CHICAGO — Long known for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef, Chicago is now earning acclaim for something less meaty: veganism.
PETA has named Chicago the most vegan-friendly city in the United States, recognizing its growing number of plant-based restaurants and inclusive menus. The announcement comes as a major nod to a city historically associated with the meatpacking industry.
“America’s former meatpacking capital is now a paradise for vegan eating,” said Ingrid Newkirk, PETA president, in a news release shared with the Sun-Times.
To mark the honor, PETA will give away free vegan deep dish pizza outside City Hall at noon Tuesday, provided by local pizzeria Kitchen 17. The organization also plans to present city officials with a vegan cake modeled after the Chicago skyline and an award commemorating the city’s plant-based progress.
A Plant-Based Boom in the Windy City
Kitchen 17, located near Avondale, is well known for its house-made vegan cheese, seitan pepperoni, and soy sausage toppings. It’s just one of the many spots that helped secure Chicago’s top vegan city ranking.
Other standout plant-based restaurants include:
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Soul Veg City in Greater Chatham, known for its “Chicago-Style Frank”
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The Chicago Diner in Logan Square and Lake View, which offers the iconic seitan-based “Radical Reuben”
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Buona, the Italian beef chain, with its seitan “Italian Beefless Sandwich”, made popular by the hit FX series The Bear
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Kale My Name near Albany Park, which serves dairy-free cheddar broccoli soup
These eateries, alongside a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options across neighborhoods, have transformed Chicago’s food identity.
Vegan Treats from North to South Side
Beyond the main meals, Chicago’s vegan dessert and snack scene is also flourishing. Highlights include:
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Non-dairy cheesecakes from Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen in Edgewater
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A plant-based meatball sub from Native Foods in the Loop
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Oat milk ice cream at Runaway Cow in Bridgeport
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Soy Al Pastor tacos from Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria, with locations in Andersonville, Pilsen, and River North
PETA also pointed to the rise in Black-owned vegan restaurants, especially over the past five years. Food blogger Tamika Price recently listed 15 such establishments on her platform Plant-based Tamika, nearly double the number she tracked back in 2019.
A National Vegan Leader
Chicago leads a list of cities recognized by PETA for outstanding vegan options, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
“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,” Newkirk said.
From fine dining to fast-casual spots, Chicago’s vegan renaissance reflects a broader cultural shift in dietary preferences — one that embraces flavor, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Got a Favorite Chicago Vegan Spot?
Have a favorite plant-based restaurant, bakery, or dish that deserves recognition? Let us know in the comments! Share your recommendations and help others explore the city’s best vegan eats.
