Vegan/Vegetarian paradise! Such a nice little place. Loved the patio! The food was delicious. I enjoyed the surrounding neighborhood. Cant wait to go back! read more

Handlebar - Nashville Hot Fried " Chicken" Sandwich - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Never fails. Blackened Catfish, mac n cheese, broccoli (although I wasn't super crazy about the Asian flare)...bring back the sautéed green beans please! read more

First time trying Handlebar and enjoyed our lunch! The server was a bit aloof and inattentive, but we will dine here again for the menu and atmosphere. It seemed to be the place to eat so be prepared to wait for a table. read more

Went to have lunch with my girl as she is a vegan. Was not allowed in because she didn't have her vaccine card (she is vaccinated) and because I was not vaccinated, I was being honest (freedom of choice). I felt an unjust treatment due to my self being in a different category of people who chose not to be vaccinated. A form of discrimination for being Non-vaccinated. I felt he/she was being a vaccinatism. I then ask if you can still catch COVID with or without the vaccine. No answer was giving. Maybe they should create sections for vaccinated and non-vaccinated people but then again it's just easier not to let us in. Intern we went to eat at BK. 2 Imposible whoppers because BK made it possible. read more

What a great eating experience during COVID. We ate in the back patio which was very pleasant and peaceful! The staff were very professional. We will go back for the food again during and post Covid. Our favorite dish was the side of grits. Both sandwiches were very good, but we will definitely get the hot chicken( really mushroom) again. We will skip the chili cheese fries which we got as an appetizer. read more

Handlebar - Nashville Hot Fried " Chicken" Sandwich with Sesame Broccoli and Fried Avocado Grilled Cheese with grits - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food was fairly good (if not incredible), but the service was poor. We couldn't flag our waitress down to get utensils so we wound up going to the hostess stand and serving ourselves. When it came to asking for the check our waitress was again nowhere to be found. We came on a busy Saturday so we were patient with the poor service, but this isn't a good look for a restaurant and it's staff. -Update: came here a few weeks back and ordered the tacos (which are delicious). The service was still questionable, but not as bad as our first visit. Upping one star for the good tacos and better service. read more

I LOVE! Handlebar! The nachos and fried avocado grilled cheese are my go-to's. The service has been consistently nice, and the outside patio is cute as well. Good beer selection too. read more

4.5/5 The atmosphere is pretty cool here. Lots of random posters on the wall for various concerts and bands. Random paintings on the wall are very creative works. I had the grilled cheese w Muenster cheese and collard greens. Both were 5/5. We also had the chips and guacamole which was also very good. I had Daisy Cutter Pale Ale as well (can). Decent selection of craft beers on draft and can/bottle. Very good vegetarian and vegan options. They do have fish and shrimp meals there too. If you are looking for vegan and vegetarian options this place is great for it. read more

Handlebar - Half Acre Daisy Cutter Pale Ale 16oz can - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We went for lunch and enjoyed the food here immensely, but the music is so loud and, frankly, distasteful to me, that I'll probably not return. I had the fried avocado tacos, and they were delicious. I wasn't sure how fried avocado would play out, but the chef(s) here obviously know what they're doing. I don't eat flour tortillas, and I asked if they had corn, and they happily substituted those out for me. I really liked the toppings; a nice very lightly pickled cabbage and a tasty tomatillo salsa that provided just a touch of heat. They give you three overstuffed tacos, and this was more than enough food for me. I got a side of black beans, and these were excellent as well. The plate came with short grain brown rice, and I should have just asked for the beans as a substitute, as I couldn't finish everything. I would say "next time", but I doubt there will be one for me. As good as the food was, I just can't deal with noise rock played at a bar scene level while I eat. I don't think it's good for digestion, as I tense up, and my partner and I couldn't hear each other speak. It's too bad, as I would return and try more of the menu. read more

My wife and I ordered to-go from here this weekend, partially for a reason to get out of the house, but mostly because we've been wanting to try Handlebar since being recommended to it by a friend. It was surprisingly good, even after being taken home - I'm usually not a fan of taking out anything but pizza or Asian food... Let's just say I'd get Handlebar to go anytime. We got the vegan Mac, the bowl of chili, and the buffalo "chicken" wrap with fries. The wrap was my favorite part, but nothing disappointed- even the French fries, which are one of my "oh no-no's" when getting take out, but they kept ventilation in the fry container so they didn't get too soggy. The seitan posing as chicken in the wrap was awesome, deep fried and wonderful, and the buffalo sauce was top notch - even the tortilla was high quality. The vegan Mac was as close to real cheese as one could hope. Support local. read more

LOVE! this place. Their chimichanga is perfect the morning after a night out drinking soul enriching plate. I love their shrimp and grits as well. If you're up for something lighter then breakfast burrito is delish. Their special bloody is only a $1 up charge. It is super strong and served with the best fried pickle I've been able to find anywhere. Not a whimpy slice but a whole spear that's fried to perfection. Service is fast and attentive. Can't say enough good things about this place. read more

Handlebar - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If the Hell's Angels, the Seattle Grunge Music Society and the local Herbivore Society opened a cafe out might look something like Handlebar. That said, Handlebar is true and authentic to itself, whatever that is and whatever its target demographic may be, which clearly isn't me. That said, I do like the place the food is creative bar/pub. They have strong drinks, the nicest people working there and a small but decent menu of vegan, vegetarian and pesceatarian creatively prepared, tasty and at reasonable prices. Nice brunch selection. Somehow though the combination of a bean sprouts, avocados, seitan breakfast while listening to Blood Circus or Hammerbox with the volume turned up to "11" doesn't work for me, but like I said I'm not their target customer. That said, I do like the place, the food and people and will certainly go back anytime. Congrats for being authentic and original. Keep up the good work. read more

Handlebar - The joint - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Sam and I are walking down the street, hungry as ever on a beautiful Sunday morning, and on our way to a well researched brunch place when ALL of a sudden, we see a group of some punk rock kids huddled around a door. We laugh about it, and walk past, then pause. Why the fuck is there a crowd at 10am?? Is this a brunch place thats been missed on our Yelp radar?? We play Rock Paper Scissors on whether or not to be spontaneous - and Handlebar wins. The place is COOL. The aesthetic is COOL. And guess what??? ITS VEGETARIAN, BITCHES! Sam's a meat eater. He would never step foot into a veggie-only place. However, this motherfucker is trapped. We already waited the wait and we're SEATED before he finds out. He panics until we look at the menu. Holy fuck. What's happening?? We're disheveled! Everything is blowing our minds!! What do we get?? I get the chimichanga. Goddamn. That was a meal that I had to sit my knife and fork down and say, "This is the best goddamn breakfast I've had in a long time." Sam gets a sausage and egg sandwich. He's never had fake meat, but the man is in love. It's seasoned perfectly and he can't tell he difference. I love this place, now. And I'm coming back with tattoos and a patched, jean jacket. Maybe pink hair. read more

Handlebar - We're rock hard for this place. Punk rock hard for this place. So punk rock that Sam needs to keep his sunglasses on to fit in. - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've lived down the street from this place for 3 years. It is the best place for vegetarian food in the city. As an omnivore, I can say that everything I've eaten here has been delicious and I always leave full. I especially love the Nashville hot chicken and the Mac and cheese. read more

Handlebar - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Looks obscure from the outside, but there is an amazing patio out back that is so perfect. The food was so delicious. The Tofu Sambal was delicious, a bit spicy but really enjoyed it ... save room for desert bc the chocolate cake blew me away! I just moved to the neighborhood and will be walking over for this cake ALL THE TIME! Definitely worth checking out. read more

Sat down and waited for 20 minutes before anyone even greeted us (this was also a pretty quiet Tuesday afternoon so I would've expected better service). The fried pickles were pretty good and the dipping sauce was bomb (I'm assuming an avocado garlic ranch)! The chili mac was pretty good and the sloppy joe was okay (good slaw but I didn't really enjoy the seasoning on the veggie meat). Overall the food was okay, service was terrible, very loud and small environment. I don't regret eating here but I don't think I will be back anytime soon. read more

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Love handlebar. Consistently great service paired with excellently tasting meals. Awesome vibe

A lot of really yummy vegan and vegetarian options. They're known for the fun cocktails too. They have a really cute patio.

I've been coming here for over a decade and every meal is as good as the last. A real diamond in the rough for veg places, too, because while you can get faux meats it's not the majority of the menu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all winners and frankly I could eat here for every meal and not be upset. Nashville hot sandwich is my current go-to, but the green meanie, Sambal tofu, and Buffalo chik'n wrap are all killer. Splurge on the Mac and cheese, it's always worth it. read more

This was my first time dining here let me just say the food was amazing! Their homemade ranch is to die for, I had to order the bottle and bring it home. I had the NASHVILLE HOT FRIED "CHICKEN"* was so good so much flavor! The fry's so so tasty, and the vegan dream Mac n cheese was so good too! Can't wait to go back and try other dishes! read more

One of my favorite vegetarian breakfast places in the city. They also have some seafood options. Coffee was much better than most breakfast places usually. Space can be sorta tight so not really kid friendly. Nice patio when the weather is right read more

My husband and I were here for dinner with friends (I did not choose the place), and we quickly learned that Handlebar is definitely not the place to eat if you're allergic to both fish and soy. There was not a single piece of dinner food on the entire menu that I could eat--even the fries were cooked in soy oil. In all fairness, this is a meat-free place that specifically caters to vegetarians and vegans, so I don't blame the restaurant--I blame our friends who chose the place and knew my food allergies. I was stuck paying $11 for a plate of plain lettuce topped with one slice of avocado and an ounce of quinoa (all dressings were house made and the waitress could not tell me what was in them). Still giving 4 stars because my husband enjoyed his food, even though he is not a vegetarian. Seems like a great restaurant if you're vegan/vegetarian, but best to avoid if you happen to have soy/fish allergies. read more

This is a pretty small hip bar / restaurant. The menu had a good variety of options including plenty of vegan options! We came here for the Bloodys and they sure did not disappoint, so good! That fried pickle they too it off with, yes! And we stayed for dinner. We stopped in here on a weeknight just in time (maybe 5ish?) before the rush. This please filled up fast and was awkwardly packed! The (vegan) fried avocado tacos, another yes! And the (vegan) nachos were alright, too. And the Guajillo Michelada was pretty darn good too! Great little spot, I definitely recommend it! read more

Handlebar - Vegan Fried Avocado Tacos - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Better than a lot of other vegan eateries in Chicago. Nice location. Fun vibe. Cool posters adorning some of the walls and some walls left blank to show off the architecture. Wide variety on the menu. Overall it could use some more flavor (more spices). But it's still satisfying. If Chicago Diner is closed then it's worth coming to. read more

I come here specifically for a drink called the Trifecta, it should be renamed the GAME CHANGER though. Guinness, fresh chilled espresso and Jam-o, all in one glass. Smooth and dangerous as hell. Been here twice. First, was for Sunday brunch and it was wall to wall, we waited for 2 seats at the bar and just grabbed a cocktail and a piece of Reese's peanut butter cake, damn it was good. And vegan, I think even the dessert was Vegan. Second, was for Tuesday breakfast and we were the only people in the building for the majority of our sit. Trippy music plays here, the kind that makes you feel like you're traveling through time and space. I would go here for many different occasions, including just a solid spot to sit on my computer and do some creative work. We ordered the Sloppy Joe, Smoked Gouda Mac and Biscuits and Gravy with 2 fried eggs on top. We enjoyed it all and would come back to try more. Large menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner choices. And I believe they even serve some fish items like Shrimp and Grits. Everyone wins. read more

Handlebar - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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When my niece recommended this restaurant, I thought it was a gay bar--a gay bar for brunch, no way. Well, I was wrong with mixed emotion. What a cute, eclectic, trendy little establishment. As this was my first meal in Chicago, on this trip, I was super-excited to see that they had vegan Biscuits and Gravy. What a wonderful surprise...and was it good? Yes, it was good. I devoured my meal. Everyone else with me enjoyed their meal as well. I would certainly go back to Handlebar. read more

Handlebar - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was a fantastic breakfast for my vegetarian family. We enjoyed great service on a rustic and beautiful back patio with constant refills of our water and coffee. My husband had a delicious bloody mary with a fried pickle! All of our food was made from scratch and the re and time was obvious from my son's HUGE egg and seitan sausage sandwich on yummy bread to the sides of the most scrumptious breakfast potatoes I've had. I had the pepitas and it was phenomenal with delicious peppers and fried onions. Husband he a huge and savory breakfast burrito and another son had the half order of biscuits & gravy. All the food was unique, with huge portions. So happy we discovered this place! read more

Handlebar - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My favorite current restaurant in Chicago is Handlebar on North Avenue. We've been there a bunch of times recently and everything I've had there has been excellent. For a place that is mostly vegetarian (although they do have several fish options), but everything is just fantastic. Also, the big win for me is that they serve dinner until midnight every day, and they have a great patio to boot. Couldn't recommend it better to anyone. read more

Seriously one of my favorite places to go for any meal! Brunch, lunch, dinner, they always do it best! I've never had a bad dish or a bad experience. For brunch, I love their vegan French toast or the breakfast burrito. For dinner, I love the fried avocado grilled cheese, the nut stew, or the spicy sambal tofu . You can't go wrong. read more

COVID update: So pleased with how they're following social distancing guidelines- tables are ~actually~ 6 feet apart, online menus, butcher paper on tables changed between customers, and masks galore. And, of course, the food was awesome as always! read more

Handlebar - Sambal Tofu - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I checked out Handlebar for the first time this morning after reading countless rave reviews. My only complaint is that I have entered a period of mourning due to all the great meals I've missed from not dragging my arse here sooner. I ordered the pepita scramble with tofu and it was so unbelievably delicious, hands down the best in Chicago. I've followed a vegan diet since August 2018 (vegetarian since November 2009) and searched high and low, far and wide, here and there, indeed, nearly e v e r y w h e r e in search of a tofu scramble worthy of filling the gaping hole in my heart left by ruling breakfast staple, the almighty egg. Finally, after all this time, I can rest easy knowing my hopes were not unfounded. ^.^ Also, it's been a minute since I've had a meal this filling and already look forward to making a return trip! read more

Handlebar - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We love trying vegetarian restaurants. When we moved to wicker, we were super excited to try this place right away. Let's just say this place is eclectic-- definitely a different crowd but really a cool place. They have brunch and a good beer and drink list. We went for a late lunch so had the lunch menu to choose from. Everyone was satisfied with their food, but not in love with any of it. The sandwiches have a LOT of bread and not too much substance really. We'll probably go again down the road and try some new options. Hopefully for dinner! read more

Handlebar - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ive went here a few times now - always happy with the food here and have left feeling awesome! Specials: the sunday night avacado tacos w tecate+tequilas are amazing. Tacos are flavorful and the tequila is a good combo along with a tecate chaser. There used to be a fish n chips special which was my fav but it is no longer offered :( Cocktails: i havent been disappointed so far, the crabbiea primm cup is awesome. Water service: they give you two filled cups and a carafe full of water-you dont run out and Im a camel Chili mac attack - great savory cheese taste with some crunch of tortilla chips and spiciness from jalapeños. This is one dish that generates random cravings during the day to come back to the restaurant Grits - so-so grits, they come out warm and are just alright Green meanie - one of the best vegan sandwiches - the avacado and whatever sauce they put in is awesome read more

Handlebar - Tequila with tecate on Sunday Night specials - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Second time here. Cute place with trendy staff who are proficient but don't necessarily go the extra mile. Food is nice. Love the slant towards vegan in a way that seems tasty and pretty to look at. Enjoyed the outdoor patio space. Mean Green sandwich with fries. read more

Handlebar - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Back patio is nice. Got a bowl of chili and vegan cheese fries. The chili was alright but the fries were SO GOOD. Whatever vegan cheese they're using is incredible and their fries were perfection. Recommend for easy hangs and top-notch vegetarian/vegan eats. read more

This place is soooo good! We got: Chocolate cake, mashed potatoes, regular Mac, vegan Mac, chick sandwich, sloppy joe, nachos. Everything was amazing! My favorite was the nachos but everything was delicious! read more

Handlebar - Chocolate cake, mashed potatoes, regular Mac, vegan Mac, chick sandwich, sloppy joe, nachos - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Consistently good food! I just tried their fried avocado sandwich... yum!!! I recommend their eating in their patio area. It's very cute.

Two words: COMFORT HEAVEN! (Vegan Comfort Food that is) Let me start with the environment first... it has a punk rock, loud/extreme display of art, music, and food. The lighting at dark is low lit, and the walls are filled with stuff. It might come off as a bit intimidating if that's not your thing, but stick around because the food is totally worth it. When I originally saw this restaurant I was gunning for the buffalo cauliflower wings, but when I got there I learned they discontinued them. So I grabbed the next best thing, fried pickles. Hands down the best fried pickles I have ever had in my life! The batter was flaky, the pickles were crisp, and the side or ranch worked to perfection. I literally ate them in less than 5 minutes and contemplated ordering another round. I followed up that app with the sloppy joe as an entree. Here is where things really got mind blowing. It's served on a pretzel bun with the perfect amount of slaw and BBQ sauce. The damn sandwich was SO DAMN GOOD, that I had to double check with the waitress to make sure it was vegan (because they do serve regular food as well), she confirmed it was indeed vegan, so I continued to devour it. The fries that accompanied them were perfect as well, not soggy, just crunchy and great! Here is where we get to the four star reasoning for my review. The baked mac and cheese was a let down. It looked great when it came out but it was so dry and didn't have that cheese flavor I was looking for that wowed me. Then finally, the chocolate cake, that was super dry as well and underwhelming. Pricing was fair, considering the portion size, you will not walk out of there hungry. Parking is a bit tricky with only street parking out front, not sure if there is parking in the back, I took a lyft so that may be something to consider as well. The service was okay, it wasn't the greatest, but it wasn't awful either. My suggestion is that you get the fried pickles and the sloppy joe, I would definitely pay another visit whenever I'm back in the windy city. read more

Best vegan nachos ever! That vegan cheese sauce is so good! It's great on the vegan chili Mac as well. And the vegan strawberry pies are delicious! Truly a good in the neighborhood! read more

I'm not a vegetarian/vegan myself but have a lot of veg friends! This is a great place to get anything from brunch to late dinner! Their drinks are great and well-priced! Could skip the chocolate cake next time tho. read more