Vegan Food Feast at No Bones

No Bones Beach Club Review: A Haven for True Animal Lovers

The menu items are slightly different though from the one in Seattle. I found the options at the Seattle No Bones to be healthier and this was one of the reasons I was particularly eager to have one of these in Chicago. You see, Chicago has some great plant-based restaurants but they tend to have a lot of guilt-provoking, vegan junk food. I am all about eating this but I also like not feeling bloated. I was disappointed to see that some of the healthier options they had in Seattle were not offered at this one in Chicago (bring back the vegan sushi rolls please).

by chiveg

Young American Logan Square Review: Goth Bread and CBD

Logan Square’s ever so lauded CBD cocktail bar, Young American is as promising as it sounds ranging from the fun cocktail options to the ambience and carefully curated food. It’s a vast space as it has room in the back to chill out, relax, and drink in dim lighting with general soul/funk music playing from a DJ.

by chiveg

Middle Brow Bungalow Review: Carb and Social Justice Heaven

Middle Brow Bungalow is the jack of all trades but the master of all things yeast.  I am not a beer drinker so I haven’t had their beer but I am a huge fan of all things carbs so I have had their pizza and bread.  I first went there for dinner on a quiet Sunday night the week they opened and found myself absolutely delighted with everything about this place.

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by chiveg

Aviary Review: Cocktails Well Worth the Hype

Is Aviary just fluff?  In my humble opinion, I thought the experience was worth every penny.  And I have had some glorious cocktails in my days.  The flavors were highly developed and were made to evolve throughout the night.  Of course you can get excellent and more affordable cocktails in other neighborhoods, but the presentation and service are truly remarkable at The Aviary.

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by chiveg

Chicago Restaurant Week for Vegetarians and Pescatarians 2019

After doing some research and reviewing numerous restaurant week menus, I would say most restaurant week menus are not really made with pescatarians, vegetarians and vegans in mind. But there are a decent chunk of restaurants all over Chicago that have at least 1 pescatarian and/or vegetarian option on their prix-fixe menu. Here is a list I have compiled of the best restaurant week options for vegetarians and pescatarians…

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by chiveg

Top 16 Chicago Restaurants and Bars of 2018

Here are my thoughts on the best restaurants I have been to in Chicago keeping the ethics, affordability, and vegetarian-pescatarian options in mind. The restaurants and bars I have on here are not necessarily all new, but places I have had the pleasure of eating and drinking at in 2018…

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by chiveg

Girl & the Goat Review: A West Loop Haven for Meat Lovers, Accommodating for Pescatarians

Girl & the Goat seemed like this legendary restaurant that was so hard to get a reservation for.  I made a reservation here months ago for a Friday night at 10:15pm (the best time I could get).  Considering how busy this place is, I had very high expectations.  I watched Stephanie Izard on Top Chef years ago and was very excited to finally try her classic, legendary restaurant…

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by chiveg

Casa Yari: Bringing Ethical and Diverse Cuisine to Logan Square

As a foodie, flavor has always been the most important element of cuisine for me and Casa Yari (3268 W. Fullerton Ave.) did not disappoint. Casa Yari offers some extremely flavorful food that is nearly impossible to find anywhere else because what it is doing is extremely innovative. I also appreciate that Casa Yari is BYOB, adding to its affordability.  It is the perfect spot for a chill dinner with friends over some red wine…

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by chiveg

Best Intentions Review: A divey-ish bar I can handle

Best Intentions serves non-dive bar, dive bar realness.  If it were a true dive bar, they wouldn’t have super delicious cocktails and I wouldn’t go here because dive bars can feel creepy if you’re not an old man.  What I love about Best Intentions is that it has a chill, relaxed feel like a dive bar without the bad smell and depression.  The ambience is charming and eclectic with a dysfunctional juke box and some funny video games…

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by chiveg

Etta Review: Satiating Hearth-Made Dishes

I recently had a slew of disappointing dining experiences.  You know that sunken feeling in your stomach after everyone on Instagram hyped up the restaurant and you found yourself scratching your head wondering what the big deal was?  Then realizing you were deceived because of sponsorships and superficial realities like that.  I cautiously entered Etta wondering if it was actually going to be a delicious dining experience or whether it was going to be yet another hyped up disappointment fueled by Instagram.  Etta (the E is lower case) was nowhere near a disappointment. 

by chiveg

Bellemore Review: Where The Small Touches Matter

Bellemore is the less traditional, let your hair out sibling of Boca.  While Boca is fine-dining and more traditional, Bellemore is a little more experimental and hip with similar price-points and a similar level of refinement and deliciousness.  The layout and aesthetic reminded me of Proxi, another favorite restaurant of mine that is across the street from Bellemore.  I wonder if Proxi’s aesthetic influenced Bellemore’s style or if it’s a mere coincidence.  The lighting was just right without it being too dimly lit but not too overly bright where you feel like you’re in a mall. 

by chiveg

Lula Cafe Review: A Logan Square Favorite and Rightfully So!

Lula has been part of the Logan Square community for 17 years prior to the more recent explosion of restaurants, bars, and cafes.  I have had the pleasure of coming here for both brunch and dinner multiple times.  While I am more of a fan of their dinner options, their brunch is also delicious and affordable.  The environment is quaint and cute within a somewhat eclectic and charming space.  Their patio is always packed full of diners on balmy summer nights.  Their service has always been accommodating and the servers are knowledgeable and proud of their food.

by chiveg

Mini Mott Review: Simple Menu, Fun Flavors

I’m happy to see a relatively affordable, quick, gourmet option in Logan Square where you can get a veggie burger for $10.  I also appreciate that they are open all day and until 12am on weekends for us night owls!  Take your meat loving and vegetarian friends to Mini Mott and enjoy the relaxed, unpretentious vibes and flavors.

by chiveg

Rosie’s Sidekick Review: Classic Italian Subs with Real Vegetarian Options

You might have noticed a small shop that opened up in Logan Square by Mi Tocaya called Rosie’s Sidekick.  What is it all about?  Rosie’s Sidekick is a small, Italian sub shop that opened up a few months ago and aims to offer affordable Italian subs to the Logan Square community.  While Logan Square has a plethora of restaurants, it is definitely in need of more affordable, quicker restaurants so I was happy to see Rosie’s Sidekick open.

by chiveg

Passion House Coffee Roasters Review: A Place for Serious Coffee and Tea Lovers

Passion House provides artisanal coffee and remarkable loose-leaf hot tea and sparkling iced tea with a sprinkling of baked goods.  They put as much effort into their tea as they do their coffee.  The barista provided wonderful descriptions of the tea flavors and was very enthusiastic about their products.  They have authentic, loose-leaf black tea, green tea, herbal tea, and white tea with incredibly complex flavors. 

by chiveg

Cellar Door Provisions Review: Minimalist, Bohemian Delicacies

Cellar Door Provisions is a cute, boho byob restaurant tucked away in Logan Square.  Its front is unassuming, but as you walk in, you are greeted with gorgeous plants, sleek wood, and a minimalist decor nested in a small interior.  It is an order at the counter type of restaurant, which gives it more of a casual vibe, though its prices are not casual.  They have very unique, small plates with refined, complex flavors.

by chiveg

Elske Review: Delicate Delights in a Clean, Modern Space

Elske is New American restaurant tucked away in the West Loop offering beautiful Danish inspired cuisine.  I was very excited to try Elske having been to Copenhagen this past year.  The decor definitely brought me back to Copenhagen as it’s minimal and all about the mid-century modern vibe.  They also have a lovely outdoor area with a fireplace for when it will eventually be warmer outside.  We were here for a celebration and had been wanting to try Elske for awhile.

by chiveg

Same Day Cafe Review: Food and Drinks for All Seasons

Same Day Cafe is a picturesque, relaxed cafe in the heart of Logan Square.  Its sign and exterior is unassuming but their food and beverages are everything but unassuming.  It’s a smaller cafe with a wonderful collection of records and natural light.  There are some cute plants on the wall, but it’s not overdone.  It feels unadorned with sparks of a rustic ambience.  

by chiveg

S.K.Y. Review: A Refreshingly Innovative Restaurant without the Pretension

S.K.Y is a newer, creative restaurant with a sleek, minimal decor serving New American fare with an “Asian” influence.  It is unpretentious as it is in Pilsen rather than the West Loop, which is quite refreshing.  This is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to in Chicago.  Everything I ate here was absolutely mouthwateringly delicious between the fun textures and well-seasoned/spiced flavors.  Everything about this restaurant screams minimal decor but their flavors are everything but minimal.

by chiveg

Ugo’s Review: Casual Vibe, Remarkable Italian Flavors

Ugo’s, an Italian neighborhood gem of Logan Square is set to close its doors to the public on Sunday, March 18th after being open for 2.5 years. Ugo’s is located on 2833 W. Armitage Avenue and is a cozy, casual Italian spot serving delicious, yet affordable Italian fare.  It’s often overlooked by Osteria Langhe across the street.  And while Osteria Langhe is quite delicious, it is also quite expensive so Ugo’s is more of the down to earth, neighborhood Italian spot where you don’t have to pay an extravagant amount of money to have a delicious meal.  

by chiveg

La Boulangerie Review: Get Your Crepe On

La Boulangerie is a small, cozy and modern looking Parisian boulangerie with a wide assortment of traditional French pastries, breads, coffee, and tea.  They also have some substantial lunch items like sandwiches and savory crepes.  I am a big fan of savory crepes and and while they weren’t on the menu at this specific location they let us customize the crepe to our liking.  

by chiveg

Proxi Review: Eclectic, Global Street Food in a Rustic Warehouse

Proxi represents the best of fine, creative, and adventurous cuisine in Chicago.  Their concept is eclectic twists on global street food served tapas style in an open, beautiful, and modern dining environment.  I love how open this restaurant is without it feeling overwhelming and chain-like.  High-ceilings, chic lighting, and a rustic decor create a refined, but not stuffy ambience.  Over-sized leather booths and brass mirrors give it a funky, yet sophisticated feel.  It was a special occasion so we were seated at the Chef’s Table with a lovely view of the chefs and all of the live action in the kitchen.  

by chiveg

Imperial La Mian Review: Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Hand-pulled Noodles and Fresh Dim Sum

I had been wanting to try Imperial La Mian for quite awhile as I’ve seen it recommended in food blogs but was reticent as it’s located in River North and I don’t really enjoy River North vibes.  I am willing to brave River North for delicious food though.  Upon walking in you are greeted by the hosts and there are two separate areas, one is kind of separated from the rest of the restaurant with brighter lighting and families (didn’t want to sit there) and another area is more open, dimly lit, and by the bar (much better choice).  It was a busy Saturday night and we had reservations so we were sat down almost immediately, which I appreciated.

by chiveg

Milk Room Review:Travel Through Time in a Brooding Cocktail Environment

Situated between The Game Room and the lobby at the Chicago Athletic Association, The Milk Room is an 8-seater, with spirits dating back to actual speakeasy times. Think of Milk Room as you would a tasting menu through time, and with cocktails curated for you. Milk Room, like many culinary experiences in Chicago is a ticketed event through Tock.

by chiveg

Mon Ami Gabi Review: A Warm Journey to Paris

Mon Ami Gabi is a classic Parisian style Bistro, it is upscale, but not stuffy.  You walk in and are taken by the charm and ambience of a bistro in Paris with their dark wood pillars and accents interspersed with little chalkboards that have seafood specials written in French.  The tan/beige wall color with the darker wood and larger windows provided that cozy, French ambience.  The lighting is dim making it a perfect space for an intimate friend dinner or romantic date.

by chiveg

Ground Control: Vegetarian Favorites with Flavorful Twist

I had been meaning to try Ground Control for months and I finally got to try it.  At this point, it has become one of my neighborhood spots.  I am so happy to see another vegetarian spot in Logan Square that is super affordable and funky.  The decor is quirky, cozy, and divey with a space-theme.  

by chiveg

Katherine Anne Confections Review: A Delightful and Warm Break from the Winter Tundra

Katherine Anne Confections is a cute, small cafe in Logan Square that has a fabulous assortment of chocolate truffles, candies, hot chocolates, and surprisingly sandwiches.  After being gifted a box of chocolate truffles from here, I can’t go back to eating truffles that can be found at Walgreens even though that makes me sound super bourgie.  These truffles are fresh and heavenly.  They have unique combinations like goat cheese walnut, which literally melt in your mouth.  

by chiveg

The Spice Room Review: A Complex and Dynamic Bite of India

Spice Room finally graced the Logan Square restaurant scene in the spring of 2016.  It’s a small, quaint restaurant with club music, pretty decorations and lights, and a very attentive staff.  The service is consistently friendly, quick, and on top of things.  The older gentleman is always excellent with those water refills, which is necessary if you are sensitive to spice.  

by chiveg

Bite Cafe Review: A No Frills, Authentic Dining Experience with True Vegetarian Options

Bite is one of my favorite brunch and dinner spots.  I love everything about the ambience here.  It’s easygoing, unpretentious, and the servers aren’t too cool to give you decent service.  I always enjoy the music as its eclectic and unpredictable, but at times very familiar.  The other night they were playing my favorite Cursive songs that brought me back twelve years ago.  

by chiveg

Boka Review: A 5 Star Culinary Experience Worth the Price

If you want an intimate dinner with exemplary service and outstanding food, then Boka is a perfect option.  My significant other surprised me by taking me here and it was such an amazing culinary experience.  One of the best of my life.  

by chiveg

Andy’s Thai Kitchen Review: A Haven of Flavors to Cope with the Winter

I came here with a group of friends on a Wednesday night and had high expectations.  My high expectations were fulfilled!  I love Thai food and can’t get enough of it.  Unfortunately, there really isn’t great Thai food in the Wicker Park/Logan Square area so I am willing to travel far for it, but we really need some better options around here.

by chiveg

Handlebar Review: Vegetarian Comfort Food Served with an Edge

I have been coming here for years and absolutely love this place.  It’s great for Wicker Park to have vegetarian options and I think they should have more.  The ambience of Handlebar is no frills, but is a divey, rustic aesthetic. They also have a lovely patio in the back when it’s summer, which is super enjoyable. The service here is always good and fast too.  I have had the same waiter here for years and he’s always on top of things.

by chiveg

Café Marie-Jeanne Review: A Rustic French Dream That Transcends French Cuisine

If you want a cozy, intimate, yet exciting dining experience, Café Marie-Jeanne is a perfect option.  I absolutely adored everything about this place.  It has “traditional” French food but also innovative, contemporary dishes that are made in really unique ways.  There was nothing I ate here that I didn’t love.

by chiveg

Monteverde Review: Contemporary Italian Fare with Classic Options

If you want to treat yourself or have something to celebrate and want to venture out of traditional Italian cuisine, Monteverde is an excellent choice.  It is pricier being a West Loop restaurant, but you won’t be disappointed with the flavors.  

by chiveg

Margeaux Brasserie Review: A Magnificent Taste of Classic Parisian Cuisine

Located within the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Margeaux Brasserie takes you back to classic Parisian cuisine with a 1920’s style decor.  I have had the pleasure of dining here for dinner and brunch.  When I first came here, I was here for my dear friend’s birthday celebration. It was the perfect place for two Francophiles.  I absolutely adore French restaurants and Brasseries.  

by chiveg

Cumin Review: A Mélange of Indian and Nepalese Flavors

Indian food is one of my favorite types of cuisines so I am always in search of delicious Indian food in the West part of Chicago since Devon is a hike.  I’ve been to Cumin a few times and it’s never disappointing.  I like that there is a lot of space here and it has a romantic, intimate ambience.  

by chiveg

Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea Review: Innovative beverages, modern decor

This is probably my favorite coffee shop in the Wicker Park area.  The ambience is bright and modern, which is great for doing work.  The baristas are very friendly and knowledgeable.  They aren’t too cool to help you like a lot of other places around here.  They also have beverages that are unique and you can’t find at other coffee shops.  Fairgrounds has a great balance of tea, juices, and coffee drinks, that combine eclectic ingredients together to create a mixture of gorgeous flavors.  

by chiveg

Jin Thai Review: Cozy, Authentic Thai Cuisine

Jin Thai is one of my favorite Thai restaurants in Chicago.  It is certainly up there for the best Thai food I have had in Chicago and it is a wonderful haven for vegetarians and pescatarians. Jin Thai has very unique Thai dishes that you do not see at most Thai restaurants.  It has a quiet, cozy ambience that is relaxing and chill.  

by chiveg

Bad Hunter Review: Witty Name, Multifaceted Food

 I really love Bad Hunter.  I’ve been here a few times and the food has always been delicious.  The ambience is gorgeous.  I love the plant decor, the non-edison lightbulbs, and the clean, cozy feel to it.  I also really enjoy the dried up framed plants hanging in the bathroom.  It encompasses what I love when it comes to interior decorating.

by chiveg

Umami Burger Review: An Upcoming Favorite Amongst Vegetarians

Umami Burger is obviously a staple in Wicker Park for meat eaters.  But now with their new “Impossible Burger” (their new vegetarian burger that tastes pretty much like a regular hamburger), it will be definitely frequented more by vegetarians.  Prior to the debut of their “Impossible Burger”, I had never been to Umami Burger since I don’t eat meat.  But I thought now is the time to try this place and I had only heard good things about it.  

by chiveg

Mana Food Bar Review: A Sanctuary for Vegetarians

Mana Food Bar is a staple for vegetarians and it has an assortment of unique and eclectic flavors.  I love the fact that I can come here and be able to eat everything on the menu, I am not quarantined to a quarter of the menu options.  It’s so nice to have all of these delicious options here.  

by chiveg

Beatnik Review: 18th Century Decadence with a 21st Century Flavor

With a name like Beatnik, I had very high expectations for this cocktail bar/restaurant that opened up recently in the West Town neighborhood.  I am first of all happy to see a new restaurant open up in the West Town neighborhood because it definitely needs more options for restaurants.

by chiveg

Pub Royale Review: Eclectic Indian Cuisine

Pub Royale is a true favorite of mine as someone who loves Indian food but enjoys their creative approach to it.  They have amazing brunch and dinner and have delivered excellent food consistently.

by chiveg