CHICAGO — Long known for its Italian beef, hot dogs, and deep-dish pizza, Chicago is now being celebrated for something completely different: its vegan scene.
According to a new announcement from PETA, Chicago has been named the most vegan-friendly city in the U.S. — a title that marks a dramatic culinary evolution for the one-time meatpacking capital.
“America’s former meatpacking capital is now a paradise for vegan eating,” said PETA President Ingrid Newkirk in the organization’s press release shared with the Chicago Sun-Times.
Free Pizza And A Vegan Skyline Cake Outside City Hall
To celebrate the title, PETA is planning a public giveaway:
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Free vegan deep-dish pizza from Kitchen 17
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Location: Outside City Hall
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Time: Tuesday at noon
The organization will also present city officials with a vegan cake in the shape of the Chicago skyline.
Chicago’s Vegan Food Scene: A Local Tour
PETA’s recognition is backed by a vibrant array of plant-based offerings across the city:
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Kitchen 17 (Avondale): Deep-dish with seitan pepperoni and house-made vegan cheese
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Soul Veg City (Greater Chatham): Vegan “Chicago-Style Frank”
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The Chicago Diner (Logan Square & Lakeview): Seitan “Radical Reuben”
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Buona Beef: Seitan “Italian Beefless Sandwich” — a nod to The Bear
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Kale My Name (Albany Park): Dairy-free cheddar broccoli soup
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Native Foods (Loop): Plant-based meatball sub, vegan shrimp rolls
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Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen (Edgewater): Non-dairy cheesecakes
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Runaway Cow (Bridgeport): Oat milk ice cream
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Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria (Andersonville, Pilsen, River North): “Soy Al Pastor” tacos
A Growing Community — Especially Among Black-Owned Eateries
PETA noted the rise of Black-owned vegan businesses as a key part of the city’s plant-based movement. According to food blogger Tamika Price, there are now over 15 Black-owned vegan restaurants in Chicago — double the number she counted in 2019.
Are you a lifelong vegan or just exploring plant-based food?
Tell us your go-to Chicago vegan spot — and what dish made you fall in love with it.
Join the conversation at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and let us know!
