It can be hard out there for a vegan in Evanston. While almost every restaurant has some sort of vegan-friendly option, actual vegan burgers or tacos are scarce in the north suburbs. However, the northern neighborhoods of Chicago are teeming with that kind of innovative vegan cuisine that can even satisfy that occasional craving for BBQ chicken or chicken vindaloo. Because the Hinman cafeteria salad bar can only do the trick for so long. And vegan fare can make for an interesting experience for meat-lovers too. Vegan means no butter, cream, cheese or cholesterol-packed red meat, making for a healthy way for the rest of us to get a guilt-free fried “chicken” or “bacon” fix.
Most Innovative: Handlebar (Wicker Park, 2311 W North Ave., Chicago, IL 60647)
This hipster outpost is always crowded with bearded and bespectacled folk chowing down on Mexican-inspired fare. While technically a vegetarian venue, almost all the entrees are also offered vegan-style. Typical meat and cheese lovers’ dishes from south of the border like fajitas, tostadas and quesadillas are all available in vegan-friendly form. And some of the “meatier” dishes tend to be among the best, like the BBQ Seitan sandwich. Perks include the patio outback with comfy couches, perfect to take in a deadly Margarita with a side of cheese-free nachos.
Recommended: Blackened tofu fajitas
Nearest Sit-Down: Blind Faith (525 Dempster St., Evanston, IL 60201)
The closest thing Evanston has to a vegan café, this Dempster staple is your hippie aunt’s version of Clark’s. It has the same sprawling menu and the same (overly inflated) prices but with a bit more culinary diversity and flair. The menu offers some Asian items that tend to be the most vegan friendly (no dairy) like ginger dumpling soup, terikayi tofu on jasmine rice and an Asian-inspired macrobiotic plate. But vegans should probably steer clear of breakfast and brunch: eggs and yogurt are pretty much the order of the day.
Recommended: Vegan chocolate-peanut butter cake
Best Ethnic: Arya Bhavan (West Rogers Park: 2508 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60645)
Arya Bhavan satisfies two lacks in the Evanston vegan scene: exotic South Indian cuisine and budget-friendly prices (the weekend all-you-can-eat brunch only costs $10.99). The atmosphere alone is worth the trip, giving a free slice of Chicago culture on the side. Located in the heart of West Roger’s park on Devon, Arya Bhavan’s surrounding area is a bustle of sari shops, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and Bollywood movie shops. Inside, the restaurant almost resembles a friend’s casual dining room and the gracious service only adds to the effect. Also, Mondays are raw food night.
Recommended: Samosas and Onion Masala Dosas
Best Comfort Food: Earwax Café (Wicker Park: 1561 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622)
Despite the foul name, this restaurant serves hearty comfort food and is anything but pretentious. The carnival décor creates the vibe one might expect in the backstage hangout of a circus freak show, but the menu is surprisingly unfussy. Classics like sloppy seitan sandwiches and vegan milkshakes are favorites from the lunch and dinner menu, but it’s the brunch that’s really worth the trip for vegans who are craving the butter, egg and cream heavy meal. Earwax offers excellent substitutes like tofu scrambles, vegan banana walnut panckes and veggie sausage.
Recommended: Any seitan dish, particularly the jerk seitan sandwich
Most Convenient: Whole Foods (Evanston: 1640 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL 60201)
Though the prices are steep, Whole Foods is the closest option for designated vegan meals and substitutions. Prepared foods like the baked tofu with cilantro and pesto and vegan curry salad are tailor-made for a vegan palate, and the mostly vegan salad bar even has deli options like eggless tofu salad for those craving a sandwich. Unlike many Evanston dining options, the ingredients are clearly listed over every dish, and special care is taken to mention when any dairy is involved.
Recommended: Baked tofu with cilantro pesto
