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1st Edition

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www.
VegIllinois
.com

The
Vegetarian
Guide Chicago to
& Surrounding Areas

Your
easy guide
to
vegetarian
and
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.

For the animals, fine print

This booklet’s purpose is to make cruelty-free dining easier and more convenient. Establishments
Your Friends at MFA listed in this guide are not necessarily endorsed by Mercy For Animals. Establishments listed may
change their hours, menu items, locations, go out of business, etc. Although we present the most
accurate and up-to-date information available to us, it is a good idea to call establishments before
visiting them to ensure that the listed information is current.

2 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas 3 VegIllinois.com

 Antioch
Angie’s Italian Market and Café
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.
Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Sat. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED
Arlington Heights
Chowpatti • 1035 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights
(847) 640-9554 • www.Chowpatti.com
This vegetarian restaurant offers a 20-page menu featuring American,
Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Indian favorites, as well as a variety of fresh
juices. Meals cost $6 - $12.
Mon. CLOSED • Tues. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Fri. - Sun. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Noodles and Company • 66 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights
(847) 577-1500 • www.Noodles.com
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.
Barrington
Frantonio’s Italian Deli and Café
421 N. Northwest Hwy., Barrington • (847) 382-2997
This cafe has vegetarian hot entrees and a few vegan sandwiches. Meals
cost about $5.
Mon. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Tues. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED
Berwyn
Great American Bagel
6641 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn • (708) 484-6611
4 VegIllinois.com
Vegetarian menu items include hummus, portobello mushroom sandwich,
and veggie burger. Meals cost about $5.
Mon. - Fri. 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. 6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Bolingbrook
Noodles and Company • 137 N. Weber Rd., Bolingbrook
(630) 772-9999 • www.Noodles.com
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.
Buffalo Grove
India House • 228 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove • (847) 520-5569
India House has a separate vegetarian menu. The masala dosa, chili dosa,
and uttapum are vegan. Lunch is buffet, dinner is a la carte. Meals cost
about $10.
Mon. - Fri. 11 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m.- 11 p.m.
Pastabilities • 167 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove • (847) 419-1800
This restaurant has made-to-order pastas with dozens of possible
combinations. Meals cost about $5.
Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Sun. 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Calumet City
Leona’s • 1455 Ring Rd., Calumet City
(708) 868-4647 • www.Leonas.com
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sat. 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
5 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
 Chicago Area
Albany Park
Al Khaymeih • 4742 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago • (773) 583-0999
Features Middle Eastern dishes such as stuffed grape leaves and falafel.
Meals cost about $5.
Sun. - Thur. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Andersonville
Andie’s Restaurant • 5253 N. Clark St., Chicago
(773) 784-8616 • www.AndiesRes.com
Offers Mediterranean and Greek food with options such as hummus, falafel,
curried veggie couscous, and Moroccan eggplant. Delivery also available.
Meals cost $11 - $14.
Mon. - Fri. 10:30 a.m. - 12 a.m. • Sat. & Sun. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Kopi Café • 5317 N. Clark St., Chicago • (773) 989-5674
Coffee shop that offers many vegetarian items, from soups to sandwiches,
with options such as the tempeh burger. Also has multiple drinks that can
be made with soymilk, including a mango freeze, and some vegan desserts.
Meals cost about $10.
Sun. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.. • Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m. - 12 a.m.
M. Henry • 5707 N. Clark St., Chicago • (773) 561-1600
Vegetarian options include the Vegan Epiphany, a veggie-laden scramble
featuring organic tofu in place of eggs and yuba (a bacon-like soy product)
for breakfast. For lunch, options include a miso-glazed veggie burger. Meals
cost about $12.
Mon. CLOSED. • Tues. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Middle East Bakery and Pastry
1512 W. Foster Ave., Chicago • (773) 561-2224
Offers vegan eats to-go. Vegetarian/vegan options include the vegan spinach
pies ($1 each). Dishes cost $4/lb.
Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
6 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
Reza’s • 5255 N. Clark St., Chicago
(773) 561-1898 • www.RezasRestaurant.com
Persian restaurant with over 20 vegetarian appetizers and platters,
including eggplant steak, roasted zucchini, and vegetable casserole. Meals
cost about $12.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Taste of Lebanon • 1509 W. Foster Ave., Chicago • (773) 334-1600
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.
Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED
Bucktown
Irazu • 1865 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago • (773) 252-5687
Costa Rican food with vegetarian burritos, daily specials and water-based
fruit shakes. Meals cost about $6.
Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED
Leona’s • 1936 W. Augusta Blvd., Chicago
(773) 292-4300 • www.Leonas.com
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10.
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.
Pacific Café • 1619 N. Damen Ave., Chicago • (773) 772-4342
Pacific Café features an extensive Pan-Asian menu, with vegan options like
veggie gyoza (dumplings) and tempura. Meals cost about $8.
Sun. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Tues. CLOSED
Red Hen Bread • 1623 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
(773) 342-6823 • www.RedHenBread.com
Sells vegan organic bread. There is a vegan sandwich option and soups
during the winter. Meals cost about $6.
Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sat. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
7 VegIllinois.com

Calumet Heights
Leona’s • 9156 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago
(773) 374-9100 • www.Leonas.com
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10.
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.
Chinatown
Lao Sze Chuan • 2172 S. Archer Ave., Chicago
(312) 326-5040 • www.LaoSzechuan.com
Chinese restaurant that features many vegetarian dishes, including tofu
dishes and a vegetarian “chicken” appetizer. Meals cost $7 - $10.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Spring World Restaurant, Inc
2109 S. China Pl., Chicago • (312) 326-9966
Chinese restaurant with vegetarian options like the Vegetarian Bird’s Nest
(yuba stuffed with vegetables) and deep-fried tofu. Meals cost about $7.
Mon. - Sun. 10:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Devon Ave.
Annapurna • 2608 W. Devon Ave., Chicago • (773) 764-1858
An inexpensive, all vegetarian, fast-food Indian restaurant. Meals cost about
$5.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m • Tues. CLOSED
Arya Bhavan • 2508 W. Devon Ave., Chicago
(773) 274-5800 • www.AryaBhavan.com
All vegetarian Indian restaurant. Many options include chana masala
(chickpeas cooked with spices) and tandoori gobi (marinated cauliflower).
Can make almost all menu items vegan upon request. Meals cost about $7
- $10. Weekday lunch buffet and weekend dinner buffet offered. Delivery
available.
Mon. CLOSED • Tues .- Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Sat. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
8 VegIllinois.com
Bhabi’s Kitchen
6352 N. Oakley Ave., Chicago • (773) 764-7007
This Indian restaurant has vegetarian dishes such as Channa Masala
(chickpeas in tomato sauce and spices) and Baigan Bharta (eggplant mixed
with tomatoes and spices). Meals cost about $9.
Mon. - Thurs. 1 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. • Fri. - Sun. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Jal Hind
2658 W. Devon Ave., Chicago • (773) 973-3400
Vegetarian Indian restaurant that specializes in quick, inexpensive food.
Meals cost about $6.
Tues. CLOSED • Wed. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Mysore Woodlands
2548 W. Devon Ave., Chicago • (773) 338-8160
All vegetarian Indian food, with options such as dosas (thin South Indian
crispy pancakes stuffed with vegetable fillings). Also has curries and other
pancakes, all of which can have the ghee (clarified butter) replaced with
vegetable oil. Meals cost about $12.
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Udupi Palace • 2543 W. Devon Ave., Chicago
(773) 338-2152 • www.UdupiPalace.com
South Indian vegetarian restaurant, with options such as dosas (thin South
Indian crispy pancakes stuffed with vegetable fillings). Ghee (clarified butter)
can be substituted with vegetable oil on request. Meals cost $7 - $10.
Mon. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Edgewater
Alice and Friends Vegetarian Café
5812 N. Broadway Ave., Chicago • (773) 275-8797
Asian restaurant that offers a variety of mock meat dishes and vegan
desserts. Options include the Japanese Don Ka Su and Almond Un-Chicken.
Meals cost about $9.
Mon. - Fri. 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Sat. 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED
Coffee Chicago • 5256 N. Broadway St., Chicago • (773) 784-1305
Coffee shop with vegan desserts such as Double Rainbow soy ice cream
and packaged vegan cookies.
Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. 7 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
9 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
Ethiopian Diamond • 6120 N. Broadway St., Chicago • (773) 338-6100
Offers vegetarian dishes served on top of traditional injera bread (sourdough
flatbread in which items are wrapped), such as the Shimbra Assa, a spicy
vegetarian dish prepared from chickpea dough. Meals cost $9 - $15.
Mon. - Thurs. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 12 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sun. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Ras Dashen • 5844 N. Broadway St., Chicago
(773) 506-9601 • www.RasDashenChicago.com
Ethopian cuisine with many vegetarian options. Also serves injera bread
(sourdough flatbread in which items are wrapped), and specializes in
Ethiopian “comfort food.” Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Sun. 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. • Tues. CLOSED
Sheba Café • 5403 N. Broadway St., Chicago • (773) 878-2352
Offers several vegetarian and vegan dishes such as misir wat (red lentils),
yeaterkik (yellow split peas) and the vegetarian combo plate. Meals cost
about $10.
Mon. - Sat. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. 1 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Englewood
Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen
1206 E. 53rd St., Chicago • (773) 324-6227
Mediterranean restaurant that offers many vegetarian and vegan options,
such as the vegan tomato couscous or lentil soup. Meals cost about $9.
Mon. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Gold Coast
Argo Tea • 819 North Rush St., Chicago
(312) 951-5302 • www.ArgoTea.com
Offers tea-based beverages, a few vegetarian sandwiches, and Chicago
Diner vegan muffins. All dairy drinks can be made with soymilk.
Mon. - Fri. 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sat. 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Crofton on Wells • 535 N. Wells St., Chicago
(312) 755-1790 • www.CroftononWells.com
Upscale restaurant with a seasonal menu that offers vegetarian/vegan
options. Will make any vegetarian entree vegan. Meals cost $10 - $20.
Mon. - Thurs. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED
10 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
Foodlife • 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
(312) 335-3663 • www.FoodLifeChicago.com
Foodlife is an eatery with 13 separate kitchens, each specializing in a
cuisine, such as Italian, Mexican, or Asian. Be sure to check out the
following eateries and their vegan options: “Miracle Juice Bar” (smoothies),
“Laser Noodles” (pad thai) and “Stir Fry Heaven” (vegan mushroom broth
stir-fry). Meals cost about $8.
Sun. - Thurs. 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Gaylord India • 678 N. Clark St., Chicago • (312) 664-1700
Indian restaurant with buffet and vegetarian options. Uses no processed or
canned ingredients. Meals cost about $8.
Mon. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. / 5:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.
Karyn’s Cooked Conscious Comfort Foods
738 N. Wells St., Chicago • (312) 587-1050 • www.KarynRaw.com
This vegan restaurant specializes in comfort foods such as macaroni and
“cheese”, vegan pizza, and the Jerk Tofu Sandwich Wrap. Meals cost about
$15.
Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Leona’s • 646 N. Franklin St., Chicago
(312) 867-0101 • www.Leonas.com
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10.
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.
P.F. Chang’s • 530 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago
(312) 828-9977 • www.PFChangs.com
Offers many vegetarian and vegan options including Vegetarian Lettuce
Wraps, Spinach Stir-fried with Garlic, Ma Po Bean Curd, Coconut-Curry
Vegetables, and Garlic Snap Peas. The kitchen will convert any meat dish
into a vegan one by substituting tofu, five-spice pressed bean curd, and
vegan “oyster” sauce. Meals cost about $8.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Reza’s • 432 W. Ontario St., Chicago
(312) 664-4500 • www.RezasRestaurant.com
Persian restaurant with over 20 vegetarian appetizers and platters,
including eggplant steak and vegetable casserole. Meals cost about $12.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
11 VegIllinois.com
 Greater Grand Crossing
Soul Vegetarian East
205 E. 75th St., Chicago • (773) 224-0104
Serves Southern-influenced vegetarian fare. Also offers weekend brunch.
Restaurant is adjoined to Eternity Juice Bar, which offers food, juices, and
vegan soft-serve to go. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Thurs. 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sat. 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Hyde Park
Ex Libris Coffee Shop • 1101 E. 56th St., Chicago
(773) 702-7645 • ExLibris.uchicago.edu
Thai and Middle Eastern entrees along with sweets and coffees are offered
at this University of Chicago library coffeehouse. Located in the Regenstein
Library, Level A. Call ahead for hours as they close for school breaks. Meals
cost about $8.
Mon. - Thurs. 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. • Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat. CLOSED • Sun. 2 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Istria Café • 1520 E. 57th St., Chicago
(773) 955-2556 • www.IstriaCafe.com
Coffee shop that offers soy gelato as well as sorbettos that are water-based.
Mon. - Thurs. 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Fri. 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Fri. 6:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Leona’s • 1236 E. 53rd St., Chicago
(773) 363-2600 • www.Leonas.com
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Thurs. 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 12 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Sun. 12 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Mellow Yellow • 1508 E. 53rd St., Chicago • (773) 667-2000
American food with extensive menu featuring vegetarian options, all of which
can be made vegan. Meals cost about $8.
Mon. - Thurs. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. - Sat. 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sun. 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
12 VegIllinois.com
Rajun Cajun • 1459 E. 53rd St., Chicago • (773) 955-1145
Vegan and vegetarian Indian dishes available in a fast-food setting.
Appetizers include samosas. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The Nile • 1611 E. 55th St., Chicago • (773) 324-9499
Middle Eastern food with options such as falafel as an appetizer, sandwich
or entree. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Irving Park
Cousin’s Vitality
3038 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago • (773) 478-6868
After Chef Mehmet Ak went through a detox raw foods program and lost 70
pounds, he transformed this Turkish restaurant into a raw foods haven. Meals
cost about $12.
Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Dharma Garden Thai Cuisine
3109 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago • (773) 588-9140
Dozens of vegan options offered, including soups, salads, and entrees.
Everything is prepared with olive oil and brown rice is offered. No MSG. Meals
cost about $12.
Mon. CLOSED. • Tues. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Leona’s • 3877 N. Elston Ave., Chicago • (773) 267-7287
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Lakeview
Chicago’s Pizza & Pasta
3006 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago • (773) 755-4030
3114 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago • (773) 477-2777
www.Chicagos-Pizza.com
This locally owned pizzeria has vegan options such as pasta and foccacia.
Can also make cheese-less vegan pizza. Meals cost $5 - $20.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.
DELIVERY Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 5 a.m.
13 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
 Cousin’s • 2833 N. Broadway St., Chicago • (773) 880-0063
Middle Eastern food with vegetarian options such as hummus, veggie
noodles, and couscous. Meals cost about $9.
Mon. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Emerald City • 2852 N. Clark St., Chicago • (773) 477-0555
Middle Eastern cafe with salad bar and many vegetarian options, including
burgers and soups. Also offers non-dairy fruit smoothies. Meals cost about
$5.
Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. • Sun. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Pars Cove • 435 W. Diversey Pkwy., Chicago
(773) 549-1515 • www.ParsCove.com
Persian restaurant with nice dinning environment. Vegetarian options include
rice-stuffed grape leaves, shirazi salad, hummus, baba ghanoush, veggie
gourmeh (a blend of vegetables and caramelized onions in a crushed
tomato garlic herb sauce), and vegetarian lentil soup. Meals cost about $13.
Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sinbad’s • 921 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago • (773) 477-6020
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
colorful Belmont Avenue. Offers many vegetarian/vegan options such as
the rice-stuffed grape leaves, baba ghanough, and falafel sandwich with
hummus. Meals cost about $6.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Standard Indian Restaurant
917 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago • (773) 929-1123
Standard Indian has both a buffet with lots of vegetarian options and menu
items. Buffet costs $8.95.
Mon. - Fri. 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 10 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.
Szechuan Garden • 2901 N. Broadway St., Chicago • (773) 525-6677
Chinese restaurant with over 100 vegetarian items, most of them vegan.
Options include General Tao’s soy gluten and kung pao tofu. Meals cost
about $10.
Tues. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Mon. CLOSED
14 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
Lincoln Park
Argo Tea • 958 West Armitage Ave., Chicago
(773) 388-1880 • www.ArgoTea.com
Offers tea-based beverages, a few vegetarian sandwiches, and Chicago
Diner vegan muffins. Soymilk can be substituted for dairy in drinks.
Mon. - Fri. 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Flat Top Grill • 319 W. North Ave., Chicago
(312) 787-7676 • www.FlatTopGrill.com
Flat Top Grill allows you to create your own, all-you-can-eat, stir-fry meal.
Most locations offer seitan, a meat alternative. Meals cost about $13.
Sun. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
John’s Place • 1202 W. Webster Ave., Chicago • (773) 525-6670
Classic American eatery that offers vegetarian options including burritos,
vegan chili, and vegan stir-fry. Tofu may be substituted for meat in nearly
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.
Sat. 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Karyn’s Fresh Corner • 1901 N. Halsted St., Chicago
(312) 255-1590 • www.KarynRaw.com
Karyn’s has both a fine dining restaurant featuring raw haute vegan cuisine,
and a more casual section with a salad and juice bar. Meals cost about $14.
Mon. - Sun. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Red Hen Bread • 500 W. Diversey Pkwy., Chicago
(773) 248-6025 • www.RedHenBread.com
Sells vegan organic bread. There is a vegan sandwich option, and soups
during the winter. Meals cost about $6.
Mon. - Sat. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Trotters To Go • 1337 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago
(773) 868-6510 • www.TrottersToGo.com
Provides upscale take-out, with unique vegetarian creations like braised
carrots with ginger & dried black currants ($12.95 lb.) and angel hair pasta
with asparagus, shiitake mushrooms & white truffle oil ($13.95 lb.). Menu
items subject to change.
Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Sun. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
15 VegIllinois.com

Lincoln Square
Chicago’s Pizza and Pasta • 1919 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago
(773) 348-1700 • www.Chicagos-Pizza.com
This locally owned pizzeria has vegan options such as pasta and foccacia.
Can also make cheese-less vegan pizza. Meals cost about $5-$20.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.
DELIVERY Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 5 a.m.
Logan Square
Lula Café • 2537 N. Kedzie Blvd., Chicago • (773) 489-9554
Contemporary American/international cuisine, with options such as the
Moroccan sweet potato tagine, pastas, sandwiches, and more. Meals cost
about $10.
Mon., Wed., & Sun. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Tues. CLOSED
Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Loop
Argo Tea • 16 West Randolph St., Chicago
(312) 553-1551 • www.ArgoTea.com
Offers tea-based beverages, a few vegetarian sandwiches, and Chicago
Diner vegan muffins. All dairy drinks can be made with soymilk.
Mon. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Tues. - Sat. 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Haifa Café • 318 W. Adams St., Chicago • (312) 346-2288
Mediterranean food with options such as hummus, tabouli salad, baba
ghanouj, Jerusalem salad, eggplant and falafel sandwiches. Smoothies can
be made vegan. Meals cost about $8.
Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. CLOSED
Oasis Café • 21 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago • (312) 558-1058
Middle Eastern cafe that offers options such as falafel sandwiches and
hummus. Inside jewelry store. Meals cost about $7.
Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sat. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED
16 VegIllinois.com
Pita Express • 100 W. Randolph St., Chicago • (312) 422-0422
Mediterranean food such as the Jerusalem Salad with a blend of lemon
and tahini, crispy oregano pita chips, hummus, tabouli salad, baba
ghanouj, falafel or eggplant sandwich. Located in food court of the James
R. Thompson Center.
Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. CLOSED
Rice Market • 500 W. Madison St., Chicago • (312) 648-0662
Asian food that includes Korean Be Bim Bop (rice with vegetables,
eggplant, spinach, sprouts and lettuce in soy sauce and sesame seed oil)
and Hungshoa Tofu. Meals cost about $5.
Mon. - Fri. 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. CLOSED
Russian Tea Time • 77 E. Adams St., Chicago
(312) 360-0000 • www.RussianTeaTime.com
Vegetarian delicacies include baked eggplant stuffed with vegetables and
stuffed green bell peppers. Meals cost $16 - $20.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Salad Spinners
318 W. Randolph St., Chicago • (312) 795-9555
200 E. Randolph St., Chicago • (312) 861-1740
200 W. Monroe St., Chicago • (312) 795-9555
www.SaladSpinners.com
Offers about ten made-to-order salad varieties, and some vegan dressings.
Soup, such as butternut squash, also available. Meals cost about $5.
Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
To Pho • 19 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago • (312) 346-7216
Vietnamese cuisine where virtually every dinner entree can be made vegan.
All soups are made with vegetable broth. “Egg” rolls are also vegan. Meals
cost $10 - $20.
Mon. - Wed. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Thurs. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Tokyo Lunchbox
111 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago • (312) 938-4450
179 W. Van Buren St., Chicago • (312) 435-4005
37 N. Wells St., Chicago • (312) 222-0690
Japanese cuisine with vegetarian sushi, as well as edamame with soy sauce,
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
17 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
 Morgan Park
Leona’s • 11060 S. Western Ave., Chicago
(773) 881-7700 • www.Leonas.com
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10.
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.
North Lawndale
I.C.Y. Vegetarian Restaurant & Juice Bar
3141 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago • (773) 762-1090
All vegetarian restaurant with a small health food store as part of the
restaurant. Meals cost about $9.
Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED
Norwood Park
Amitabul • 6207 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
(773) 774-0276 • www.Amitabul.getwebnet.com
This vegan Korean restaurant offers an array of vegan maki, stir-fries,
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
used. Meals cost about $12.
Mon. CLOSED • Tues. - Sat. 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Hundreds of easy, delicious, and FREE
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18 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
O’Hare Airport
Burrito Beach • 5600 N. Mannheim Rd., Chicago
(733) 462-0190 • www.BurritoBeach.com
Both burritos and smoothies can be made vegan on request. Meals cost
about $4.
Mon. - Sun. 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Old Town
Old Jerusalem • 1411 N. Wells St., Chicago • (312) 944-0459
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.
Pilsen
May Street Café • 1146 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago • (312) 421-4442
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.
Sun. - Mon. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Printer’s Row
Opera • 1301 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago • (312) 461-0161
Upscale Asian-influenced restaurant. Features a separate vegan menu.
Unique dishes include mushroom wontons, Dan Dan Mein, a rice noodle
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
Ben Pao • 52 W. Illinois St., Chicago • (312) 222-1888 • www.BenPao.com
Asian restaurant offering a variety of dishes, with several vegetarian options.
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.
19 VegIllinois.com
 Rogers Park
Cafe Ennui • 6981 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago
(773) 973-2233 • www.EnnuiCafe.com
Coffee shop with sandwiches, soups, and pastas, most of which are
vegetarian or vegan. Meals cost about $5.
Mon. - Thurs. 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Fri. 6 a.m. - 12 a.m. • Sat. 7 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Sun. 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Heartland Café • 7000 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago
(773) 465-8005 • www.HeartlandCafe.com
Community restaurant that offers vegetarian/vegan dishes. Options include
the Seitan Burrito Grande or the Big Heart Lentil Burger. There is a small
natural products and health food store connected to the restaurant where
you can find cruelty-free products and soy ice cream. Meals cost $8 - $10.
Mon. - Thurs. 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sat. 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Lake Side Café • 1418 W. Howard St., Chicago
(773) 764-6987 • www.Lake-Side-Cafe.com
The Lake Side Cafe serves all organic vegetarian cuisine and freshly made
juices. Daily specials are often vegan.
Mon. 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Tues. CLOSED • Wed. - Sun. 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Leona’s • 6935 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago
(773) 764-5757 • www.Leonas.com
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Sun. 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Roscoe Village
Mario and Gino’s Ice Cream
2057 W. Roscoe St., Chicago • (773) 556-6788
In addition to vegan sorbets, options include Double Rainbow soy ice cream
with flavors like blueberry and butter pecan. Will prepare vegan shakes upon
request. Supplies run out fast, so call in advance. Scoops cost $2 - $5.
Open seasonally, during warm weather
Summer hours roughly 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. but change frequently
20 VegIllinois.com
Victory’s Banner • 2100 W. Roscoe St., Chicago • (773) 665-0227
Victory’s Banner has a plethora of vegetarian breakfast and lunch items.
Many items can be made vegan upon request. Meals cost about $8.
Tues. CLOSED • Wed. - Mon. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
South Chicago
Vegetarian Fun Foods Supreme
1702 E. 87th St., Chicago • (773) 734-6321
Fresh food made daily from natural products. Options include non-dairy
bread with whole wheat flour and honey as main ingredients. Most items
are vegan. Menu includes made-to-order sandwiches and tacos prepared
with soybean meat substitutes. Other items include vegetable chili, soup of
the day, non-dairy baked goods, and freshly squeezed juices. Meals cost
about $7.
Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED
South Lawndale
El Faro • 3936 W. 31st St., Chicago • (773) 277-1155
Offers a full menu of vegetarian offerings, from tacos and burritos to
sandwiches made with meat analogs, such as the Soy “Chicken” Sandwich
Vegetariano. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices available. Meals cost about $8.
Mon. - Sun. 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Ukranian Village
Atomix Café • 1957 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago • (312) 666-2649
A coffeehouse with light food. Atomix has several options for vegans, as well
as soy milk for coffee drinks and vegan desserts. Meals cost about $5.
Mon. - Fri. 6:45 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Bite Café • 1039 N. Western Ave., Chicago
(773) 395-2483 • www.EmptyBottle.com/Bite.htm
Features a wide variety of food with vegetarian options such as sandwiches,
pastas or burritos. Meals cost $5 - $8.
Sun. - Wed. 8 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. • Thurs. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
21 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
 Bleeding Heart Bakery • 2018 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago
(773) 278-3638 • www.TheBleedingHeartBakery.com
Offers desserts such as the vegan Vanilla Bean Party Cake with dark
chocolate, tofu mousse, chocolate chunk cookies ($24 per dozen), vegan
banana walnut fudge ($30 per batch), vegan sorbets for $8, and lollipops for
$2.
Mon. CLOSED • Tues. - Fri. 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sat. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sun. 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Uptown
Andie’s Restaurant • 1467 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago
(773) 348-0654 • www.AndiesRes.com
Offers Mediterranean and Greek food, with options such as hummus, falafel,
curried veggie couscous, and Moroccan eggplant. Delivery also available.
Meals cost $11 - $14.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Rique’s Regional Mexican Cooking
5004 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago • (773) 728-6200
“Vegetarian/Vegan Night” every Wednesday, which features unusual
Mexican-style meatless options and vegan desserts. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
West Loop
Jubilee Juice • 140 N. Halsted St., Chicago
(312) 491-8500 • www.JubileeJuice.com
This juice bar also has a selection of soups, salads, baked potatoes, and
vegetarian sandwiches. Meals cost about $8.
Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sat. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. CLOSED
Leona’s • 1419 W. Taylor St., Chicago
(312) 850-2222 • www.Leonas.com
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10.
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.
22 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
Pagasus Restaurant and Tavern
130 S. Halsted St., Chicago • (312) 226-4666
Greek entrees, including plenty of vegan options. Meals cost $12 - $15.
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. - 11 p.m.
West Town
Flying Saucer
1123 N. California Ave., Chicago • (773) 342-9076
A classic diner with vegetarian and vegan options including a breakfast
burrito substituted with sweet potato and tofu hash. Meals cost about $8.
Mon. CLOSED • Tues. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Green Zebra • 1460 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago • (312) 243-7100
This upscale restaurant has a menu centered around the creative use of
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.
Wicker Park
Earwax Café • 1561 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago • (773) 772-4019
Cafe that offers soy milk with coffee, as well as mock-meat sandwiches and
vegan desserts. Meals cost about $8.
Mon. - Sun. 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Letizia’s Natural Bakery • 2144 W. Division St., Chicago
(773) 342-1011 • www.SuperYummy.com
This restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options, as well as vegan
pastas (Pasta Romana and Pasta Broccolino for $5.50) and several vegan
sandwiches. Meals cost $4 - $6.
Mon. - Fri. 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Sat. & Sun. 6:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
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treated on egg factory farms at:
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23 VegIllinois.com
 Rodan • 1530 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
(773) 276-7036 • www.Rodan.ws
Restaurant and lounge that features a South American/Asian fusion menu
including vegan appetizers such as Rodan pizza, Wasabe tempura battered
fries, weekend brunch Tofu-Quinoa Scramble, Arepas (pan-friend corncakes),
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.
Sultan’s Market • 2057 W. North Ave., Chicago
(773) 235-3072 • www.ChicagoFalafel.com
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.
Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Sun. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The Handlebar Bar and Grill
2311 W. North Ave., Chicago • (773) 384-9546
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.
Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Wrigleyville
Chicago Diner • 3411 N. Halsted St, Chicago
(773) 935-6696 • www.VeggieDiner.com
This award-winning, all vegetarian restaurant features such meatless
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.
Leona’s • 3215 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago
(773) 327-8861 • www.Leonas.com
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10.
Sun. - Thurs. 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
24 VegIllinois.com
Mama Desta’s Red Sea
3216 N. Clark St., Chicago • (312) 935-7561
Ethiopian cuisine with many vegetarian options. Meals cost about $10.
Mon., Wed., & Fri. 4 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. • Tues. CLOSED
Fri. - Sat. 4 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Pick-Me-Up Café • 3408 N. Clark St., Chicago • (773) 248-6613
Features breakfast anytime menu of various tofu scrambles, and French
toast and pancake varieties that can be made vegan. Also offers vegan
burgers, stir-fry, and vegan ice cream. Meals cost about $8.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 3 a.m. • Fri. & Sat. 24 hours
Uncommon Ground • 3800 N. Clark St., Chicago
(773) 929-3680 • www.UncommonGround.com
Coffee house that also has a cafe with lots of vegetarian salads including the
vegan thai vegetable salad, vegan chili (hold the cheese), and on their winter
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.
Crystal Lake
Noodles and Company • 4912 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake
(815) 459-4400 • www.Noodles.com
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.
Deer Park
La Hacienda de Los Fernandez • 21520 W. Field Pkwy., Deer Park
(847) 550-9413 • www.LaHaciendaFernandez.com
This Mexican restaurant offers various vegetarian and vegan options. Beans
are vegan. Vegetarian options include the avocado tacos. Meals cost $9 - $12.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.
25 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
 Noodles and Company • 20530 N. Rand Rd., Deer Park
(847) 726-1000 • www.Noodles.com
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.
DeKalb
Eduardo’s Mexican Restaurant
214 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb • (815) 758-2677
Offers vegetarian “beef” tacos using textured vegetable protein and
vegetarian “chicken” using a mock-chicken substitute. Meals cost about $9.
Sun. - Thurs. 4 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 3 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
The House Café • 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb
(815) 748-2880 • www.TheHouseCafe.net
A cafe with many vegetarian/vegan options such as the Portabella Stuffed
Sandwich and the Hot Tofu Noodle Bowl. Meals cost $3 - $6.
Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. • Sat. 9 a.m. - 1 a.m. • Sun. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Des Plaines
Leona’s • 1504 Miner St., Des Plaines
(847) 759-0800 • www.Leonas.com
Italian restaurant that has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Thur. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sat. 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Downers Grove
Cebu • 7329 Lemont Rd., Downers Grove • (630) 663-8803
Asian restaurant featuring Castilian, Filipino and pan-Asian food with
vegetarian options. Meals cost about $8.
Mon. CLOSED • Tues. - Thurs. 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 12 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
26 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
Sher-E-Punjab • 2113 63rd St., Chicago • (630) 971-8300
Indian restaurant with buffet that includes vegetarian options. Lunch costs
about $7 and dinner costs about $9.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Elgin
Jalapenos • 7 Clock Tower Plaza, Elgin • (847) 468-9445
Authentic Mexican dishes with vegetarian and vegan options. Full service as
well as take-out. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Sun. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Noodles and Company • 895 S. Randall Rd., Elgin
(847) 888-0500 • www.Noodles.com
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.
Elmhurst
Kalamata • 116 Schiller St., Elmhurst • (630) 833-7991
Greek restaurant that offers vegetarian options such as Briami (baked
zucchini) and eggplant and olives in a tomato sauce. Meals cost about $9.
Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sat. 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
L’ athar Mediterranean • 149 N. Addison Ave., Elmhurst
(630) 530-8418 • www.LatharCuisine.com
Mediterranean fine dining with several vegetarian appetizers and salads.
Meals cost about $12.
Tues. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sat. 4 p.m. - 11 p.m. • Sun. 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.
27 VegIllinois.com
 Evanston
Blind Faith Café • 525 Dempster St, Evanston
(847) 328-6875 • www.BlindFaithCafe.com
Contemporary, international vegetarian cuisine with lots of vegan options,
organic ingredients, and a bakery. Meals cost about $12.
Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sat. 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Flat Top Grill • 707 Church St., Evanston
(847) 570-0100 • www.FlatTopGrill.com
Flat Top Grill allows you to create-your-own, all-you-can-eat, stir-fry meal.
Most locations offer seitan, a meat alternative. Meals cost about $13.
Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Kafein • 1621 Chicago Ave., Evanston
(847) 491-1621 • www.Kafein.com
Coffee shop that has vegan sandwiches. All drinks can be made with
soymilk, including the hot chocolate.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Noodles and Company • 930 Church St., Evanston
(847) 733-1200 • www.Noodles.com
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.
Olive Mountain • 610 Davis St., Evanston
(847) 475-0380 • www.OliveMountainRestaurant.com
Middle Eastern restaurant with options such as the falafel sandwich lunch
special—served with hummus, falafel, soup or Lebanese salad. Lunch is
between 11 - 3 p.m. Meals cost about $5.
Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Sat. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
28 VegIllinois.com
Geneva
Noodles and Company • 1310 Commons Dr., Geneva
(630) 262-6400 • www.Noodles.com
Features 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.
Glenview
Noodles and Company • 1851 Tower Dr., Glenview
(847) 729-5555 • www.Noodles.com
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.
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
bars. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are labeled. Meals cost about $10.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Hillside
Leona’s • 4431 W. Roosevelt Rd., Hillside
(708) 449-0101 • www.Leonas.com
Italian restaurant that has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10.
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. - 9 p.m.
29 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
 Hoffman Estates
Hot Wok Village • 2557 W. Golf Rd., Hoffman Estates
(847) 839-8880 • www.HotWokVillage.com
Features unique Indian/Chinese fusion menu. For the vegetarian entree,
choose a vegetable, such as okra or eggplant, and add a sauce, like hot
black garlic or szechuan. Meals cost about $7.
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.
Sat. 12:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. • Sun. 12:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Homewood
Leona’s • 17501 Dixie Hwy., Homewood
(708) 922-9200 • www.Leonas.com
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sat. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Sun. 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
La Grange
Noodles and Company • 1 E. Burlington Ave., La Grange
(708) 579-1100 • www.Noodles.com
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.
Lombard
Kabob Café • 1300 S. Main St. #A., Lombard • (630) 627-6112
Middle Eastern cafe that has vegetarian options such as the falafel
sandwich, hummus, baba ghanouj and salad. Meals cost about $5.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
30 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
P.F. Chang’s • 2361 Fountain Square Dr., Lombard
(630) 652-9977 • www.PFChangs.com
Offers many vegetarian and vegan options including Vegetarian Lettuce
Wraps, Spinach Stir-fried with Garlic, Ma Po Bean Curd, Coconut-Curry
Vegetables, and Garlic Snap Peas. The kitchen will convert any meat dish
into a vegan one by substituting tofu, five-spice pressed bean curd, and
vegan “oyster” sauce. Meals cost about $8.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Pita House • 340 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard
(630) 576-5059 • www.PitaHouse.com
Middle Eastern food with options such as the Vegetarian Falafel Plate, and
Mama Ghannouj (char-grilled zucchini blended with tahini). Meals cost about
$5.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sri Ganesh • 837 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard
(630) 620-9175 • www.SriGaneshCuisine.com
North and South Indian all vegetarian cuisine. Vegetarian food can be made
vegan by omitting yogurt or ghee (clarified butter). Offers lunch buffet. Meals
cost about $11.
Tues. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Mon. CLOSED
Naperville
Arbor Vitae Java and Juice
111 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville • (630) 778-9090
Coffee shop that has both soy and rice milk to use in their smoothies or
coffee drinks. Also serves food such as vegan chili. Meals cost about $5.
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.
bd’s Mongolian Barbeque • 221 S. Washington St., Naperville
(630) 428-0300 • www.bdsMongolianBarbeque.com
Build your own stir-fry with vegetables, tofu, and noodles. Chef will cook
vegetarian meals on separate section of grill upon request. Meals cost about
$14.
Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
31 VegIllinois.com
 Noodles and Company • 207 S. Washington St., Naperville
(630) 369-3332 • www.Noodles.com
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.
Olive Branch • 210 S. Main St., Naperville • (630) 416-9065
This store only offers to-go options, mainly for bulk party orders. Orders
serve up to eight people, and include hummus ($25) and eggplant salad
($30). Also has individual orders of falafel $4.49/dozen. Meals cost about $5.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. • CLOSED on Sundays in cold weather
CLOSED during Ramadan
Swagat Indian Cuisine
1570 W. Ogden Ave., Naperville • (630) 420-7565
Indian restaurant that is more than willing to explain and recommend items
on the menu, or accommodate requests. There are many vegetarian options.
Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Fri. 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Niles
Noodles and Company • 5681 W. Touhy Ave., Niles
(847) 647-2544 • www.Noodles.com
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.
Norridge
Falafel House
8536 W Lawrence Ave., Norridge • (708) 453-3663
Greek food, with vegetarian options including the Baba Ganoush Dip and
falafel sandwich. Meals cost about $8.
Mon. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
32 VegIllinois.com
Northbrook
P.F. Chang’s • 1819 Lake Cook Rd., Northbrook
(847) 509-8844 • www.PFChangs.com
Offers many vegetarian and vegan options including Vegetarian Lettuce
Wraps, Spinach Stir-fried with Garlic, Ma Po Bean Curd, Coconut-Curry
Vegetables, and Garlic Snap Peas. The kitchen will convert any meat dish
into a vegan one by substituting tofu, five-spice pressed bean curd, and
vegan “oyster” sauce. Meals cost about $8.
Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 11a.m. - 11:30 p.m. • Sun. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Stir Crazy • 1186 Northbrook Ct., Northbrook
(847) 562-4800 • www.StirCrazy.com
Stir Crazy features Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese dishes. You
can make your own stir-fry with tofu, and the vegetarian sauces are labeled
on cards at each table. Meals cost about $9.
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Oak Brook
Reza’s • 40 N. Tower Rd., Oak Brook
(630) 424-9900 • www.RezasRestaurant.com
Persian restaurant that offers a variety of vegetarian cuisine. Offers many
vegetarian appetizers, such as eggplant steak, as well as six vegetarian
combo lunches and platters. Meals cost about $12.
Mon. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Stir Crazy • 105 Oakbrook Center, Oakbrook
(630) 575-0155 • www.StirCrazy.com
Stir Crazy features Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese dishes. You
can make your own stir-fry with tofu, and the vegetarian sauces are labeled
on cards at each table. Meals cost about $9.
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
33 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
 Oak Lawn Leona’s • 848 Madison St., Oak Park • (708) 445-0101 • www.Leonas.com
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes
Leona’s • 6616 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
(708) 430-7070 • www.Leonas.com vegan. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Thurs. 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
This Italian restaurant has several vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes Sat. 12 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. • Sun. 1 p.m. - 10 p.m.
include Tofu Skewers and the Big Fat Vegan Burger. Pizza sauce is not
vegan. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. Papa Spiros Greek Taverna
Sun. 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. 733 Lake St., Oak Park • (708) 358-1700
Greek restaurant that offers many vegetarian dishes such as briami (roasted

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.

Buzz Café • 905 S. Lombard Ave., Oak Park • (708) 524-2899

834 Lake St., Oak Park • (708) 660-9500
www.TheBuzzCafe.com Orland Park
Coffeehouse that has a variety of veg-friendly fare on the menu, plus the
option of soymilk. Meals cost about $6. Noodles and Company • 14662 La Grange Rd., Orland Park
Mon. - Fri. 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Sat. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Sun. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. (708) 403-4400 • www.Noodles.com
Check website for Lake St. Hours
Features many different Asian and Italian noodle dishes. Many dishes are
vegetarian, and can be made vegan by leaving off the cheese. Also has
Flat Top Grill • 726 Lake St., Oak Park selection of salads. Meals cost about $6.
(708) 358-8200 • www.FlatTopGrill.com
Sun. - Wed. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Thurs. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Flat Top Grill allows you to create-your-own, all-you-can-eat, stir-fry meal.
Most locations offer seitan, a meat alternative. Meals cost about $13.
Sun. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Schaumburg
Grape Leaves • 129 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park • (708) 848-5555
Middle Eastern restaurant with options such as falafel and hummus. Meals India House • 1521 W. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg
cost about $4. (847) 895-5501 • www.IndiaHouseSchaumburg.com
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. / 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Indian restaurant that offers a variety of vegetarian options. They also cater
and hold banquets. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Khyber Pass • 1031 Lake St., Oak Park • (708) 445-9032
Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Indian restaurant with an all-you-can-eat buffet. Features many vegetarian Sat. 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.
and vegan options. The buffet costs $11.95. Sun. 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Mon. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

34 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas 35 VegIllinois.com

 P.F. Chang’s • 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg
(847) 610-8000 • www.PFChangs.com
Offers many vegetarian and vegan options including Vegetarian Lettuce
Wraps, Spinach Stir-fried with Garlic, Ma Po Bean Curd, Coconut-Curry
Vegetables, and Garlic Snap Peas. The kitchen will convert any meat dish
into a vegan one by substituting tofu, five-spice pressed bean curd, and
vegan “oyster” sauce. Meals cost about $8.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Pita House • 365 S. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg
(847) 352-4750 • www.PitaHouse.com
Middle Eastern food with options such as the Vegetarian Falafel Plate, and
Baba Ghannouj (char-grilled zucchini blended with tahini). Meals cost about
$5.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Stir Crazy • 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg
(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
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.
Sun. 11:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sweet Tomatoes • 1951 E. McConnor Pkwy., Schaumburg
(847) 619-1271 • www.SweetTomatoes.com
An all-you-can-eat restaurant with salad, pasta, bread, pizza, soup, and
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.
Udupi Palace • 730 E. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg
(847) 884-9510 • www.UdupiPalace.com
South Indian vegetarian restaurant. Includes vegetarian options such as
dosas. Ghee (clarified butter) can be substituted with vegetable oil upon
request. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 9:45 p.m.
36 VegIllinois.com
Skokie
Kabul House • 3320 Dempster St., Skokie • (847) 763-9930
Afghan cuisine with vegetarian options. Many of the rice dishes are
sweetened with carrots and raisins. Meals cost about $10.
Mon. - Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Pita Inn • 3910 Dempster St., Skokie • (847) 677-0211
Middle Eastern food with vegetarian options. Meals cost $5 - $7.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. • Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Slice of Life • 4120 Dempster St., Skokie • (708) 674-2021
Italian restaurant that serves Kosher natural foods, including a variety of
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.
Sat. 6:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. • Sun. 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Vernon Hills
bd’s Mongolian Barbeque • 445 E. Townline Rd., Skokie
(847) 247-9600 • www.bdsMongolianBarbeque.com
Build your own stir-fry with vegetables, tofu, and noodles. Chef will cook
vegetarian meals on separate section of grill upon request. Meals cost about
$14.
Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Warrenville
Stir Crazy • 28252 Diehl Rd., Warrenville • (630) 393-4700
www.StirCrazy.com
Stir Crazy features Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese dishes. You
can make your own stir-fry with tofu and the vegetarian sauces that are
labeled on cards at each table. Meals cost about $9.
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.
37 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
 Westmont Resources
Deep Foods Restaurant There are many useful books, videos, and websites to help you make
6124 S. Cass Ave., Westmont • (630) 810-1280 the transition to a cruelty-free lifestyle. Below are some of Mercy For
Animals top picks.
Carry-out Indian restaurant and grocery that offers many vegetarian dishes.
Lunch costs $5 - $7 and dinner costs $10 - $14. Videos/DVDs
Mon. CLOSED • Tues. - Sat. 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. • Sun. 2:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
• Silent Suffering by Mercy For Animals
• Peaceable Kingdom by Tribe of Heart
Mysore Woodlands • 6020 S. Cass Ave., Westmont • (630) 769-9663 (order at TribeofHeart.org)
Indian restaurant with options such as the dosa (thin South Indian crispy • Maximum Nutrition by Michael Greger, MD
pancakes stuffed with vegetable fillings). All curries and other pancakes can (order at VeganMD.com)
have the ghee (clarified butter) replaced with vegetable oil. Meals cost about • 45 Days by Compassion Over Killing
$12. (order at Cok.net)
Mon. - Sun. 11:30 - 2:45 / 5 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. •Earthlings by Nation Earth
(order at ISawEarthlings.com)
• Meet Your Meat by PETA
Shree Vegetarian Restaurant (order or view free at MeetYourMeat.com)
655 N. Cass Ave., Westmont • (630) 655-1021
This vegetarian Indian restaurant offers full service, with a lunch buffet, as Websites
well as take-out. Reservations are required for the weekends. Lunch buffet • MercyForAnimals.org - offers information on factory farming, animal
costs $7.45. Meals cost $10 - $12. rights events in Illinois, how to order a free Vegetarian Starter Kit, & more.
Sun., Tues. - Thurs. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. • VegIllinois.com - the up-to-date online version of this guide.
Fri. - Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. • ChooseVegetarian.com - everything you need to know about adopting a
Mon. CLOSED vegetarian diet. Offers info, tips, recipes, videos, & resources.
• EggCruelty.com - photos, videos, and information regarding MFA
Wheeling undercover investigations into animal cruelty at egg farms.
• CookVeg.com - hundreds of vegan recipes for every occasion.
• VeganHealth.org - information on how to live a healthy vegan lifestyle.
Pita Inn • 122 S. Elmhurst Rd., Wheeling • (847) 808-7733 • EarthSaveChicago.com - the Chicago chapter of EarthSave International.
Middle Eastern food with vegetarian options. Meals cost $5 - $7.
Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Books
• Animal Liberation by Peter Singer
Willowbrook • Becoming Vegan
by Brenda Davis, R.D. & Vesanto Melina, M.S., R.D.
• The Food Revolution by John Robbins
Taste of India • 7243 S. Kingery Hwy. (Rt. 83), Willowbrook • Slaughterhouse by Gail Eisnitz
(630) 323-1333 • www.TheTasteofIndia.com • Meat Market by Erik Marcus
• How It All Vegan!
Indian restaurant that offers dishes such as aloo gobi (fresh cauliflower by Tanya Barnard & Sarah Kramer
and potatoes with ginger, tomatoes, and herbs). Lunch and dinner buffet • The Pig Who Sang to the Moon
available. Meals cost about $9. by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson
Wed. - Mon. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. / 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. • Tues. CLOSED

38 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas 39 VegIllinois.com

 ?
Why
Choose Veg
For the Animals
L
ife on the farm isn’t what it used to be. The green pastures and
idyllic barnyard scenes portrayed in children’s books have largely
been replaced by windowless metal sheds, wire cages, and other
confinement systems integral to what is known as factory farming. The
competition to produce inexpensive meat, eggs, and dairy products has led
to treating animals as nothing more than commodities,
resulting in an enormous amount of suffering in
the pursuit of profit.
Most pigs raised for food see no sun in
their lives, have no hay to lie on, and no
mud to roll in. Many of these intelligent
animals are confined in cages so small
that they cannot even turn around. At
the slaughterhouse, pigs endure extreme
cruelty. According to an April 10th, 2001,
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
result, a botched slaughter condemns some hogs to
being scalded and drowned.”
Chickens raised for meat are genetically manipulated to grow so large
that many experience crippling leg disorders, as their
legs are incapable of supporting their abnormally
heavy bodies. At just 45 days old the birds are
sent to slaughter. According to a former Tyson
slaughterhouse worker, “Because the line
moves so quickly, the knife misses many
birds--all of these went into the scalding water
fully conscious, screaming and kicking.”
Ninety-eight percent of egg-laying hens
are crammed into tiny cages, and are given
less than half a square foot of living space--
not even enough room to stretch a single wing.
Male chicks, useless to the egg industry, are killed at
birth, often by being thrown alive into grinders.
40 VegIllinois.com
Dairy cows are repeatedly artificially
impregnated in order to force them to
produce unnaturally high quantities of milk.
Their calves are torn from their side within
days of birth, causing severe distress. Many
of the male calves are relegated to the dark,
cramped conditions of a veal crate before
being killed. Once a dairy cow’s milk production
declines, they, like their offspring, are slaughtered
at an age that is just a fraction of their natural life
expectancy.
Cattle raised for their flesh spend much of their lives in crowded feedlots
and are subjected to painful mutilations, including castration and branding
without painkillers. When the animals reach market weight, they are prodded
onto trucks and hauled through all weather extremes to the slaughterhouse.
According to Ramon Moreno, a former slaughterhouse worker, many cattle
are slowly dismembered while fully conscious. “Some would survive as far
as the tail cutter, the belly ripper, the hide puller. They die piece by piece.”
Animals on factory farms are denied even the most basic considerations for
their well-being. Choosing to adopt a vegetarian diet is a powerful way to
oppose cruelty to animals.
Learn more at
ChooseVegetarian.com
For Your Health
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
and vegan have been reported to have:
• lower body mass indices
• lower blood pressure
• lower blood cholesterol levels
• lower rates of death from heart disease
• lower rates of hypertension
• lower rates of type 2 diabetes
• lower rates of prostate and colon cancer.
41 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas
 Simple Tips for Try these easy substitutes!
Making theto Vegetarianism
Transition Instead of...

Butter: Cook with vegetable margarines and

oils. For a low-fat option, try sautéing in wine,
M any people become
vegetarian overnight,
while others make the
vegetable broth, or water.

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

42 MFA’s Vegetarian Guide to Chicago and Surrounding Areas 43 VegIllinois.com

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• Technical applications

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Phone: 410-290-7726 • Cell: 301-910-2813
Fax: 410-290-9167 • www.ScantekInc.com

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

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For a free newsletter or more

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 everything
you need
to find
healthy
and
humane
meals in the
Chicago area

over
one hundred
and seventy
vegetarian-
friendly
restaurants
listed

Who is Mercy For Animals?

M ercy For Animals is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal advocacy organization that believes
non-human animals are irreplaceable individuals who have morally significant interests
and hence rights, including the right to live free of suffering. MFA is dedicated to promoting
non-violence towards all sentient beings through public education and advertisement
campaigns, research and investigations, rescues, and grassroots activism.

Want to learn more?

Contact MFA for a free Vegetarian Starter Kit, extra
copies of this guide, and info on getting involved.

3712 N. Broadway, Ste. 560 • Chicago, IL 60613

773.662.8088 • MercyForAnimals.org
Chicago@MercyForAnimals.org