There are so many good vegetarian and vegan options these days. So many diners have a hearty appreciation for restaurants that make these plant-based dishes stars on the menu. We asked locals for their favorites and were swamped with choices.
First, let’s carve out space for the region’s all-vegan spot Alice & Friends, 104 N Marion St. in Oak Park. Pretty sure they are the only 100% vegan restaurant in the area. They opened last year where Munch, the former vegan spot, used to be. Tops on the menu according to our social media sources are “not” dogs, heavenly curry and corn chowder.
“Everything at Alice & Friends!” JJ Olenn said. “My current favorites are the banh mi and sesame ramen with chili oil.”
“The delicious ‘not’ dog, mac & cheese, really pretty much anything is delicious there, but this is what I order every time,” Susanne Fairfax said. “Along with the desserts!”
For veggie delights at other restaurants, let’s go through this geographically. Please note, that there is no way to do justice to everything that is available; just let this tempt your tastebuds into trying even more.
Brookfield
Sebastian’s Ale and Whiskey House – vegan nachos
Little Owl Social Pub – fried avocado tacos, roasted beet and chickpea burger
“Little Owl has fried cauliflower wings with dipping sauces,” Shannon Roman Gosciejew said. “It’s cauliflower instead of chicken. That is excellent. I order that all the time.”
Forest Park
Chirrion Mexican Grill – chile rellenos
Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina – tacos: grilled zucchini, cauliflower, panela cheese, cactus, mushroom, elote
NRebozo – enchiladas Indigenas
Yum Thai – mixed veggie dish
Riverside
EmpanadUS – many vegetarian empanadas options: corn, mushroom, onion, spinach
Oak Park
Amerikas – calabaza, cauliflower & hummus
Broken Tart – vegan muffin
Citrine Café – eggplant gateau
CrumbCrusher – many vegan pastry options
Crepas Culichi – vegan Huevos Divorcés, poblana crepe and chilaquiles
FARE – tofu bowl
Grape Leaves Restaurant – lentil soup, falafel, couscous
Hecho en Oak Park – 3 taco options: Hibiscus flower, poblano, and nopales
“Hecho en Oak Park has three veggie tacos that aren’t just grilled vegetables,” Cheryl Wisniewski said, meaning, “Not just an afterthought. Very tasty!”
Khyber Pass Restaurant – bengan bhurtha (eggplant), chana masala, saag paneer
Maya Del Sol – veggie enchiladas
“I’m a huge fan of the wild mushroom tostada at Maya Del Sol,” Bob Tucker said. “It’s loaded with mushrooms, guacamole, pico de gallo, and plenty of other delicious toppings.”
Mora – Brussel sprout salad, vegan fried rice
Mulata Kitchen & Coffee – empanadas, lentil soup
Tacos ‘76 – rice and beans, vegan hibiscus tacos
Taco Mucho – roasted poblano tacos
Thai Neighbor – pineapple fried rice with tofu
Trattoria 225 – vegan pizza
Most chefs take pride in having dishes that dazzle without meat on their menus. Try these out, then explore more. Flavor is not something you’ll be missing out on.