AMERICAN

Ann Sather 929 W. Belmont | 773.348.2378 - 3416 N Southport | 773.404.4475 - 5207 N Clark | 773.271.6627 - 3411 N Broadway | 773.305.0024  These four bustling hot spots, serving traditional Swedish pancake house fare, are best known for hearty daytime offerings and their delish cinnamon rolls.

Blokes & Birds 3341 N. Clark | 773.472.5252  Named for the British slang words for guys and gals, this place is a contemporary take on a public house (meaning drinking and eating hangout).  Serving an array of tap import & American craft brews, upscale pub salads, sandwiches & entrees with your brew.

Chicago Diner 3411 N. Halsted | 773.935.6696  This world famous vegetarian restaurant offers vegan and organic offerings using the protein-based meat substitute seitan. Organic beers, wine, and spirits are also available.

Cocktail 3359 N. Halsted  | 773.477.1420 The kitchen at this popular bar serves up better and fancier food than it needs to. The menu ranges from gourmet salads and sandwiches to comfort food and fabulous brunch dishes. During the summer the outdoor dining space is lush and verdant.

Crew 4804 N. Broadway | 773.784.2739  More than just a sports bar, the menu includes a variety of hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and comfort food.

Deluxe Diner 6349 N Clark | 773.743.8244  Conveniently located near Rogers Park’s gay triangle, the diner’s “open 24 hours on weekends” status is perfect after a night of dancing and partying. Featured menu items include breakfast skillets that are served anytime.

F. O’Mahony’s, 3701 N. Broadway | 773.549-0097 An Irish-named pub and grill, but mostly it’s a neighborhood hangout where you can order food to go along with your beer (or cosmo).  While not prticularly exotic, the menu features such faves as hot wings, sliders and pizza served till the wee hours. Sundays $20 mimosa brunch is popular, get there early, this place fills up fast.

Golden Nugget Family Restaurants 2720 N. Clark |  773.929.0724, 2406 W. Diversey | 773.252.8903, 1765 W. Lawrence | 773.769.6700.  Established 40+ years, these places are a great place for after bar dining as they are all open 24-7, and all have free parking. The large menu is sure to please. Everything is housemade, known for fluffy buttermilk pancakes, but dinners are hearty as well.

Gyro-Mena 905 W. Belmont |  773.935.2600. A true fused Athenian Gyros with an American desire to pick your own toppings! True Athenian Gyros is a choice of all natural non-ground meat (pork or chicken) stacked and cooked in the round.

Halsted’s Bar & Grill 3441 N Halsted | 773.348.9696 This Boystown eatery serves up a wide array of tasty appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and popular comfort food items at very reasonable prices in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Beers on tap are aplenty and the weekend brunch draws an attractive crowd.

Hamburger Mary’s 5400 N Clark | 773.784.6969  “Eat, Drink and be... MARY” at this fun and popular Andersonville restaurant which features a wide array of burgers and sandwiches, along with an interesting selection of tasty appetizers. Wash it all down with one of Mary’s home-brewed ales.

Horizon Café 3805 N. Broadway | 773.883.1565 This long-time popular Lakeview family restaurant serves up big portions of creative homestyle dishes as well as healthy fare (broth-based soups and whole wheat tortilla wraps) and at affordable prices. Breakfast, including multigrain pancakes and egg white omelets, served all day long. Delivery available.

IHOP 3760 N Halsted | 773.296.0048  More than a pancake house, this 24-hour Boystown institution serves up affordably priced appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees that are sure to satisfy varying after-bar wants and needs.

Jimbo’s Red Hots 3617 N. Broadway | 773.868-9700. Steamed jumbo hot dogs from Red Hot Chicago with toppings such as pickles, lettuce, tomato, celery salt, onions & hot peppers; char dogs & foot longs too. Open 24 hours. Signature Pizza located next door in the same spot, serving pizza, pasta & burgers, also open 24 hours.

Jury’s 4337 N. Lincoln | 773.935.2255. Watch all the poplular sports at this “friendly” neighborhood sports bar.  Known for their killer burgers. They offer a late night menu along with daily specials and they even serve brunch on Sundays.

Kit Kat Lounge 3700 N. Halsted | 773.525.1111  Providing the best of diva entertainment along with a full dinner menu, they offer ½-price cocktails and Buy 1 Get 1 Free Entree on Wednesdays.. On Monday nights get 50% off your entire bill.

M. Henry 5707 N. Clark | 773.561.1600  This popular Andersonville outpost serves breakfast and lunch daily and features creative fare such as pancakes with warm blackberries and vanilla mascarpone cream. Additionally there are many vegetarian dishes and traditional menu items like three-cheese omelets.

Minibar Café 3341 N. Halsted  This attractive and sophisticated space serves gourmet bruschetta, cheeses, panini, and entrees as well as an impressive selection of wines by the glass from around the world. The Sunday brunch is tasty and impressive.

Nookies Tree 3334 N. Halsted | 773.248.9888  A regular haunt for the locals of Boystown and popular with hangover recoverers, the diner serves made-to-order omelets, pancakes, waffles and other brunch fare all day. And it’s open 24 hours on weekends.

Melrose Restaurant 3233 N Broadway | 773.327.2060 This Lakeview institution has been catering to the after-bar crowds for decades, serving breakfast anytime along with typical diner fare. Open 24 hours,

Philly’s Best 907 W. Belmont | 773.525.7900. Authentic Philly cheese steak sandwich. Their meat is brought directly from Philadelphia. Also, medium crust pizza, oven baked grinders & fresh salads.

Queens Tavern & Bistro 750 W. Cornelia | 773.248.8333 Occupying the old Cornelia’s space, this charming new eatery is warm and inviting and features a value menu filled with both bar food and entrée items as well as daily specials.

Stella’s Diner 3042 N. Broadway | 773.472,9040  Friendly staff serve up delicious diner fare, such as; fresh salads, a large selection of wraps, sandwiches, hearty entrees, pastas, and homemade deserts.

Tweet 5020 N. Sheridan | 773.728.5576  This Uptown favorite, serving breakfast and lunch only, uses organic ingredients when possible to create brunch items such as buckwheat pancakes, Danish beignets, Belgian waffles, and an impressive assortment of breakfast burritos and egg Benedict dishes.

Wilde Bar & Restaurant 3130 N Broadway | 773.244.0404 This cozy upscale Irish pub offers a laid back and warm atmosphere and a wide ranging menu that is sure to please. Expect updated versions of pub favorites such as chicken pot pie, meatloaf, fish & chips, burgers and salads.

ASIAN

Jitlada Thai House 3715 N Halsted | 773.388.9988  This quaint family-owned eatery features Asian favorites such as pad Thai, pineapple fried rice, crab rangoon, pot stickers, tempura and nine spice curry items. Delivery available.

Pingpong 3322 N. Broadway | 773.281.7575  This popular Lakeview restaurant features high-quality Pan-Asian cuisine in a hip and modern atmosphere as well as top-notch people-watching both those in the restaurant as well as any number of hotties walking by outside. Delivery available.

Young’s Chinese Restaurant 3949 N Ashland | 773.248.7998  While Chinese takeout is sometimes a bad and poorly tasting stereotype, this well-regarded outpost has earned a stellar reputation for great tasting food and delivery so quick you’ll swear there must be a wok in the car.

ITALIAN

Anna Maria Pasteria 4400 N Clark | 773.506.2662  Owned by sisters who hail from the Basilicata region of southern Italy, this neighborhood gem creates homemade modern and traditional Italian dishes that are authentic, delicious, and best of all: inexpensive.

Angelina Ristorante 3561 N Broadway | 773.935.5933 Hosting the coolest and hippest Sunday brunch crowd in Lakeview, the menu includes Eggs Benedict, fritattas, Croque Monsieur and mufaletta sandwiches, almond-crusted stuffed French toast, and the free flow of Champagne mimosas. Brunch here is loud, raucous and FUN! Great for dinner, as well.

Panino’s Pizzeria 3702 N Broadway | 773.472.6200 Panino’s has established itself as a Boystown favorite with its varied menu selections, including gyros and burgers, pasta entrees, and of course pizza. Delivery available.

MEDITERRANEAN

Andies 1467 W Montrose | 773.348.0654; 5253 N Clark | 773.784.8616  Specializing in Mediterranean and vegetarian cuisine, specialties of the house include steak kabobs, gyros, and poultry dishes such as Greek Chicken and Lebanese Style Chicken Kefta Kabob. And as befits the cuisine, desserts include a very tasty baklava. The Sunday buffet brunch is extravagant and reasonably priced.

Istanbul 3613 N Broadway | 773.525.0500  - CLOSED -

Sayat Nova 157 E. Ohio | 312.644.9159. Classic Mediterranean-American fare served in comfortable surroundings Every Thursday night things get extra gay for the “Boystown in Downtown” party.

MEXICAN - LATIN

Cesar’s 2924 N. Broadway | 773.296.9097; 3166 N Clark | 773.248.2835  This family-owned operation offers an enticing menu full of delicious Mexican recipes, popular house specialties, irresistible desserts, and their signature “Killer Margaritas.”

El Nuevo Mexicano 2914 N. Clark | 773.528.2131

Cozy dining room along with authentic Mexican cuisine makes this a great place for delicious dining.  Open for lunch & dinner, great patio for summer outdoor dining. Delivery available too!

Estrella Negra 2346 W Fullerton Ave | 773.528.2109

If Ed Hardy had a taco joint, this might be it for flair. A skull-licious themed dining experience.  Sure, you can get tacos, empanadas and burritos, but they are all of the gormet caliber.  Owner Oto is the Chef and puts his own creative twist on everything. It’s BYOB.

El Tepache 3616 W. 26th Street | 773.521.4444

This South side Mexican restaurant is worth the trip!  Delicious Mexican food with their own flair of family recipes. Dine in, carry out and even parking in the rear.

Fiesta Mexicana 2423 N. Lincoln Ave & 4806 N. Broadway | 773.348.4144 & 773.769.4244  Traditional favorites along with great ambiance. Nice place to bring your family, friends or bring a date to.  The Lincoln location has daily specials & live music.

Las Mananitas 3523 N. Halsted | 773.528.2109 

Traditional & regional Mexican dishes along with freshly squeezed limes for margaritas. Nice place to eat, drink and window watch people on Halsted St. Has a full bar & plenty of hardy dishes to satisfy any appetite. Serving the community for over 28 years.

Mayan Palace 2703 N. Halsted | 773.935.4200

Their focus is on using fresh, high-quality ingredients for its “south of the border” cuisine.

That Little Mexican Cafe 1055 W. Bryn Mawr | 773.769.1004  A family owned restaurant that is not so little.  Traditional dishes with an urban flare. Great place to bring a date or the whole family!  Super friendly staff and easy parking in their back lot.

Is your target market is in our distribution area??

ADVERTISE YOUR RESTAURANT IN BOI MAGAZINE

Call 773.975.0264 or email us at boiADS@aol.com

BREAKFAST / BRUNCH SUGGESTIONS

Angelina Ristorante 3561 N Broadway
Hosting the coolest and hippest Sunday brunch crowd in Lakeview, the menu includes Eggs Benedict, Fritattas, Croque Monsiuer and Mufalatta sandwiches, almond-crusted stuffed French Toast, and the free flow of Champagne Mimosas. Brunch here is loud, raucous and FUN!

Ann Sather 929 W. Belmont
A bustling Lakeview hot spot open only for breakfast and lunch, this traditional Swedish pancake house is best known for its hearty daytime offerings and its fresh cinnamon rolls.

Breakfast Club 1381 W. Hubbard
Signature home-style cooking made from scratch includes thick eggy French toast and staples such as omelets, bacon & eggs and hash browns are carefully prepared and well worth venturing off the beaten path for.

Horizon Café 3805 N. Broadway
This Lakeview family restaurant serves up creative homestyle dishes and big portions at affordable prices. Breakfast, including the current seasonal special Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, served all day long.

M. Henry 5707 N. Clark
This popular Andersonville outpost serves breakfast and lunch daily and features creative fare such as dulce banana rumba French toast, and pancakes with warm blackberries and vanilla mascarpone cream. Additionally there are many vegetarian dishes and traditional menu items like three-cheese omelets.

Nookies Tree 3334 N. Halsted
A regular haunt for the locals of Boystown and popular with hangover recoverers, this upscale diner serves made-to-order omelets, pancakes, waffles and crepes and other brunch fare all day. And it's open 24 hours on weekends.

Orange 3231 N. Clark
This homey restaurant specializes in breakfast on a daily basis and hosts a full house on weekends for brunch. Unique menu items include green eggs and ham (eggs scrambled with basil pesto and pancetta), jelly donut pancakes, Chai tea-infused French toast, and pan-seared grit cakes.

Sweet Maple Café 1339 W. Taylor
While this Little Italy/University Village eatery is small in size, it daily serves down home breakfast food that's big in flavor, including homemade corn beef hash, a variety of pancakes and French toast, biscuits, and the best hominy grits in the city.

Tweet 5020 N. Sheridan
This Uptown favorite uses organic ingredients when possible to create brunch items such as buckwheat pancakes, Danish beignets, Belgian waffles, and an impressive assortment of breakfast burritos and egg Benedict dishes.

CARRY-OUT / DELIVERY SUGGESTIONS

Chicago's Pizza
3006 N Sheffield Ave 773.755.4030
3114 N Lincoln Ave 773.477.2777
1919 W Montrose Ave 773.348.1700
The latest delivery available (until 5am) from Old Town to Rogers Park fuels their popularity with night owls wanting chicken fingers, burgers and deep dish pizza.

Eat-A-Pita
3155 N Halsted St 773.929.6727
In addition to kick ass sandwiches, they also serve up Grecian chicken and some of the best ribs in town.

Joy's Noodles & Rice
3257 N Broadway St 773.327.8330
This Boystown favorite has some of the best valued Thai food in the city with tasty appetizers, curry offerings, and classic noodle dishes such as Pad Thai and Pad See Eiw.

Panino's Pizzeria
3702 N Broadway 773.472.6200
Panino's has established itself as a Boystown favorite with its varied menu selections, including gyros and burgers, pasta entrees, and of course pizza.

DINNER SUGGESTIONS

Cesar's 2924 N. Broadway
Cesar's offers an enticing menu full of delicious Mexican recipes, popular house specialties, irresistible desserts, and their signature "Killer Margaritas."

Chicago Diner 3411 N. Halsted
This world famous vegetarian restaurant offers vegan and organic offerings usin a protein-based meat substitute called seitan. Organic beers, wine, and spirits are also available.

Cornelia's 750 W. Cornelia
A warm and inviting atmosphere along with hearty menu offerings and nightly cabaret entertainment make this a neighborhood favorite.

Crew 4804 N. Broadway
More than just a sports bar, the menu includes a variety of hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and comfort food.

Halsted's Bar & Grill 3441 N Halsted
This Boystown eatery serves up a wide array of tasty appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and popular comfort food items at very reasonable prices in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Beers on tap are aplenty and the weekend brunch draws an attractive crowd.

Hamburger Mary's 5400 N Clark
This fun and popular Andersonville restaurant features a wide array of burgers and sandwiches along with an interesting selection of tasty appetizers.

Kit Kat Lounge 3700 N. Halsted
Providing the best of diva entertainment along with a full dinner menu, they offer 12-price Margaritas on Wednesdays and Unlimited free wine on Thursdays with purchase of two Entrées.

Mayan Palace 2703 N. Halsted
Known to be one of the very best Mexican restaurants in the city, the focus is on using fresh, high-quality ingredients for its "south of the border" cuisine. Portions are generous and the cool Margaritas dubbed "The World's Best!"

Pingpong 3322 N. Broadway
This popular Lakeview restaurant features high-quality Pan-Asian cuisine in a hip and modern atmosphere as well as top-notch people-watching of those in the restaurant as well as those walking by outside.

Stella's Diner 3042 N. Broadway
Fine diner dining features fresh salads, a large selection of wraps, sandwiches, hearty entrees, pastas, and homemade deserts.

Tomboy 5402 N. Clark
A hip and attractive restaurant that's been serving sophisticated fare in Andersonville long before the neighborhood became trendy. Open nightly, except Sundays, at 5pm.

Winebar 3341 N. Halsted
This sister space to Minibar serves gourmet bruschettas, cheeses, paninis, and entrees as well as an impressive selection of wines by the glass from around the world.

LATE NIGHT SUGGESTIONS

Deleece Grill Pub 3313 N. Clark
This comfortable newly opened restaurant features eight different steaks, chicken and shrimp entrées, four different versions of mac and cheese, and a separate artesan cheese menu. Open until midnight (2am on Fridays and Saturdays).

Fiesta Mexicana 2423 N. Lincoln
Not your typical late-night taco & burrito stand, this Lincoln Park favorite serves up traditional Mexican dishes and seafood specialties. Open until 2am (3am on Saturdays)

Golden Nugget Family Restaurants

2720 N. Clark, 2406 W. Diversey, 1765 W. Lawrence

Established 40+ years, these places are a great place for after bar dining as they are all open 24-7, and all have free parking. The large menu is sure to please. Everything is housemade, known for fluffy buttermilk pancakes, but dinners are hearty as well.

Iggy's3 800 N. Dearborn
This is a popular downtown option for night owls and the trendy post-clubbing set wanting big portions of comfort food. Open until 2am (3am on Saturdays)

IHOP 3760 N Halsted 

More than a pancake house, this 24-hour Boystown institution serves up affordably priced appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees that are sure to satisfy varying after-bar wants and needs.

Nookies Tree 3334 N. Halsted
A regular haunt for the locals of Boystown and popular with hangover recoverers, this upscale diner serves made-to-order omelets, pancakes, waffles and crepes and other brunch fare all day. And it's open 24 hours on weekends.

Melrose Restaurant 3233 N Broadway
This Lakeview institution has been catering to the after-bar crowds for decades, serving breakfast anytime along with typical diner fare. Open 24 hours,

Pie Hole 737 W. Roscoe
A "fully gay-owned" pizza joint, this Boystown favorite has a fun vibe and uses the freshest ingredients on its offering of specialty pizzas. Open until 3am (6am on Fridays and Saturdays).

OUTDOOR DINING   Concrete Oasis • Al Fresco Dining A-Z

Angelina The popular Lakeview spot doesn’t have a huge outdoor dining section, but that just makes getting a seat at one of the sidewalk tables all the more special

Big Jones The popular Andersonville restaurant has a New Orleans-style courtyard with seating for 24 tucked behind the Clark Street storefront..

Cocktail  This Boystown favorite is as known for its food as well as its fabulous titular beverages. The Gardens provide an excellent perch for scoping out the beauties and some damn good food. Don’t forget to check out brunch, served Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11a-4p.

Davanti Enoteca The popular Little Italy spot has added a second-floor patio. Between the retractable awning, lemon and fig trees, you’ll feel as if you’re in Sicily.

Elate offers decent food at reasonable prices in the middle of the Gold Coast.

Fiesta Mexicana whether you choose the Lincoln Park or Uptown locations, this is the outdoor spot for home style Mexican fare at reasonable prices.

Girl & the Goat It may be a bit easier to snag a seat at this trendy West Loop restaurant this summer, with its “first-come, first-served” policy for the 20+ sidewalk café.

Halsted’s  The popular Boystown location nearly triples its capacity with the attractive courtyard dining room tucked behind the trendy spot.

In Fine Spirits The Andersonville wine bar and store features an cozy patio and a relaxed atmosphere. 

Jitlada While not as centrally located as other Boystown dining options, it nevertheless turns out some pretty notable Thai fare.

Kit Kat One of the most elegant sidewalk cafes; with a fountain, twinkling lights and upholstered lounge furniture. Combine that with their new summer menu and giant martinis and you may think that you’re on vacation at an upscale resort. You may even see a movie star (or a reasonable facsimile thereof.)

La Ciudad A modern, artictic Mexican eatery run by two brothers, Hugo and Armando de la Rose and the site of this issue’s cover shoot.

Moody’s Pub The old granddaddy of beer gardens, Moody’s two-tiered terrace provides plenty of seating and some large tables for groups.

Navy Pier Almost all of the dozen or so dining places at Navy Pier, whether casual or fancy feature outdoor dining with the best views in the city. There are even spots where you can enjoy an outdoor repast with something (or someone) you picked up in the food court. Sure, it’s touristy, but where else would you bring out of town guests?

Oysy It’s not often that you can combine sushi, the South Loop and al fresco dining in one place. In fact this is the only place you can, and the service is great to boot.

Panino’s There area few chairs and tables outside the take-out section facing the parking lot, but the real star seating is at one of the dozen or so tables in front of the dining room, along Waveland.

Quartino is like sitting in an Italian garden enjoying homemade antipasti, except that you’re sitting on State Street with all the hustle and bustle. Be prepared to wait quite some time for a seat at this place.

Roscoe’s Seeside Sidewalk Cafe is the place to be seen during the summer and has some of the best boy-watching spots in the city. The food’s pretty good too.

Selmarie This Lincoln Square European style bakery and café has the good luck to be located right on the fountain square, so unless neighborhood kids are skate boarding around.

Taverna 750 Scarlett’s folks have opened a French-Italian fusion dining experience in the old Cornelia’s space that has been getting pretty good reviews.

Uncommon Ground Both the Lakeview and Edgewater locations offer outdoor seating. The Lakeview location can get raucous during Cubs games.

Via Carducci La Sorella This Wicker Park stalwart puts out some pretty good fare and is a great place to linger over a bottle or two of wine.

Wolcott’s Just a few steps from the Ravenswood El, seats 75, yet still feels like you’re having a drinks and a bite to eat in a neighbor’s backyard.

Xoco Warm weather may cut the waiting time down at Rick Bayless’ legendary Mexican street food spot, but just barely.

25. Y.B. Hungry The Oak Lawn delight looks like your typical “hole in the wall” sandwich shop,
    

but once you enter you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Dozens and dozens of sandwich options on the menu and a cute little patio.

Zapatista Mexican Grill The Lincoln Park sister of the South Loop fave fills its shaded patio with tables, flower-filled planters and twinkling lights for a true feel of Mexico.

On the Waterfront

What is it about gay folks and water? In most major cities the gay neighborhoods can usually be found near the closest body of water. Think about it. Both Boystown and Andersonville are lakefront adjacent neighborhoods, Manhattan’s an island, San Francisco’s a peninsula, even DuPont Circle in D.C. is home to the “P Street Beach” in Rock Creek Park. Whatever the reason, we love our waterfront locations, and Chicago’s got no shortage of waterfront dining. Let’s start south along the lakefront and head north.

Parrot Cage Restaurant

71st St. and South Shore Dr.

The former South Shore Country Club is now run by the Chicago Park District and the restaurant is a training spot for Washburne Culinary Academy students. The patio has a nice lake view, if not right on the lake.

Oak Street Beachstro

Lake at Oak St.

I’m never get tired of looking at the surprise on visitors’ faces when I show them the beach in the middle of downtown and its palm laden dining area.

Castaways Bar & Grill

Lake south of North Ave.

The first level features an ice cream café and beachside burgers with casual walk-up stands. The rooftop features tasty appetizers, sandwiches, fresh salads and refreshing desserts and a great view.

The Dock at Montrose Beach

Lake at Montrose Ave.

The 3,300 square foot patio deck is right across from the field where the gay softball teams play and just a short walk from the dog beach. And, as a bonus, there’s abundant parking

Kathy Osterman Beach aka Hollywood Beach

Lake at Hollywood Ave.

It’s just a small snack bar with rainbow Adirondack deck chairs, but the real attraction is the hotties playing volleyball at the south (gay) side of the beach.

The Waterfront Cafe

6200 north off Sheridan Rd.

Berger Park’s little patio shop hasn’t got much going for it menu-wise, but with views like this, it doesn’t need them.

Rollin’ on the River

As Chicago cleans up the what was once a toxic mess, more and more places are opening up along the banks of the Chicago River. The Riverwalk is a collection of restaurants on the south side of the river between LaSalle and Michigan. There you can find outposts of some Chicago favorites such as O’Brien’s, Robinson’s Ribs and Cyrano’s Bistro. In addition you’ll also find these spots elsewhere along the river. Fulton’s on the River, Japonais Restaurant, Dick’s Last Resort in Marina Towers and Flatwater.

Finally, if you want to dine on a boat but don’t want to go outside, check out the kitchy Port Edward Restaurant in Algonquin. The seafood restaurant takes the nautical theme to such extremes that they have a indoor floating boat.

HEALTHY DINING SPOTS IN CHICAGO

Chicago may be known for great steaks, deep dish pizza and that all-American treat, the hot dog, but it also has a wide variety of healthy restaurants that serve everything from raw food to organic pizza.  If part of your New Year’s resolution was to eat better (c’mon the month’s almost over and you didn’t even start yet) here is a list of some of the healthiest restaurants in town. Most are vegan or vegetarian friendly, but there are plenty of places for carnivores as well. And, remember, there are healthy choices on the menu, but it’s still up to you to make the right selections.

BGabs Goodies 6100 S Blackstone 

773.251.3071 www.bgabsgoodies.com

Raw soy-free vegan deli offers meals (and groceries) created with fresh, organic, local fruits, veggies, and veggie-based proteins.

Blind Faith Café

525 Dempster, Evanston

847.328.6875 www.blindfaithcafe.com

One of the most established vegetarian restaurants in the area and as a bonus, a lot of hot college students hang out there.

Brother Tim’s 1711 E 87th

773.375.4722 www.brothertimsvegetarian.com

After operating on the south side since the mid-70s, this larger location opened last summer.

Chicago Diner 3411 N. Halsted

773.935.6696 www.veggiediner.com

Meat free since 1983, serving vegetarian versions of comfort food with organic beers and wine, margaritas, vegan bakery, and desserts.

Delicious Café 3827 N Lincoln

773.477.9840 www.deliciousvegancafe.blogspot.com

Coffee, tea, sandwiches, bagels, and pastries. Breakfast includes a terrific version English muffin egg breakfast sandwich.

Green Zebra 1460 W Chicago,

312.243.7100 www.greenzebrachicago.com

Haute cuisine so fine you won’t even realize that many of the options are meat-free.

Falafill 3202 N Broadway

773.525.0052 www.falafill.com

Can fried food really be healthy? Yes, especially if the falafel are fried to order and are served nearly greaseless. Stay away from the fries (which aren’t as good anyway) and you’ll be fine.

Heartland Cafe 7000 N. Glenwood

773.465.8005 www.heartlandcafe.com

Another oldie, but goodie. The old hippie hangout has progressed with the times and serves up delicious, healthy fare including beef alternatives such as buffalo.

Karyn’s www.karynraw.com

With four locations, Karyn Calabrese, the guru of raw foods has expanded her mini-empire to include cooked foods (Karyn’s Cooked  738 N Wells 312.587.1050) and haute cuisine (Karyn’s Fresh Corner  1901 N Halsted 312.255.1590 and 832

Dewey, Evanston 847.328.4497) in addition to her original concept (Karyn’s On Green 130 S Green 312.226.6155).

Loving Hut 5812 N Broadway 

773.275.8797 www.lovinghut.us/chicago

Pan-Asian cuisine, part of International chain of vegan restaurants opened by followers of Ching Hai, an advocate for vegetarian living

Mana Food Bar 1742 W Division

773.342.1742 www.manafoodbar.com

World cuisine with an eclectic menu consisting of ethnic inspired food.

Native Foods www.nativefoods.com

The California-based chain of vegan restaurants offers vegan versions of classic fast food fare that is so good even carnivores love it. Locations in Chicago include; 1484 N Milwaukee 773.489.8480, 1023 W Belmont 773.549.4904 and 218 S Clark 312.332.6332.

Quesadilla La Reyna del Sur 2235 N Western

773.235.8807 No webpage, but find them on Facebook

Offering lighter versions of traditional Mexican fare, the juice bar offers a healthy alternative to those calorie laden margaritas.

Raw 131 N Clinton

312.831.2729 www.chicagorawfood.com

This take-out only raw food vendor in the Chicago French Market at Ogilvie Train Station makes organic raw vegan meals, drinks, and snacks, with a focus on nut-free foods. There is a café area in the French Market where you may sit to have your meal.

Soul Vegetarian/Eternity Juice Bar 205 E 75th

773.224.0104 www.soulvegetarianeast.com

Soul food is comfort food, but it is not usually healthy. The vegetarian versions, while still a bit rich, still allow you to enjoy lasagna, mac and cheese, corn bread and desserts with a minimum of guilt. A killer brunch is served on Sunday.

Soul Veg Express

312.857.4393 www.stemartaen.com/food.truck

This food truck, operated by Ste. Martaen, a vegan foods manufacturer, brings vegan food all over Chicago.

Urban Vegan 1605 W Montrose

773.404.1109 www.urbanveganchicago.com

Open only for the past six months, the vegan restaurant serves Thai food.

Victory’s Banner 2100 W Roscoe

773.665.0227 www.victorysbanner.com

A popular breakfast and lunch spot house in Roscoe Village. Try the design-your-own scramble or raspberry French toast. It’s a little hippy-dippy (sugar packets carry spiritual messages and the wait staff wear saris) but not preachy.