Veggie Burgers

I read up in Time Out about their choices for Veggie burgers in Chicago, but found their choices to be somewhat underwhelimg. Anyone out there have a place for herbivores like me?

TheIdeaOfProgress wrote:I read up in Time Out about their choices for Veggie burgers in Chicago, but found their choices to be somewhat underwhelimg. Anyone out there have a place for herbivores like me?

What were their choices that were underwhelming so as not to recommend places that you already don't like?

My finacee is a vegetarian, and we usually hit Cleo's on Chicago/Damen and Black Beetle on Chicago/Rockwell when she wants veggie burgers.

Jamie

I believe they listed Bandera, which I think is the best veggie burger in Chicago, hands down. I know there's been a lot of discussion about the sweetness of Bandera's food, and the burger is on the sweet side, but it is absolutely delicious. My parents, who are practically obligate carnivores, order it every time we go there.

The black bean burger at Earwax Cafe is also very good, if you're looking for something more low-key. Get the sesame slaw on the side, it's better than the fries.

Bandera
535 N Michigan Ave
Chicago

Earwax Cafe
1561 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago

I didn't see the Time Out article, but the best veggie burger I've had is at Victory's Banner:

Victory's Banner
2100 W. Roscoe St.
773-665-0227

I really like the veggie burgers at Hamburger Mary's. Well, actually, it's the whole package -- the toppings, the big hamburger bun, and the sides.

Haven't read the TimeOut article, but I like the BBQ black bean burger at the Daily in Lincoln Square.

The Daily
4560 N Lincoln Ave
773-561-6198

I'll second the recommendation of Victory's Banner.
They actually make them in-house and taste like
no one else's.

Also worth trying is the Weiner Circle's. I haven't
been there in awhile but last time I was there it was
very good and homemade too.

Daisy11 wrote:Haven't read the TimeOut article, but I like the BBQ black bean burger at the Daily in Lincoln Square.

I will mention the BBQ Black Bean Burger at Riverview Tavern in Roscoe Village. Being that the owners are the same as Daily Bar and Grill, I would assume the recipe is identical. Great fresh cut fries as well.

Riverview Tavern
1958 W Roscoe
Chicago
773-248-9523

They're outside of the city, but I really like the ones made at Chowpatti in Arlington Heights. You can tell they make them in-house.

http://www.tpsiclients.com/chowpatti/

I was talking with a coworker yesterday who is a vegetarian. He told me that Monk's Pub in the loop has a great veggie burger. My coworker said it's made in-house and is the best veggie burger he's had.

Monk's Pub
205 W Lake St.
312-357-6665

TheIdeaOfProgress wrote:I read up in Time Out about their choices for Veggie burgers in Chicago, but found their choices to be somewhat underwhelimg. Anyone out there have a place for herbivores like me?

I am also a vegetarian, but I hate the taste of a "burger" that tastes like patty-shaped oats and carrots. Perhaps, you can describe whether you are looking for a meaty-tasting burger or a vegetable/grainy-tasting patty.

I prefer, the meaty-texture of boca burger, or Morngingstar's Black Bean burger, so in a pinch, I will go to a chain for a veggie burger.

Cheers,

Ava

Ava wrote:

TheIdeaOfProgress wrote:I read up in Time Out about their choices for Veggie burgers in Chicago, but found their choices to be somewhat underwhelimg. Anyone out there have a place for herbivores like me?

I am also a vegetarian, but I hate the taste of a "burger" that tastes like patty-shaped oats and carrots. Perhaps, you can describe whether you are looking for a meaty-tasting burger or a vegetable/grainy-tasting patty.

I prefer, the meaty-texture of boca burger, or Morngingstar's Black Bean burger, so in a pinch, I will go to a chain for a veggie burger.

Cheers,

Ava

I'm happy with anything in patty form that is tasty and goes in a bun.

Tried Dunlay's on the Square. It didn't look much like a patty, as it was grainy and sort of fell apart, but was to my surprise kind of all right.

I eat the burgers at Earwax, but have never gone, "Now that is a tasty burger."

I want to check out Victory's Banner (that's what it's called, right?) I've heard good things about that.

As a beef lover, i generally cannot stand the taste of veggie burgers - with one exception.

The veggie burger on offer at Bandera's is simply outstanding. It's better than most beefburgers. I took a bite of my friends, and expected a legumey pasty taste. I couldn't have been more wrong. The burger was heart, had great "meat" taste and was sauced perfectly.

Not surprisingly i've met many a fine carnivore who can't help but order that burger at Banderas (and their regular burger is pretty damn good, too).

A MUST - you must get the peanut slaw as a side; its my favorite side dish in the world.

The veggie burger at Old Oak Tap in Ukrainian Village is wonderful. It's black bean based, the patty itself is nicely spiced, and the toppings are delicious. (From their menu, "cotija cheese, pico de gallo, avocado spicy aioli").

The Old Oak Tap
2109 W. Chicago Avenue
773-772-0406
http://www.theoldoaktap.com

I like the Bandera rendition, too. Truly excellent when you get it with cheese and bacon.

I like the cajun veggie burger at the Village Tap. It's coated with cajun spices and topped with guacamole, cheddar, lettuce and tomato. I also like the fact that you can choose your side from fries, chips & salsa, or hummus and pita wedges. Or, for $1.25 "upgrade" charge get a side salad or onion rings. We go fairly regularly on Sundays for lunch. Decent beer selection, friendly bartender, low-key/not too crowded (unless there's a Bears game on...)

Village Tap
2055 W Roscoe
773-883-0817

I don't explore much out of my walking zone here in Andersonville, but I am very fond of the Garden Burger at Kopi Cafe. (And I am the kind of person that loves a good veggie burger but being a meat eater, wouldn't be averse to asking for a couple of slices of bacon on top. But that is not an option at Kopi.) I like the hearty whole wheat bun a lot. The burger itself is on the soft side i.e. it is not grilled but I still like the flavor of it.

The other place we have enjoyed the veggie burger (and the carne burgers as well) is the Edgewater Lounge on Ashland near Bryn Mawr. They serve a pretty large patty on an onion bun and it goes quite well with sauteed mushrooms.

hope this helps.

bjt

I'm obsessed with the Big Fat Vegan Burger at Leona's. They regularly sell out, so somtimes when I am ordering takeout or am heart-set on getting what when I dine in, I am struck down to find out they're gone for the night. The thing is ridiculous: a gigantic soft-ish patty of tofu, oats, black beans, different grains, squash, and vegetables. It's a kitchen sink of vegetarian ingredients. You can get it topped with two ingredients. I like the soy cheese and sauteed mushrooms. Plus, I can never ever get enough of their plump, hearty pretzel buns they come on. o yum

-M@