Chicago’s best veggie burgers: Stand-in sandwiches no more

The best veggie burgers in Chicago “don’t even try” to imitate their beefy namesake, said Alison Neumer Lara in Crain’s Chicago Business. But that shouldn’t be a surprise. “Especially in higher-end restaurants,” chefs are naturally less interested in mere mimicry than in finding ways to bring out the best in grains, beans, and vegetables. In fact, our city’s best might just give home cooks some new ideas.

Terzo Piano The summery vegetable burger served at this popular Art Institute of Chicago lunch spot is a “loosely formed mix of chickpeas, shredded zucchini, and Calabrian chiles.” It’s served open-faced on olive-oiled multiseed toast, “with a puddle of spicy romesco sauce alongside.” 159 E. Monroe St., (312) 443-8650

Haymarket Pub & Brewery Haymarket’s “hefty” vegan burger is made with black beans and beets—a “nice twist”—but gets its “toothy texture” from Scottish unrolled oats. A tip to non-vegans: Ask to have yours topped off with a slice of cheddar. 737 W. Randolph St., (312) 638-0700

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Mity Nice Bar & Grill In the veggie burger patties served here, “mushrooms and spinach dominate, and pumpkin seeds add bite.” Still, “the winning factor is the crust: Parmesan and panko bread crumbs browned to a satisfyingly savory crunch.” No wonder this sandwich has such a large following. 835 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 335-4745