Introduction to Chicago’s Vegan Scene
Chicago is famous for Italian beef, hot dogs, cheeseburgers and other carnivorous dishes. But PETA, the animal welfare group, named Chicago the country’s most vegan-friendly city in a news release. “America’s former meatpacking capital is now a paradise for vegan eating with an abundance of animal-friendly restaurants,” PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said in a statement.
Celebrating Chicago’s Vegan Status
To celebrate, PETA will give out free slices of vegan deep dish pizza from Kitchen 17 on Tuesday at noon outside City Hall. PETA will also present an award and a vegan cake of the Chicago skyline to city officials. Kitchen 17, based near Avondale, offers pizza with seitan pepperoni, soy sausage and vegan cheese made in-house.
Local Vegan Restaurants
PETA highlighted other local restaurants such as mainstays Soul Veg City in Greater Chatham and its meat-free “Chicago-Style Frank,” and The Chicago Diner’s seitan “Radical Reuben” in Logan Square and Lake View. Italian beef chain Buona offers a seitan “Italian Beefless Sandwich” for a vegan version of the menu item popularized by the hit FX show “The Bear.” Near Albany Park, Kale My Name features dairy-free cheddar broccoli soup.
Dame Dia, owner of Native Foods, with a plate of the restaurant’s shrimp rolls, Yassa Chick’n, Senegalese jollof rice and beef mafe.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file
More Vegan Options in Chicago
PETA also cited non-dairy cheesecakes at Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen in Edgewater; the plant-based meatball sub at Native Foods in the Loop; oat milk ice cream at Runaway Cow in Bridgeport; and “Soy Al Pastor” tacos at Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria in Andersonville, Pilsen and River North.
National Recognition
PETA’s list of vegan-friendly U.S. cities also recognizes Atlanta; Charlotte, North Carolina; Denver; Detroit; Los Angeles; New Orleans; New York City; Philadelphia; and Washington, D.C. Newkirk said, “All the cities on PETA’s list have cemented their status as vegan dining destinations, proving that delicious animal-friendly cuisine is available from coast to coast.”
Growth of Black-Owned Vegan Eateries
In Chicago, the number of Black-owned vegan-friendly eateries has grown as plant-based dining has become more popular. Last year, food blogger Tamika Price listed 15 restaurants on her blog, Plant-based Tamika, It’s about double the number, since she started tracking in 2019.
Conclusion
Chicago’s recognition as the most vegan-friendly city in the U.S. is a testament to the city’s diverse and thriving food scene. With a wide range of vegan options available, from deep dish pizza to non-dairy cheesecakes, Chicago is a paradise for vegan eaters.
FAQs
Q: What made Chicago the most vegan-friendly city in the U.S.?
A: Chicago’s abundance of animal-friendly restaurants and diverse range of vegan options made it the most vegan-friendly city in the U.S.
Q: What are some popular vegan restaurants in Chicago?
A: Some popular vegan restaurants in Chicago include Kitchen 17, Soul Veg City, The Chicago Diner, and Native Foods.
Q: Are there any Black-owned vegan-friendly eateries in Chicago?
A: Yes, there are several Black-owned vegan-friendly eateries in Chicago, with the number growing in recent years.
Q: What other cities are recognized as vegan-friendly by PETA?
A: Other cities recognized as vegan-friendly by PETA include Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
