2311 W. North Ave., Chicago
(Blue line to Damen, walk north 1/2 block to North Ave. and go 3 blocks west)
(773) 384-9546 www.handlebarchicago.com
The Handlebar is a bar and restaurant that caters to bicyclists foremost and vegans too for their generous selection of vegan dishes. I've found the food to be good if not amazing and the ambience to be a bit crowded but still comfortable. I recommend the BBQ Seitan sandwich, the Grilled Tofu sandwich, and side dishes like the Greens, Soysage Patties or Veggie Chili. The other vegan stuff is good but less my taste, so try it if it sounds appealing. They also have a good vegan Chocolate Raspberry Torte on the dessert menu.
I admire this place for catering to a niche group AND for their anti-establishment stance regarding the need for alternative transportation. Good food and good people to support!
Sample Dishes from The Handlebar
The Handlebar BBQ Seitan sandwich with side of mashed potatoes and coleslaw (better than it looks!)
The Handlebar This was a black bean dish, probably a daily special. Looks pretty good.
The Handlebar African ground nut stew with veggies. Decent, but a little bland.
The Handlebar These are the veggie/tofu fajitas. A little bland, but I'd probably order it again.
The Handlebar They have some deal where you mix three sides for $6 or something. Fries, chili and greens shown here.
The Handlebar Somebody I was with ordered the Wasabi Tofu. I didn't try it, but I think it was okay. BBQ is better. :)
The Handlebar Pumpkin Pasta of some kind. This tasted a bit off to me, wouldn't get it again.
The Handlebar The vegan raspberry torte that they have as a dessert. Very good stuff.
Please note: My site is NOT any kind of official "Chicago Vegan" site. For a great restaurant guide from an excellent organization, visit VegChicago.com. With the proliferation of digital cameras and cheap web hosting, I encourage every vegan to document their own good-looking vegan food to share with the world...the more the scarier!
