Explore Chicago’s vibrant LGBTQ-owned restaurant scene this Pride Month!
Happy Pride 2023! We stand as allies with the LGBTQ+ community now and always, but the month of June presents a remarkable occasion to amplify our support. So, this Pride Month we’re heading to the Windy City to show our love to the Queer community. Are you with us? Here’s your sign to check out these vegan-friendly, LGBTQ-owned restaurants in Chicago.
Kale My Name
Albany Park
You may recognize this LGBTQ-owned restaurant as the winner of the 2023 VegOut Vegan Restaurant of the Year Award. Yeah, this plant-based eatery is seriously that good! Owned by Nemanja Golubovic, this all-vegan eatery features an inclusive menu loaded with dishes that are ready to crush any craving you may have. Some of our faves include the Cauliflower Wings, Buffalo Tofu Wrap, and Chicago Burger. But as you may know, you really can’t go wrong here.
Courtesy of Kale My Name
Sfera Sicilian Street Food
Edgewater
Vegan-Friendly
Channeling their culinary adventures abroad, owners Steven Jarczyk and Daniela Vitale combined their passion for cooking and opened Sfera Sicilian Street Food. This LGBTQ-owned restaurant features two vegan-friendly choices to enjoy. Both the Hearty Vegan Salad (a seasonal mix of tasty vegetables and grains) and the Pane e Panelle (a handheld loaded with crispy chickpea fritters and vegan lemon-caper aioli) make up the eatery’s vegan selections.
Courtesy of Sfera Sicilian Street Food
D.S. Tequila Company
Lakeview
Vegan-Friendly
Established in 2010, D.S. Tequila Company is a casual, Tex-Mex eatery owned by John Dalton. Along with exciting Pride events and refreshing cocktails, this LGBTQ-owned restaurant features a delicious vegan-friendly menu. Plant-based options include Chips & Guacamole, Mushroom Tacos, and the Impossible Burger adorned with vegan hot pepper cheese. Check out this tasty joint next time you’re in Lakeview.
Courtesy of D.S. Tequila Company
The Lunchroom at SPACE 519
Streeterville
Vegan-Friendly
Located within SPACE 519, The Lunchroom focuses on vegetable-forward cuisine and offers a wide array of vegan choices. Enjoy the Vegan Tofu Scramble or The Lunchroom Overnight Oats for breakfast. Feast on tasty vegan-friendly lunch options like Cauliflower Soup and Fingerling Potato & Green Olive Salad. Finish up the experience with a walk through SPACE 519’s curated boutique. Owned by Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel, the LGBTQ-owned space could keep you busy for hours!
Courtesy of The Lunchroom at SPACE 519
Split-Rail
Humboldt Park
Vegan-Friendly
This LGBTQ-owned restaurant has the hookup on comfort food, vegan options included. When in Chicago, you need to head to Split-Rail to order the Vegetarian Fried “Chicken.” This vegan-friendly dish consists of house-made seitan strips with a side of tangy hot sauce. The Split-Rail is owned by Zoe Schor and the restaurant’s sister spaces include Dorothy (a lesbian cocktail lounge) and The Martin (a Queer-owned full-service gallery and creative space).
Courtesy of Split-Rail
Proxi
Fulton Market
Vegan-Friendly
Restaurateur Emmanuel Nony opened both Sepia and Proxi after laying down roots in the Chicago area. Proxi’s menu is globally inspired and features fresh and vibrant dishes with vegan-friendly options available. While the menu varies, plant-based dishes have included roasted cauliflower; lentil dumplings; red lentil, curry, & almond hummus; and chia pudding.
Courtesy of Proxi
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
Lakeview
Vegan-Friendly
Whether you’re planning a night out on the town or a memorable drag brunch with your best friends, head to Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club. While you’re there, treat yourself to a refreshing cocktail, a tasty mocktail, or a vegan-friendly bite to eat. The Chips & Guac, Hummus Platter, and Avocado Toast can all be made vegan. Owned by Edward Gisiger and Ramesh Ariyanayakam, this is a LGBTQ-owned Chicago staple!
Courtesy of Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
