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The
Vegetarian
Guide Chicago to
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vegetarian
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vegan dining
Table of Contents
3712 N. Broadway, Ste. 560, Chicago, IL 60613
773.662.8088 • Chicago@MercyForAnimals.org Antioch 4 La Grange 30
Arlington Heights 4 Lombard 30-31
Dear Friend, Barrington 4 Naperville 31-32
Berwyn 4-5 Niles 32
Protecting animals, our environment, and human health are Bolingbrook 5 Norridge 32
just some of the important reasons a record number of Americans
Buffalo Grove 5 Northbrook 33
are exploring a vegetarian diet. Whatever your motivation, we
hope this guide makes cruelty-free dining more convenient for you Calumet City 5 Oak Brook 33
and your family. Mercy For Animals Chicago 6-25 Oak Lawn 34
frequently hears from individuals who Crystal Lake 25 Oak Park 34-35
have difficulty finding meatless meals A vegetarian diet Deer Park 25-26 Orland Park 35
in their area or who haven’t made the saves over 90 DeKalb 26 Schaumburg 35-36
transition to vegetarianism because animals each year. Des Plaines 26 Skokie 37
they hold the common misconception
they will be left eating nothing but a Downers Grove 26-27 Vernon Hills 37
sparse and bland diet of sprouts and lettuce. This guide gives helpful Elgin 27 Warrenville 37
direction, putting the information you need to find delicious, healthy, Elmhurst 27 Westmont 38
and humane meals right at your finger tips. Evanston 28 Wheeling 38
Geneva 29 Willlowbrook 38
Whether you’re in search of a four-star restaurant that uses
only organic ingredients, a comfortable hangout that serves hearty
Glenview 29
portions of soul food, or a unique family-owned establishment Hillside 29 Resources 39
specializing in exotic and spicy ethnic dishes, The Vegetarian Guide Hoffman Estates 30 Why Choose Veg? 40-41
to Chicago and Surrounding Areas has something for everyone. Homewood 30 Making the Transition 42-43
With over 200 vegetarian-friendly restaurants listed, this guide makes
vegetarian and vegan dining easier than ever before.
The power of the fork is mightier than you think. Every time
we sit down to eat, we have the opportunity to decrease the amount = Vegetarian Establishment
of suffering in the world. On average, a vegetarian diet saves the
lives of over 90 animals each year. Please, make your next meal
one of health and compassion.
Bolingbrook
311 E. Depot St., Antioch • (847) 395-1836
This cafe has vegan options such as the grilled eggplant panini, other
sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Marinara sauce and pastas are vegan. Meals
cost about $8. Noodles and Company • 137 N. Weber Rd., Bolingbrook
Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Sat. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED (630) 772-9999 • www.Noodles.com
Arlington Heights Features many different Asian and Italian noodle dishes. Many dishes are
vegetarian, and can be made vegan by leaving off the cheese. Also has
selection of salads. Meals cost about $6.
Chowpatti • 1035 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights Sun. - Wed. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Thurs. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
(847) 640-9554 • www.Chowpatti.com
Features Middle Eastern dishes such as stuffed grape leaves and falafel.
Meals cost about $5. Taste of Lebanon • 1509 W. Foster Ave., Chicago • (773) 334-1600
Sun. - Thur. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Middle Eastern eatery with vegetarian and vegan sandwiches, soups, and
salads. Options include the spicy falafel sandwich or the foul mudamus.
Meals cost about $5.
Andersonville Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED
Kopi Café • 5317 N. Clark St., Chicago • (773) 989-5674 Leona’s • 1936 W. Augusta Blvd., Chicago
Coffee shop that offers many vegetarian items, from soups to sandwiches, (773) 292-4300 • www.Leonas.com
with options such as the tempeh burger. Also has multiple drinks that can This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
be made with soymilk, including a mango freeze, and some vegan desserts. include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
Meals cost about $10. vegan. Meals cost about $10.
Sun. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.. • Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m. - 12 a.m. Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Fri. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. • Sat. 12 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Sun. 12 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
M. Henry • 5707 N. Clark St., Chicago • (773) 561-1600
Pacific Café • 1619 N. Damen Ave., Chicago • (773) 772-4342
Vegetarian options include the Vegan Epiphany, a veggie-laden scramble
featuring organic tofu in place of eggs and yuba (a bacon-like soy product) Pacific Café features an extensive Pan-Asian menu, with vegan options like
for breakfast. For lunch, options include a miso-glazed veggie burger. Meals veggie gyoza (dumplings) and tempura. Meals cost about $8.
cost about $12. Sun. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Mon. CLOSED. • Tues. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tues. CLOSED
Middle East Bakery and Pastry Red Hen Bread • 1623 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
1512 W. Foster Ave., Chicago • (773) 561-2224 (773) 342-6823 • www.RedHenBread.com
Offers vegan eats to-go. Vegetarian/vegan options include the vegan spinach Sells vegan organic bread. There is a vegan sandwich option and soups
pies ($1 each). Dishes cost $4/lb. during the winter. Meals cost about $6.
Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sat. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Chinese restaurant with vegetarian options like the Vegetarian Bird’s Nest Udupi Palace • 2543 W. Devon Ave., Chicago
(yuba stuffed with vegetables) and deep-fried tofu. Meals cost about $7. (773) 338-2152 • www.UdupiPalace.com
Mon. - Sun. 10:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
South Indian vegetarian restaurant, with options such as dosas (thin South
Indian crispy pancakes stuffed with vegetable fillings). Ghee (clarified butter)
Devon Ave. can be substituted with vegetable oil on request. Meals cost $7 - $10.
Mon. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Annapurna • 2608 W. Devon Ave., Chicago • (773) 764-1858
An inexpensive, all vegetarian, fast-food Indian restaurant. Meals cost about
Edgewater
$5.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m • Tues. CLOSED
Alice and Friends Vegetarian Café
5812 N. Broadway Ave., Chicago • (773) 275-8797
Arya Bhavan • 2508 W. Devon Ave., Chicago Asian restaurant that offers a variety of mock meat dishes and vegan
(773) 274-5800 • www.AryaBhavan.com desserts. Options include the Japanese Don Ka Su and Almond Un-Chicken.
All vegetarian Indian restaurant. Many options include chana masala Meals cost about $9.
(chickpeas cooked with spices) and tandoori gobi (marinated cauliflower). Mon. - Fri. 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Sat. 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED
Can make almost all menu items vegan upon request. Meals cost about $7
- $10. Weekday lunch buffet and weekend dinner buffet offered. Delivery Coffee Chicago • 5256 N. Broadway St., Chicago • (773) 784-1305
available. Coffee shop with vegan desserts such as Double Rainbow soy ice cream
Mon. CLOSED • Tues .- Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. and packaged vegan cookies.
Sat. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. 7 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sheba Café • 5403 N. Broadway St., Chicago • (773) 878-2352 Karyn’s Cooked Conscious Comfort Foods
Offers several vegetarian and vegan dishes such as misir wat (red lentils), 738 N. Wells St., Chicago • (312) 587-1050 • www.KarynRaw.com
yeaterkik (yellow split peas) and the vegetarian combo plate. Meals cost This vegan restaurant specializes in comfort foods such as macaroni and
about $10. “cheese”, vegan pizza, and the Jerk Tofu Sandwich Wrap. Meals cost about
Mon. - Sat. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. 1 p.m. - 10 p.m. $15.
Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Englewood Leona’s • 646 N. Franklin St., Chicago
Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen (312) 867-0101 • www.Leonas.com
1206 E. 53rd St., Chicago • (773) 324-6227 This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
Mediterranean restaurant that offers many vegetarian and vegan options, include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
such as the vegan tomato couscous or lentil soup. Meals cost about $9. vegan. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sat. 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Gold Coast P.F. Chang’s • 530 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago
(312) 828-9977 • www.PFChangs.com
Argo Tea • 819 North Rush St., Chicago
(312) 951-5302 • www.ArgoTea.com Offers many vegetarian and vegan options including Vegetarian Lettuce
Wraps, Spinach Stir-fried with Garlic, Ma Po Bean Curd, Coconut-Curry
Offers tea-based beverages, a few vegetarian sandwiches, and Chicago Vegetables, and Garlic Snap Peas. The kitchen will convert any meat dish
Diner vegan muffins. All dairy drinks can be made with soymilk. into a vegan one by substituting tofu, five-spice pressed bean curd, and
Mon. - Fri. 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. vegan “oyster” sauce. Meals cost about $8.
Sat. 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Crofton on Wells • 535 N. Wells St., Chicago
(312) 755-1790 • www.CroftononWells.com Reza’s • 432 W. Ontario St., Chicago
(312) 664-4500 • www.RezasRestaurant.com
Upscale restaurant with a seasonal menu that offers vegetarian/vegan
options. Will make any vegetarian entree vegan. Meals cost $10 - $20. Persian restaurant with over 20 vegetarian appetizers and platters,
Mon. - Thurs. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED including eggplant steak and vegetable casserole. Meals cost about $12.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Persian restaurant with nice dinning environment. Vegetarian options include John’s Place • 1202 W. Webster Ave., Chicago • (773) 525-6670
rice-stuffed grape leaves, shirazi salad, hummus, baba ghanoush, veggie
gourmeh (a blend of vegetables and caramelized onions in a crushed Classic American eatery that offers vegetarian options including burritos,
tomato garlic herb sauce), and vegetarian lentil soup. Meals cost about $13. vegan chili, and vegan stir-fry. Tofu may be substituted for meat in nearly
Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. any dish, like the BBQ tacos with tofu. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. CLOSED. • Tues. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sinbad’s • 921 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago • (773) 477-6020 Sat. 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
This Middle Eastern restaurant is known for its filling budget fare. Order
at the counter and grab a window-side stool, which offers prime views of Karyn’s Fresh Corner • 1901 N. Halsted St., Chicago
colorful Belmont Avenue. Offers many vegetarian/vegan options such as (312) 255-1590 • www.KarynRaw.com
the rice-stuffed grape leaves, baba ghanough, and falafel sandwich with
Karyn’s has both a fine dining restaurant featuring raw haute vegan cuisine,
hummus. Meals cost about $6.
and a more casual section with a salad and juice bar. Meals cost about $14.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Mon. - Sun. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Standard Indian Restaurant Red Hen Bread • 500 W. Diversey Pkwy., Chicago
917 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago • (773) 929-1123 (773) 248-6025 • www.RedHenBread.com
Standard Indian has both a buffet with lots of vegetarian options and menu Sells vegan organic bread. There is a vegan sandwich option, and soups
items. Buffet costs $8.95. during the winter. Meals cost about $6.
Mon. - Fri. 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Mon. - Sat. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat. 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Sun. 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Trotters To Go • 1337 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago
(773) 868-6510 • www.TrottersToGo.com
Szechuan Garden • 2901 N. Broadway St., Chicago • (773) 525-6677
Provides upscale take-out, with unique vegetarian creations like braised
Chinese restaurant with over 100 vegetarian items, most of them vegan. carrots with ginger & dried black currants ($12.95 lb.) and angel hair pasta
Options include General Tao’s soy gluten and kung pao tofu. Meals cost with asparagus, shiitake mushrooms & white truffle oil ($13.95 lb.). Menu
about $10. items subject to change.
Tues. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Mon. CLOSED Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Sun. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Lula Café • 2537 N. Kedzie Blvd., Chicago • (773) 489-9554 Russian Tea Time • 77 E. Adams St., Chicago
(312) 360-0000 • www.RussianTeaTime.com
Contemporary American/international cuisine, with options such as the
Moroccan sweet potato tagine, pastas, sandwiches, and more. Meals cost Vegetarian delicacies include baked eggplant stuffed with vegetables and
about $10. stuffed green bell peppers. Meals cost $16 - $20.
Mon., Wed., & Sun. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Tues. CLOSED Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Salad Spinners
Loop 318 W. Randolph St., Chicago • (312) 795-9555
200 E. Randolph St., Chicago • (312) 861-1740
200 W. Monroe St., Chicago • (312) 795-9555
Argo Tea • 16 West Randolph St., Chicago www.SaladSpinners.com
(312) 553-1551 • www.ArgoTea.com
Offers about ten made-to-order salad varieties, and some vegan dressings.
Offers tea-based beverages, a few vegetarian sandwiches, and Chicago Soup, such as butternut squash, also available. Meals cost about $5.
Diner vegan muffins. All dairy drinks can be made with soymilk. Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Mon. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Tues. - Sat. 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
To Pho • 19 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago • (312) 346-7216
Vietnamese cuisine where virtually every dinner entree can be made vegan.
Haifa Café • 318 W. Adams St., Chicago • (312) 346-2288
All soups are made with vegetable broth. “Egg” rolls are also vegan. Meals
Mediterranean food with options such as hummus, tabouli salad, baba cost $10 - $20.
ghanouj, Jerusalem salad, eggplant and falafel sandwiches. Smoothies can Mon. - Wed. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Thurs. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
be made vegan. Meals cost about $8.
Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. CLOSED Tokyo Lunchbox
111 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago • (312) 938-4450
Oasis Café • 21 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago • (312) 558-1058 179 W. Van Buren St., Chicago • (312) 435-4005
37 N. Wells St., Chicago • (312) 222-0690
Middle Eastern cafe that offers options such as falafel sandwiches and
hummus. Inside jewelry store. Meals cost about $7. Japanese cuisine with vegetarian sushi, as well as edamame with soy sauce,
Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sat. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED teriyaki tofu, and inari (deep fried tofu bags called aburaage filled with sushi
rice). Meals cost about $8.
Mon. - Thurs. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Fri. 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. CLOSED
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes Both burritos and smoothies can be made vegan on request. Meals cost
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not about $4.
vegan. Meals cost about $10. Mon. - Sun. 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. • Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Sat. 12 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. Old Town
Old Jerusalem • 1411 N. Wells St., Chicago • (312) 944-0459
North Lawndale Falafel, hummus, and baklava are just a few of the traditional foods served
at this Middle Eastern restaurant. Meals cost about $7.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
I.C.Y. Vegetarian Restaurant & Juice Bar
3141 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago • (773) 762-1090
Pilsen
All vegetarian restaurant with a small health food store as part of the
restaurant. Meals cost about $9. May Street Café • 1146 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago • (312) 421-4442
Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED
Vegetarian options include the organic mixed green salad with berries; and
other creative foods, such as a sandwich with plantains in the place of bread.
Will gladly accommodate vegans.
Norwood Park Sun. - Mon. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Amitabul • 6207 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
(773) 774-0276 • www.Amitabul.getwebnet.com
Printer’s Row
This vegan Korean restaurant offers an array of vegan maki, stir-fries, Opera • 1301 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago • (312) 461-0161
pancakes, and noodle soups. Amitubul uses all-organic homemade sauces
to create outstanding foods. All meals are steam stir-fried with water, no oil is Upscale Asian-influenced restaurant. Features a separate vegan menu.
used. Meals cost about $12. Unique dishes include mushroom wontons, Dan Dan Mein, a rice noodle
Mon. CLOSED • Tues. - Sat. 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m.- 8 p.m. dish, and vegan desserts. Meals cost about $20.
Sun. - Thurs. 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. - Sat. 5:30 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Summer hours start a half hour later
River North
Hundreds of easy, delicious, and FREE
Ben Pao • 52 W. Illinois St., Chicago • (312) 222-1888 • www.BenPao.com
vegan recipes are just a click away at:
Asian restaurant offering a variety of dishes, with several vegetarian options.
CookVeg.com Online form allows you to place a take-out or delivery order. Meals cost about
$11.
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. • Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sat. 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Offers desserts such as the vegan Vanilla Bean Party Cake with dark Greek entrees, including plenty of vegan options. Meals cost $12 - $15.
chocolate, tofu mousse, chocolate chunk cookies ($24 per dozen), vegan Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Fri. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.
banana walnut fudge ($30 per batch), vegan sorbets for $8, and lollipops for Sat. 12 p.m. - 1 a.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
$2.
Mon. CLOSED • Tues. - Fri. 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. West Town
Sat. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sun. 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Flying Saucer
Uptown 1123 N. California Ave., Chicago • (773) 342-9076
A classic diner with vegetarian and vegan options including a breakfast
Andie’s Restaurant • 1467 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago burrito substituted with sweet potato and tofu hash. Meals cost about $8.
(773) 348-0654 • www.AndiesRes.com Mon. CLOSED • Tues. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Offers Mediterranean and Greek food, with options such as hummus, falafel, Green Zebra • 1460 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago • (312) 243-7100
curried veggie couscous, and Moroccan eggplant. Delivery also available.
Meals cost $11 - $14. This upscale restaurant has a menu centered around the creative use of
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. vegetables. Nearly half the menu is vegan. Meals cost about $12.
Mon. CLOSED • Tues. - Thurs. 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 5:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Rique’s Regional Mexican Cooking
5004 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago • (773) 728-6200
Wicker Park
“Vegetarian/Vegan Night” every Wednesday, which features unusual
Mexican-style meatless options and vegan desserts. Meals cost about $10. Earwax Café • 1561 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago • (773) 772-4019
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Cafe that offers soy milk with coffee, as well as mock-meat sandwiches and
vegan desserts. Meals cost about $8.
West Loop Mon. - Sun. 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Jubilee Juice • 140 N. Halsted St., Chicago Letizia’s Natural Bakery • 2144 W. Division St., Chicago
(312) 491-8500 • www.JubileeJuice.com (773) 342-1011 • www.SuperYummy.com
This juice bar also has a selection of soups, salads, baked potatoes, and This restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options, as well as vegan
vegetarian sandwiches. Meals cost about $8. pastas (Pasta Romana and Pasta Broccolino for $5.50) and several vegan
Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sat. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED sandwiches. Meals cost $4 - $6.
Mon. - Fri. 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. 6:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Leona’s • 1419 W. Taylor St., Chicago
(312) 850-2222 • www.Leonas.com
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
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include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not Get an inside look at how hens are really
vegan. Meals cost about $10. treated on egg factory farms at:
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sat. 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. EggCruelty.com
22 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas 23 VegIllinois.com
Rodan • 1530 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago Mama Desta’s Red Sea
(773) 276-7036 • www.Rodan.ws 3216 N. Clark St., Chicago • (312) 935-7561
Restaurant and lounge that features a South American/Asian fusion menu Ethiopian cuisine with many vegetarian options. Meals cost about $10.
including vegan appetizers such as Rodan pizza, Wasabe tempura battered Mon., Wed., & Fri. 4 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. • Tues. CLOSED
fries, weekend brunch Tofu-Quinoa Scramble, Arepas (pan-friend corncakes), Fri. - Sat. 4 p.m. - 12 a.m.
and Caramelized Plantain Rolls for dessert. Meals cost $8 - $15.
Mon. - Fri. 6 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Sat. & Sun. (brunch) 10 a.m - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. Pick-Me-Up Café • 3408 N. Clark St., Chicago • (773) 248-6613
Features breakfast anytime menu of various tofu scrambles, and French
Sultan’s Market • 2057 W. North Ave., Chicago toast and pancake varieties that can be made vegan. Also offers vegan
(773) 235-3072 • www.ChicagoFalafel.com burgers, stir-fry, and vegan ice cream. Meals cost about $8.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. • Fri. & Sat. 24 hours
Middle Eastern food is available for dining in or to go at this deli and market.
Options include lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions, tabouli, and
baba ghanouj, and vegan cookies. Meals cost about $3. Uncommon Ground • 3800 N. Clark St., Chicago
Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Sun. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (773) 929-3680 • www.UncommonGround.com
Coffee house that also has a cafe with lots of vegetarian salads including the
The Handlebar Bar and Grill vegan thai vegetable salad, vegan chili (hold the cheese), and on their winter
2311 W. North Ave., Chicago • (773) 384-9546 menu, a unique vegan dish, curried vegetable pot pie. Meals cost about $10.
Sun. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Restaurant that can make most items on menu vegan. Options include BBQ
seitan, grilled tofu sandwich, and vegan chocolate raspberry torte. Meals cost
$7 - $10.
Mon. - Thurs. 4 p.m. - 12 a.m. • Fri. 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. Crystal Lake
Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Chicago Diner • 3411 N. Halsted St, Chicago Features many different Asian and Italian noodle dishes. Many dishes are
(773) 935-6696 • www.VeggieDiner.com vegetarian, and can be made vegan by leaving off the cheese. Also has
selection of salads. Meals cost about $6.
This award-winning, all vegetarian restaurant features such meatless Sun. - Wed. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Thurs. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
creations such as the No Meata Fajitas and the Radical Reuben, made with
seitan. Also offers vegan, trans-fat free deserts. Meals cost about $9 - 11.
Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Deer Park
Leona’s • 3215 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago La Hacienda de Los Fernandez • 21520 W. Field Pkwy., Deer Park
(773) 327-8861 • www.Leonas.com (847) 550-9413 • www.LaHaciendaFernandez.com
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes This Mexican restaurant offers various vegetarian and vegan options. Beans
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not are vegan. Vegetarian options include the avocado tacos. Meals cost $9 - $12.
vegan. Meals cost about $10. Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.
Sun. - Thurs. 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Contemporary, international vegetarian cuisine with lots of vegan options, Features different Asian and Italian noodle dishes. Many dishes are
organic ingredients, and a bakery. Meals cost about $12. vegetarian, and can be made vegan by leaving off the cheese. Also has
Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sat. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. selection of salads. Meals cost about $6.
Sun. - Wed. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Thurs. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Features many different Asian and Italian noodle dishes. Many dishes are
Kafein • 1621 Chicago Ave., Evanston vegetarian, and can be made vegan by leaving off the cheese. Also has
(847) 491-1621 • www.Kafein.com selection of salads. Meals cost about $6.
Coffee shop that has vegan sandwiches. All drinks can be made with Sun. - Wed. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Thurs. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
soymilk, including the hot chocolate.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sweet Tomatoes • 2351 Willow Rd., Glenview
(847) 657-8141 • www.SweetTomatoes.com
All-you-can-eat restaurant with salad, pasta, bread, pizza, soup, and dessert
Noodles and Company • 930 Church St., Evanston
bars. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are labeled. Meals cost about $10.
(847) 733-1200 • www.Noodles.com
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Features many different Asian and Italian noodle dishes. Many dishes are
vegetarian, and can be made vegan by leaving off the cheese. Also has
selection of salads. Meals cost about $6.
Sun. - Wed. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Thurs. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Hillside
Leona’s • 4431 W. Roosevelt Rd., Hillside
Olive Mountain • 610 Davis St., Evanston (708) 449-0101 • www.Leonas.com
(847) 475-0380 • www.OliveMountainRestaurant.com
Italian restaurant that has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
Middle Eastern restaurant with options such as the falafel sandwich lunch include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
special—served with hummus, falafel, soup or Lebanese salad. Lunch is vegan. Meals cost about $10.
between 11 - 3 p.m. Meals cost about $5. Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sat. 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Sat. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Hot Wok Village • 2557 W. Golf Rd., Hoffman Estates Offers many vegetarian and vegan options including Vegetarian Lettuce
(847) 839-8880 • www.HotWokVillage.com Wraps, Spinach Stir-fried with Garlic, Ma Po Bean Curd, Coconut-Curry
Vegetables, and Garlic Snap Peas. The kitchen will convert any meat dish
Features unique Indian/Chinese fusion menu. For the vegetarian entree, into a vegan one by substituting tofu, five-spice pressed bean curd, and
choose a vegetable, such as okra or eggplant, and add a sauce, like hot vegan “oyster” sauce. Meals cost about $8.
black garlic or szechuan. Meals cost about $7. Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Fri. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Pita House • 340 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard
Sat. 12:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. • Sun. 12:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. (630) 576-5059 • www.PitaHouse.com
Homewood Middle Eastern food with options such as the Vegetarian Falafel Plate, and
Mama Ghannouj (char-grilled zucchini blended with tahini). Meals cost about
$5.
Leona’s • 17501 Dixie Hwy., Homewood Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
(708) 922-9200 • www.Leonas.com
Sri Ganesh • 837 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes (630) 620-9175 • www.SriGaneshCuisine.com
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10. North and South Indian all vegetarian cuisine. Vegetarian food can be made
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. vegan by omitting yogurt or ghee (clarified butter). Offers lunch buffet. Meals
Sat. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. cost about $11.
Tues. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Mon. CLOSED
La Grange
Naperville
Noodles and Company • 1 E. Burlington Ave., La Grange
(708) 579-1100 • www.Noodles.com Arbor Vitae Java and Juice
111 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville • (630) 778-9090
Features many different Asian and Italian noodle dishes. Many dishes are
vegetarian, and can be made vegan by leaving off the cheese. Also has Coffee shop that has both soy and rice milk to use in their smoothies or
selection of salads. Meals cost about $6. coffee drinks. Also serves food such as vegan chili. Meals cost about $5.
Sun. - Wed. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Thurs. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Mon. - Thurs. 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sat. 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Indian restaurant that is more than willing to explain and recommend items Stir Crazy features Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese dishes. You
on the menu, or accommodate requests. There are many vegetarian options. can make your own stir-fry with tofu, and the vegetarian sauces are labeled
Meals cost about $10. on cards at each table. Meals cost about $9.
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Fri. 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Oak Brook
Niles
Reza’s • 40 N. Tower Rd., Oak Brook
Noodles and Company • 5681 W. Touhy Ave., Niles (630) 424-9900 • www.RezasRestaurant.com
(847) 647-2544 • www.Noodles.com
Persian restaurant that offers a variety of vegetarian cuisine. Offers many
Features many different Asian and Italian noodle dishes. Many dishes are
vegetarian appetizers, such as eggplant steak, as well as six vegetarian
vegetarian, and can be made vegan by leaving off the cheese. Also has
combo lunches and platters. Meals cost about $12.
selection of salads. Meals cost about $6.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Sun. - Wed. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Thurs. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Oak Park eggplant, zucchini, carrot, pepper, onion, and potato in a tomato sauce).
Meals cost about $12.
Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Middle Eastern food with options such as the Vegetarian Falafel Plate, and
Baba Ghannouj (char-grilled zucchini blended with tahini). Meals cost about
Slice of Life • 4120 Dempster St., Skokie • (708) 674-2021
$5. Italian restaurant that serves Kosher natural foods, including a variety of
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. mock meat meals, like the Mock Chicken Cacciatore. Monday night is
Mexican night. Meals cost about $12.
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Stir Crazy • 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg Sat. 6:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. • Sun. 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
(847) 330-1200 • www.StirCrazy.com
Stir Crazy features Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese dishes. You
can make your own stir-fry with tofu and vegetarian sauces that are labeled
Vernon Hills
on cards at each table. Meals cost about $9.
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. bd’s Mongolian Barbeque • 445 E. Townline Rd., Skokie
Sun. 11:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (847) 247-9600 • www.bdsMongolianBarbeque.com
Build your own stir-fry with vegetables, tofu, and noodles. Chef will cook
Sweet Tomatoes • 1951 E. McConnor Pkwy., Schaumburg vegetarian meals on separate section of grill upon request. Meals cost about
(847) 619-1271 • www.SweetTomatoes.com $14.
Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
An all-you-can-eat restaurant with salad, pasta, bread, pizza, soup, and Sun. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
dessert bars. Vegetarian/vegan dishes are labeled. Meals cost about $10.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Warrenville
Udupi Palace • 730 E. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg
(847) 884-9510 • www.UdupiPalace.com Stir Crazy • 28252 Diehl Rd., Warrenville • (630) 393-4700
www.StirCrazy.com
South Indian vegetarian restaurant. Includes vegetarian options such as Stir Crazy features Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese dishes. You
dosas. Ghee (clarified butter) can be substituted with vegetable oil upon can make your own stir-fry with tofu and the vegetarian sauces that are
request. Meals cost about $10. labeled on cards at each table. Meals cost about $9.
Mon. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 9:45 p.m. Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
L
cramped conditions of a veal crate before
ife on the farm isn’t what it used to be. The green pastures and being killed. Once a dairy cow’s milk production
idyllic barnyard scenes portrayed in children’s books have largely declines, they, like their offspring, are slaughtered
been replaced by windowless metal sheds, wire cages, and other at an age that is just a fraction of their natural life
confinement systems integral to what is known as factory farming. The expectancy.
competition to produce inexpensive meat, eggs, and dairy products has led
to treating animals as nothing more than commodities, Cattle raised for their flesh spend much of their lives in crowded feedlots
resulting in an enormous amount of suffering in and are subjected to painful mutilations, including castration and branding
the pursuit of profit. without painkillers. When the animals reach market weight, they are prodded
onto trucks and hauled through all weather extremes to the slaughterhouse.
Most pigs raised for food see no sun in According to Ramon Moreno, a former slaughterhouse worker, many cattle
their lives, have no hay to lie on, and no are slowly dismembered while fully conscious. “Some would survive as far
mud to roll in. Many of these intelligent as the tail cutter, the belly ripper, the hide puller. They die piece by piece.”
animals are confined in cages so small
that they cannot even turn around. At Animals on factory farms are denied even the most basic considerations for
the slaughterhouse, pigs endure extreme their well-being. Choosing to adopt a vegetarian diet is a powerful way to
cruelty. According to an April 10th, 2001, oppose cruelty to animals.
story in The Washington Post, “Hogs…are
dunked in tanks of hot water after they are
stunned to soften the hides for skinning. As a Learn more at
result, a botched slaughter condemns some hogs to
being scalded and drowned.”
ChooseVegetarian.com
Chickens raised for meat are genetically manipulated to grow so large
that many experience crippling leg disorders, as their
For Your Health
legs are incapable of supporting their abnormally
heavy bodies. At just 45 days old the birds are B ecoming vegetarian not only saves the lives of countless animals, but
could also save your own life. According to the American Dietetic
Association’s June 2003 position paper, vegetarians
sent to slaughter. According to a former Tyson
slaughterhouse worker, “Because the line and vegan have been reported to have:
moves so quickly, the knife misses many
birds--all of these went into the scalding water • lower body mass indices
fully conscious, screaming and kicking.” • lower blood pressure
• lower blood cholesterol levels
Ninety-eight percent of egg-laying hens • lower rates of death from heart disease
are crammed into tiny cages, and are given • lower rates of hypertension
less than half a square foot of living space-- • lower rates of type 2 diabetes
not even enough room to stretch a single wing. • lower rates of prostate and colon cancer.
Male chicks, useless to the egg industry, are killed at
birth, often by being thrown alive into grinders.
change gradually. Do Ice Cream: Try frozen desserts like Tofutti, Soy
what works best for you. Delicious, fruit sorbets, and ices. You’ll never
Here are five easy tips want to go back to the cholesterol and fat of ice
for making the switch: cream.
1 Begin by “vegging
1.
meals you already eat.
up”
Replace the
Milk: Try soy milk, rice milk, or almond milk for
cooking, on cereal, in coffee or to make hot chocolate. Use them any
meat in favorite recipes, like lasagna, stir-fries, way you’d use milk. Available in chocolate, vanilla, unsweetened, and
and chili, with beans or textured vegetable protein (TVP). low-fat varieties, too.
Use crumbled tofu instead of ricotta cheese in manicotti and lasagna. Many
alternatives to meat are readily available in grocery stores. Hamburger: There is a wide variety of vegetarian hamburgers. For
“ground beef” as an ingredient, substitute crumbled veggie burgers in
2 Check natural food stores and traditional supermarkets for instant soups
and main dish convenience items. Many canned soup flavors are vegetarian
recipes for chili, “meat loaf,” and tacos.
(black bean, minestrone, tomato, vegetable). Flavored rice mixes can be Cheese: Check health food stores for
made into an entrée just by adding a can of beans. Experiment! Order soy cheese which is great on pizza and
pizza without the cheese but loaded with vegetable toppings. sandwiches, as well as in sauces. You can
also make a great creamy “cheese” sauce
3 Try meat substitutes—veggie burgers, “ham,” “hot dogs,” and “turkey”
made of soy and other meatless ingredients. Many taste close enough to
using nutritional yeast flakes.
fool any die-hard carnivore. Try several different brands to find your favor- Eggs: Use commercial egg substitutes,
ite. such as Ener-G Egg Replacer (made mainly from
potato starch) in baked goods. For breakfast, scramble
4
4. Visit your local health food stores to find the best variety of vegetarian
foods. You’ll find aisles of wonderful products which you never knew existed:
tofu with onions, mushrooms, mustard, turmeric, and soy sauce.
microwave entrées with pasta and sauces, imitation-meat products that can Meal Ideas
be used in your favorite recipes or on their own, and soy-based “cheeses,”
“ice cream,” “mayonnaise,” “sour cream,” and “milk.” Breakfast Lunch Dinner
5
5. Explore the many vegetarian foods that are popular in other
countries, like hummus (a tangy spread made from chickpeas), vegetable
Tofu scramble
& soy sausage •
Bean burrito • Baked
tempeh or tofu
Falafel wrap w/
tahini dressing •
curries, falafel (a spicy mix of beans that can be made into patties and Soy yogurt • Fruit sandwich • Tofu, Cajun-style beans &
“meatballs”), tempeh (a popular, high-protein meat substitute), seitan (a smoothie • Bagel w/ tempeh, or seitan stir rice • Veggie chili w/
flavorful food made from wheat that can be sliced, marinated, cubed, fried, peanut butter & jelly fry • Pasta w/ tomato mixed salad • BBQ
or baked), and a host of other nutritious vegetarian items. • Cereal w/ soy milk sauce • Lentil soup tofu w/ corn
• Technical applications
Scantek, Inc.
is proud to
support the life-
saving work
of Mercy For
Animals
For information on advertising in the next edition of this guide, call 773.662.8088
Michelle Shields, CPCU, CLU • (847) 940-4488
Renters • Condo • Home • Auto • Life
Go Veggie!
Chicagoland’s
Premier Vegetarian
Organization
www.Go-Veggie.org
773-525-6677
2901 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
everything
you need
to find
healthy
and
humane
meals in the
Chicago area
over
one hundred
and seventy
vegetarian-
friendly
restaurants
listed