Great Vegetarian Restaurants in Chicago

Chicago, like the rest of the country, has had quite a rise in the number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants available for people who do not eat meat. It can, however, often be difficult to find a restaurant with plenty of options and with fake meat that does not taste like rubber. The following three restaurants offer plenty of healthy, vegetarian food that is sure to please even the pickiest eater.

Aladdins offers an extensive menu filled with juices, smoothies, teas, salads, rolled pitas, pita pockets, pita pizzas and several different specialties- all made using only the freshest ingredients. They specialize in vegetarian Middle Eastern food, though they do have some meat dishes, as well. Try the hummos with a side of hot sauce and a Jaffar’s Pizza (vegetarian chili on a crisp pita, with cheddar cheese, scallions and tahini sauce on top) and then indulge in any one of their fantastic cakes for dessert.

Aladdins
614 W. Diversey Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60614
773.327.6300
www.aladdinseatery.com

Alice and Friends is another favorite. All of their Asian-inspired dishes are vegetarian and most are vegan. They have a number of meatless specialties and their “unbeef” and “unchicken” are often praised as being among the best tasting and accurately textured meat subsitutes. The restaurant has quite an original style; it is exactly what you would expect from a place named after the quirky favorite, “Alice in Wonderland.” The seemingly bizarre decorations create a nice, playful atmosphere that is complimented by the spiritual quotes you can find all around. The staff is always friendly, making Alice and Friends a guaranteed good time.

Alice and Friends
5812 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60660
773.275.8797

Last but certainly not least, the infamous Chicago Diner makes our list. Open for over twenty years, it has become a favorite among Chicago vegetarians. I was scared to bring my super pro-meat, vegetarian-hating ex-roommate there, but was relieved when he loved it and enthusiastically recommended it to our friends. They have a full menu that offers plenty of different entrees and sandwiches and a long list of vegan cakes for dessert. (Try the No Meat Fajita- a personal favorite). The only problem is that it sometimes can get crowded and finding a table can be difficult, but the wait is certainly worth it.

Chicago Diner
3411 N. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60657
773.935.6696
www.veggiediner.com

These three restaurants are among the best in the city. They all use fresh ingredients and have healthy, diverse menus. They please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike and leave nothing to be desired. Enjoy!