Veggie Burgers That Will Make You Want To Stop Eating Meat (Maybe)

Let’s face it, there’s always one friend in every group that doesn’t eat meat (and yes that friend is me). There’s no doubt that finding places to eat where everyone will be satisfied can be a challenge, but as restaurants make more inclusive menus, finding something for everyone has become less and less of a hassle. Now that the days of only eating french fries at a restaurant are behind me, I’ve taken the last few years to compile a list of the best veggie burgers in the city (that aren’t just at vegan restaurants). Your vegetarian friends will thank me, and your meat-eating friends just might do the same! Get your veggie on with these burgers…

EPIC Burger {multiple locations}

If you need something quick that has better ingredients and flavors than your average burger joint, stop by one of EPIC Burgers several Chicagoland locations. If you like the taste of hamburger meat and want something that will satisfy your craving, grab the Beyond Burger. With a plant-based Beyond Meat patty, avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickle, raw onion, and vegan mayo, served on a wheat bun, you can never go wrong with this classic burger. If you’re not a fan of the beyond plant-based meat, you can their Garden Veggie Burger instead! With a veggie burger patty, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion, and spicy garlic ranch sauce, served on a brioche bun, it has all the flavor without the red meat.

Stand Up Burgers {multiple locations}

If you are hungover and craving cheeseburgers, you have to get Stand-Up. From the founders of Veggie Grill, this spot was created with classic burgers (made plant-based) and communities in mind. Stand-Up's mission is to get the world to eat less meat by rethinking and redefining the classic burger. When you stop in, try The O.G. and Save The Animals Style Fries, a nod to In-N-Out (but vegan). 

Crosby’s Kitchen {3455 North Southport Avenue, Chicago; 773.883.2525}

Since moving to Lakeview in 2019, Crosby’s has been a frequent favorite of mine. Whenever someone comes to town and we are looking for a place where I know everyone will find someone to eat, I always choose Crosby’s. Their veggie burger, house-made with rice, beans, walnuts, sweet potatoes, and shiitake mushrooms is always at the top of my list. Not only will you love the burger, but ask for extra jalapeño mayo on the side, you won’t regret it ;) It’s the perfect place for a family meal, before doing some shopping on Southport.

Doc B’s {multiple locations}

Doc B’s burger is my go to when I want a veggie burger that’s not the standard cheese, onion, lettuce and tomato. Made with quinoa and black beans, and topped with monterey jack, kale slaw and teriyaki glaze, you truly won’t even miss the meat. Ask for their Hand Cut Sweet Potato Fries for the perfect side to an awesome burger. This one is a no-brainer!

The Chicago Diner {multiple locations}

As a classic vegan/vegetarian restaurant in Chicago, everyone knows Chicago Diner. If you are just trying out a vegetarian lifestyle, or want to show your meat-eating friend how good plant-based food can be, stop by their Lakeview or Logan Square locations. My go-to burger at Chicago Diner is the Cajun Black Bean Burger. With a black bean patty, sautéed onion, mushroom, spinach, tomato, fried jalapeño, Teese® cheddar, and Creole mustard, you’ll nearly forget about meat altogether. End your meal with one of their many vegan desserts; my favorite is the Carrot Cake with vegan cream cheese frosting. 

Small Cheval {multiple locations}

Known for their burgers, fries, shakes and shots, Small Cheval is the perfect retro-style burger joint for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. If you are stopping by one of their several locations, grab one of their plant-based patties with pickles, onions, lettuce, and tomato. If you’re vegetarian and not vegan, or just want a plant-based patty, add some cheese and dijionnaise to finish off your burger. To complete your night, grab one of their many beer options and either a strawberry, chocolate or vanilla milkshake. Don’t forget - They also offer carryout and delivery!

By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent