Best Chicago Steakhouses for Vegetarians

Steakhouses may not seem the most obvious dining choice for vegetarians.

Considering the culinary caliber of Chicago’s steakhouses, these restaurants are serving some of the most impressive and destination-worthy vegetable-driven dishes in town. With New Year’s resolutions still very much a thing, there’s no better time to indulge those vegetarian urges. Even if you eschew the meats entirely, these steakhouses are perfectly befitting a vegetarian meal:

Tavern on Rush: Considering how eclectic and expansive the menus are at Tavern on Rush, it’s of no surprise that vegetables take a starring role here too. Some highlights to look for include lemon-dill hummus, the hearty Azteca salad with black bean-corn salsa and crispy tortillas, margherita pizzas, cavatappi pasta with buffalo mozzarella and tomato-vodka sauce and more. This is a steakhouse for vegetarian dream.

Steak 48: One of the most abundant steakhouses in Chicago for vegetarian options, Steak 48 features a bevy of meat-free options. Even the ample side dishes are large enough to serve as a full-blown entree plate, if you roll that way. Asparagus fries are a nice highlight as a side or starter, wherein the green stalks sub in for spuds for a healthier alternative to fries. They’re served with tomato hollandaise, which is basically ketchup on steroids. The heirloom tomato salad is vivid and fresh, served with micro arugula, feta and Champagne vinaigrette, and the roasted sweet potatoes are a great option for something sweeter, topped with torched marshmallows.

Swift & Sons: There’s a lot to love about Swift & Sons. Not only are the steaks and seafood exemplary, but the vegetable-focused plates are equally impressive. Seasonally driven, the menu contains stunning presentations like celery root agnolotti, beet salad with goat cheese mousse, spiced cauliflower gratin and even a mushroom “Wellington” with goat cheese, lentils and mustard vinaigrette.

GT Prime: Sure, much of the offerings at this stylish River North newcomer are unabashedly meaty, but don’t let that fool you. There’s plenty of produce to be had as well. Like a freekah-based grain salad with feta “snow” and baby artichokes, shishito peppers and corn with Parmesan sauce and Brie cheese with mushrooms and honeycomb, one of the best and most unusual preparations of mushrooms you’ll likely find anywhere.

Michael Jordan’s Steak House: The Magnificent Mile steakhouse has a reputation for serving some pretty impressive and contemporary cuisine. Along with its steaks, this means an abundance of veggie-friendly items like a roasted beets salad with pistachios and Laclare goat cheese and roasted vegetable flatbread with white truffle pesto, mushrooms, asparagus and tomatoes.

STK Chicago: Beyond beef, there’s plenty to choose from at contemporary-leaning STK. Start with Burrata cheese with green gazpacho or a shaved Brussels sprouts salad with apples, cranberies, aged goat cheese and Marcona almonds. It’s also all too easy to fill up on savorous and comforting plates like sweet corn pudding, cauliflower gratin, mac & cheese, jalapeñ-cheddar grits and creamed spinach.

Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse: From Italian wedding soup and tomato bruschetta to toasted ravioli and eggplant Parmigiana, there’s plenty of comfort food to go around for those omitting meat at this River North staple.