When I was 15 years old I told my father I wanted to be a vegetarian. i just remember eating chicken one day and feeling VERY guilty. He thought I was joking! He told me I would not last two weeks. Nine years later, I am still a vegetarian. I could not be happier and my father has FINALLY admitted that I’m not going through a phase.
One great thing about Chicago is that there are AMAZING vegetarian options. This week I will highlight a few of my favorites.
1. Native Foods
Native Foods is an amazing restaurant. First, there are multiple locations throughout the city. Secondly, the food is amazing and affordable. I love this place so much I went twice in one weekend. When I signed up for their rewards program I received my drink for free! I am pretty sure the burger in the picture below is my new favorite thing to eat!
The portobello and "sausage" burger from Native Foods.
2. The Chicago Diner: 3411 N. Halsted St.
Once people find I am a vegetarian, the second question I am asked is, “Have you been to the Chicago Diner yet?” (The first question is usually, “Why the heck are you a vegetarian?”)
I moved to Chicago in 2007, but I did not get a chance to try the Chicago Diner until 2012! One thing I enjoy about the Chicago Diner is that many of the menu items have a vegan or vegetarian option. I decided to try a vegan “bacun” and avocado wrap. I’m not ready to go full vegan, but this wrap was WAY too delicious!
3. Karyn’s Cooked: 738 N. Wells St.
I love Karyn’s Cooked. It is arguably the most amazing restaurant in Chicago. I brag about the awesomeness of this place so much that CBS2 Chicago did a segment with me about it. The great thing about Karyn’s is that you can indulge in a number of comfort foods that are mostly vegan. My personal favorite is the Jerk Tofu Wrap and the Vegan Pizza. The prices are very affordable and the ambiance is great for couples.
"Ribs" from Karyn's Cooked.
So if you are vegetarian, looking to become vegetarian, or just plan curious, I highly recommend you check out these three places. I bring my meat-eating friends to them all the time. Once I brought my supervisor to Karyn’s and now it the first restaurant he suggests for lunch.
I am a vegetarian and it really has been a struggle to find some decent food here. I will definitely check these places out! Thanks for the suggestions!