I used to really like this place. In the past few years, service has gone downhill to the point where the crew usually are found huddled behind the bar when you walk in and seem to reluctantly peel themselves away to take care of you. Not great but manageable until....I am vegan and this place advertises as being "vegan-friendly". I mean, they boast about their vegan food ALL the time. Then why do you allow a server to run around wearing a "Eat Cheese or Die" shirt? A server who is NOT new as I have seen them before (participating in that huddle and reluctantly acknowledging your presence)?? Eff you folks, I'm out. Don't insult me with your lackadaisical bs attitude. read more

First time coming here! I got the chicken wrap and it was too spicy for me. My friend really enjoyed her avocado grilled cheese though. The fries were salty as well. What bothered me was that the tables next to us were seated after us and got their food much sooner. Waitress apologized and that's about it. Not the best place for me, but I think I would still recommend to vegan/vegetarian friends. read more

Handlebar - Fried Avocado Grilled Cheese - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been to Handlebar a few times over the last few years and always enjoy their food. Their patio is a mega bonus during the warmer months, as the indoor space gets a little crowded with people standing around. My boyfriend and I met a few friends here last weekend after getting engaged and everyone seemed to enjoy their food and drinks - for the most part - even those who eat meat like it's their job. Fried pickles were a little over-done this time, but I've had them every time I've been here, so they're always my go-to. This last time I ordered the buffalo chick'n wrap and loved it enough that I was okay with the fact that it ruined my favorite shirt, with a side of sesame broccoli (divine!). Dirty martini was a little warm, but that's what I get for trying to order a martini at a grungy (yet lovely) bar. Bf had the biscuits and gravy with sunny side up eggs and guacamole. Street parking is free if you can find it, service is on point, and bathrooms are dirty, but that's part of Handlebar's charm. They serve breakfast and sammies until 3pm, entrees are served 3pm and beyond. Definitely check it out - sensory overload is a must from time to time. read more

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This place is too hip. I definitely felt a bit out of place but the food here is amazing! I'm not vegetarian but I thought the food was amazing here. Wicker place is a really nice neighborhood filled with young people everywhere. Good coffee and dirty chai. My "Nashville Fried chicken" was very tasty. Too small of a patty but very flavorful and spicy. Couldn't even tell that is wasn't meat. My friend's chimichanga was really good. Very saucy with a lot of beans. Enough to fill both of our appetites. Came here early and there were no lines. But when we left around at 10, the place was packed with people waiting outside. Tip: Come early! read more

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My Buffalo chicken wrap was definitely a solid food option. I have to admit that it didn't blow my mind per se but it did the job of of getting me some dinner while I'm currently abstaining from meat. The sandwich was hefty to say the least enough so to fill a carnivore's appetite. There's a drive thru like prick up window that also serves as a hostess stand for dine in patrons. I'll be interested in trying other menu items such as the nachos when I return. read more

Handlebar - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The patio at Handlebar is fantastic! Such a cool vibe. Been here a couple times now, and I have yet to have an item on the menu that disappointed. The go-to for sure is the Nashville Hot Sandwich. So good, but it is hot. The texture is spot on, and the slaw compliments the sandwich perfectly. The wrap was fantastic as well, and you have to start with the nachos. If they have a cake from Pie Pie, plan to order a slice; you will not be disappointed! Vegan paradise, y'all! read more

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I'll be honest, the service is hit or miss. But, the food is delicious! One of the best vegan spots in Chicago! If you're in the Wicker Park area this is a restaurant, you should definitely visit. read more

Handlebar - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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YET AGAIN SPECTACULAR I got this special 3 years ago and got it again this weekend. The one and only pancake bowl! read more

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Just amazing. Has vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options and they're all good. The service is great and they have a cute outdoor area. Also, very strong drinks read more

A really nice eclectic/quirky restaurant. I went with my husband and I decided to have a late dinner and we are newly plant based and this establishment has great reviews on Yelp (y'all know I rocks with Yelp when it comes to selecting anything). We went around 8. No reservation was required (great) and we were greeted and sat right away. They have inside and outside seating. We chose inside. Our server came over with water right away and asked if we would like anything other than water to drink, which we did not. He asked if we had any questions about the menu and if we were ready to order. They had a Buffalo un-chicken wrap, which I asked the waiter about and he said, it's okay but he preferred the Nashville Hot un-chicken, which comes in a sandwich form but I asked for it as a wrap. The husbae ordered the fried avocado tacos with the fresh cut fries. The food was out to us within 10 mins. Everything was delicious. The husbae did say the tacos could use a little more flavor but the chalula helped that. I would definitely go back here and would certainly recommend, whether you are plant based or not. read more

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This is my favorite Vegan spot! My husband and I eat here pretty frequently since first finding it on Yelp. Everything we've tried so far on the menu has been amazing. Their vegan ranch and cheese is the best I've had vs any other vegan restaurants. However, the best dish in our opinion is the hot fried chicken sandwich. I didn't know it was humanly possible to make a mushroom taste like chicken, but Handlebar does it. I'd actually like to see a competition with their sandwich vs honey buttered fried chicken cuz Handlebar would win. The service is always fast and nice. Even if the place is packed, they do such a great job making sure you're not waiting long. Highly recommend everyone try this place, even if you aren't vegan/vegetarian. It's that good! read more

Decent vegan restaurant in the area. My friend is vegan so we decided to stop by for a quick dinner. They really enjoyed their entrees- I found the sesame noodles to be mediocre. Will need to give another menu item a try. read more

Handlebar - Sesame Noodles, Chili Mac Attack Entree - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Back for more! Trying the Vegan Diablo breaky, Black Bean Tostadas, and plantains with an Agent Scully and Shirley Temple. New favorite lunch joint. And...they're playing Clutch to bring the experience full circle. Great service, excellent food, and tipsy cocktails. If everyone made vegan food, that's good the whole world could be vegan. read more

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Some of the staff just do not have a good attitude here. Their food is also very inconsistent, sometimes it's good and sometimes it's horrible. They messed up my order and Haley gave me attitude about it like it was my fault even though it was ordered on an app. I won't be back. read more

4-5 star food but zero thought to the idea that restaurants are part of the hospitality industry. Think about the word hospitality and tell me that you want me to feel at home, welcome and comfortable here. There's a ton of reviewers that talk about the music and I'm going to echo the sentiments that it's bar music and not restaurant appropriate. It's loud, irritating, obnoxious and just lacks basic musicality. Forget about having a conversation. It makes you wolf down your food. Is it for your customers or is it just what you like to listen to. It's too bad because I really like the menu and the food was very good. My partner had the fried avocado tacos on corn tortillas with rice and beans. The pickled cabbage was a thoughtful addition to the taco. Really nice. I had the Nashville hot chicken everyone raves about deservedly with a side of collards. The collards were hard to eat. I like mine cooked a lot longer. The taste was there but you have to cook them unless they're baby collards. These weren't. The service was friendly. It's a cool looking place. The prices fair. I can't sit through another meal there. It's ridiculous. read more

There is a growing list of Vegetarian/Vegan restaurants in Chicago. Some are great, some average, others not so great. Handlebar, in my opinion, is in the middle. They have a Metal theme - it is decorated with lots of posters and, it is quite loud. So, if you want to have a quiet meal, this is one to avoid. If the noise excites you or it doesn't matter, it is positive. Pros: As their name suggests, they have a full but limited bar. They have a nice wide variety of options for appetizers, sandwiches, meals, and even desserts. And, if you are a vegan, most of the menu options can be made vegan. (One notable exception which I heard was fabulous is the Mac n Cheese.) Cons: They were crowded at 5 PM on a Sunday night. Staff was not as observant as they should have been, or perhaps they were understaffed, but service was generally slow and it was hard to get a server's attention. While the food was good, the texture of their meat items was not really close. There were six of us, and two of us shared meals. We had the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, The Sunday Avocado special (came with a beer and a shot of tequila), and she had a side of the Mac n Cheese. The sandwich - the chicken patty is a large mushroom cap. If it was crisp, it probably would have had more of the right texture but it was simply hot so soft and mushy. The bun and the hot sauce were good - the sauce initially is surprisingly hot but it tames as you eat more. The Avocado tacos were my personal favorite. I'm not sure exactly what they did but there was a slight crunch - the tortilla was soft flour and not corn, and it was topped with plenty of lettuce. I didn't try it, but was told the Mac n Cheese was outstanding - it's been a few days since we were at Handlebar and those who got it are still raving about how good it was. This was actually a late birthday dinner for me - my wife, kids, and their significant others were all there. My wife and I decided to go one step further and got hand pies for dessert. They were my highlight of the meal and I would certainly get them again if we go back. read more

Handlebar - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I just started becoming a vegan in January after a health scare and knew that I didn't want to be a troublemaking friend when going out to eat with people. I did some research and saw that this location had a lot of options on it and even my carnivore friend said that he will definitely be back. The flavor was amazing, the staff was very inviting, and we definitely felt like we got a lot of food for our money. Normally when we go to plant-based or vegan restaurants, the food amount is scarce even though we are not consuming over processed meat product. Thank you and I can't wait to come back and try, the rest of the menu as well as a tasty bloody Mary that I saw someone get read more

I'm excited to have an opportunity to update this review! My best friend invited my boyfriend and I to brunch with her and her boyfriend and I was stoked to get another round of the biscuits and gravy. We met them on a Sunday morning at 11. We checked in and were told about an hour wait. We decided no problem, and stood out front on the sidewalk. It was about 50 minutes and we were taken to the back patio for our table. There is currently no indoor dining open. The weather was beautiful and the patio was nice. Similar to last time, service was pretty slow, but friendly. It's not a quick in and out experience, so plan to just soak up the good vibes and not rush - we all need a little break anyway. They serve the water to the table in a carafe, which I love because I drink a lot of water and I can self-serve that way. Their specials sounded amazing but I was looking forward to the biscuits and gravy too much to venture out. New to this visit, we ordered the fried pickles, which were really tasty! I love that they are pickle spears instead of chips, I like them better this way. The house-made ranch that comes with them is really fresh and full of flavor. The breading is heartier. I'm not sure if it's a type or cornmeal or what they're using but it's crispy and filling and delicious. This is definitely a spot I enjoy and will come back to, and recommend. Their menu is always impressive and the food is consistently great. read more

Handlebar - biscuits and gravy - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Vegetarian and vegan friendly food without lacking any flavor and leaving you feeling full! Also some fish options. Shaded back patio with lots of greenery and inside decorations unique and fun. Perfect for a summer day for a quiet shaded break from the city streets. Reasonable prices too! read more

This restaurant was very cute! Due to covid, they had 6 feet birders in the ground. We sat outside in the back with lots of cute plants and lights! I got the margarita ($8) with a greenie and my friend got a the "chicken" wrap. We also got fried pickles as an appetizer and it seems like a lot of people were ordering the same thing. I would give atmosphere 10/10 and food 9/10!! read more

Handlebar - Fried Pickles Green Meanie Sandwich - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Such a great experience at the Handlebar!!!!! The food is phenomenal and they love pretty quickly. I had a phenomenal blackened catfish that omg can EASILY put up against many fine eateries in Chicago. Come in and enjoy. read more

Handlebar - Blackened Catfish with fries, collards, and a side of vegan mac - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been to Handlebar a few times. I have always enjoyed the food. The breakfast chimichanga is amazing. So are the fried pickles. Service is solid. My issue is the music. Went on a Sunday for breakfast and we were subjected to the extreme noise music. Loud and not great for a Sunday morning. I get it you are cool and alternative, but tone that music down. read more

Super yummy brunch - the Pepita tofu scramble was soo delicious. We came on a Friday morning and everything came out pretty fast. Our waiter and the rest of the staff were super sweet. Would recommend to anyone! read more

Handlebar - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I came to visit a friend for the day in Chicago and she couldn't stop raving about Handlebar so I had to give it a try! My eyes were definitely hungrier when looking at the menu because I couldn't even finish all the food I ordered. I ordered the nachos which came with seitan chorizo (almost couldn't tell the difference) which was packaged super neatly and it was even more fun having to assemble them myself. My friend also said that I HAD to get the Pie, Pie My Darling cake which this weekend, it was the Hocus Pocus cake. UNBELIEVABLE. So moist and decadent! They also are taking precautions with COVID as they have a pick up window instead! read more

Handlebar - Pie, Pie My Darling's Hocus pocus - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Love an all vegan restaurant. Wish they had more gf options. But I really loved my food. We came for brunch. It was pretty busy, but we were seated quickly. read more

It is my mission to find a good vegan spot in every town I visit and Handlebar did not disappoint. We walked into the restaurant a little after 5:30pm on a week night and it was pretty empty. We were seated immediately and shortly after, water was brought to our table. I ordered the Nachos with vegan cashew queso (minus the black beans). The nachos are definitely big enough to share and are covered in cashew queso, chorizo and guacamole. The chorizo has a slight kick to it but was not unbearably spicy. The cashew queso was delicious and made me forget I wasn't eating "real" cheese. Overall, I left Handlebar satisfied. The food is reasonably priced and the portion sizes are perfect. I would definitely stop by again the next time I'm in Chicago. read more

Handlebar - Vegan Nachos - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Anything less than a five means that the users have robotic taste buds. This place is so freaking good. Vegan food is never been high on my list. They kill it every time. Been at least four times and next week makes five. read more

everrrythi ng was so incredibly delicious and the vibe slapped, so eclectic and comforting of a space filled with cool folks

i'm sad it took me this long to try this place. around noon today, i went with my husband and friend and sat on their outdoor patio. all tables were placed at least six feet apart. temperature was fine - it was about 45 degrees but they had heated lamps and we kept our jackets on, so we were still comfortable. the menus are digital with a handy dandy qr code on the table but they also had food items written on the chalkboards. the servers were super friendly and all wore masks. we three split the vegan chili mac attack - and wowee it was amazing!!! so much flavor and didn't taste vegan at all. i got the fried avocado grilled cheese (w/ vegan cheese) and also wow'd. yes, it's greasy so not the healthiest but it was v delicious!! also got a side of fries which were thin and crispy, just how i like them! super filling so had to save the second half of the sandwich for later. i need to come back and try the rest of the menu!! 100% recommend for everyone (not just vegan/vegetarians)! read more

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Come get brunch here!! I was excited to find a vegetarian/vegan brunch+lunch spot. Masks are required to enter. Outdoor seating is the only option available based on the current Covid restrictions. The outdoor tables had individual overhead heating lamps. They didn't produce much heat. My hands ended up being pretty cold. So, beware and come fully bundled up!! The waitress maintained social distancing precautions! Masks are required when the waiter or waitress comes to the table and whenever you get up from the table. I liked that these rules were explained by the host right after being seated. The menu has SO many options providing a majority of the same options in either a vegetarian or vegan way. Best of both worlds. I ordered the vegan breakfast burrito and French toast. The vegan breakfast was filled with seitan chorizo, peppers, onions, potato, avocado, cilantro, and spinach. The burrito was also paired with salsa verde & black beans. The seitan had a powerful savory flavor that paired amazingly with the roasted peppers. Great smoky, meaty flavor. The side of black beans did not disappoint! Great texture and good mixture of flavors. The French toast was topped with fresh strawberries and banana as well as powdered sugar. The French toast can be prepared vegan. I ordered the non-vegan version. The French toast was lightly browned and crispy on the outside with a creamy, soft inside. It wasn't soggy or too eggy which I appreciated. It had a nice cinnamon sugar/custard taste to it. I recommend both of these food items! I'm looking forward to coming back and trying more from the menu! read more

Handlebar - French Toast and Vegan Breakfast Burrito - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wow was this an incredible find!! Thankfully there have been many more options for vegetarians over the past decade but boy does this place do vegetarian well. The food is outstanding. The vibe is kinda independent punk rock-reminiscent with music posters and flyers wallpapering the interior. Ramones t-shirts everywhere. Many places try to recreate the meat flavor but personally I don't need my veggies to taste like gyros. The mushroom sandwiches I've had(Nashville hot/patty melt) really honored the these classic icons while highlighting the actual mushroom flavor itself. It was an elegant balance I'm so happy to have experienced. Whether you're veggie or not, I can't recommend this place enough. Only wish I'd gone sooner. 10/10! read more

It's pretty narrow minded to require a vaccine for entry. Especially given the 1291 side effects admitted by Pfizer themselves. The greeter was rude. It's a shame, food looked unique. read more

Its a bit loud inside but if that's your vibe then that's cool. Pescatarian and vegan options. Pretty spacious back patio. The food is pretty good. Convenient take out window in the front. read more

I've ordered delivery from Handlebar about three times since March. I've gotten a different dish every time and each one was unique in flavor. The Nashville Hot Fried "Chicken" sandwich had just the right amount of spice to it. Their Green Meanie is a simple but FULL OF FLAVOR sandwich. Whatever juices and goods they got in it = my taste buds like it. Black Bean Maduro is my favorite out of the three meals I've tried. The sweetness of the plantains and spicey chipotle sauce they give mixes well together. Their side of fries are fine. I was not a huge fan of their vegan mac attack. Felt that it could've used more flavor. Their Oatmeal Cream Pies hit the spot!!!! Highly recommend! They also carry Pie Pie My Darling cake slices. I was lucky enough to try a few and I've been a fan for a bit! read more

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Excellent vegan and vegetarian food, great NA options, great lighting and energy. Would eat here several times a week if I lived closer.

Although I am not vegetarian or vegan, after dining here I can see the most certainly see appeal! I've always been a fan of tofu and tempeh but if that's not your thing they do offer a few seafood options too, so everyone wins. There is indoor and outdoor seating. We opted for the patio since it was a nice day out. I got the buffalo "chicken" wrap (which is actually fried seitan) with a side of their gouda mac and cheese. The food was solid. No complaints. Definitely a fun little spot to come for booze and food. read more

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This became one of my favorite spots very quickly. Beautiful, covered patio, good service, delicious food. A great vegetarian and vegan spot. Cool, edgy decor as well:) Perfect for a casual meal. Large portions for the price! read more

Handlebar - Buffalo wrap with fries - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'd like to share some actual quotes from eating at handlebar. I had the special fried "chicken" sandwich which is made with fried hen of the woods mushrooms. "I want to marry this sandwich" "No one will ever make me as happy as I am eating this sandwich" "I've never eaten anything so fast in my life" "I will not put it down, no" "What is this? Homemade vegan ranch? You think I can get a cup to just drink it?" "Serious about drinking this ranch though" "I can't believe I ate it all, I never finish things" "I'm drunk on this sandwich" Fries were great too. Ate a ton of delicious vegan food in Chicago but this was by far my favorite. Marry me, handlebar sandwich? I'll be faithful. read more

Handlebar - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really friendly service. Didn't take long to get our food (ordered on a Monday night) . Server let us sit outside even though it was about to close. It was really clean and the lights were pretty outside. The buffalo wrap was really good and the fries. First time coming here as I am from out of state. This was a very good vegetarian option. Will have to come again read more

Handlebar - Buffalo "Chicken" Wrap Tortilla Chips and Guacamole - Vegetarian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is soo good! The buffalo chicken wrap is to die for. I have brought friends here who are not vegetarian and they are still obsessed. I think that says it all read more