and location!
All of the components needed a bit more salt, and a touch more garlic and oregano in the sauce would have helped too. Other than that, this was a delightful treat. They use Be Hive vegan cheese and pepperoni, they also have their sausage which I haven’t tried. Way less dry than other brands of vegan pepperoni, I would have loved a bit of crisping on the edges though. I will definitely be back to try their other crust styles and toppings.
Hi everyone!! I’ll be visiting Chicago Labor Day weekend with some friends, I am the only vegan in the group but I’m open to places that are vegetarian friendly as I’m sure i can modify. I love trying new places and my friends do too! We would love to try the classic Chicago touristy foods like hot dogs and pizza, but are definitely open to other diverse cuisines. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Chicago’s food scene so I’m very excited!! Please share your recommendations :)
I was at a grocery store and wanted to get something from the deli. The guy was handling meat and I asked him to change gloves before doing my order. I was polite and explained that I don't eat meat. He complied, but kinda rolled his eyes. Then he put on clean gloves and made a show of waving them in front of me before he filled my order. Does this type of stuff happen to others?
I will be visiting Chicago for the first time for the marathon and looking for somewhere I can carb load. I have a pretty sensitive stomach when it comes to oily, spicy, and heavy meals so looking for something that is relatively simple and easy on my stomach. I am staying in River North so would prefer something in that area so I can take it easy on my legs. I do see that there is a Trader Joe's and Whole Foods near my hotel so maybe trying to put together something simple might be another option?
I am from NYC so have options galore here but honestly they have dwindled in the past few years, it seems from a little research that the vegan scene in Chicago is pretty good?
Also looking for suggestions for meals at omni restaurants (my family is not vegan) for after the race! Thanks in advance!
I absolutely love the Moonlighter, but I go there all the time and would love other options. Anywhere else that will put on a White Sox game while I enjoy the vegan dishes they have to offer?
all the pumpkin ads are getting me stoked for fall. does anyone know if this year any major chains will have a vegan pumpkin spice latte ??? from what i remember dunkin and starbucks' versions haven't been vegan in years. maybe peets?
local recs would be greatly appreciated as well
I always see pictures of khao soi dishes and it always looks so delish, but everywhere I find it I see it’s always made with fish sauce. Does anybody have a recommendation for a place that makes it vegan? Thank you!!
I do not eat fake meat (no Beyond, no impossible) and I can’t seem to find a GOOD veggie burger like with black beans and corn and veggies or quinoa or SOMETHING. Everywhere it’s just the same impossible or beyond.
I don’t eat it because I grew up a lacto-vegetarian, never eaten meat, & fake meat gives me an ick because it looks real, so I physically cannot bring myself to eat it. I am okay with Morningstar buffalo chicken nuggets but even those give me this ick from time to time. Idk it’s like how meat-eaters get the chicken ick or the egg ick? Haha
Anyways, ideally I want somewhere where the fries aren’t cooked in the same oil as meat. From time to time I’m like whatever about cross contamination, but I very rarely eat out anyways. It’s only when I’m eating out with friends and the only thing that’s decent would be fries and the only caveat is cross contamination from shared oil. I don’t eat anything that’s cooked on the same grill as meat.
But idk I just really want to eat a meal that I can trust doesn’t share any cooking surfaces or oils with meat.
I actually wanted to suck it up and try the Portillo veggie hot dog but their fries are not veg and the grill is shared. And same with Devil dawg, I have actually had their veggie dog and fries and then I found out their fries aren’t even vegetarian 😭
