Looking for a late-night bite? From Machesney Park to West Town, the Chicago area has some of the best vegan bar food and vibes, hands down—but this is not your average pub food. For some comforting grub that is as delicious as it is sustainable, stop by these vegan-friendly digs for the tastiest vegan bar food in Chicago!
Pig Minds Brewing
Machesney Park
Craving some deliciously comforting bar food? This Machesney Park microbrewery has some hearty brews on tap in addition to a crowd-pleasing 100% plant-based menu! Whether you’re looking to grab a quick drink with friends or want a longer sit-down dining experience, Pig Minds Brewing does it all! Our advice? Start your table off with some fan-favorite apps like their Popcorn Chikin’ (seasoned soy curls topped with your choice of sauce) and Jalapeño Poppers (cheese-filled jalapenos served with caramelized onions, panko-crusted tempeh bacon, and a house-made ranch).
Handlebar
West Town
Vegan-Friendly
If you’re looking for a place where vegans and non-vegans alike can enjoy some yummy pub eats, West Town’s Handlebar is the place for you! In addition to their extensive drink menu, they offer a tasty selection of vegan plates, including their Sloppy Joe (with carne de soya, tangy BBQ sauce, and creamy cabbage slaw loaded onto a pretzel bun) and Nashville Hot Fried Chicken (with breaded hen of the woods mushroom, bread & butter pickles, hot sauce, slaw, and ranch packed in a buttery brioche bun). Still not convinced? Stop by the restaurant to check out their daily specials that include a Handlesmash Burger & Fries, all-day chimichangas, and more!
80 Proof
Old Town
Vegan-Friendly
With vegan starters, salads, house specialties, and more, 80 Proof is not your average Chicago bar. Their extensive plant-based menu stocks a variety of flavorful options to suit your taste buds—from small plates like yuca fries (with house-made garlic aioli) and nachos (topped with jackfruit carnitas, cashew cheese sauce, black bean & corn pico, poblano-cilantro crema, and guacamole) to everything in between! Need something more filling? Try 80 Proof’s Gringo Burrito (stuffed with Beyond chorizo, black beans, Mexican rice, lettuce, tomato, taco sauce, guacamole, and sour cream) or their Banh Mi Mushroom Sandwich (filled with crispy oyster mushrooms, black beans, red onion, pickled carrots, japaleño, cilantro, and sriracha mayo)—paired with a brew, of course!
Uncommon Ground
Lakeview & Edgewater
Vegan-Friendly
Uncommon Ground might be the best place in Chicago to grab a quick bite of your favorite comfort food. Its Lakeview location is the first certified organic brewery in the state. The Edgewater restaurant is the first certified organic rooftop farm in the US. Grab an organic pint of beer to wash down some of Uncommon Ground’s best appetizers (like their Buffalo-Lemon Cauliflower) or some fresh entrees (such as their Vegan Stir Fry—a mix of marinated tofu, yellow onion, carrot, cauliflower, and broccoli tossed in house-made stir-fry sauce).
Eris Brewery and Cider House
Irving Park
Vegan-Friendly
Located in Irving Park, the Eris Brewery and Cider House is the spot to be for some elevated bar eats. Putting an elegant twist on comfort food classics, their menu has a wide selection of vegan options. Check out their chef’s specials, like Creamy Curry Fries that come topped with homemade spiced curry ketchup, vegan sour cream, pickled onions, scallions, fresh herbs, and sea salt. Feeling more of a sandwich vibe? Their crispy Cauliflower Wrap and Maple Chipotle Tofu Sando—with crispy tofu, 5-spice powder, maple chipotle, arugula, avocado, tomato, pickled onions, and garlic aioli on a wheat bun—are killer, too!
