Chicago has officially been named the most vegan-friendly city of 2025 by PETA, claiming the top spot thanks to its exploding plant-based food scene.

Chicago, July 20th, 2025 – From gourmet vegan diners to bustling plant-based food halls, Chicago is transforming its culinary identity. More residents than ever are ditching meat, dairy, and eggs, embracing a compassionate lifestyle that’s reshaping menus across the city. According to PETA, it’s this widespread shift that blew away the competition and secured Chicago’s place at the top of their 2025 list of most vegan-friendly cities.

Vegandale Hits Chicago!

A few weekends ago, my friend and I took a road trip to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Vegandale Chicago in Grant Park (on my birthday, no less!). Food and merch vendors from around the country set up shop, attracting thousands despite the humid and oppressive heat.

Overwhelmed by the vast number of options, I enjoyed a chick’un sandwich and energy bites. My vegan-curious friend opted for a veggie dog (“The Obama”) and some plant-based sushi. As this was my first vegan festival of this scale, I didn’t quite know what to expect. Everyone seemed thrilled to be there, and it was nice to feel the sense of community. Purportedly North America’s largest vegan festival, it’s coming to cities like Philadelphia, New York City, and Los Angeles in the next few months. But, you don’t have to go to Vegandale to get a taste of the area’s plant-based richness.

 Kitchen 17 – Deep-Dish Dream Come True 

For anyone dreaming of vegan deep-dish pizza, Avondale’s Kitchen 17 is a game-changer. This place has cracked the code, dreaming up its own version of the oozing comfort of a true Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Sink your teeth into the winning combination of dairy-free cheese, a buttery, flaky crust, and hearty, plant-based toppings. One thing’s for sure: Kitchen 17 has mastered the art of recreating this beloved Chicago classic without animal products. Here, Rated V’s Eunice Reyes shows us how it’s done.

Soul Veg City – Where Tradition Meets Plant-Based

Step into Soul Veg City, and you’ll experience a bit of history. Known as Chicago’s oldest plant-based restaurant, this iconic spot has been serving the community for decades. Its roots stretch back to a time before veganism was even close to mainstream. Diners will walk away with bellies full of plant-based interpretations of classic soul food dishes. 

You gotta try their crispy fried cauliflower and gooey mac and cheese. Soul Veg City brings familiarity and comfort to every bite. But the charm of this spot goes beyond its hearty menu. It’s also a place where community thrives. Generations of Chicagoans have bonded over its welcoming atmosphere, where plant-based meals feel both nostalgic and like acts of rebellion. 

 Runaway Cow – Nostalgia in Every Scoop 

No trip to Chicago is complete without a stop at Bridgeport’s Runaway Cow. This all-plant-based joint brings touches of whimsy and nostalgia to vegan desserts. You might be craving classic flavors like vanilla or chocolate, or more playful options like cookie dough and salted caramel swirl. Runaway Cow has positively mastered the creamy texture and rich taste you’d expect from traditional ice cream without the cruelty or cholesterol.

Diversity, Creativity, and Community 

For more Chicago vegan restaurants, just check out the rest of UnchainedTV’s Kale Krew series, which features a slew of  Chicago’s top plant-based hot spots including Spirit Elephant and Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat! And, Kale Krew’s host, Nemanja Golubovic, is the owner of one of Chicago’s most popular vegan restaurants: Kale My Name!

Chicago’s vegan food scene is greater than the sum of its parts. There’s a strong sense of community among the city’s chefs, entrepreneurs, and patrons, with many businesses prioritizing inclusivity, sustainability, and connection. 

The diversity of offerings also reflects the melting pot of cultures that Chicago represents. From American comfort food to decadent sweets, Chicago’s vegan chefs challenge the conventional norms and limitations around plant-based cuisine. That’s why they came out on top among most vegan-friendly cities in 2025.