A DNC Bucket List for Windy City Vegan Noms

Okay, this is kind of an eleventh hour thing, but I wanted to share some fabulous Chicago musts for those who are herbivorously-inclined and in town for the Democratic National Conference. I realize people will be busy with, you know, trying to maintain democracy but if you need a little fuel for your furnace (and you do!), here are some great ideas for your Chicago visit, most pretty accessible to or from the United Center, especially if you are willing to hop on the L or take a ride.

Breakfast Sammies for Days

Opening at 8:00 AM, Lakeview’s Fancy Plants Café is the spot for exquisite savories and sweets that are so good and a great value. I would get an assortment of fresh hand-helds, like their Croissant Sandwich as well as some pastries, and make all the friends at the conference. Or you could just take a short walk east and enjoy our beautiful Lake Michigan with your haul. Then get back to the conference and SAVE DEMOCRACY, damn it.

Seitan that is Iconic, Not Demonic

If I were already in the neighborhood at Fancy Plants, it only makes sense that you’d stop by the Chicago Diner, the place that made the Hog Butcher to the World a little less violent and much more up-to-date. There is a reason the Diner has been so beloved since ’83. If you can do the gluten, I’d say you MUST get the Radical Reuben, which is on my list for last meals, but they have lots of options. Everything is vegetarian here, and the default is vegan. (The Diner has two locations, one in Lakeview and one in Logan Square.)

Salad Days and More

Okay, so I love everrrrrrrything at the cheerful, friendly Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria but having just been there last week, I feel called to do a special shout out for their signature Salad, a main dish, which features a wonderfully complementary and contrasting variety of flavors and textures. I would (and often do) go there for just this amazing dish. Avocado, corn, jicama, pepitas and more in a light vinaigrette. I could happily eat a bathtub of this. Sorry for the visual but it’s true. There are two locations; the River North one is closer to the DNC happenings.

Chow Down in Chitown’s Chinatown

Craving a rib-sticking, umami-rich Chinese meal? (Yes, always.) I heartily recommend Veggie House in Chinatown for an excellent meal. Veggie House is vegetarian, not vegan, but the menu is well-marked and most items are free of animal products. The Kung Pao Plant-Based Chicken is full of robust flavor and has such a great texture, but you can’t go wrong with any of their vegan options. You are also walking distance to Ping Tom Memorial Park here, which is lovely for a picnic and to check out the south side of the gorgeous Chicago River.

Tea and Chicagostance

Feeling a little fancy? Dying to extend a pinky while sipping a little tea in an actual cup on a saucer? Looking for ambiance, adorable little sandwiches and tasty pastries? Who isn’t, I ask you. Check out the high tea service at The Lobby in the Peninsula Hotel. It is a splurge but worth every penny and you won’t forget or regret it. A vegan afternoon tea service must be ordered 24-hours in advance, so get on that and be (tastefully, discreetly) excited. Nibble on a dainty cucumber sandwich and forget that Trump ever existed.

Vegan Scream Queen

On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for vegan versions of DQ delights, you must bop over to Runaway Cow in the nearby Bridgeport neighborhood for dairy-free versions of familiar soft-serve cones, shakes, sundaes, slushies and more, but all vegan, no worries. Try, for example, their Snowstorm shake featuring oat-based Chicago Vegan Foods ice cream blitzed up with PB cups. The Chicago marathon is not until October, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start carbo-loading now.

Plant Yourself

For a chic but unpretentious dinner that will impress with a stylish setting, Planta Queen is the place in the bustling River North neighborhood for a great meal. With a pan-Asian inspired menu and veggies galore, there is something for nearly every palate. I love the Bang Bang Broccoli as an appetizer to share and any darn noodle dish. The whole menu is vegan and there are lots of gluten-free noodles available.

Deeply Dishing it Out

I have not had it myself (I may have to lose my Chicago cred but I am not a deep dish fan) but I have heard great things about Sarpino’s vegan deep-dish offerings, and they have multiple locations, which makes it easy for ordering no matter where you are this week. I would get a make-your-own Deep-Dish with all the delicious options. Dine-in is also available.

That’s it, friends! There is so much more but, again, I did this on the fly. One word of advice: Don’t put ketchup on your veggie dog. That is all.

Marla Rose is cofounder of VeganStreet.com.