Vegetarian Journal's Guide to Natural Foods Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

Symbol Key:

•• Vegan or vegetarian restaurant
§ Reviewer's choice

Illinois

Arlington Heights

•• Chowpatti Vegetarian Restaurant

1035 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005

(847) 640-6162

Vegetarian. This family-owned vegetarian restaurant serves international fare--American, Italian, French, Mexican, and Middle Eastern dishes. Everything is homemade and prepared fresh. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for dinner only. Closed Monday. Full service, take-out, catering, fresh juices, totally non-smoking, reservations recommended for large groups, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Champaign

Basmati

302 S. 1st St., Champaign, IL 61820

(217) 315-8877

Indian. More than a dozen vegetarian options appear on Basmati's menu, including various vegetable curry dishes. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for dinner only. Full service, take-out, $$.

Fiesta Café

216 S. First St., Champaign, IL 61820

(217) 352-5902

Mexican. You will find many vegetarian options here. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, wine/beer/alcohol, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Chicago

  (For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, and Westmont.)

A Natural Harvest

7122 S. Jeffery Blvd., Chicago, IL 60649

(773) 363-3939

Natural foods. Soups, salads, sandwiches, and other entrées are prepared on-site daily. The restaurant specializes in vegetable proteins; vegetarian burgers, steaklets, and hot dogs are sold by the pound. Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Limited service, fresh juices, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

•• Amitabul

6207 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60646

(773) 774-0276

Vegan/Korean. When the Amitabul on Southport came under new ownership, the chefs from the old location moved to Milwaukee Ave. and opened this restaurant. Enjoy unique vegan Korean cuisine at this terrific restaurant. Portions are huge, and the food is creatively presented. Try Maki Rolls, Vegan Tofu Young, vegan egg rolls, grilled dumplings, soups, vegan pancakes made from various batters, noodle-based dishes, plus much more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, macrobiotic/vegan options, fresh juices, wine, VISA/MC/AMEX, $-$$.

•• Arya Bhavan

2508 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60659

(773) 274-5800

Vegetarian/Indian. Arya Bhavan specializes in North and South Indian vegetarian cuisine. Vegan dishes are noted on the menu as well as dishes that can be made vegan upon request. Selections include Tadka Dal (lentils cooked with ginger, garlic & spices), Potato Batani Korma (fried dumplings of lentils in a gravy of poppy seeds, chilies & garlic), and Paper Masala Dosa (crepes filled with potatoes & onions). Try their delicious weekend dinner buffet. Arya Bhavan is closed on weekdays between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Café Selmarie

4729 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60625

(773) 989-5595

Café. Vegetarian options include vegetarian chili and soups. Open Tuesday through Sunday for three meals. Closed Monday. Full service, espresso/cappuccino, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

•• Chicago Diner §

3411 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657

(773) 935-6696

Vegetarian. The Chicago Diner, the hub for the animal rights movement in the Midwest, serves an eclectic assortment of international vegetarian fare without preservatives, processes, or artificial foods. The owners have traveled extensively and are dedicated to promoting healthty eating for the sake of humans, the planet, and animals. A breakfast menu and a kids' menu are also available, as is patio dining during the summer. Fresh organic produce is purchased whenever possible. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, non-alcoholic beer, organic wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Club Lucky

1824 W. Wabanesia Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

(773) 227-2300

Italian. Start your meal with the Club Lucky Veggie Antipasti, then choose from such favorites as spicy homemade penne arrabiata and eggplant parmigiana.  Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$$.

•• Cousin's Incredible Vitality Raw Food Restaurant

3038 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60618

(773) 478-6868

Vegetarian/raw foods/organic. Cousin's serves delicious and healthy vegan dishes, such as their Mediterranean burrito, Kofte Kebab, and wide selection of non-dairy cheesecakes. The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat salad bar and plays host to frequent events, such as parties and movie showings. Cousin's also includes an emporium of raw food cookbooks and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$$.

•• Earwax Café

1561 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

(773) 772-4019

Vegetarian/eclectic. Enjoy a funky but friendly atmosphere with an Eastern European circus motif. Breakfast items include granola and yogurt, oatmeal, and bagels. For lunch and dinner, sample various salads, hummus on pita bread, veggie burgers, veggie burritos, spinich pies, and falafel sandwiches. Daily specials are also offered. Cash only. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, BYOB, $-$$.

•• Eat Your Hearts Out

1835 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

(773) 235-6361

Vegetarian. The food is just as fascinating as the atmosphere at this restaurant, decorated with chandeliers, red velvet, wrought iron chains, and a Liberace-style candelabra at a table that seats six to twelve. Tempting creations include Black Bean Hummus, Vegetarian Gumbo, and Thai Wild Rice Noodles with stir-fried vegetables and peanut sauce. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open weekdays for brunch. Full service, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$$.

Feast

1616 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

(773) 772-7100

International. Feast considers itself a "neighborhood restaurant with a global beat." For dinner try the mixed baby greens with grilled asparagus or the penne pasta with pine nuts and sundried tomatoes. Open daily for dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Full service, vegan options, espresso/cappucino, smoothies, beer/wine/alcohol, special drinks, VISA/MC, $$$.

Foodlife

835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 335-3663

Natural foods. This unique restaurant is set up with 13 different kitchen areas, almost like a food court, with names like "Mother Earth Grains" (which is mostly vegetarian), Asian, "Mighty Nice," and "Miracle Juice Bar." Dishes found at these areas range from soy burgers to portabello mushrooms to Tuscan veggies and much more. A very unique dining experience. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Gaylord India Restaurant

678 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

(312) 664-1700

Indian. Indian food is freshly prepared using no canned or processed ingredients. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer/alcohol, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

•• Great Taste Café

355 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 527-1211

Vegan/natural foods/organic. The Great Taste Café is a sustainable and eco-friendly restaurant located in downtown Chicago. With an emphasis on organic, local, and seasonal ingredients, their completely vegan and gluten-free menu is fresh and flavorful. Formerly The Balanced Kitchen, the Great Taste Café is on the 2nd floor of the Holmes Place Fitness Center, but they are open to the general public. Open Monday through Friday for three meals. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and early dinner. Limited service, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Green Zebra

1460 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

(312) 243-7100

Natural foods. This hip yet intimate restaurant is almost entirely vegetarian, with a concentration on raw foods and organics. The seasonal menu often includes Jerusalem artichoke soup; curry-spiced eggplant potstickers with pickled cucumbers; an avocado panna cotta made with tomato gelée, créme fraiche, and sweet corn chips; shiitake mushrooms rolled in cabbage and potatoes; and Hawaiian heart of palm with kaffir lime and Thai basil chili. Reservations recommended. Open daily for dinner. Full service, vegan options, wine, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$$.

Handlebar

2311 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

(773) 384-9546

American. This bicycle-themed restaurant located in Wicker Park neighborhood has daily drink specials, a beer garden, and late night kitchen service. Menu includes vegan French toast, breakfast burrito, Buffalo "chicken" wrap, BBQ seitan sandwich, ground nut stew, and blackened tofu fajitas. Special events and offers for bicycle enthusiasts. Open daily for three meals through late night. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, beer/wine/alcohol, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

Heartland Café

7000 N. Glenwood, Chicago, IL 60626

(773) 465-8005

Natural foods. Open since 1976, this restaurant serves "good wholesome foods for the mind and body" in a comfortable environment. Feast on appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burritos, quesadillas, pizza, and vegetarian specialties. There is late-night music and dancing on winter weekends and outdoor dining during warm months. The café is accompanied by a general store that features holistic and political magazines, and merchandise. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, cappuccino/espresso, wine/beer/alcohol, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

John's Place

1202 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

(773) 525-6670

American. Try the vegetarian chili, soba noodles, veggie burrito, or one of the other vegetarian options. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Full service, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Kopi, A Traveler's Café

5317 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640

(773) 989-5674

Café. Decorated with clocks that show the time in different zones around the world and an area with pillow seating and low tables where customers must remove their shoes, the owners of this establishment aim to show customers many different world cultures in one café. While taking in all the sights, don't forget to try one of the international dishes on the mostly vegetarian menu. Also, the home of an international shop selling travel books, clothing, jewelry, and arts and crafts from around the world. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Lake Side Café

1418 W. Howard St., Chicago, IL 60626

(773) 262-9503

Vegetarian/organic. Among Lake Side Café's specialties are the Chicago Polish (a vegan polish hot dog with sauerkraut, relish and mustard) and thin crust pizzas with either dairy or soy cheese. They also offer fresh pressed juices, delicious smoothies, and homemade vegan desserts. Almost all menu items are available vegan by request. Lake Side Café uses mainly organic ingredients and strives to serve Chicago's community by supporting local sustainable farming. The Inner Metamorphosis University (IMU) is on their upper level and offers yoga, meditation, and retreats. Near Loyola University, Lake Side Café is at Sheridan Road in Rogers Park. Open Tuesday through Friday and Sunday for dinner. Open Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Loving Hut

5812 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660

(773) 275-8797

Vegan/Asian/American. It's the same chef, the same food, and the same location, but Alice & Friends Vegetarian Café has become Loving Hut! Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain with the slogan, "Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet." They offer gourmet vegan cuisine "for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet." Although the menu varies by location, it typically includes appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, desserts, and special beverages. Both Asian and American meals are served including mock meat and vegetable dishes. Loving Hut was created with a vision that all beings could live in peace, love, and harmony with each other and the planet. The Chicago location is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX, $-$$.

Mama Desta's Red Sea

3216 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

(312) 935-7561

Ethiopian. The restaurant is decidedly decorated to create an African ambiance, with crafts and paintings from Africa, plus bamboo-and-reed-covered walls. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer/alcohol, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

•• Mysore Woodlands

2548 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60659

(773) 338-8160

Vegetarian/Indian. Mysore Woodlands specializes in Southern Indian cuisine. Options include a variety of appetizers, soups, uthappam (Indian style pancakes), dosai (rice crepes filled with vegetables and legumes), curries, rice, bread, and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Old Jerusalem Restaurant

1411 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610

(312) 944-0459

Middle Eastern. For over 30 years, Old Jerusalem has been serving Middle Eastern favorites from falafel and hummus to baba ghanouj and tabbouleh. There is a vegetarian section on the menu with appetizers and entrées available. Open daily lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, fresh juices, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Pattie's Heart-Healthy

Inside Saks Fifth Ave., 700 N. Michigan Ave., 8th Fl. Food Court, Chicago, IL 60661

(312) 751-7777

Vegetarian. The menu at Pattie's includes breakfast items, sandwiches, soups, pizza, calzones, specials, and sweets. It also lists grams of fat and calories for each item. Open daily. Counter service, vegan options, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, take-out, no credit cards, $.

Pita-Ria

441 N. La Salle Dr., Chicago, IL 60610

(312) 645-1310

Middle Eastern. Pita Ria offers vegetarian combination plates with choices of falafel, hummus, stuffed grape leaves, spinach pie, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh salad, and more. Open Monday through Friday for three meals. Open Saturday for lunch. Closed Sunday. Limited service, reservations not needed, take-out, non-smoking, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Reza's Restaurant

432 W. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60610

(312) 664-4500

Persian. There are more than 20 clearly listed vegetarian appetizers at Reza's, including Vegetable Casserole, Roasted Zucchini in Tomato Sauce, and Eggplant Steak. Vegetarian platters are also served, as well as six different veggie combination lunches. Reza's also offers an elegant 20s style décor, outdoor seating when weather permits, and a seated bar. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, catering, take-out, delivery, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

Russian Tea Time

77 E. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60604

(312) 360-0000

Russian. This elegant, upscale Russian restaurant offers unmatched hospitality and a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Several traditional vegetarian appetizers and entrées are clearly marked on the menu, including dishes like potato pancakes, grilled portobello mushrooms, Baked Eggplant stuffed with sautéed vegetables, Mung Bean and Vegetable Stew, stuffed green bell peppers, and many others. Open Monday through Friday for three meals. Open Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer/alcohol, reservations recommended, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$$.

•• Soul Vegetarian

205 E. 75th St., Chicago, IL 60619

(773) 224-0104

Vegetarian. Various ethnic dishes are featured at Soul Vegetarian, including African, Middle Eastern, and American fare. Examples include Vegetarian Ribs, Tofu Fish, Sunflower-Seed Burger, and Split Pea and Chickenless Noodle Soup. Except for the occasional use of honey, the dishes are vegan. Open daily, reservations accepted. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, take-out, VISA, $$.

Star of Siam

11 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60611

(312) 670-0100

Thai. All dishes can be prepared without meat or with tofu or veggie substitutes. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, wine/beer/alcohol, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• The Mother Earth Café & Organic Juice Bar

3111 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

(773) EAR-THLY

Vegetarian. Part of Healing Earth Resources bookstore/giftstore, this vegetarian café features specialties like tempeh salad, a macro plate, veggie burgers, and a variety of juices and smoothies. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, VISA/MC/AMEX, $-$$.

The Original Mitchell's Restaurant

101 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

(312) 642-5246

Natural foods. Mitchell's prides itself in its delicious breakfasts, known nationwide for such foods as vegetarian sausage, non-dairy whole-wheat pancakes, giant homemade muffins, and omelettes. Mitchell's has daily vegetarian lunch and dinner specials as well, including Oatmeal Walnut Burgers and great chili. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC, $.

•• Udupi Palace

2543 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60659

(773) 338-2152

Vegetarian/Indian. This vegetarian restaurant features traditional southern Indian cuisine. They recommend the Masala Dosa as the "most popular item," but they also feature vegetarian appetizers, breads, soups curries, rice specialties, and entrées. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, special drinks, fresh juices, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

•• Veggie Bite

1300 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

(773) 772-2483

Vegan sandwich shop. Veggie Bite is a fast-food restaurant with all vegan food. Enjoy Buffalo wings, chili dogs, nachos, gyros, and Philly cheese steaks. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, take-out, delivery, catering, fresh juices, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

•• Victory's Banner

2100 W. Roscoe St., Chicago, IL 60618

(773) 665-0227

Vegetarian/American. This mostly ovo-lacto vegetarian restaurant offers some variations on standard American breakfast and lunch fare. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Full service, vegan options, take-out, $-$$.

Elgin

Al's Café & Creamery

43 Fountain Sq., Elgin, IL 60120

(847) 742-1180

Café. See description under Batavia, IL. This location is housed in a historic building. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Jalapeéos

7 Clock Tower Plaza, Elgin, IL 60120

(847) 468-9445

Mexican. The authentic, fresh-cooked Mexican cuisine is mostly vegetarian with a limited vegan selection. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer/alcohol, take-out, $$.

Evanston

Blind Faith Café

525 Dempster St., Evanston, IL 60201

(847) 328-6875

Contemporary. The Chicago area is fortunate to benefit from this fantastic restaurant. Service is excellent, and the food is always delicious. Vegans can enjoy several seitan dishes, including a terrific barbecue sandwich, noodle-based dishes with tofu, plus much more. Be sure to sample their vegan chocolate cake. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, macrobiotic options, fresh juices, soymilk, smoothies, wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Dave's Italian Kitchen

1635 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL 60201

(847) 864-6000

Italian. Dave's serves homemade pasta and bread, salad, sandwiches, pizza, calzones, and Italian specialties. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, take-out, no credit cards, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Moline

Le Mekong Restaurant

1606 Fifth Ave., Moline, IL 61265

(309) 797-3709

Asian. Traditional curry dishes, tofu, and mock meats are featured in the vegetarian menu section. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer/alcohol, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Normal

•• Coffee World Coffeehouse

114 E. Beaufort St., Normal, IL 61761

(309) 452-6774

Vegetarian. Everyone in the community enjoys this coffeehouse, known as "a meeting place off the Illinois State University campus." Enjoy one of the many coffee blends and a creative vegetarian meal of charbroiled tofu, falafel pita, or one of the many other vegetarian dishes on the menu. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC, $.

Oak Park

Khyber Pass

1031 Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60301

(708) 445-9032

Indian. Enjoy classical Indian music as you dine on a wide variety of dishes, including spicy vegetable dishes, garbanzo beans and potatoes, vegetable rice dishes, and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Peoria

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Peoria Heights.)

•• One World Coffee and Cargo

1245 W. Main St., Peoria, IL 61606

(309) 672-1522

Vegetarian/coffeehouse. This restaurant's eclectic menu has vegetarian dishes marked with the symbol of the one Earth and vegan dishes with two. Enjoy music from a live band, poetry, or theater--depending on when you're there--and be sure to check out the international gift shop. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, espresso/cappuccino, take-out, VISA/MC/DISC/DC.

Peoria Heights

Cyd's Sendsationals

4607 N. Prospect Rd., Peoria Heights, IL 61614

(309) 685-1100

Take-out only. A quick stop and you can enjoy gourmet vegetarian meals including veggie sandwiches and veggie lasagna. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Take-out.

Princeton

Jaya Juice Bar

509 S. Main St., Princeton, IL 61356

(815) 875-1751

Juice bar. Experience the goodness of fruit in wild combinations, the tastiness of vegetables blended as one, as well as a few delicious vegetarian sandwiches and wraps. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch. Closed Sunday. Limited service, vegan options, $.

Rockford

Mary's Market

4431 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108

(815) 397-7291

American. Enjoy several vegetarian dishes at this café, including raisin/walnut French toast for breakfast and salads, roasted vegetable focaccia, veggie burgers, grilled vegetables, pasta dishes, roasted portobello mushrooms, and more. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Schaumburg

•• Udupi Palace

730 E. Schaumburg Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60194

(847) 884-9510

Vegetarian/Indian. See description under Chicago, IL.

Skokie

Slice of Life Bistro

4120 W. Dempster St., Skokie, IL 60076

(847) 674-2021

Kosher/natural foods. Slice of Life is an Italian/dairy kosher restaurant that serves fish and vegetarian foods. An eclectic menu lists a wide variety of appetizers, salads, soups, pasta, sandwiches, and vegetarian entrées. A children's section is on the menu. Monday is Mexican night and features several vegetarian entrées. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer/alcohol, $$.

Springfield

Holy Land Diner

518 E. Adams St., Springfield, IL 62701

(217) 544-5786

Middle Eastern. Enjoy Greek and Lebanese food as you listen to Lebanese music. Try spinach pies, stuffed grape leaves, Middle Eastern salads, hummus, baba ghanouj, falafel, vegetarian shish kebabs, and more. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, catering, take-out, fresh juices, non-alcoholic wine/beer, VISA/MC, $$.

Thompsonville

•• Earth's Harvest

3710 Main St., Thompsonville, IL 62890

(618) 627-4333

Vegetarian. This restaurant serves an all-you-can-eat buffet for lunch. It is 99% vegan. The servers can tell you which items may contain egg whites. This is country-styled dining at its finest with antique displays in the windows and a health foods store connected to the restaurant. Reservations are requested if group includes more than 5 people. Open Monday through Thursday for lunch only. Closed Friday through Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Urbana

•• Red Herring Vegetarian Restaurant

1209 W. Oregon St., Urbana, IL 61801

(217) 367-2340

Vegan. The only vegetarian restaurant in Urbana is a non-profit educational food service. All foods are made from scratch, and organic ingredients are used when possible. The menu features international dishes and homemade baked goods. Open Monday through Thursday for lunch. Open Friday for lunch and dinner. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Cafeteria, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

Strawberry Fields

306 W. Springfield, Urbana, IL 61801

(217) 328-1655

Natural foods store. This natural foods store has a café, deli, bakery, and an in-house nutritionist. You can easily make a meal out of their vegetarian chili, soup, salad, sandwich, calzone, pizza, quiche, and other choices. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Open Sunday for lunch through early dinner. Limited service, vegan options, smoothies, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, special drinks, take-out, catering, VISA/MC, $$.

West Dundee

China Palace

840 W. Main St., West Dundee, IL 60118

(847) 428-8888

Chinese. The management here is willing to accommodate vegetarians and will substitute tofu for meat in any dish. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer/alcohol, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

Westmont

•• Mysore Woodlands

6020 S. Cass Ave., Westmont, IL 60559

(630) 769-9663

Vegetarian/Indian. See description under Chicago, IL.

•• Shree Vegetarian Restaurant

655 N. Cass Ave., Westmont, IL 60559

(630) 655-1021

Vegetarian/Indian. A varied and extensive menu of well-prepared Indian foods is served in a friendly atmosphere. Incense and Indian music enhance the dining experience. Open Thursday through Sunday. Reservations required Friday through Sunday. Full service, fresh juices, BYOB, take-out, AMEX, $.