Best Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants In Pilsen Chicago

Pilsen has long been a Chicago treasure for locals and tourists alike. Other than the street art, shops, and strong cultural heritage, Pilsen is known for great authentic food. Whether you’re a Pilsen resident or just visiting the neighborhood for the day, here are a few vegetarian-friendly spots to try.

Fogata Village

Restaurant, American

Located on the busy Ashland Avenue, Fogata Village is a quaint and tranquil contrast. Fogata Village is perfect for stopping by for brunch or dinner. The restaurant serves up a fusion of Mexican and American dishes with a priority for fresh and organic ingredients. Whether you are in the mood for a hearty vegetable soup, vegetarian fajitas, Chihuahua cheese enchiladas, or grilled vegetables and quinoa, Fogata Village has it all while still capturing the essence of Mexican cuisine for which Pilsen is so famously known.

La Cebollita

Restaurant, Mexican

Head to La Cebollita for an authentic meal, sure to please any vegetarian. ‘The onion’ in Spanish, La Cebollita offers vegetarian alternatives to your favorite Mexican dishes like burritos, tortas, and tacos. Pair up the meal with refreshing drinks like Mexican sodas and natural fruit juices. Whoever said you can’t find good Mexican food that is both appetizing and vegetarian?

Cafe Jumping Bean

Cafe, American, Vegetarian, Fast Food, Coffee, Beer

For years, Cafe Jumping Bean has been a beloved spot for Pilsen residents. It’s a breakfast spot, a lunch spot, and a quick coffee run spot all in one charming storefront cafe. Adorned with art made by local artists, Cafe Jumping Bean serves up great food for the neighborhood. While Cafe Jumping Bean is most known for their coffee and specialty drinks, the food should not be missed, especially the black bean burger and veggie focaccia sandwiches. Best of all, it’s vegetarian friendly!

Café Monsiváis

Restaurant, American

Looking for creative, gourmet food that is both delicious and vegetarian? Then look no further than Café Monsiváis. Named after Mexican writer and political activist Carlos Monsiváis, Café Monsiváis is situated just blocks away from the National Museum of Mexican Art. The location on Pilsen’s 18th Street was deliberately chosen to reflect the restaurant’s connection to the predominantly Mexican-American community of Pilsen. Stop in after your trip to the National Museum of Mexican Art and try the molletes, the tofu yellow curry crêpes, or the chile rellenos, a stuffed poblano pepper with Chihuahua cheese.

About the author

Alyssa Reyes

Alyssa is a Chicago native and current senior at DePaul University. She is studying Journalism with a minor in Media & Cinema Studies. After graduating this June, she hopes to go into new??s and editorial writing with a focus on politics and social justice. When she is not writing, she is fond of watching old films on Turner Classic Movies, reading autobiographies, and discovering her hometown.