The Best Vegan Donuts in Chicago

When you’re looking for the best vegan donuts in Chicago, you’ve got a lot of options. You can get vegan donuts at any number of different shops, including Alice & Friends’, Upton’s Breakroom, and Bot Bakery. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can even try a vegan donut made by the Liberation Donuts truck.

Alice & Friends’

Aside from being the name of a cool dude, Alice & Friends’ does a pretty decent job of ticking the vegan box. The menu boasts an impressive array of tidbits from the aforementioned aforementioned aforementioned aforementioned. On a more personal note, it’s a fun place to take the kids and their significant others for a few drinks. It’s a bit pricey though. Thankfully, the restaurant is open late. One downside: The staff is a bit on the short side. Of course, one of the benefits of having an extended family is that the kids are more likely to play nicely with their cousins. That equates to one fewer squabbles et al. Not to mention a happy dad.

Despite the shady business that is Alice & Friends’, there are several reasons to make a trip to the Loop and beyond. If you’re in the mood for a splurge, consider a visit to one of their aforementioned locations.

Liberation Donuts

Liberation Donuts are a new veg-friendly doughnut shop. It’s a self-proclaimed “radically vegan” doughnut shop located in West Town.

The store serves fresh donuts every day. There are 12 flavors on the menu, named after animals. They include the Balaclava, which is topped with pumpkin seed baklava. Another is the Beach Cow, which is a chocolate cake donut.

In addition to the vegan donuts, the store also offers a variety of savory items. Customers can enjoy sandwiches, smoothies, and ice cream. The cafe is open Monday through Friday, 11 am to 7:30 pm. After 4 pm, the restaurant offers half off donuts.

For a treat, you can also order a donut to-go. The shop also offers delivery through Tock. A dozen donuts will cost you about $4. However, the price is more than worth it.

If you’re looking for something different, you might also consider Do-Rite Cafe. This coffee and donut spot in Wicker Park has several vegan options. Choose from chocolate Old Fashioned, pistachio Meyer lemon, or vanilla bean glazed.

Another great vegan donut option is Smack Dab. The Rodgers Park location offers three types of donuts daily. You can also get vegan sweets and savory items to-go.

In addition to the donuts, you can also order an eclair. Lydia’s Eclair is made with vegan pastry cream. Other desserts on the menu include the Sanctuary, which is a plain cake donut topped with cherry and rosemary jam.

Bot Bakery

If you’re a vegan or gluten free food lover, you should know that Bot Bakery offers a variety of tasty treats without the use of dairy. The South Shore eatery was launched by owner Betty Bot and is one of the latest in a growing list of vegan chefs in the area.

The bakery’s menu includes several gluten free items, including cookies and brownies. You can also order smoothies and teas. A special-order menu allows you to request items not listed on the menu.

Alper, who opened the Chicago-based gluten free and nightshade free bakery in 2007, sources produce from local farmers. She has a seasonal menu, which features a special “atomic cake” and kringles.

The bakery also produces custom cakes and doughnuts. Past flavors include lemon poppy seed, vanilla bean rose water, and s’mores.

There are also gluten free items on the menu, such as cinnamon rolls, shishito pepper/cheddar scones, bran muffins, and brown butter chocolate chip cookies. In addition to its baked goods, Bot Bakery sells a selection of housewares.

The bakery is located on Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square. It has a storefront and is open to the public.

Bot Bakery’s sourdough cinnamon rolls are a fun twist on a classic. It uses potato mash as a binding agent instead of butter.

Other offerings include vegan donuts, cake donuts, and cake donuts. It also has a nut free and dairy free menu.

Fancy Plants Cafe

Chicago has a thriving vegan restaurant scene, but with many options it can be difficult to decide which to try. If you’re looking for fancy, gourmet, and unique vegan dishes, there are a number of great options.

For those of you with an affinity for sweets, Smack Dab Chicago offers a selection of sweet, vegan donuts. They make three varieties daily. Choose from chocolate pepita bread, blueberry muffin, or a vegan blueberry muffin.

Another popular Chicago spot, West Town Bakery, specializes in pastries. They offer soy-free and gluten-free options. Their chocolate and peanut butter cookies are a must-try.

Fancy Plants Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant with a creative and eclectic menu. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The brunch menu includes a vegan chimichanga and brunch empanadas. You can also reserve a seat for a five-course, ticket dinner.

Fancy Plants Cafe, the latest venture from superstar chef Kevin Schuder, is a new addition to the Lakeview neighborhood. With a small staff, hours can be limited. But they serve a variety of breakfast items, as well as gluten-free and dairy-free coffee and tea.

While Fancy Plants does not do donuts, it does have the largest selection of pastry in the city. The cafe’s signature peanut butter sandwich cookies are a must-try. To make reservations, give the bakery four days’ notice.

If you’re in the mood for something more casual, Logan Vegan offers dairy-free ice cream and donuts. Also, check out Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken, a local chain with several locations.

Upton’s Breakroom

If you’re looking for the perfect brunch spot in the Loop, consider this one. It is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant that is both fancy and functional. Aside from the aforementioned cuisine, it also features an impressive menu of drinkable beverages and a well stocked bar. They also have a few novelty items not found in your average supermarket.

The best part of the experience is the customer service. Upton’s staff members are happy to provide guidance. You’ll get the low down on a few of their favorite dishes and they will even make recommendations based on your personal tastes. Of course, you’ll have to get there early as it is quite popular with locals and tourists alike. For a small fee, they’ll also give you a free coffee or a glass of wine.

Located at 2054 W. Grand Avenue, you’ll find the latest and greatest in the culinary world. The restaurant features an impressive menu with over 25 donut varieties on the menu at any given time. Not surprisingly, it’s not hard to see why this restaurant has become a West Loop hotspot. While you’re there, you’ll want to sample their impressive wine list. As a bonus, they have some really good desserts, especially the tidbits. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a late lunch or a relaxing dinner, you’ll find it all at Upton’s Breakroom.

Urban Vegan

Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal or a treat, Chicago has plenty of vegan restaurants. Many offer raw, gluten free, and ethnic options. Some restaurants even offer delivery and takeout.

The Loving Heart Vegan Cafe serves organic and freshly prepared food. This family-owned eatery is committed to sustainable dining practices. They also offer a variety of menu items, including slushies, coffee, and desserts.

Ingrained Cafe is a great place to grab a healthy breakfast or lunch. It’s clean, inviting, and has helpful staff. You can enjoy a variety of baked goods, smoothies, and sandwiches. If you want to eat something more filling, the cafe offers a hearty vegan plate for two.

If you’re in the mood for pizza, Dimos Pizza in Wicker Park has a lot to offer. Their pizzas feature unique combinations of flavors and toppings. And they have a rooftop garden with live music.

Kalish in Lincoln Park serves Israeli food, as well as a number of Middle Eastern dishes. The menu includes wood-roasted sweet potatoes, challah bread pudding, and roasted beets. Whether you’re a vegetarian or omnivore, there’s something for everyone at Kalish.

Stand-Up Burgers offers counter-service vegan dining. They also have smoothies, fresh juices, and burgers. These vegan dishes are available on their lunch and dinner menus.

Uncooked in Lakeview serves coffee drinks, smoothies, and plant-based raw foods. They also offer elixirs, sushi, and other entrees.