Visiting Chicago: What do I eat?!?

[Cosplaying Cat]

ATTN CHICAGOANS: My boyfriend and I will *hopefully* be visiting Chicago very soon, and I am wondering what we should eat. I want to eat good food, but not spend too much maybe 10-15 dollars per person for lunch/dinner if not cheaper, and maybe one special meal under 70 dollars for the both of us. We both especially enjoy Thai cuisine and he is fond of Italian, but anything is good. Thanks for your help in advance.

[Luise]

http://www.happycow.net/north_america/usa/illinois/chicago/

Last time I went, I ate at Karyn's Cooked -- it was very close to our hotel and we loved it enough to go multiple times; the desserts are pricier than the meals, so don't be put off by the cake prices.

We also highly enjoyed Amitabul, but that's kind of in the suburbs so you have to leave downtown and probably need a car or a very good understanding of the public transportation system. That said, if you're into food enough (and I am), it is totally worth it. It's very cheap, super healthy, and, um... I keep looking forward to going again.

I also think there's a lot more to veg*n dining in Chicago, I just didn't stay long enough to explore it all. Will be back for more.

[m4rk0]

Sultan's Market (http://www.yelp.com/biz/sultans-market-chicago)

Veggie Bite (http://www.yelp.com/biz/veggie-bite-chicago-3)

Chicago Diner (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-chicago-diner-chicago)

Soul Vegetarian (http://www.yelp.com/biz/soul-vegetarian-east-chicago)

Alice and Friends (http://www.yelp.com/biz/alice-and-friends-vegetarian-cafe-chicago-2)

Ethiopian Diamond (http://www.yelp.com/biz/ethiopian-diamond-restaurant-chicago)

Earwax Cafe (http://www.yelp.com/biz/earwax-cafe-chicago#hrid:eC_keCJ2JdtJG7dpGO5xfg/src:search/query:Ear%20Wax%20Cafe)

Dragonlady Lounge (http://www.yelp.com/biz/dragonlady-lounge-chicago-2#hrid:dICbNIfFzDq7ecAlxEt-9g/src:search/query:vegan%20korean%20bbq)

Pricier joints:

Green Zebra (http://www.yelp.com/biz/green-zebra-chicago)

Arun's (http://www.yelp.com/biz/aruns-thai-restaurant-chicago)

[Nickle00]

Soul Vegetarian and Chicago Diner are both AWESOME places!! If you go to my profile and look for VegBunny83 you could PM her and ask for suggestions. She lives in the city and knows all the great places to eat. I've only been to Soul and the Diner so those are my suggestions. Like I said she lives in the city so she's a lot more informed than I am. Peace & Love!!

[louisjeffries]

Ditto Nickle00,

But there are many choices as it seams you are not looking for strict vegetarian. There are lots of good thai diners. Where are you staying.

[Puppet Master]

Here is the Veg Illinois list: http://www.vegillinois.com/search_results.asp?category=Restaurant&Region=All+of+Illinois

[cheekywhiskers]

Not strictly veg, but easily vegan: Flat Top Grill. It's like a stir fry buffet. You put what you want in a bowl and they stir fry it for you, even in a separate wok if you prefer. There are many vegetable and fruit choices, as well as seitan, quorn, veet, edamame and tofu. It's also all you can eat. Check them out at flattopgrill.com.