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Name: Native Foods Cafe
Address: 218 S Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60604
Telephone: (312) 332-6332
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.32

Native Foods Cafe

218 S Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60604

(312) 332-6332
Store is closed

Native Foods Cafe Menu

Desserts

Carrot Cream Cheese Cupcake

Double Delight Brownie

Peanut Butter Parfait

Chocolate Cupcake

Oatmeal Creme Pie

Zucchini Date Cake

Strawberry Parfait
Earth Bowls

Greek Gyro

Rockin' Moroccan

Sesame Kale Macro Bowl

Bangkok Curry Bowl

Soul Bowl
Entree Salads

Ensalada Azteca

Yo Amigo Taco Salad

OC Raw Chopper

Caribbean Jerk Kale Salad

Amazonian Jungle Toss
Handholds

Chicken Run Ranch Burger

Oklahoma Bacon Cheeseburger

Portobello & Sausage Burger

Scorpion Burger

Super Italian Meatball Sub

Twister Wrap

Ancho BBQ Brisket

French Market Muffaletta

Gold Rush Ciabatta
Drinks

Lavender Lemonade

Native Iced Tea

Watermelon Fresca

Chai Tea - Hot

Chai Tea - Iced

Coffee
Kids are Cool!

Freddie's Mac & Cheese

Native Chicken Nuggets

Brontosaurus Burrito

Cheesy Quesadilla
Starters

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Mini-Greens Salad

Native Chicken Wings

Native Chili

Native Nachos

Native Seasoned Fries

Daily Soup - Smokey Split Pea

Saigon Rolls

Sesame Edamame Hummus Scoop
Party Platters

Combo Platter

Handhold Platter

Palm Springs Platter

Salad Platter

DaBears Platter

Finger Food Wings

Watermelon Fresca

Native Iced Tea

Lavender Lemonade

Finger Food Saigon Rolls

Healthy Meal suggestions for Native Foods Cafe

Desserts

Carrot Cream Cheese Cupcake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Double Delight Brownie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Peanut Butter Parfait [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chocolate Cupcake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Oatmeal Creme Pie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zucchini Date Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Strawberry Parfait [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Earth Bowls

Greek Gyro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rockin' Moroccan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sesame Kale Macro Bowl [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bangkok Curry Bowl [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soul Bowl [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entree Salads

Ensalada Azteca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yo Amigo Taco Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

OC Raw Chopper [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caribbean Jerk Kale Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Amazonian Jungle Toss [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Handholds

Chicken Run Ranch Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Oklahoma Bacon Cheeseburger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Portobello & Sausage Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Scorpion Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Super Italian Meatball Sub [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Twister Wrap [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ancho BBQ Brisket [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

French Market Muffaletta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gold Rush Ciabatta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Drinks

Lavender Lemonade [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Native Iced Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Watermelon Fresca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chai Tea - Hot [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chai Tea - Iced [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coffee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Kids are Cool!

Freddie's Mac & Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Native Chicken Nuggets [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brontosaurus Burrito [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheesy Quesadilla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Starters

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mini-Greens Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Native Chicken Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Native Chili [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Native Nachos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Native Seasoned Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Daily Soup - Smokey Split Pea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Saigon Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sesame Edamame Hummus Scoop [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Party Platters

Combo Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Handhold Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Palm Springs Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salad Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

DaBears Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Finger Food Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Watermelon Fresca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Native Iced Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lavender Lemonade [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Finger Food Saigon Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Nicole S.

If we had one of theses in Houston, I would be there all the time. It would be delightfully dangerous. Houston is pretty bare on the vegetarian scene, alas. We got a free drink on first visit with signing up for their frequent buyer card. We ordered for our meal to split: "Sausage" mushroom sandwich, Saigon Rolls, & Butternut Polenta Bites. I don't have a negative thing to say about any of it. For dessert we got: Toffee Cake, Oatmeal Cookie with Cream, and Zucchini Date Cake. All were good but the date cake was by far our favorite. I love their drinks selection. I ended up having a few Watermelon Fresca's. Overall, while everything might not be healthy, it is all tasty. Plus I love going to places that I can order anything on the menu without having to ask does that have any meat or meat byproduct in it. I hope one day they open up a few locations down south. Me and my tummy would thank you.
(5)
Teresa R.

Very flavorful and healthy! We had the soul bowl and the twister. The corn bread that comes with the bowl melts in your mouth! The lavender lemonade is to die for! Wish we had one in KC!
(5)
l s.

Amazing food and super friendly and knowledgable staff!! I had the soul bowl as suggested by cashier and ohhh my I was not disappointed!! The presentation was fab and that chicken OMG!! Can't wait to go back!! FYI the portion size was very large, enough for another meal or two people!! Prices great too!! My new fav for fast food!! The lavender lemonade was yummy and addictive especially with free refills!!
(5)
Terry L.

I am not a vegan, but my work colleague is, so we went here for dinner. They serve food that is all derived from plant matter. The food was delicious! I had the Thai "meatball" bowl which had quinoa and Asian slaw. The service was really friendly. Great value for money in the loop.
(5)
Patty M.

I am newly vegetarian hope to be vegan. This place saved my life I had the portabello burger. It was delish didn't really care for the roasted potatoes but my coffee float and the customer service were everything!!!! Def going back!
(4)
Shin M.

I got the scorpion burger (with the native vegan cheese) and a side of sweet potato fries. It was very big and delicious! Not bad for "fake" meat. I do think it was a bit pricey - the burger itself was $10 and the fries were separate for $3. If it is your first time visiting, you get a free native natural drink (worth $2) if you sign up for their rewards program. My favorite was the lemonade and my second favorite was the iced tea. I came back here a second time and got the steak bistro sandwich. It was not at all what I expected but it was delicious. It was in a sub sandwich type bread and the meat looked like cut up gyros and it was drenched in bleu cheese sauce and had 1/4 tomato on each end. It was very good! A bit messy tho. It was also $10 before tax.
(5)
Anjana T.

Super tasty vegetarian food. This place is so hidden. I work a few blocks from here and never thought of coming here before. What a shame. We had the Moroccan bowl, Sicilian eggplant starter. And a twister wrap. It sure is seitan and tempeh but I love it. Not killing animals for my food. Definitely coming here more often. These guys really deserve some attention. They got mine for sure.
(5)
Cara M.

I love this place. I've never had such great, reasonably priced vegan food before. And their ranch dip is hands down the best dip I have ever had in my entire life. Hands down my favorite restaurant.
(5)
Julie A.

Love, love love love. So much. The Chicken Run Ranch and the Twisted Wrap are insanely good, their ranch sauce is amazing, and their fries are unbelievable! This is a great place for lunch in the loop!
(5)
Angela P.

I got soooo excited when I heard Native Foods was opening not one, but three restaurants in Chicago. Then, I found out one was opening the day I was flying in so, of course, I had to go to that one. The first time I went to Native Foods was when I was in Los Angeles about 10 years ago and I haven't stopped thinking about it since...seriously. Native Foods Cafe was founded in 1994 in Palm Springs, CA by Chef Tanya Petrovna whose vision was to have a Native Foods in every major city in the United States. She always said she wanted Native Foods to be a household name like the major players in the fast food industry so that everyone would have access to good, healthy vegan foods. Recently, other investors bought into the concept and moved the headquarters to Chicago and now a major expansion is underway with 15 restaurants planned to open this year bringing the grand total to 27. They have even been looking into the Washington, DC area -- oh, please, please, please open one here!! What makes this cafe unique is that they make almost everything from scratch including their seitan and tempeh. All of the sauces, drinks, desserts, etc. are all made by Native Foods. I think this is the first place I've ever been to that made their own tempeh so that in and of itself is impressive. The only thing they don't make in house is the "chicken," which is Gardein brand. They also source locally whenever possible. So, right after I checked in to my hotel, I headed over to the new location in South Loop that is only open until 8 p.m. I walked in and picked up a menu and even though I had looked at it ahead of time, I still stood there for a long time trying to decide what to order. There is no table service at Native Foods, rather you order at the counter and they bring your meal out to you. After a few minutes the manager came over to ask if I had any questions and we talked a bit about the different menu items. Everything sounded amazing! I finally placed my order and took a seat. The restaurant has a warm inviting feel to it with orange walls and lights. The exposed ductwork gives it a modern feel, while the artwork conveys a message about the importance of sustainability. They brought my Cabernet Sauvignon out first, which was very nice. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they served beer and wine at this cafe. The entree I ordered was from the Chef's Favorites section. It was a portobello and "sausage" burger that was divine! The homemade Native Sausage seitan was formed into a patty that was topped with juicy grilled sliced portobello mushrooms, carmelized onions, salsa pomodoro, sweet roasted garlic, and fresh basil with creamy pumpkin seed pesto and mayo. The flavors meshed perfectly and I was in Native Foods heaven. I mean for $10, you really can not get better food than this. I also ordered a house salad on the side, which was amazingly fresh with shredded beets, carrots, and sprouts over mixed greens and topped with a balsamic vinaigrette. Afterwards, I was pretty full, but I just couldn't resist the dessert case. I was intrigued by the cardamom rose cupcake, but ultimately decided to go with the new carrot cake cupcake. I loved the cake, but the icing was a bit too cold. I think you lose some taste when you keep baked goods too cold. It probably would have been perfect had I taken it back to my hotel, but, of course, I couldn't wait that long. The entire time I was there, people kept stopping by to see if I needed anything. I almost felt as if I had table service anyway. The service was great, the prices were right, and the food was amazing. Highly recommended.
(5)
Anuj S.

Good concept overall and definitely they're doing super well with the huge lines. I got the "sausage" and portabella burger. I thought it was pretty good. Probably the best thing I had in the meal. The native fries on the other hand were not that great. I felt like they were under-cooked. The fresh lemonade didn't taste that good and the watermelon thingie was not good at all. Lastly, I tried someone else's thai curry bowl and it was OK. They put very little curry, so it was mostly just plain brown rice. The curry is more like a sauce which they add in for flavor, rather than the curry/rice being the main dish. I think for a quick-service place the service was great. The staff really seemed to care if we got what we wanted, if we liked what we wanted, etc. While ordering, the girl was very cheerful and patiently explained options, add-ons, etc. After we got our food, she happened to be walking by and checked up on us. Another girl also stopped by and asked how we liked the food. So A+ on service, for sure. Overall, I don't know, I think the menu is extensive and I've heard good things about some of the other entrees, so I'll be back to try some of those. It's a really difficult combination to get healthy food that actually tastes good.
(3)
Sam C.

This place is a health-food scam because it hides its calorie and other nutritional information. The info is not available in the restaurant or posted on its website. The reason it's hiding the nutritional information is that it hopes people think that vegan = healthy, but that's not necessarily true. Many of Native Foods' sandwiches and salads are clearly loaded with (vegetable) oil and other high-calorie ingredients. But if it published that information, people would understand that Native Foods is not necessarily a healthier choice than other restaurants and in many menu items is clearly not healthy at all because of sodium, fat, and calorie counts. I like the food, but honest disclosure would be nice too.
(2)
Dilaun W.

I may not have tried this place without my friend who adopted "Meatless Mondays" as a new ritual. I don't know that I was fully prepared. The food was tasty. I had an Oklahoma bacon cheeseburger which is neither a burger or bacon like I expected. Native Seitan is the meat used and is also known as "wheat meat". It was still tasty just different. I also had a chicken run ranch burger which I preferred over the two. It's not actual chicken though. Native chicken is made from free range soy, wheat and pea protein. This was an adventurous meal for me. However, The sweet potato fries were outstanding. The ginger tea I had was great and has been helping me end a cold. I also got a carrot cake cupcake which I have yet to eat. I hear it's delicious. The place is full of people at lunch. You order like a fast food restaurant then get a table number, sit and staff serves you. They also are so kind to check in throughout the meal, see if they can clear your table or get you anything else. If you are vegan or vegetarian, this could provide some excellent options. If you want to try a different style of food, this place could be just what you are looking for. If you want meat to be meat and not plants or proteins, keep looking.
(3)
R.S. H.

"G" at the counter is the nicest person! and the manager, Nicole, is helpful and kind! The whole team is wonderful! AND the food is AMAZING!!!! Loved being there and visiting with them last week! Hope to see them all again!! VEGANS ROCK!!!!!
(5)
Laila C.

How is it possible that something without cheese, eggs or meat taste so delicious? It's the 8th wonder of the world. I need to try everything on the menu.
(5)
Meredith B.

I love this place. I really really love it. I am fairly delighted that my downtown office is just a few blocks away from all of this fresh, healthy, deliciousness. First of all, the staff are all SUPER friendly. It really stuck out to me, how friendly they were. While we waited in line, somebody came around with a tray of drink samples (and it was one of those awful hot days!) The first girl I encountered at the register was probably the friendliest person I've ever encountered on the Loop lunch scene. Cheerful, and full of recommendations for first-timers! I've gotten the Rockin' Moroccan bowl, the Bangkok Curry bowl, and the Soul bowl. Generally they all consisted of loads of fresh veggies over a hearty grain of some sort, with a protein (tofu skewers, fried "native chicken", etc) and a sauce. The sauces are great and really flavorful - but ask for extra sauce because you might need it, sometimes there isn't enough! It's a little pricey, at about $10, and at its core the food is simple. But it's so fresh and of such good quality, and the portions are fairly large - I with an added little snack, I can get two lunches out of it. The lavender lemonade is wonderful too. I really liked the cornbread that came with the Soul Bowl, and the curry sauce that came with the Bangkok bowl (the cashier told me I'd want extra, and she wasn't kidding). They often have fun specials, including a daily special, and they have days every month where a portion of proceeds are donated to a local charity. I should also mention that I love this even though I'm not a vegan OR a vegetarian! I just like fresh, healthy food and this place delivers.
(5)
Mike B.

One of the best Vegan place in Chicago. Every one is so nice, always great customer service. I usually get the Scorpio on burger, but everything there is good. I took some of mine non vegetarian /vegan friends, and they were amazed on how good the food tasted.
(5)
Eliot J.

Wow. The chicken run ranch burger was the best soy chicken I've had. The watermelon fresca also hit the spot. Open one in NY/NJ please!
(5)
Kari T.

Tried the soul bowl, a little bland but still satisfying and the lavender tea is a must have! Also the twister wraps are pretty yummy and worth a try!
(4)
Hauwei L.

Not a vegan, but I like visiting Native Foods because the dishes are fresh, there are no issues being lactose intolerant, and the service is good. This location is one of 3, the others are in Lakeview and in Wicker Park. Experience is consistently good across all 3 stores. While their food may not blow you away like cheeseburger at Au Cheval or the tonkatsu ramen at Wasabi, you'll have the pleasure of feeling good about yourself after you eat it. My favorite item is the twister wrap, although their salads and other dishes are excellent too. Tasty non-dairy desserts, beer, and wine complete the package.
(5)
Shradha A.

Loved their moroccon quinoa bowl with tofu satay!
(4)
Prashant S.

I have had the Bangkok curry twice and it's just awesome. I order extra sauce on the side, the staff is great!!
(5)
Jessica A.

This is a vegetarian's/vegan's dream, but even my carnivore husband left raving about his meal. The menu offers so many interesting, flavorful dishes, it was hard to choose what to order. For those with food limitations, such as a nut allergy, they provide a special menu upon request. The service was as good as the food. The staff was attentive, patient, and informed about the menu. The lavender lemonade and hibiscus iced tea were both delicious, and refills were free. The desserts were also incredible, so save room! If this were in NY, I would be a regular. Thankfully, according to one of the employees, they are opening many new locations in the coming years. I hope that includes NYC! In the meantime, I have ordered the Native Foods cookbook on Amazon, so that I can cook while I wait.
(5)
Mark C.

Yah wah wow. This place is great. I was really happy to see the cashier give me flirty eyes. I've had really low self esteem since... Well gosh I guess since when the war on terror started. So it was much appreciated. Plus I wish I could give this place a 6th star because the desserts are amazing, and nothing about them brings back memories of 9/11. I know we said we would never forget, but if you're like me and just trying to party until you forget this is a great place to grab a bite and forget about the past 10 years or US foreign policy. Get the twister with blackened chicken.
(5)
Caroline D.

Beautiful, delicious reuben with sweet potato fries. My compatriots had the meatball sub and some kind of healthy-looking bowl. The iced tea was great and fresh-tasting and service was prompt, attentive, and super helpful. Also, side of vegan ranch. MMMM. My only TINY complaint is that the food is greasy.
(4)
Sunil M.

Food Very tasty food at a great price. Sweet potato fries are amazing. Also, the crispy "Native Chicken" is so damn tasty. However, the best value has got to be the Oklahoma Bacon Cheeseburger. If you missed lunch and don't want worry to about dinner, OBC has got your back. Keep in mind that OBC is NOT healthy, so if you're trying to restrict calories and eat healthy, you might want to get one of their bowls (Bangkok Curry Bowl is very filling). Also, if you like sauces with your grub, try their chipotle and chupacabra sauce. Staff I've always received great service here. The staff is very friendly, and happy to accommodate substitutions/changes. Ambiance Pretty casual atmosphere. It can get really crowded around lunch, so keep that in mind if you have a small window to eat/pick up lunch.
(5)
Virginia C.

Fast and delicious vegan food that could satisfy even a meat eater. The native fries are to die for!! Organic fresh brewed iced teas are a must try!
(5)
Ali C.

Really great vegan food. I had their "bacon" and the portobello sandwich with sweet potato fries. OUT OF THIS WORLD.
(5)
Racquel C.

The food is simply delicious! I had the "Soul Bowl" and I was completely satisfied. FYI, I'm a meat eater - I'm no where near being a vegan or a vegetarian. Also, they have the best customer service. Everyone was so friendly and hospitable. They need to have this spot in Washington DC!
(5)
Bea S.

Definitely one of my favorite! Proofs vegan food can be delicious:-) Starting with the drinks, all three are perfect, lavender lemonade with a but of fresh mint is just irresistible. Already tasted almost everything from the menu, and favorite one is portable I burger (I always take with slice or mozzarella or cheddar). Especially in Saturday, when its as a special and goes with free side ( I stick with fries). Bottom line, you cannot go wrong with any item from the menu! Enjoy:-)
(5)
Dale C.

Don't let the set up fool you. You order at the counter, but the food is real restaurant good. Lots of nice little touches like warm honey to sweeten the Lavender Lemonade.
(3)
Steve N.

My tip for a true vegan experience: skip the sandwiches and go for the salads and earth bowls. These are closer to what veganism is all about. The faux meat sandwiches are surprisingly tasty for sure, but really, the magic happens elsewhere. Caribbean Jerk Kale Salad, Rockin' Moroccan Bowl, Bangkok Curry Bowl and Sesame Kale Macro Bowl are spectacular, far healthier than anything else you'll eat and the portion size is pretty good. I can eat a lot and didn't try the salads or bowls for the longest time thinking they wouldn't be satisfying. I was wrong. Other favorites: sweet potato fries, the vegan apple pie, the warm chai with rice milk, lentil soup, side of steamed kale with lemon, portobello and sausage burger.
(5)
Janet E.

Wow, so good!!!!!! That's what we thought when we had our first bite into the meatball sandwich. We still couldn't stop talking about the food after we had left the restaurant! The service here was friendly from the get-go. We were told what type of food was served here (vegan/vegetarian). We also signed up for their frequent diner program and got a free drink with our meal just for signing up! We tried the lavender lemonade and the watermelon drink. Fresh and delicious! The meatballs had great texture. I could tell it was not beef meat but it still had enough texture for me to enjoy my sandwich. The sauce on it was also very flavorful. The sandwich bun was coated with oil and grilled for a nice crispy bite. I added sweet potato fries as a side and even that blew me away! Great texture on the fries and they added a sugary/savory spice to it for extra flavor! When we arrived the place was crowded but was not packed. We were able to get a table to ourselves after a few minutes wait. While we sat and ate, we watched the customers line out the door waiting to order their food. That says a lot about the food here and how people are willing to wait to order food here! We agreed that we'd definitely come back here again to eat. Looks like we'll be using our frequent diner card more often than we expected!! The prices are more on the expensive side, but I think its worth the quality and freshness of the food. So ecstatic that this place is in the loop!!
(5)
Samantha T.

This is the most amazing restaurant ever! I had a spicy "burger" and there was a lot of unique taste to it. The sweet potato fried were the best I have ever had, great light seasoning in them. To top it of, the lavender lemonade was so refreshing. I also had a carrot cake for dessert. Perfect flavor! I was a bit nervous by the LONG line at lunch time however, the staff got through it in no time at all. This is my new fav spot to dine.
(5)
Rocio R.

After so many days of eating carb and fat heavy dishes (we were on a trip and that's what you do), I was craving for something on the healthier side for lunch. I ordered the Rockin' Moroccan bowl with "chicken" and a side of sweet potato fries with a Lavender Lemonade. Okay, so maaaaybe my lunch wasn't that light, but I loved every bite of it and I will try to recreate the bowl at home. Sweet potato fries were delicious dipped in chipotle sauce and the lemonade was sweetened just right. Service was good and friendly. I only wish we had a Native Food Cafe near to home.
(5)
Noam S.

I am so far from being a vegan.. Yet we decided to try this place, and I have to admit - I was impressed. Food came out quickly, and it was flavorful, presented beautifully and really tasty.. Not good enough to make me give up actual chicken, but very solid. Not much of an ambience going on, so this place is really good for a casual lunch of you're feeling in the mood for something light and healthy.
(4)
Another Y.

I got the Bangkok Bowl and it was very bland. As a vegetarian, I was disappointed. However, the Lavendar Lemonade was absolutely delicious.
(3)
Michael S.

This location is just as good as their others. To avoid the lines you can order online or by phone!
(4)
Christine D.

This place was packed! The food was wonderful and the staff was very friendly and upbeat. Am going to try a different location that might be less full next time though.
(4)
Patrick K.

Just ate here for the first time today. I tried the meatball sub sandwhich and fries, and I was blown away by how flavorful the sub was. I'm definitely looking forward to heading back here again. I also tried their watermelon fresca drink, which was quite tasty. As another nicety, after dining in, they'll give you a takeout cup to bring some more along with you. Also, if you're not in their loyalty club, when you sign up you get your drink for free.
(4)
Francine C.

Good. Food, atmosphere poor I would definitely eat this food again. Tasty vegan salad with exactly the right amount of dressing. Loud and cold and not at all relaxing to eat there. Many uncleared tables. I had the kale jerk salad and the flavored were well balanced. It just wasn't fun to.be there.
(3)
Elizabeth W.

I like meat as much as the next person...well maybe more than the next person here, but that's not important. I had been past Native Foods Loop location a few times and thought, eh...vegetarian/vegan...what on earth would I want to go there for??? Then last week I happened to pass by during lunch and saw a line out the door. I thought to myself, maybe this place is on to something, I'll give it a try. I have to say, I didn't miss meat at all. The portion size was substantial and the food was filling without being heavy. I had the Avocado Crunch Wrap with sweet potato fries and a Lavender Lemonade. All I can say is WOW. The line was long but the wait wasn't too long. The wrap I had was a limited time only special I think, but it was SOOOOO good. And the sweet potato fries with the chile con limon...just delicious. I really loved everything about my meal. I will definitely make a return trip in the near future to try some of the other menu options. Bottom line, it was a good amount of food for right around $10. Also a helpful and friendly staff despite the crazy lunch rush. They do offer online ordering if you are in a rush but even waiting in line, the turnover is pretty quick.
(5)
Aiza B.

I already reviewed Native Foods in SoCal, but this place is so amazing that I must review the one in Chicago! The people that work here are so nice and welcoming! I went twice during my visit in Chicago since there are no Native Foods in the Bay Area, I took advantage of it! I even got to go on a day where it was "Native Community Day," where you get a free dessert when ordering an entree, side, and drink! I finally got to try the Rockin' Moroccan Bowl and it was sooo heavenly delicious! I never been a huge fan of quinoa, but now I want to try to make more dishes with it. The vegetables were full of flavors and spices, that complimented the quinoa very well. I had it with the seitan chicken, which was cooked perfectly. The dessert I got was the berry crumble pie and wow... sooo good!! I loved the graham cracker crumbles on top and the sweet, tartness of the berries. Can you please now open a restaurant in San Francisco or at least somewhere in the Bay Area!??!!? I am waiting for you!!!
(5)
Sam M.

Chimi Chop Salad---worst salad I have ever had. The chimmichuri sauce was bitter. I just ate a few bites and had to throw the rest away. The more I try here, the less I like. I guess I will have to try something else next time. I'm thinking if you're vegan you'd like it since you have forgotten what "real" food tastes like or they are not doing something right. Anyway, I was excited about this place in the beginning hoping it was something similar to Veggie Grill in So.Cal, but it fails to deliver across the board.
(2)
Margaret G.

This review is mostly for the Caribbean Jerk Kale Salad. And the reason it's so good is due to the creamy jalapeno cilantro dressing. I don't taste any cilantro, which is good because I hate the stuff. Whatever else they put in there (what is it anyway??) is as good as anything with actual sour cream. A lot of the other foods on the menu are made of a lot of rice. Not so much a fan of the rice, but I do like eating plants and Native Foods has them. The tempeh is weird, but that's because I don't eat that much vegan stuff (almost none) so I'll get used to it - the flavor is good but the texture is new. Good show making the vegan thing tasty, marketable and into an actual convenience food concept.
(4)
Amy D.

This was the worst meal I had in a long time. Interested by the concept and the stellar reviews online, I tried them out for lunch one sunny day. After checking out the menu, I ordered the jerk salad for takeout. In general, the service was a little awkward, overly smiley and friendly. Furthermore, there isn't a menu on the wall, making my first ever visit a bit more confusing. Finally, there just isn't a good place to stand and wait, with the restaurant set-up in an awkward way. --Jerk Salad The tempeh tasted like sweet breakfast cereal, in the most terrible way possible. It was overly sweet, that just tasted like sugar. Unlike with meat, where the fats and the sugars combine and caramelize, the tempeh was just drenched in sugar on top. The shaved coconut on top just didn't work, and the mangoes were soft and soggy, like they had been sitting there for quite some time post-defrosting. Same for the avocado. In general, they seemed to be confusing jerk with thai--Coconut and mango with jerk tempeh? Methinks not. The kale was nice, but there were a number of brown bits interspersed--more than just a handful, which shows that somebody was careless when prepping the greens. I ended up paying $10 for the salad, which is a bit more than I would have liked. However, the cafe's attempt at making things look bigger than they were was just annoying. The box used was unnecessarily large, and the salad wasn't very thick at all in the very high and wide box. --Lavender Lemonade The lemonade was too sweet, not very refreshing, a little heavy rather than crisp. A little lime might be helpful, or adding a little lightly sparking water. It was nice that they had their own drinks rather than fountain drinks. Apart from lemonade, there was also some unsweetened peach tea, other teas, and a sweetened drink. I will definitely not be back. Perhaps other dishes are better, but the sugar was just too much for me.
(1)
Dinah G.

Let's not kid ourselves... It's junk food for vegans. That being said, it's amazing junk food. I'm equally elated/ horrified that it's so close to my office. Those sweet potato fries will be the death of me. The only things I've been disappointed with were the rueben, curry bowls, and polenta bites. The rest of the menu is brilliant, and the portions are embarrassingly large.
(4)
nicole d.

always fabulous!
(5)
Judy H.

I'm not a vegan or vegetarian, and I love Native Foods. I always get the Twister Wrap and the lavender lemonade. I've heard great things about the desserts, but have yet to try. Great gem in the loop for the days you're tired of Chipotle and Protein Bar.
(4)
Amanda C.

My friends stumbled upon this place when we were visiting the city. The food was fantastic and the employees were very friendly and patient with us. (We asked a lot of questions) I got the Soul Bowl and loved it. I appreciate the plant-based concept and wish there were more places like this in the Mid West. I would highly recommend this place to others!
(5)
Cyn C.

Do you feel sorry for vegetarians and vegans b/c they don't eat meat? Or Are you a vegetarian who's sick of going to other restaurants and having to order "just sides"? If so, you should come here and feast. Bring those omnivores who stick up their noses at vegans and vegetarians. Wait. Maybe you shouldn't. I really loved the experience and the food here. It was also easy to grab a table. If all the omnivores come, maybe it'd be too hard to eat here. (We came on Saturday for lunch). I have only come once, true. I tried the Chicken Ranch Run Burger with seasoned fries (which were served with a ranch dressing. i can NOT believe that the dressing had no dairy. it was creamy and lip smacking good). My friend had the Sesame Kale Macro Bowl. Only my love for her and being out in public stopped me from shoving her aside so I could devour that bowl of deliciousness. Brown rice that was fluffy and puffy. You see that I'm Asian, right? I'm a rice snob. I don't DO that whole health kick brown rice thing. Until I came here. Every component of that macro bowl was cooked to perfection and the combination WORKS. My friend licked that bowl clean. I can't wait to come back. I wish I worked near one.
(4)
Silvia F.

Normal service! However, definitely returning to eat there.
(3)
Simar S.

I am a non-vegetarian and the food here is great! Definitely should try it.
(4)
Mark Y.

Best vegan Southloop!.. (Great 10min walk) Ask for extra dipping sauces and make endless tea combinations, Nom non nom
(5)
Michael C.

Stumbled on this place while trying real hard to avoid another 'chicago hot dog-italian beef-deepdishpizza'. Man, I love that stuff. And let me tell you, they don't make sport peppers, nuclear green relish, or giardiniera peppers like they do in Chicago anywhere else in America. So, in an attempt to defy gravity and eat healthy, I found myself in this vegan cafe. I was intrigued by description of the Peppered Seitan in the Greek Gyro bowl. Since it was my first visit, they gave me a free lavender lemonade. I also got a nice glass of Pinot to go with my dinner. Wow!!! The food was delicious. The seitan was outstanding! The kale, the lemon, the garlic and hummus. The flavors, the veggies. Amazingly good and good for me. I didn't miss that pizza-dog-beef at all. Well, maybe just a little... Old habits die hard.
(5)
Fate O.

We had the 'popular for tourists' salad. I forgot the name but it had some weird name that came with mango slice- comes with all kind of vegetables/fruits in it except for the mango was too small of a portion to taste. Would probably be delish if they chop up more of mango and mix in the salad. I didn't like the salad but the manager was so kind and forgiving as to replace it with another order I did like-- sweet potatoes fries. Their lemonade are out of this world. People are super friendly here. By the way, the salad is a good portion- not too small for the price, if you want to try it. Nice place!
(5)
Sabrina M.

If this joint existed in the Loop 5 or so years ago when I was a vegan...I might still be one! This is meatless eating the way it should be done--accessible, healthy and absolutely always delicious. The Oklahoma Bacon Cheeseburger is not to be missed--ever. The chicken twister wrap is also a favorite, as are most of the "bowls" (Soul Bowl might be my favorite). You really can't go wrong, here. Mix the lavendar lemonade and the watermelon juice together for a truly fabulous beverage. And if you're not completely stuffed after your entree, get the peanut butter parfait. There simply might not be a better dessert anywhere. Native Foods is an oasis in a junk food and overpriced, processed food restaurant Loop wasteland. The fact that there are Saturday hours on a stretch of Clark Street that is definitely sleepy on the weekends is a bonus. My quibbles are small ones--I think they should cut the vegetables that go into the bowls smaller, and I honestly think it's a scootch too expensive (I never get out of here for less than $15) but overall it's utterly worth it for delicious, guilt-free food. Everyone knows I love "incentivized" eating, and I love their frequent diner program. My vegan days are over, but Native Foods still keeps me on track toward a healthy lifestyle with its conscious, creative offerings.
(5)
S. S.

I love this place! Whenever I travel to Chicago I make it a point to stop here. The food is so good that a non-vegan friend who ate one of their twister wraps with "native chicken" thought she was eating real chicken!
(5)
Deanine J.

I love native foods & i was just about to rave about the polenta bites i got today as my takeout meal, (which are still amazing & a good buy for a quick filling healthy snack/light lunch), but unfortunately I have to report finding a blond hair on my very last polenta bite. Kinda grossed me out. Who ever is cooking/bagging all food NEEDS TO COVER THEIR HAIR. I really wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt, (i event googled polenta hairs to see if it was a strand of polenta) but sadly no. The way it looks & feels this is someone's blonde HAIR. No bueno, not appetizing at all. Check your food friends :(
(4)
Jackie K.

Stumbled here after five hours at the Art Institute. Found it on yelp and wanted a quick and small lunch. We certainly got a quick lunch but the meal was large. Had this at 4:00 and never got hungry for dinner. Great vegetarian place, had a lot of options that I wanted to try. Service was amazing and the iced tea was also good. I thought the protein was good.
(4)
Akta D.

What a great vegan and veggie place. I got a sandwich( I can't even tell you which one, but i doubt it matters since they are probably all great) and a soup. Both were super flavorful. I didnt even need hot sauce! Their array of choices is great. When i go back i know I'll be trying some other soup and specialties.
(4)
K C.

Omg everything here is so good!!! I should link them to my bank account so they can do auto-withdrawals as much as I come here.
(5)
Emily C.

I ordered ahead via their website and was glad I did, because the line for lunch was really long. Because it was my first time there, and I signed up for a rewards card, they gave me a free drink. Nice! I tried both the watermelon punch and the lemonade and liked both. It's free refills and you fill up your own glass, so you can try the drinks before committing. I thought the food was pretty good considering it was fake chicken. I tried the Rockin' Moroccan - grilled veggies, quinoa and "chicken." Pretty healthy tasting. I would try something else before ordering it again. They were passing out free samples of their hot chai, which was amazing! Next time, I would get that for a drink. In all, I really loved the atmosphere of this place, but I thought the food was pretty pricey. $12 for lunch is expensive if you eat out daily and I only ordered a main dish. Update: I've since been back and tried the Soul Bowl - I thought it was excellent and would order it again. 11/365
(4)
Jeanne L.

I ordered the Sesame Kale Macro Bowl. It comes with tempeh (an imitation meat product made from soy), creamy ginger sauce, some sauerkraut, kale, and brown rice. The tempeh came out in two big chunks on skewers, in kind of a creepy effigy atop my bowl. The tempeh itself tasted strange. It had the texture of very firm tofu or a Chinese "fish cake", and it just tasted a bit like burnt oil. I wasn't sure what they were trying to do with the taste of it, but it didn't work out. The rest of it was good, and the portion size was quite generous. I tried their imitation chicken, and that was actually really delicious - kind of like very tenderly-cooked real chicken. Service was excellent! It is a self-service place, but workers were coming up to our table anyway to offer drink refills, and to just see how we were doing (or maybe it was just to hurry us along). 3 stars. I can't say that I'm a fan of the funky tasting meat. Can't you just stick with non-fake meat?
(3)
Kelsey K.

I just left Native foods again and I am so sad to write this review. I love this place because the food is good (vegan or not) and the staff is amazing. Yes, it's pricey, I get it, but it's good... but I may have just had the most disgusting lunch in my life. I got the ruben and it was HORRIBLE. The Native Reuben Seitan tasted NOTHING like corned beef, the Native Horseradish Cheese doesn't melt and has a somewhat rancid flavor when mixed with the "meat", and the Russian dressing was awful. I feel like of sick to my stomach from the offensive flavor. HOWEVER, I do HIGHLY recommend the meatball sub... it's amazing... and their tacos are great as well as their portabello. Those are all great and that's what will being me back. I'll just never order the Reuben again, yech!!
(3)
Sruts A.

My colleague has sung so many praises of Native Foods Cafe that I had to try it. A very unassuming place for such fine food, I must say! I only had the split pea soup and lavender lemonade (soooo refreshing!!) and was immediately hooked. The lady at the counter was really sweet and efficient as she signed me up for their rewards program, and walked me through some of their menu options. They also have a 'patio' which consists of tables and chairs set out in the alley. It gets very crowded during lunch, quite naturally, but the food is well worth the wait in line!
(4)
Josh G.

I went to this restaurant shortly after it opened. I'm a carnivore, to an extreme, but I try all kinds of foods, and I have lots of vegan friends. I went in, grabbed a menu, and was greeted by the manager. He came out, asked me if it was my first time there, and then stayed with me for several minutes and explained the menu and made recommendations, He was incredibly helpful, and I had ended up with some great tasting food, and drink, because of him. I don't know if this is the norm, but I sure felt like a valued customer. The guy who took my order was very friendly as well. While I was waiting for my food, yet another woman came out and asked if I wanted something additonally with my fries. She was gregarious and helpful. She left me with a smile. I would give 5 stars for customer service. I hope they don't lose that as they are open longer. I had the "chicken sandwich". I also had some juice. I was incredibly impressed with the flavor in each bite. I was not at all dying for a burger or steak after leaving; I was quite full and content. I have recommended it to some of my vegan friends, and I will be taking them there soon. It has to be good if a hard core carnivore is going back and bringing friends. ;) I did not try the dessert, but the manager said it rocks. I will be trying it next time, rest assured.
(4)
Barry M.

Service-wise, this place needs SERIOUS help. I can't help but think a bit of ANIMAL PROTEIN in their diets would help the wait and kitchen staff move just that WEE bit faster that is all it would take to make the jump from "unbearably slow" to "tolerably I-won't-die-here-waiting-will-I?" Went in at 11:00 - NO ONE in line or even seated - ordered a SALAD - walked out with it (finally) 20 minutes later. It's not like anyone even had to COOK anything. Just because a place is vegan is no need to go gaga positive.... there's not a kosher option in the Loop either, but I wouldn't expect (if one opened tomorrow) for it to receive 100% positive reviews JUST for being the first. You know, nobody at Mortons is trying to make "faux broccoli", so perhaps (as a Vegan restaurant) making "faux bacon" or "faux cheese" or "faux burgers" is a mistake? I'm just saying ----- all you can taste is the "faux". I think I'll "get my veg on" at MacKelleys, as I have for years now... this was a stellar disappointment.
(1)
Hector N.

The burgers are bomb! And that chipotle sauce with fries is heaven. Also the lavender lemonade is genius. I have been a 3 year customer. Love this place, except for when they got rid of the Double Cheeseburger Deluxe Pizza boo!
(5)
Kaitlin M.

This is at a great location downtown but expect it to be busy during the lunch hour as all the business building vegans flock here for a good mid-day meal. I love that they have started doing samples of their different drinks... had I not tried a sample I probably wouldn't "had to have had" the mint watermelon refreshment! I did recognize that there is more staff at hand to clear tables and refill drink glasses which makes sense as they need the tables to move quickly. The overall service and cleanliness of the place is superb! The food is AMAZING as ALWAYS! the most recent thing I ordered at this location was the Italian "meatball" sub which totally satisfied the heavy Italian food craving I was having. Their choice of bread is perfect!
(5)
Lisa D.

This is a Vegan & Vegetarian Paradise! The food is absolutely delicious and so are the freshly made drinks. The desserts are so moist and divine. This is my absolute favorite place to go even though I have to travel 40 minutes (on a good day) to get there. I hope that make it out to the Chicago suburbs soon! Even if you're not vegan, vegetarian or health conscious, the food is amazing and I guarantee you will love it...even the meat eaters!
(5)
Abby M.

This place is awesome. Vegan and vegetarian friendly but has something to offer for everyone. All different types and genres of food and have yet to have something that I didn't absolutely love. Id also recommend trying their different juices and teas- unique and delicious! Even though I'm on a budget, it's pretty affordable and definitely my favorite lunch spot.
(5)
Dave S.

I am trying very hard to think of anything negative about this restaurant. I am racking my brain... No matter how hard I try, I can not come up with one singe thing. Well maybe by stretching things I can complain about how busy they were. That is really not a negative though. Here is what put this restaurant off the charts for me: 1) The staff - Never have I encountered an ENTIRE crew that had the same enthusiastic desire to make YOUR experience a first -class act! Everyone was helpful, friendly and eager to share their extensive knowledge about the menu items with you. 2) My lunch - My expectations were very low even though I heard MANY great things about this restaurant. I had the chicken run ranch burger. I cringed at the name thinking that it would not really be a good substitution or the real poultry thing. I could not have been more wrong. My sandwich was amazing. They nailed it with a great flavor and texture to my "chicken" sandwich and the sweet potato fires were delicious.
(5)
Angelica G.

I've never felt better about getting takeout. Most of the times i've tried vegan dishes it lacks flavor-not so with Native Foods. I could not be happier that this chain is expanding.
(5)
Leigh W.

I am so grateful to have Native Foods right next door to where I work! I am a vegetarian and not from the area and I happened to lookup vegan restaurants and came across Native. I was thrilled to have a vegan restaurant so close but the question was.. would it be any good? Native Foods has surpassed all my expectations again and again. I've probably ordered two thirds of the menu at this point and it's all been delicious. I love the boogie bars and the brownies as well as the Yo Amigo Taco Salad. I even had my male coworkers (who aren't vegan) try the food here and they absolutely loved it. I would recommend the soul bowl for anyone who is looking for something with a lot of flavor. The waitstaff are always pleasant and offer you suggestions if you are unsure of what to order. Native Foods is as good as it gets!!
(5)
Gerry A.

Four stars for a first visit and I bet it goes up soon. REALLY GOOD. I'm challenged already trying to duplicate some of this at home, and they even give you some of their sauce recipes. I'm also wondering if it's too late to buy their stock. So, I don't know why I am reviewing this instead of the Veggiesaurus but here goes. The line DOES move fast, so a little prep on-line and reading Candice's reviews and few other Veggie experts really helped. No nutritional info on the website or in the store fyi, we don't care we eat ANYthing, but you might. We just went with the most popular on this first trip, the portobello sausage burger and the Rockin Moroccan Bowl with quarts of the DEElicious watermelon slush drink (my term), I wonder if they even grind up the seeds in there? Plus the sweet potato fries of course as a side. I was tempted to heat it up a little but thought I would just go au naturel on the first try and it was good. Wonderful hints of mint, lemon, and a little heat on the quinoa underneath the grilled sweet potatoes & zuchs, currants etc, and native chicken in the Rockin Moroccan bowl, a very few almond slivers were sighted. We shared both of these across a small table and the bowl can get kind of messy but who cares. The native chicken, seitan, tasted like chicken to me, and the sausage tempeh tasted like a VERY mild sausage, chicken again to me. The portobellos, although a little scarce, were of course perfectly plump and juicy just like I find it hard to do at home and the grilled onions and sauce make it taste like any other delicious portobello burger, but a little scrawny imo after you deduct the too much chopped lettuce. I preferred the bowl, but splitting a bowl and the burger was a great way to go. Those three items, free drink, came to just under $25 plus $1 at the self serve counter and a $1 for our server because they deserve it, no leftovers. Several other interesting bottomless drink choices including THANK YOU unsweetened citrus green tea and peach brown tea, great mixed we thought. If you join their frequent something club, we did, you get a free drink right off the bat, and more goodies in future visits for just providing one of your less impotent emails. We went around 6pm on a Friday and there was only one couple ahead of us, and lots of seating open. Auria was very helpful and gentle with us our first time. Not crowded for a Friday night in my opinion, and a fun diverse urban cut of the city and burbs for small groups, lovers and singles; we did seem to be the only blondes there, and it made us feel special but much too pale. Ten minute walk from Ogilvie Train Center toward the lake, CSO & Art Institute. Do it. TGIF!
(4)
shanu v.

I'll preface this review with the info that I'm generally a carnivore, but I do enjoy a good vegetarian meal every once in a while. I got the rockin Moroccan bowl with tofu. I was not impressed at all... I thought it lacked flavor and salt. The quantity of food was however pretty good. Also got the Mac n cheese, which reminded me a bit of Kraft easy Mac from college, which I oddly didn't mind. But yea, wasn't anything to write home about Customer service and speed at this place (despite the huge lunch line) does rock though
(2)
L. S.

I never thought I could love a vegan restaurant so much! I have been to a few vegetarian restaurants and it was decent, but I never liked any vegan places, until now. I went for the first time with a few friends (neither are vegan/vegetarian) but they were craving Native Foods. As a first timer, you could get a free drink. (NICE!) They give you a card and you give it to them every time you are there to get points or something. I got the Rockin' Morocco Bowl which is seriously rockin'! The quinoa was cooked perfectly, the veggies still had a lot of crunch and flavor, and the tofu was flavorful! It had a burst of flavor and crunch from the currants and almonds and the sauce that came with it complimented it perfectly. With the free drink, I got a cup that could get endless refills of homemade drinks like lavender lemonade, watermelon fresca, and native ice tea. I tried it all but my favorite was lavender lemonade! Amazing- I think I had 4 cups! The second time I went I got the scorpion burger which was on special that night. IT was amazing! And you could choose any side that you wanted with it and the sweet potato fries hit the spot! It's a small little cafe but the manager there was nice and friendly and came around to talk to the tables. The workers cleaned up dishes promptly and kept the drinks station stocked and cleaned. Nice place!
(5)
Victor C.

Great service amazing vegan food ! bring all your non vegan friends ! also i kinda like the decor is so cute !
(5)
Ronnie B.

Like most people, I don't pay too much attention to service unless it's poor. Eating at Native Foods was different. The service was so perfect, it stood out. Everyone was really friendly but not overbearing. Servers worked together to create a great experience. Food was delicious too-- I see there are plenty of reviews on that.
(5)
Alyssa J P.

I had the Italian meatball sub and a beer, and walked out very satisfied. The price was excellent ($13 including the beer) and I didn't leave hungry. The location is convenient, the service was great, and the food was tasty.
(4)
Diane G.

AS GOOD AS VEGAN FOOD GETS! Long-term veggie here, and I can vouch that Native Foods is amazing. Their Earth Bowls are delicious and filling. The Nuevo Native Nachos are popular, and the waiter at this location said that the Super Italian Meatball Sub is their most popular item. Kind of pricey (my sesame earth bowl was almost $10 inc. tax), BUT so worth it when you're craving whole, fulfilling, scrumptious food. The customer service at this location is awesome. Nearly all of the employees were chatting it up with us. I was impressed. P.S. Native Foods holds FREE cooking classes sometimes; be sure to check their website out for upcoming events! ;)
(5)
Tim L.

Let me start by saying I'm not a vegan and never will be. Was dragged here by a family member who insisted I would only be somewhat unhappy. Let me say, my "chicken" sandwich was actually really good and had nobody told me it wasn't chicken it would have passed for it. Very friendly staff and great drinks. Pleasantly surprised and would actually go again.
(5)
Jodi H.

My first trip here was pretty good! I knew it was vegetarian, which was fine. I had the portobella and 'sausage' burger...very good. I stayed outside with our puppy (dog friendly on the patio!) while my boyfriend ordered inside. The plates were full and I left full, too! I had forgotten about the 'sausage' part of my burger and once thought, "Now, what exactly is THAT..." Afterwards I remembered it was their 'sausage'. It was good, but I never thought how much like sausage it tasted. The only bad thing was I tried the lavender lemonade thinking I'd love it, but it was undrinkable for me. Maybe it was made wrong or ingredients weren't balanced, but it felt like I was drinking my lavender body wash. Blech. And outside of the watermelon fresca, their only other drink options are teas, which I don't care for (I wanted something different than the water I drink all day). So other than watch out for the lemonade, this place was wonderful and I'd go back again tomorrow!!!
(4)
Jennifer R.

Lucky for me, I work across the street from Native Foods and it is amazing. Simple as that. Whether you are a meat eater, vegetarian, vegan or anything in between, Native Foods is fresh, quality food at its best. Everything is always delicious and the portions are huge (which is nice considering I just spent $17 on a wrap and polenta bites). But with that said...it was well worth it! *I had the Twister Wrap with seitan and the polenta bites (which were some of the best polenta bites I've ever had).
(5)
Justin O.

Delicious food! I had the OK burger and a side of salad. So much food, so good! Since it was my first time I got a free drink w my meal, I had a combo of watermelon nectar and lemonade. They make all their protein in-house and also have some great desserts. I wish I lived closer. Okay, months later and this is the first place I went when getting back to the US / Chicago after 3 weeks abroad... Tried the jackfruit BBQ sandwich and a side salad. Excellent. Lighter than the OK burger.
(5)
Ashley S.

Holy moly, this review must be raised to five stars. After the African Peanut Soup and Chimi Chop Salad I had today, it only seems fair to give this place the highest rating. I don't know WHAT they put in that chimichurri sauce that comes on the salad, but it was freakin' divine.
(5)
Chris M.

Having grown up in southern California with the original Native Foods always being a preferred destination, I was eager to try my favourite southern CA vegan restaurant's extension--it was grand! I was in Chicago for eight days and was able to drag my newly founded acquaintances from Purdue, NYU, Middlebury, etc. to Native and they were instantly converted. Same good ol' food, new place--good job Native! We were always in a bit of a rush when eating, so we ordered the foods to go. One tip is to order online because the place is SUPER PACKED during the lunch hour. It is simple and they have a separate line that allows you to mostly bypass the line if you are in a hurry. Go soul bowl!
(5)
Alicia C.

I have been at Native Foods twice in the last month. It has some great food on the menu but not all the food has been good. For example, their hot and sour soup was just weird -- it tries to mimic the Chinese hot and sour soup you find in hole in the wall Chinese places but it was a huge miss for me. Weirdly sour in a "the food has gone bad" kind of way and the type of spicy just didn't mix with whatever they used to give the soup the sour flavor. But for the most part, their food has been quite delicious. I especially love their sweet potato fries. I love love love their watermelon juice drink. It's refreshing and not very sugary with a hint of mint. My favorite meal beverage in the loop area. Oh and be prepared to drop about $25 for lunch for 2.
(4)
Chad D.

Fantastic. Delicious, healthy and quickly prepared vegetarian food. The Moroccan bowl is particularly good and could easily have come from a more expensive sit down restaurant. Dear Native Foods: Please come to New York!
(5)
Alex M.

Veeeeegan fast food?! OK! I stopped in at the behest of my boss. I got a burger, some sweet potato fries and some lavender lemonade. As far as this concept goes, I'm sold. If someone wants to make fast(ish) food a little bit more healthy, then sweet. As a veg myself I like working downtown and being able to grab a bite to eat without worrying about if there is meat or something else in what I'm eating.
(5)
A J.

I still can't believe how tasty the food is here, this cafe certainly makes a case for vegan cuisine NOT being a compromise. I'm a pescatarian myself, trying to reduce unnecessary meat consumption. I find myself ordering more and more from here since it's convenient and delicious. Lots of options from rice bowls, pizza, salads and sandwiches. Everything is wonderful with high quality ingredients. The fake meat tofu/seitan is great. Food here takes longer to cook, and the line typically reaches the door. I HIGHLY recommend you order online and just pick it up instead. Otherwise you will probably be waiting 20+ minutes after you enter. Obviously food here will not be cheap, but it's worth it. You get what you pay for, and in this case mouth-watering AND healthy food.
(5)
Anna S.

Wow, the staff here is super friendly. Great service! I didn't realize it was a vegan restaurant when I wandered in here, but I was curious enough to try the "native" meat. The "meats" are made of seitan or tempah. I ordered the Twister Wrap which was really good! I was surprised, actually, and it's only the second vegan restaurant I've been to in my life. If I had more time, I would have loved to try the desserts, they looked beautiful and delicious. Can you open a location in NYC?
(4)
Audre L.

Mmm mmm good! I am not a vegetaran or vegan, although I have gone through my phases of proclaiming to be such. So I can appreciate the style for sure. This food is tasty. Their sauces are delicious, and the fake meat is great - for when you are in the mood for some fake meat. I had the bacon cheeseburger and it was to die for!! Really done well. Check this place out.
(5)
Heidi W.

Having recently become a vegan, I tried this place for the first time about a month ago. I was super excited to find any restaurant anywhere that offered tasty and healthy unprocessed meals. I was certainly not disappointed!!! Everything I put in my mouth was absolutely amazing. My first sample of the menu included the Rockin' Moroccan Bowl, a side of sweet potato fries and a Carrot Cream Cheese Cupcake. Just, wow. What these people do with nuts and veggies is nothing short of inspiring. If you're skeptical about "vegan food" or plant-based eating, come here first. I'm currently working through the Earth Bowls portion of the menu before I move on to the salads and I have yet to be disappointed. Also, 2 in the afternoon seems to be the magic hour--the lunch crowd has finally gone away and you can order at your leisure. The workers also have more time to recommend menu items and tell you what Native Foods is all about!
(5)
Melissa D.

I'm between a 3 and 4-star review. I love their ideals here and what the restaurant, its employees, and its customers stand for. And I really like it as a healthy option in general. However I haven't been wow-ed with my experiences. I got the azteca salad (okay at first but I got really sick of it the more I ate) and the gyro bowl the second time (very dry and strange after taste). However, I had luckily planned to split with my friend on my second visit and she ordered the chicken wrap. I LOVED THE WRAP!! I did also like the appetizer we got, juices, and peanut butter parfait dessert. I think I need to give this place another shot to reach for that 4th star..
(3)
Jeff B.

I had a very nice lunch at this completely vegan cafe after a short walk from Union Station. Everyone is incredibly friendly and helpful. The soft tacos with the blackened tempeh were tasty and the sweet potato fries with the chipotle dip were sinfully good. A word of warning on the tacos: this is not something you want to try eating if you aren't willing to get messy.
(4)
Jericca B.

I am not a vegan but I love this place! The food is delicious and the service is always great. I recommend the Bangkok Curry bowl!
(5)
Victrix V.

Yum, this location is awesome
(5)
Pattie P.

Lavender lemonade is GREAT! Still waiting for some nutritional information to be posted on the site. Was told over a year ago that "the chef is working on it and it should be available shortly". As a non-meat eater, I never understood the whole "lets make soy and tempeh taste like meat" food genre. I don't eat chicken and certainly don't wish to eat something that tastes like it. Furthermore, I find it hard to believe all the soy products are really that healthy and most of the food items contain soy. Of the non-soy dishes I have enjoyed, Aztec Salad and tacos, I have to say they were done very well and had very clean flavors. I've tried this place several times. The food has been good. Sadly, I think this "fake meat" food is just lost on me! But I still would love to learn of the nutritional content.
(3)
Sarah M.

I am not vegan or vegetarian, but I cannot wait to go back to Native Foods and try more! Everything is absolutely fresh and handmade. The service was beyond friendly and super helpful since I had never been there before. They gave me a free drink even their beverages blew me away! The lavender lemonade was refreshingly different and I could drink the watermelon fresca all day. I had probably the best "chicken" wrap I've ever eaten and delicious African peanut soup. A friend I was with had a portobello sausage burger and could hardly get it in his mouth it was so large. My only complaints are that the seasoned fries left something to be desired and that there isn't a location closer to me!
(5)
Anna S.

I crave this place at night. This is one of my favorite spots to grabs something healthy and delicious when i'm in the city. Great friendly people...and great food! The chicken sandwich tastes better than actual chicken. Yes, it's true. Go try it.
(5)
Alec H.

I've been coming to this Native Foods location since it opened. I used to live in Lakeview, but now this one is closer! I wish they were open on Sundays like the other locations... I wonder why so many places downtown are closed on Sundays sometimes; the ones which are open seem to do alright, but I'm not in the business... i digress. Other than Hannah's Bretzel, I can't think of anything other than Native Foods that is such "good" food downtown. Try the scorpion burger
(5)
V B.

Pretty darn good. My faves are the gyro bowl and the mushroom sausage burger. The bbq burger, not so much. The watermelon juice is amazing when mixed with a little lavender lemonade. I'm glad they have a location in the Loop!
(4)
Lauren A.

I am not vegan. I am not vegetarian. I love meat probably more than the average person; HOWEVER, this place is pretty, pretty, pretty good. One of my vegan friends was in town and she suggested it for lunch. The cashier was pretty much the nicest woman ever. Very friendly, helpful, etc. etc. I had the Twister Wrap with grilled "chicken" - I can't remember what exactly was in it, but it had lettuce, tomato, huge slices of fresh avocado, and cucumber salsa. The portion was more than big enough and it was DELICIOUS. I was actually happy I didn't order a side because I wouldn't have been able to finish it all. I had the lavender lemonade to drink which sounds gross but is unbelievably tasty. When we left around 12:30, the line was out the door.. always the mark of a good place to eat. The only complaint I have (and it's not even that big of a complaint) is that it really shouldn't cost $11 for a wrap. They gave me my drink for free because it was my first time there, and my bill was still $11. Crazy. I will be back, though, because the food was super tasty and the staff were super pleasant.
(4)
Beth D.

Today was my first time eating at Native Foods Cafe and it was wonderful! I got the Saigon Rolls and the Zucchini Date Cake..YUM! The Saigon Rolls are an appetizer, but I got away with eating them as my meal. The Zucchini Date cake is moist and not too sweet. I also had the Lavender Lemondade, which I got free for getting their rewards card..Awesome! At least 3 people came over to me and asked how my meal was and if they could get me anything else. I will definitely come back!
(5)
Taylor F.

Eat the Bangkok Curry Bowl, Sesame Kale Bowl (the sauerkraut makes it!), Oklahoma Bacon Cheeseburger, Native Cobb Salad, Super Italian Meatball Sub, Portobello/Sausage Burger, or the Reuben. They're all very tasty. Skip the Twister Wrap unless you're 11 years old; they have much more complex flavors on the menu. Drink the infamous Lavender Lemonade. Skip the Watermelon Fresca - it's a little syrupy. In the mood for Mexican (which I often am)? Try the kids burrito and a bowl of tortilla soup with a side of salsa. This was a recommendation of the awesome girl that is at the front counter during weekday lunch. There's also the ever-trusty Yo Amigo Taco Salad and they've recently started giving you more dressing which is great because it's delicious. The staff is exceptionally friendly, you're eating healthfully and sustainably, and... Lavender. Lemonade.
(5)
elizabeth c.

How is everyone who works here so nice? Seriously-how does an establishment find these people? Maybe its just the new yorker in me dropped in the Midwest for a one-week conference, but I found myself wondering if they temperament test, train them really well, provide them with happiness-laced products during their shift or what? I don't think I've ever been somewhere where every staff member was so...nice... Menu is solid and this is a great spot for a more casual lunch or dinner, and also for takeout. Gluten free friendly to a point-though sadly no gluten free (or raw) love when it comes to desserts. Musts based on my visits: Bowls of grains/veggies/tofu Ensalada azteca (dressing could use a bit more lime, IMO) Refried beans - spicy and smooth Grilled veggies with ranchero sauce Special soups If I lived in Chicago I would most definitely be a regular here. Prices are extremely fair. Order at the counter and the food comes out with a numbering system-super fast and efficient. Great find and omni-friendly with lots of sandwiches, fries and handhelds-it's not just crunchy scary hippie food spot (the kind I love but terrifies some people, I realize)...
(4)
Jenny R.

I ate here for the 1st time two weeks ago and have been daydreaming about going back ever since. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful (and patient) as I asked a million questions about menu items. This was my 1st time at a vegan restaurant. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I sure as hell didn't expect the amazing FLAVOR in their food! I ordered the soul bowl. I now want a soul bowl everyday for the rest of my life. And their sweet potato fries (with that sexy chipotle sauce for dipping.) oh, and I definitely want that watermelon basil juice. I seriously had 5 refills. The food was so fresh and delicious. And once I get tired of the soul bowl (it'll be a while, I'm a creature of habit,) I will be excited to try something else from their menu! P.S. I have a dream that one day, there will be native food cafÃ©s on every block instead of Mcdonalds. Either that or I have a dream that one day Native Foods cafe will open a spot with more convenient parking in the western burbs :)
(5)
Robert S.

AWESOME. I'm actually so pissed off that this location came to the loop just after I stopped working in the loop. I would come here virtually every day if I could. The food is just that good. I have no idea how they can make such healthy food taste this friggin delicious. The staff here is top notch. It's true what everyone says. They put you in a good mood. Come in crabby, leave happy.
(5)
Kymberly J.

Not bad for vegan food! I cannot believe that the chicken is not meat! It's unbelievable. Everything they have is pretty darned tasty, fresh, and made with heart but it's a bit pricey. Of course this is to be expected when you are dealing with food that is fresh and made daily and real. I am yeast free but was able to get the portabella and sausage burger in a wrap instead; it was so Nice of them to make the accommodation. I had the lemon dill potatoes with my burger wrap. It was fresh and filled with summer but the amount you get is not worth the price. You get a small scoop for over three bucks! This is where I draw the line. Get a side of sweet potato fries instead. They give you a heaping pile and some fantastic dipping sauces. Try the watermelon drink too! Free refills make it worth it.
(4)
Live N.

This place is dangerous. If you are vegan or not, you must try the juicy bacon cheeseburger (Yes, I said JUICY). Most of the naughty food is seitan based, but all things in moderation. Their rueben sandwich on rye is great-I wish I could duplicate. I simple adore the Caribbean jerk kale salad. If I had one opportunity to offer constructive criticism during a previous visit, someone was heavy handed with the salt. The dressing for my salad was way to salty to stomach, the African peanut soup had to be tossed due to the amount of salt.
(3)
Liz C.

This place is absolutely delicious. I have never been disappointed with anything that I've gotten here. The people who work there are truly kind and friendly. Personally, I like the Twister wrap and Oklahoma Bacon Cheese Burger can't be beat. All of their salads are flavorful and truly unexpectedly great and filling. Can't help but give this place the highest recommendation! I wish I could give it five stars, again! **Update, just tried the Voluptuous Veggie Pizza, and it was beyond delicious. It may be one of my new favorites! Incredible!!!*****
(5)
Kat C.

Yum!!! I got the ensalada azteca and thoroughly enjoyed how all the ingredients complemented each other: lime dressing, currants, avocado, and quinoa (and more!). The service was fantastic even with coming in close to closing time. Thank you, Jessica!! :)
(5)
Melissa F.

Super busy around lunchtime during the week with all the business people in the loop. The sweet potato fries with chipotle sauce is life changing. Also the lavender lemonade... I can't believe this exists. It's so great. And they serve beer. What?! Go here.
(5)
Richa A.

To be honest, there are so many places like this in Chicago that I was a bit underwhelmed with the menu options here, as varied as they seem. And I don't care for fake meat. That said, I would definitely order the vegan pizza again. It's basically a salad atop pizza with a yummy pesto sauce. I will probably NOT come during the main lunch rush hour but if you can avoid or don't mind the wait, totally a worthwhile place.
(4)
Josh Y.

As a big meat eater, can't say I was enormously excited to go here for the first time. That said, I was very pleasantly surprised. I had the daily special which was the Deli Reuben and came with a free side. I also received a free drink for signing up for their mailing list. The side I chose was the tortilla soup, which was thick, creamy and delicious. The sandwich I was weary of, corn beef from seitan? Doesn't sound appetizing... While the flavor and texture weren't perfect (who could expect them to be), the food was still pretty tasty and filling. I'd try their food again especially if dining with a vegan/vegetarian
(4)
Santi D.

Very tasty. First time coming here, the place seems like a typical health conscious place that was put together somewhat quickly. However, the menu items quickly grab your attention. The service at the counter was friendly and welcoming. Something that's always appreciated. Portabello & Sausage (made from Seitan) Burger: very tasty. Juicy, well seasoned, not jumbo. Steamed Kale: again, somewhat oily but it tasted really great. I don't know if you can order this without the oil. Chili Bowl: ingredients were plentiful, not very rich but not at all watery either. The seasoning was spicy and flavorful. Very filling. My only concern was that this place would be another Freshii or Protein Bar with bland food and too many offers of energy/vitamin shots. The food here is very well seasoned but it'd be nice if they offered the veggie ingredients without oil. I had it at 4 stars but subtracted 1 because I didn't leave this place feeling like I'd eaten very healthily. I can stuff myself on veggies, fruits, and soup and feel way too full but still ok because it was still healthy. Three hours later, I don't feel that way from Native Foods. Note: I am neither vegan nor vegetarian but the food here was very appealing to me. It is however a chain so it's difficult to not wonder when it won't taste as good anymore.
(3)
Jamie B.

I want to marry Native Foods and have it's babies ... And then eat my own offspring!! Gross. Let's pretend I didn't just type that. Even though it's true. Anyway.... The food is fresh, homemade, nutritious, as well as organic and local when possible. The service was very friendly and helpful. And the space is clean, casual, and comfortable. Given the quality of the food and the amount of time and labor that goes into preparing it from scratch, the prices are fair. What's not to like? I went with the "Chicken" Rockin' Moroccan bowl (deliciously spiced quinoa, sauteed veggies, currants, and fake meat) and a watermelon fresca (sugar free, and self-service, so you can add mint, lemon, etc.). I highly recommend both.
(5)
Kate B.

LOVE the concept, very friendly staff and great variety of selections. Unfortunately, both dishes I've tried had have been dry (gyro bowl & meatball sub). I need to remember to ask for extra "sauce". On the most recent visit my friend got the soul bowl and it seemed like it had plenty as is, so I'll try that next time.
(4)
Laura V.

The addition of Native Foods to the vegan chicago restaurant scene has been nothing short of amazing. Between all of the locations, I've had the Oklahoma Bacon Cheeseburger, the Caribbean Queen Burger, Scorpion Burger, Chicken Run Ranch Burger, Chicago Dip Au Jus and Yo Amigo Taco Salad, and I have liked them in that order. All were very good or excellent and I wouldn't hesitate to order any of them again and again. In addition, I've had the African Peanut soup, Mushroom soup, the rose cupcake and the carrot cupcake. The soups were both incredible and the cupcakes were delicious but I found the rose flavor a bit strong. I'm looking forward to trying just about everything on the menu. The atmosphere is casual but nice with lots of different seating options. The ordering system is that you stand in line to order at the counter and then have your food brought to you at your seat. Another great thing about Native Foods is that they have wine and beer, along with bottomless lemonade. The prices are a little higher than I would like but still worth it.
(5)
Jim P.

Let me start by saying that I am neither a vegan or a vegetarian. And I knew the concept of Native Foods before I walked in the door. Something I had to convince the cashier of multiple times when I ordered the "bacon cheeseburger". She was really nice, but in her head she was thinking "hey tubby, theres no meat here". Which is fine, I imagine every once in a while someone comes in off the street not knowing any better. The place is really nice, I would have stayed to eat if I didn't have work to do back at the office. So, the "burger" was a sandwich which is fine. I've never had seitan before and I just kind of imagined it was turkey. The vegan cheese was pretty good as was the vegan bacon, which I'll agree with another reviewer when they said it's more like jerky. I'm not sure I need carrots on it, but that was ok. I'll be back, and I'll try their fake chicken which a co-worker just found out was fake after I told him yesterday, after he ate it weeks ago. That's a pretty solid endorsement.
(4)
Peggy S.

Native Foods, I love you! You are the only vegan-friendly, let alone full on vegan, restaurant that my omnivore husband will not only go to, but suggest!! Thank you thank you thank you! I am so tired of eating dinners out and ordering salads and baked potatoes. Thank you also for being in the loop, staying open on Saturdays, and staying open for dinner. So my only request - please expand into the space next door :)
(5)
Christine V.

I dig it.. I consider myself a healthy eater and have even danced with the vegan and veg lifestyle. Anyone who says they need meat to be full is WRONG! They have a good selection of salads, wraps and entrees. They even have a few selections of cupcakes and parfaits. I got the Twister wrap with a creamy chipotle sauce, avacado, and seitan I believe. It looked big on the plate and I was unsure how full it would make me (on our way to a dress fitting) but I ate it and felt happy and content. My friends got the BBQ Love burger and the African Peanut Stew, both were happy with their decisions.. I'd go back for a quick healthy lunch in a heart beat. Too bad I live far!
(4)
Khadijah L.

I've gone back several times and I'll keep coming back. As long as I stay away from the cheese. Okay, I've got it figured out. I love the way they make/cook the seitan and tofu. I don't like how they make and cook the tempeh. I like mine crunchy and more bean-y. By now, I've also had their 'Chicken' Ranch Burger, which is delicious, and somewhat indistinguishable from a McChicken patty... er I don't know if that is a good thing or not, that your fake chicken tastes like another fake chicken. Except one is $10 and the other is $1. Which is another complaint about NFC in general, it is so expensive. I would eat here more if it weren't so. Appetizers: - Saigon Rolls are really delicious. comes with these sweet and tangy peanut sauce. - Tempeh cakes are so so. reminds me of crab cakes. but crab cakes win. Anyway. It's worth a try. I'm bumping up the ratings to 5 stars because everytime I go to Native Foods, the place is busy serving up food. Despite some of the idea-fails, they're definitely doing something right and capturing what people want/need right now. I fully support that. I'll be back. PS: NFC, I have yet to see any benefits of your 'rewards' card. Get to it. Where's my free fries.
(5)
Valery S.

This review is NOT for the food, but for the quality of service. Since this location opened I've been here every day the first week, a few times the second week and haven't come back but once since then. The food is great as always, everything is fresh and healthy(ish) and tasty. However, the rate of order mess-ups is not acceptable. The first time it was an au-jus instead of daily soup, then the wrong entree, then a missing order all together, then an extra side and an extra charge... I could go on. The management does their best to remedy everything with a free cupcake or a drink, which is nice, but what they really need to concentrate on is training their employees. As this is pretty much the only decent vegan spot within two blocks of my office, I will have to go back once in a while, but I won't hold my breath to actually get what I order.
(1)
Christoph B.

If you reviewed this place before it opened you should have your yelp card removed. C'mon, seriously? Sit down, shut up, and try the food. It's good. Really really good. As an omnivore who will eat almost anything (no insects or grubs, please) I am also somewhat ignorant when it comes to healthy foods. If I had to explain the difference between Vegan, Veg, Raw, Gluten free... I would be lost. It's all very confusing. I will also admit that many of my friends are... how should I put this delicately.. fussy eaters. So when Native Foods opened in the Loop, it was inevitable that we would check it out. Native Foods totally won me over with the meatless meatball sub. It was hearty, had a good consistency, and was bursting with flavor. I also had the house made lemonade which was very tasty. Service was friendly but not perfect (this is where I deduct a star). Some of our food items were missing sides, or dressing, but the problems were quickly remedied and staff was apologetic. Will I go back to Native Foods for more? You betcha.
(4)
Sarah G.

Love the carrot cake cupcake, kale salad, and lavender lemonade. Native foods is on the pricey side but such a good healthy option and I have never had a bad meal here.
(4)
Erica P.

We stayed at the Hilton Chicago and luckily this was in walking distance (if you are up for it). Otherwise the cab ride is worth the trip. I have never tasted plant based food that was so delicious. The staff was incredibly friendly, helpful, and welcoming. The menu makes it clear that everything is plant based, which makes you curious about the things that have "meet like" names and resemblances. Everything that we tried was delicious. There was even options for a pseudo plant based consumer like me who was avoiding soy! Bravo Native Foods! You got it right!
(5)
Sonia B.

NFC, I waited a long time for you to open, but it was most certainly worth it. Since I fell in love with the Wicker Park location, it was no surprise that I would feel the same about this one. I first came here with a group of co-workers for dinner. It was their 2nd day of operation, so the service was a little bumpy. The staff seemed overwhelmed, and forgot almost everyone's sides in our group. It was annoying at the time, but nothing that couldn't be fixed. My stomach wasn't feeling too great that night (thanks to my spicy Pad Thai I had for lunch), so I wanted to order something light. I decided to go with the 'Soul Bowl' which is a bowl of "jazz-man" rice (tee hee), boiled veggies, and chicken skewers. I also got to try the Lavender Lemonade and Chai (YUM). I really liked my entire meal, and so did my tum tum. The second time I came here was on a lunch hour, and boy, was it packeddd. The line was out the door, and really intimidating. Surprisingly, we only had to wait in line 15 minutes, and out food came out right away. I decided to go with their special of the day which the Twister Wrap and Corn Chowder---both highly recommended! I got a ton of food, and even took home leftovers. I would just be cautious coming here for lunch because it can get busy, and the prices are a little high. Other than that, I had fabulous experiences all around, and I am looking forward to coming back!
(4)
Darcie W.

Love this place!!! The food is great and so are the drinks! Also, the customer service is awesome. Everyone is kind and attentive. Wonderful atmosphere. I am definitely coming back!
(5)
Anna C.

I absolutely love this place. The very first time I visited got me hooked. Ever since then, I've been going back as much as I can. All their wraps and handholds I've are delicious! I've tried their Oklahoma Bacon Cheeseburger, Twister wrap (one of my favorites!), Chicken Run Ranch Burger (also another favorite), Scorpion Burger, Classic Deli Reuben, BBQ Love Burger, and Portobello & Sausage Burger. Honestly, I love all of them and that's why I don't mind getting their Daily Specials. I always get the sweet potato fries as my side. They are simply amazing, especially with the chipotle sauce they give you. I can never get enough of them. (I also love dipping my burgers and wraps into the sauce.) I wouldn't mind coming here everyday!
(5)
Leslie B.

This place is great! After getting a super early flight into Chicago and having some time before rendezvousing with friends to grab apartment keys for our visit my boyfriend and I decided to find a vegan place to lunch downtown. Not disappointed! The service is fantastic. Everyone is very well informed, kind, and super efficient. Our food was equally great! We started with some Chili Cheese Fries which were cooked to perfection, piled high, and had some really yummy chili, seasoning, red peppers, and cheeze on top. Did not taste greasy at all! And nice thin fries. He had the Chicken Run Ranch Burger with a side of Lemon Dill Potato Salad. The potato salad was a generous portion and well seasoned. The sandwich was also really great. Tasty roll, crunchy lettuce and carrots, nice tender chicken, not too much ranch. I had the Classic Deli Reuben which I would have to say was my least favorite of the items but still quite good. I'm the type of person who orders a reuben every time a vegetarian version appears on a menu so I feel like I've developed very strong preferences to taste and texture. The taste was good, not great. The sauerkraut wasn't quite tangy enough, the bread not toasty enough, and the sauce not plentiful enough. The 'meat' was decent, but lacked any desirable texture which is needed on a sandwich where the other main ingredient is pickled cabbage. Overall I'd give that sandwich a 3 out of 5. Probably our favorite part of the meal (crazily enough) was the lavender lemonade!!! I was a little scared to drink this at first because I associate lavender with candles, and perfume, and potpourri satchels for my underwear drawer, but holy shit is this yummy and refreshing. $2.50 gets you a refillable glass and boy oh boy did we get our monies worth. Not too sweet, not too tangy, and with this beautiful hint of lavender which somehow made me feel like I was sitting on a private island in a New England summer or something. Not to be missed! Don't let the perfume reference scare you! Not sure if we'll be returning during our short stay, but will definitely seek this place out the next time we're in Chicago.
(5)
Erin B.

Wow! A good friend and veg-head picked this place for girl lunch and I was incredibly impressed. I had already eaten my lunch, so I opted for the carrot cupcake and chai tea. Since I was a first timer, my tea was comped! What a nice perk :) On top of that, my cashier was friendly and knowledgeable. I'm a total ominivore, and am willing to try almost anything once- and my past experiences with vegan items have been so-so- but the faux cream cheese was delightful. The chai was grand, as was a my friend's kale salad and sweet potato fries. I can't wait to go back and try more!
(4)
Eric C.

Not vegan but wanted to try it. Good food, long line but moved quickly. I had the Chicken Run Burger which is one of the items on the menu for 1st timers there. Worth it, a tad pricey but normal for specialty foods.
(3)
Margo W.

If you'd told me a year ago, "a vegan restaurant is going to open in the Loop and there will be lines out the door," I would have laughed in your hamburger scented mug! But here we are & Native Foods is bringing the lines. It's a good thing...so stop meowing about your wait time; some of us have been waiting a whole lot longer... Vegan dining in the loop is a rotation of uninspired salads, overdressed grains, and lettuce sandwiches. Like many, I bring my homecooked leftovers about 4 days a week, but on the 5th, I pay someone to cook for me. After 10+ years working in the Loop, I don't really expect much, you know? But now that Native Foods has opened, it is my pleasure to expect a lot more and to give an honest account, intriguing all eaters-veg and animal alike- to give it a try. My menu choice consisted of the Twister Wrap, sweet potato fries, & a lavender lemonade. Absolutely delicious! The wrap's innards contained greens, cucumber, salsa, spicy chipotle sauce, avocado, and crispy "chicken." Ingredients were fresh and the avocado slices were huge! I do prefer for my wraps to be folded, burrito style, thus keeping the innards in tact and not in my lap. But that aside, yum...and the sweet potato fries were the best I've ever had. Not greasy, not flaccid, and not overly salted. Absolute crispy perfection. My personal goal is to try everything on this menu- in moderation. I didn't notice a calorie count on any of the menu items, but faux & mock products do come with a heftier ding to my daily caloric intake. But the flavors, the freshness, and portion sizes were impressive and Native Foods is well on its way to gaining a loyal following in the Loop.
(5)
Sarah S.

Going gluten free here I did not have a good time. I tried the Azteca Salad, meh. Tried one of the bowls and it was meh too. The fries were really good and I know that non GF friends like the food here. For the $$ and trying to avoid something gluten heavy I will go somewhere else.
(3)
Vaidehi T.

I want to give Native Foods Cafe a 3 and a half stars! It is a vegan place with many gluten free options. I absolutely appreciate the food and the ingredients, but it is very pricey. Thats why the 3 and a half stars. I ordered the Azteca salad with the dressing on the side and my husband ordered the mushroom burger. The azteca salad was ok - nothing ground breaking. The ingredients were fresh and crunchy but it needed some zing. As for my husband's burger - it was delish!! Absolutely loved it. I would love to come back and try other options - but like I said - it is expensive!!
(4)
K B.

Finally tried this place for lunch, since I walk past it so often. Everything on the menu looked delightful, the place was packed, and the cashiers were super friendly. Obviously I'm not basing my review on much, but I had the Caribbean Jerk Kale Salad and it was scrumptious. And not understanding the theme of the restaurant (vegan), I really thought the salad had chicken and cheese.
(4)
Nicole H.

I am in loove !!!!!!!!!! I don't know how I ended up over here to even find this place but I am sooo glad that I did. I looked over the menu and everything sounded good so it was quite difficult to choose what to order. In comes Johnna(I profusely apologize if I butchered your name). She was sooo incredibly nice and cool and helpful! I decided to get the twister wrap, lemon dill potato salad, carrot cupcake and a slice of chocolate pie. Ohhhhh honey that ish was good! The flavors were just popping. I washed it all down with a lavender lemonade--quite tasty and refreshing! So I have nothing but high praise for the food I ate except(sorry, I have to be honest) the pie. It tasted like some sort of pudding concoction laced with cough syrup and the texture of the crust was weird for me. However, it can't be an easy chore to come up with vegan alternatives for certain types of dishes. This one just didn't work for me. Did I mention that it's all vegan-yep, all vegan, you heard me right. I also couldn't get past how sweet the cashier was. It just added to my experience. I predict many more visits to the Native Cafe( and a lot more exercising)!
(4)
Miguel S.

Attention Chicagoans. if you are vegan this is the place to go. Ive been here 5 times now. This place has one of the most delicious vegan food restaurants serve. Ive come here with my friends and my girlfriend and they all loved it. Every ingredient on your plate will be fresh and in-house made. They have a good variety of dishes and desserts. Prices also are more than acceptable for being vegan and in the loop . Highly recommended. Moderate noise on busy times, good lighting and not crowded space.
(5)
Corrine C.

Super good food! My husband and I were super excited to try this place and t definitly didn't disappoint. I ordered the Chicago Dip sandwhich and I'm not usually a fan of large portions of seitan, but this seitan was sliced super thin and topped with super yummy, not too spicy gardinera, The au jus dip was not too salty and perfectly seasoned, not just a soy sauce soup that I've had at other vegan restaruants. We also shared the chili cheese fries, which weren't exactly what I was expecting, but still very good. My husband got a veggie wrap that he declared was the best wrap he had ever had. He also tried some sort of kabobs that was a mixture of tofu and seitan, the seitan ones were really good but the tofu was a little mushy and not very flavorful. I love that you get free refill on the drinks, the Lavender Lemonade was amazing! So, we will definitly be back to try more things on the menu, the Native Bowl looked so good!
(4)
Kevin D.

Yep - I concur with the rave reviews below. Their food is really really well done and the staff is super nice. This is the best mass-market presentation of vegan food i have ever seen and me, a meat eater, loves it and is making we rethink my diet. Why not 5 stars? No nutritional info on the food. McDs gives me more info on my meal than NFC does. If I am chosing between dishes, I would like info on calories, sodium, fat content, etc.... They are a chain so they have this info and should share it.
(4)
Taha O.

Nice choices for vegans and vegetarians. Smokey split pea soup was delicious. It is great that everything is homemade. Definitely eat there again.
(4)
J A.

Wow I haven't seen this many white people in one place since the J Crew after-holiday sale! Protein Bar and Native Foods really corner the market on superfoods of the moment; kale, quinoa, strange green juices you convince yourself you enjoy. But seriously Native Foods is delicious. I am a big fan of the Bangkok Curry Bowl and the Chimi Chop Salad. I've dabbled in some other dishes, but I usually sort of regret it. I am not a huge fan of certain varieties of faux meat and some of the ingredients in certain dishes seem out of place It's nice having a healthier option in the Loop. The prices are a little higher than what I usually prefer to spend on a quick work lunch, but you get high quality ingredients and a really nutrient-dense meal. Interesting tidbit- a homeless gentleman was asking each table for a meal the last time I was in. Interesting how a) that staff didn't ask him to leave, and b) he was asking for a free meal in a vegan, $9.99/dish lunch spot. I imagine this is what the homeless of Portland are like. I compliment his discerning taste.
(4)
Stephanie P.

Order online if you are doing takeout as other fellow Yelpers recommend unless you want to wait a while for your food. I was pretty disappointed that most of their menu consists of "fake" meat i.e. gluten. I cannot digest gluten so I cannot really order many of their items. I did order the Moroccan Bowl and the Ensalada Azteca. The salad is interesting but not worth $10.00. I ordered it because of the quinoa. However, it did not have much jicama nor mango. On the other hand, I loved the Moroccan Bowl. The bowl is the reason that I gave Native Foods a 3 star review instead of a 2. Since I cannot eat gluten, I ordered the tofu skewer version that comes with quinoa, grilled veggies, and currants. I asked for the Moroccan sauce on the side. The bowl was very tasty but again close to $10.00. All in all I was content with my experience but not sure that I would go back. I think I will stick to Protein Bar. If you add the brownie and coffee, I spent close to $30.00.
(3)
Nicholas S.

The Good: 1) The Food is delicious. Not just for Vegan food but in general. I'm not a Vegan and I love it. I've tried a number of items on their menu and enjoyed them all. Scorpion burger is a favorite. 2) Very reasonably priced for what you get. I like to get the Special (A menu item with a side) for $10 and I never end up hungry. 3) The Staff is always very friendly and helpful. The Bad: 1) The wait and thats it. Order Online whenever you can (though the online pick-up can get backed up as well). This place is popular. The line always moves very fast but the post-order wait for your food can be brutal. I've sat in there anywhere from 15-25 minutes waiting for my food after ordering. They are nice about throwing in a desert if you have to wait too long. Native is very close to my office. I'd eat there at least once a week were it not for the wait. As it is I go about once a month because I often can't risk a potential 30 min turnaround on my lunch in the middle of a workday.
(4)
Dannie L.

I've been waiting for this Loop branch to open for months now and it finally did, so YAY! I've written reviews for other locations so my favorite food there had not changed: Chicken wings! On to the restaurant, it's a good size, similar set up to its sister locations. There's always a line but it moves fast, or you can order ahead and just pick up there. I got to go to their soft opening with free food, what a feast, everything tasted so good! They're definitely tentative on the service, which is a plus. They recently added some new items, what I really liked was the carrot cake cupcake, however, what deducts a point from my rating is, ironically, also the carrot cupcake, the 2nd time I had it, the frosting was way too hard and when I cut it with my fork, it crumpled. It still tasted fine but how disappointing, especially I loved it so much the first time I had it! So consistency may be a issue here. I will go back and try more items since it's so close to my work, and will def. update my reviews then!
(4)
Hemanth G.

Great vegetarian options here and love their lavender lemonade. The meat dishes taste like real meat :) Love their Moroccan bowl & twister wrap.
(4)
Jetaun W.

And the Gods have come and blessed the workers in the Loop! This is a vegan restaurant that actually knows what they are doing with the tofu and tempeh. I am going right down the menu tasting everything and I have not been disappointed yet. I actually look forward to lunch time once again. Now I don't have to go make a simple salad at the BOFA cafeteria. FYI order online after 12:00 unless you want to wait in a long line. Native Chicken Sweet Potato Fries Kale Salad Italian Meatball ......................alllllll good! Even my meat eating coworkers enjoy this place.
(5)
Mary Beth K.

I got take out! It was super good but they forgot to add my dessert. So check your order before leaving.
(4)
Bethany K.

I stopped by for a slice of their pumpkin cheesecake. I heard tell it was delicious and it lived up to its reputation. More impressive, however, was the service. There wasn't any cheesecake left in the display case that evening but when I asked, they went into the back and cut into a new round. I received a free drink for getting a loyalty rewards card and I was sent off with a steaming chai latte, my cheesecake, and a sense of having been thoroughly welcome.
(4)
Monica Q.

I love vegan food, and Native Foods never disappoints. The portions are hearty though a little bit on the pricier side, but if you're willing to go for the daily special, it is always more than enough food. The Loop location in general is smaller than Wicker Park but just as friendly. There are usually not as many people here and it feels more of a chain cafe than WP's. Sign up for their newsletter and stop by whenever they're having a special meal prepared for a holiday or a weekend!
(5)
Devin D.

little pricey, but seriously delicious! the chipotle sauce is somehow works on everything.
(5)
Leang E.

This place was quite talked about amongst my coworkers and we finally got to hit it up! The line doesn't ever seem to quite let up. I would recommend getting there pretty early. My coworkers left a little after 11:30am and it was still busy. One of my other coworkers and I met up later since we had a meeting until noon, and we were able to order our food from the table saving us time at the line. The presentation of the food was colorful and beautiful. I tasted some of my coworker's nachos, and they were very good. I got a cup of the chili and the tandoori kabobs, which were also very flavorful. The food was also very filling, and it didn't cost me an arm and a leg like I think healthy food would cost. The staff here were friendly and very quick. I would totally choose this in lieu of any fast food any day or time. I like that there is one close by work and where I live. :)
(5)
Marcee W.

Typically not one to choose a vegan or even vegetarian restaurant, I didn't really know what to expect when my friend suggested Native Foods. I decided to be open minded about the whole experience and was wowed by the delicious fare! We shared the Chicken Run Ranch Burger and the Portabella Sausage Sandwich and each had an order of the sweet potato fries. Both sandwiches were delicious,although we both were partial to the chicken and the fries were thin and crisp, exactly the way I like them, and tasted wonderful dipped in the chipolte dressing. One of the best surprises was the Watermelon Fresca, slightly sweetened with agave, but strong on real watermelon flavor. Defintely worth another visit!
(4)
Andy C.

I love this vegan restaurant.......absolutely Awesome'
(5)
Nelly G.

The food is absolutely incredible. I really hope they open a restaurant in Albany, NY. That being said, the restaurant in the loop is too cramped. Even when it's not packed, the tables are uncomfortably small.
(5)
Dana K.

I might be changing my ways! As a carnivore I was shocked at just how damn good this place is! A vegan Reuben??? I will never eat a regular one! My red meat loving husband loved the food and vowed to go back weekly! Truly great, can't wait to try the rest of the menu...if I can get await from the Reuben!
(5)
Patricia L.

Oh Native Foods Cafe--how I love thee! I sincerely hope Native moves to Phoenix asap! The veggie Ruben sandwich and sweet potato fries were awesome, kale salad very tasty, and the carrot cake cupcake was divine! I heart delicious vegan food!
(5)
Brad C.

Loved the nachos, get them without onion though. The Ruben was really good, one of those things I thought I was going to do without as a vegetarian but damn that was good. Carnivores fear not, there are options here that would impress you.
(4)
Corey C.

I stopped in here for lunch on a whim. The decor is modern and clean, and the feel of the place is bright and airy. Everything they have is vegetarian, and they have lots of gluten free options as well. Their flavor combinations are unique and original. They do a pretty good job of replicating meat options (like sausage and gyros) with soy and tofu ingredients. I ordered the Bangkok Curry bowl. It was tasty and well balanced, and the vegetables were cooked perfectly (though there were some hard kernels in the quinoa). I expected the flavor to be a bit more bold, though. The portion sizes (of the bowls anyway) are large enough to leave you full, even though their is no meat in the dish. They have tasty beverage options like watermelon and mint juice, and Hibiscus blueberry tea. I'll be back here next time I'm looking for a tasty, healthy lunch. Oh, and if it's your first visit, your beverage is free!
(5)
Justine M.

Food is the same here as any other Native but this is specifically for the experience. I've come here once before after work on a Friday. Empty, no problems. But my most recent visit was hell. I preordered and prepaid online thinking it would be faster to pop in and out and pick up my food. Word of advice - DONT DO THIS. They have a specific line for pick up orders and it was OUT THE DOOR. The to-go and dine in lines were shorter and moved faster than my pick up line. Who knew preordering and prepaying would have me waiting 30 minutes to pick up my food. When i first walked in, I walked right up to the counter and said I was picking up. The cashier directed me to the long line so I had to wait. I clearly saw my order sitting on the counter ready to be taken. Ridiculous set up. Absolutely. I suggest dining in or ordering to go at the actual restaurant.
(2)
Tavi J.

3.5 Stars 4 Stars for food 3 Stars for service I've been to Native Foods at several locations and this one is probably my least favorite. The major reason why is because it's always pack and they don't have a good system set up to get people in and out. It's set up with 3 separate lines (eat in , dine out, and order ahead). You would think that would be a good set up, but since the eat in line is always long most people will just go order in the dine out line and still eat in. That's what I think slows down the process. Plus how it's set up it's hard for you to navigate your way out after you receive your food. You have to go through people in line since there's only one door to exit. Besides all that logistic stuff the food remains good! I have to try more items, but my usual is normally the Bacon Cheeseburger and the sweet potato fries. I have sworn off the desserts here after two bad experiences, but the person I went with wanted to give them a try. She ordered the key lime pie and surprisingly it was good! Maybe I just have stay away from the cupcakes here, but give the other treats a fair shot. Probably won't be making too many visits to this location, but glad there is a healthy food place that taste good.
(3)
Yanja B.

Great lunch spot: been here for lunch a few times- a great alternative to all the unhealthy and generic lunch options in the loop. Food is always delicious! A bit pricey for lunch but defiantly worth it for the food's quality!
(4)
Tia T.

This was my first vegetarian restaurant and will not be my last. My girlfriend and I were walking from the Field Museum and was on a mission to find a nice place for lunch. As we approached the CafÃ© we starting reading the menu outside and started reading it however, my girlfriend doesn't eat meat so she thought she was limited to the menu. However, once we entered we made a quote for the day 'No meat no dairy no eggs but hella delicious". The staff was awesome and the atmosphere was great. FYI it gets busy during lunch hour.
(5)
Joel W.

I'm not vegan, but will eat it every once in a while. This place is $$$$. Do yourself a favor and try this place! The Chicken Run Ranch Burger is legit. Their desserts are great too!
(5)
Jenny H.

We tried out this place with our vegetarian friends before heading over to the Joffrey to watch Swan lake. It was okay, but I definitely missed my meat. I got the Kung Pao bowl with a side of split pea soup. The soup was very good. The bowl was alright. It didn't have much of a kung pao flavor at all- it was pretty bland. It comes with the ingredients separated, and when I asked the servor if it is typically mixed up, he looked at me like I was stupid and said I could eat it either way. Well, I could have figured that much out myself.... I mixed it up and it became like a salad with some rice mixed in. You get one stick of tofu with the dish. I love tofu, but the texture was a little weird! It wasn't anything special and I definitely wouldn't get it again or recommend it to anyone. It was also over 10 dollars and I would have much preferred a burrito bowl from Chipotle for a few dollars less. Sign up for a rewards card for a free drink on your first visit. I had the lavender lemonade, which was very good! It was a little sweet, but had a unique flavor. Free refills too! I probably would have liked this place a lot better if I had gotten a different dish, so I'll probably give them another try in the future.
(3)
Im hungry L.

I stopped here with some friends but did not eat here. The menu was all vegetarian or vegan. The crowd seemed to enjoy their choices and were busy. Next time in Chicago I will stop and eat here.
(4)
Christine C.

Bangkok curry bowl was eh. Came with a load of rice and could've used more of the sauce considering it was quite bland. But the "lemongrass & ginger infused coconut milk curry" was tasty and refreshing & the tofu was cooked nicely.
(3)
Christopher M.

So long as you know what you're getting into, you will love Native Foods. Know ahead of time there is no meat; I know people who have showed up and were shocked and disappointed there was no meat on the menu. What makes this place 5 stars? The tofu tacos. The guilt free brownies. The super-easy order ahead and pick up option. And finally all the juices, in particular the watermelon juice. 195/365
(5)
Bernardo C.

Absurdly good, both the food and the service. The room temperature was too cold, by the way. But I was able to overlook that given how good the food was.
(5)
Courtney C.

This is my favorite Native Foods location in Chicago. I tend to have incredible luck and catch this location when they're not busy. The staff here is really nice and super attentive. The last time I was here one of the employees came over to ask how the food was, asked if my friend and I needed refills, took our plates away for us, etc. I've had similar treatment at the Native Foods on Harper, which is great too. This location always delivers a very hot chicken run ranch burger, which is important to me as it's pretty much the only thing I order aside from Native Foods AMAZING chocolate cupcakes!! I don't have a chance to visit this location often because I don't live or work in the area but when I am in the area (Harold Washington visit, killing some time before going to another downtown location, etc) this is my place to refuel.
(5)
Dan L.

Walked in here not knowing what to expect. Erin at the counter was so nice and she explained all the different things they had to offer. I chose chicken something avocado and it was amazing! She also asked me if this was my first visit, I said yes and she gave me a little free membership/point card and told me my drink was free today! Yay. Atmosphere is cool, fresh drinks are awesome, food taste clean and healthy. Would definitely come here again! Erin thank you so much :)
(5)
Rebecca C.

Tried the Amazonian salad for the first time. It's good, albeit, nothing to garner a return order. For almost $13, a hohum takeout salad and a small (definitely watered down) iced tea (this detail is new to NF, I guess) feels like a subtle rip off. Salad was fresh, with the usual crunch of maybe 7 nut pieces,a few textures from the combo of kale, quinoa, lettuce and 6 tiny slivers of fake chicken. I forgot what else went in the salad, as I didn't see or taste anything else. After trying almost everything non-spicy on the menu, I'm kind of uninthused. With the reuben, which isn't always on the menu, being a tad tastier than their salads, sandwiches and bowls, but definitely missing something to be considered fabulous, I probably won't be going out of my way to get there. I guess if one's a vegetarian or vegan and wants to taste "chicken" or "meat" - NF is a great option. Otherwise, the real stuff is exponentially better in taste and your wallet.
(3)
Shirley W.

Great food, the meat dishes they have their taste like real meat. I love their salads, very fresh and different. They have daily specials so be on a look out for those, comes with a side. I love their wraps, pretty filling. Location is great, very close to me, if I want something healthy and filing I would go there. The staffs are all so friendly and quick. Sign up for their rewards card if you don't have one so you can get a free drink!
(5)
Angie E.

Ok so for now I'll just review on what I've tried because the place is jam packed at lunch time- Sweet potato fries- disappointed. They're soft..not crispy at all. However their zucchini date cake-- WOW. I'm not even using the sauce that comes with it. It's amazing. Amazing. That's all for now but I'll be back.
(4)
Thomas W.

I typically go to the DC locations - but this location exceeded my expectations - even as a regular. The staff were super helpful - checking in on me throughout my meal. I had the Japanese balls and the Oklahoma Burger with sweet potato fries. Delish - I will be back.
(5)
Carolyn H.

Quote I took home with me: "You can do whatever you want with that cup". Dug it: Fake chicken so real, this vegan triple checked that it wasn't. Whole foods. Hot foods. Good prices. Cool staff. Less Enthusiastic: Flavors were fine or pretty good, not great. Might have just been the dish - I mean I still give it 4 stars because I'll be back to try at least 2 more just to be sure it isn't the shizznittlebam. Worthy of a go, in my humble opinion.
(4)
Courtney J.

As a long time vegetarian, I wanted to love this place. I appreciated the friendly counter folks who asked whether it was my first time and, when I said yes, made sure I knew everything was plant based. But the food didn't deliver. My run ranch chicken was cold in the middle and my fries were undercooked. I'm not going back.
(2)
Stephanie L.

I have to say...I love Native Foods. Its the "bad" healthy spot I like to do :) We really like the chicken run sandwich and the curry rice bowl. DELICIOUS!
(5)
Jeff S.

Vegetarians Delight! There's something for everybody and it's always great. From Westwood, to Belmont, to The Loop - Native Foods never disappoints.
(5)
Jordan P.

This place is delish! While nothing quite lives up to real meat in my book, this place does a pretty darn good job of helping you forget that meat exists. Everything is flavorful and tasty. The employees are also very nice. All of the food is also reasonably priced. The only downside is that the place is extremely slow, so order ahead if you don't want to wait 10-15 minutes for your order. I also wish that they had more dishes that were designed without fake meat (don't want to get too much soy!). I highly recommend the Oklahoma bacon cheeseburger, the sweet potato fries, anything with fake fried chicken, and the lavender lemonade. Even if you're not a vegetarian or a vegan, I recommend checking this place out!
(4)
Courtney C.

Native Foods, no matter what the location, is my favorite! I am a vegan so the ability to choose WHATEVER I want is a luxury that keeps me coming back. My non vegan friends love it, too. You can get something healthy like a bowl with quinoa and veggies or go all out with a burger and fries. No matter what you get, you should get the sweet potato fries with chipotle...I can't say no to that!
(5)
Jill S.

The nachos and tacos were so delicious!!!! Nacho sauce is to die for but no cows suffered in the making......Beer lovers would enjoy their selection. The employees were very friendly and helpful. Food came out fast.
(5)
Yvonne B.

Let's pretend that this isn't a vegetarian fast food chain restaurant. 'Cause, you know, that's ALL that's going through my meat-loving mind. I can't help but think of the movie "Albatross" where a customer says, "I'm a vegetarian," and then server (and protagonist) Emelia condescends, "That's nothing to be proud of." Let's pretend that NONE of that is happening in my head and that I'm simply comparing this fast food chain restaurant against other fast food chain restaurants. I've heard rumors that this Native Foods Cafe gets insanely busy during lunch; however, my savvy friend steered us clear of that by having us meet at 1:30 PM. We didn't have to wait in line and we had the pick of the litter when it came to tables. The girl who took our order at the register was nice. She asked if this was our first time at Native Foods Cafe (no for both of us). She also nicely told me that my birthday $10 expired a week after my birthday and that I could no longer use it... and then she coyly asked if I liked chocolate and then slyly slid me a decadent looking brownie. She was also adept at switching the reward card for our lunches from mine to my friend's so that she could get the credit. We both got the gyro thingy. It's not a sandwich. I would not have known it was supposed to resemble a gyro if the menu didn't call it that. It's more of a deconstructed and reinterpreted gyro. For example, there was a tortilla instead of a pita and quinoa and kale thrown in the mix. The tzatziki sauce... well. I don't think it'd be fair to call it that. One top there was some sort of sauce (that was NOT tzatziki sauce) and then there was also a lemon dressing. All together it was very flavorful. It was a little salty. You know how there are healthy versions of unhealthy foods that seem unnatural? Like, so unnatural that you wonder what deviations they had to do to make this healthy thing resemble the scrumptious unhealthy thing? Like turkey burgers. Turkey burgers must have all kinds of salt and ish in them to make them taste good and it makes me wonder if it's even worth eating. ANYWAY, that's what I was thinking while eating the gyro from Native Foods. I wondered what they had to do to it to make taste good. Call me a skeptic. Anyway, our two gyros and one juice drink (oh my gosh I love their juices and totally think that they're worth it) came to a little over $20 which I think is bogus considering that we didn't have sides or anything extra. An authentic gyro (made with meat) costs about $6.50 so $9.95 for the gyro at Native Foods seems a bit much.
(4)
Sarah Y.

Native Foods makes me feel not as guilty eating out for lunch. It's a healthier alternative to the lunch spots around. It's healthy, high veggie content, delicious lunch! My personal favorites are their salads, in particular the carribean jerk chicken and mexican style salads. The chipotle dressing and jalapeno cilantro dressing are my favorite. Naked chicken wings for a splurge!
(5)
Loretta P.

This is the second installment of vegan deliciousness that I visited after previously trekking to North and Milwaukee. Every staff member has been friendly, helpful (eager, even), and patient. I tend to want to get one of my usuals, but will ask for recommendations for something different. They have never yet run screaming from the register after I have them hold forth on the merits of all and sundry, only to order my default Taco Salad. That says a lot about customer service and company culture, in my book!
(4)
Brittney H.

I'm trying really hard to transition into the vegetarian world, maybe even eventually vegan. But it's so hard! I'm from Kansas City, home of ribs, fried chicken and delicious meat goodness. That being said, I'm a huge animal lover and overall trying to improve my health and I truly believe what we consume plays a large role in this. If I ate at Native Foods CafÃ© every day, this would be the easiest challenge in the world for me. I just discovered this place last week thanks to my co-worker and have been 3 times since. The native chicken wings look and taste just like actual fried chicken but 1/3 of the calories and guilt. How did this happen? I also tried one of the specials, Bombastic Tofu Wrap and loved it. I will be the first to admit I'm not a huge fan of tofu but could have easily gone back for a second wrap that day. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to eat here often so I must find the magical secrets behind this food or pretend that I am a celebrity and hope that they deliver to my office daily, for free.
(5)
Jackie M.

Their daily specials are the best options when the overload of goodies is too much to bare! I finally checked out the Loop location. I imagine a sea of traders wearing those giant badges lining up here during the lunch rush. Luckily I came by during the lull hours between lunch and dinner. The place is spacious but there are quiet nooks in the long hallway colorfully decorated with wall art embracing ecofriendly living. Come on, even their hand soap is recycled cooking oil from the restaurant! Anyway... the food, as always, amazing. I got the Bombastic Tofu wrap and wasn't expecting much, I just got it because I wanted the extra side that comes with the daily special. The sauce on it is sweet and savory, even as I eat my leftover half for breakfast, it still surprises me with delicious goodness it rumbles my tummy for more. Moroccan lentil soup a good portion withs lots of veggies. NFC rarely skimps on ingredients and flavor I love them for it. Oatmeal cream to top it off as dessert, hard to resist.
(5)
Shae F.

very good place for vegetarian
(5)
Kelly D.

Whoever came up with the presentation for the Soul Bowl should be fired. Immediately. This was my first visit, and was highly anticipated after raves from several co-workers. Sadly, I lost my appetite as soon as the server set the dish in front of me. It consisted of what can only be described as a phallus spewing forth brown sauce on a bed of vegetables. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of phalluses, just not as a lunch entree. It would have been easy enough to overlook that whole misstep if it had been tasty, but it wasn't, at all. What ever it was that made up the bottom portion of the phallus had such a disgusting texture that I gagged on the first bite, and anyone I've dated can tell you that's unusual for me. Not a fan...
(1)
Lefai K.

Came here to meet up with some peeps in downtown. I didn't realize this place was an no-meat extravaganza. Considering it had burgers and steak, I was none the wiser, until the person I ate with informed me of it. Go figure. I had the Baja Blackened Tacos. It came with a side, which I picked steamed spinach. The order came with two tacos. They were pretty delicious, but I wish the portions were more. The cashier was EXTREMELY friendly and overall, I'm happy to see more healthier choice options in downtown. But as with all things healthy, the meal itself was pricey, for something where I was hungry by 2PM. BATHROOM REVIEW: Located at the very back of the restaurant down a long-winding hallway, the bathrooms were extremely clean. Sit or squat? Sit!
(4)
Beth S.

I used to really like Native Foods, but it seems like the more time passes, the worse it gets. This particular location is no exception. I went in the other night and mentioned that they'd sent out an email with a current promotion for a free dessert. They informed me I needed to get an entree, a side, and a drink for the dessert. That was not the promotion I read about, so I passed, especially since their desserts are mediocre at best. But strangely, my dessert reward was there even without a drink. The staff often seem to not understand the rewards program, know current promotions, or understand how their menu works (other than to tell you it's all vegan, if you already knew). I wait, and the food comes out. I got a twister wrap and potato salad. The twister wrap was fine and the potato salad was soggy and gross. I used to never have a problem finishing their potato salad, but this time, it tasted off to me, and I left over half of it on my plate. The problem with Native Foods is that while they are a chain, they are not consistent. I usually stick to the same things there, so it was quite obvious when one of the things I liked changed. A benefit to a chain restaurant is supposed to be consistency, but I get the feeling that Native Foods is having an identity crisis. I notice that they constantly tweak their recipes, shrink serving sizes and -- the worst of all-- eliminated their daily specials. And then there's the time where I got a very bad dessert and found out that the chef was trying a sugar-free recipe. WHY?! The oatmeal cream pie, however, was better than the one I had last time. So I guess sometimes this inconsistency works out in my favor. Listen, Native, other restaurants have drastically increased their scale and still remained profitable without rapidly increasing prices. You don't even serve MEAT, why can't I eat a meal here for $10 or less? If I were vegan, I could find tastier, cheaper and more consistent options at Blaze or Chipotle. If they have made changes over the years, I could barely tell. Native Foods.. not so much. So, I'm giving up on you, again.
(2)
Harrison H.

This is my first time here and since it was a nice day outside, we decided to venture to the small patio they have off Quincy street. The food is slightly more expensive than what I wanted to pay for lunch, but otherwise tasted delicious. If you're brave enough to try a plant based 'chicken' by all means come try this place. It's well worth the experience and it's close to Union Station, so that's an additional plus.
(4)
Madison L.

Love the food here! Fast service! The Bangkok curry bowl is my favorite - savory and healthy. It's big - come hungry or being a date to share with ;)
(5)
John D.

It's possible this is the best vegetarian restaurant to which I've ever been. It truly seemed like the cashier liked his job. I had the scorpion burger and it was great. Sweet potato fries with chipotle sauce is stellar. You'll pay about $20 for two if you keep it simple.
(5)
John S.

I am a true omnivore, and typically shy away from places like this. I was impressed with the menu and the food was great. The restaurant had a nice community atmosphere that is missing in most downtown establishments . I would go back and take my carnivore friends!
(4)
Alexandra K.

Arriving at 12:05 I came just before the large lunch crowd. As it was my first time I got some recommendations from the cashier and a drink for free (sweet!). They sure know how to attract returners with a rewards card and free drinks. I settled on the special for the day as it comes with a free side. Once you order you take your number and find a seat. The wait staff that brings you your order is equally friendly and they even check on you, offering to get you refills as well--Great customer service. Drinks (what's nice is that they give you a glass and you can try everything and go back for free refills) -Lavender Lemonade (French lavender steeped with fresh lemons and sweetened with organic sugar): it tastes like fresh lemonade to me with a SLIGHT hint of lavender--nothing special though. -Watermelon Fresca (fresh watermelon and a touch of mint sweetened with organic agave): it tastes like watermelon but it's a bit too sweet for me. -Native Iced Tea (organic hibiscus and wild berry tea sweetened with organic agave): tastes like good 'ole fashioned iced tea to me. -Unsweetened Teas: forget about them. They are bland and just gross. Food -Oklahoma Bacon Cheeseburger (thinly sliced Native Original seitan, melted cheddar, caramelized onions, and crispy Native Bacon on a bun slathered with BBQ sauce and ranch dressing, romaine, carrots, onions and tomato. Topped with crunch battered dill pickle chips): So I was expecting a bit more out of this. The bun is quite good, it's more like toast, but with my sweet potato fries I forwent eating the bun and just mixed the goodness with the potatoes. The seitan tastes like turkey so it's more of a turkey burger with "bacon"--or what really tastes and smells like maple bacon but obviously isn't. The cheese, which sort of reminds me of a better version of Kraft Singles could be more plentiful as it gives a nice little spice, especially with the delicious caramelized onions. Lastly ,the fried pickles--YUM! Oh and the ranch dressing! YUMMIER -Sweet Potato Fries: these have a great seasoning which I can't quite put my finger on but it offsets the incredibly sweet and well-cooked sweet potato fries. Man are these good and they give such a great portion! FINAL VERDICT: They have a lot of options to choose from and although I wouldn't order the burger again, I would go back to try their other options--especially since for vegan food, this is very cheap. The people who work here really do go out of their way for their customers, which is really nice.
(4)
Mariam A.

I am literally obsessed with this place. If I could have their Moroccan Rockin Bowl everyday I could. They have awesome portion sizes and ever since day one when I first tried this earth bowl, I haven't been able to try anything else. Their sweet potato fries are another thing I could rave on about forever. Their online ordering used to be super easy, up until they removed the option to use chicken or tofu and force you to get tofu online. So now I have to go through the hassle of calling and placing my order to use the grilled chicken instead. Luckily this place is downstairs right next to my work, so it's not too big of a hassle, but it would be a lot more convenient and awesome if they could add this option back online. My friends have tried their gyros plates and weren't much of a fan. I'd say their tofu and grilled chicken is probably safest and most guaranteed.
(5)
Jose R.

Great! I ordered the twister wrap! Wow! I can taste every single ingredient! Fresh! My taste buds were dancing salsa! Lol. My wife also loved her meal! I forgot what it was called. It was a burger of some kind. The crispy sweet potato fries were inSaNe!!
(5)
Esther K.

Native Foods was my first venture into vegan fare, and I surprisingly enjoyed my meal quite a bit. The soul bowl is incredibly hearty with tons of veggies, I really liked the ranch and BBQ sauces that flavored it. The lavender lemonade was a surprise winner, the lavender flavor really shines through and is very refreshing. I've also gotten their brownie a few times while passing by and they are super rich and ginormous! This location gets jam packed around lunch time and it can be really hard to find seats, but you can order to go! I would totally recommend for a tasty, healthy meal.
(4)
Kelly F.

Excellent! So many choices and I had to go twice. I hope this chain spreads down south. Highly recommend the taco salad with avocado. Everything is vegan, which is so comforting, knowing I don't have to pick through my food and make sure it's correct. Loved it.
(5)
Suzy D.

This place is good for lunch if you work in the loop, but the wait times and lines can be long. I normally place an order online which is very convenient and then walk over to the pickup line and grab my food. My favorites: Ensalad Aztect: quinoa, romaine, mango, salsa, avocado, jicama...YUM Sesame Kale Macro bowl: brown rice, tempeh, kale, sauerkraut..healthy but tasty
(4)
Brooke C.

I really enjoyed visiting Native Foods Cafe in Chicago since I have only been to the location in San Diego. It was fun to see some different menu options and the location was a lot larger than what I expected. There were a lot of seats available, which make it good for groups or people who want to hang out and study/work. My favorite menu item is the Twister Wrap with a side of their vegan ranch. Such good flavor combinations and the chicken is perfectly grilled. Their watermelon aqua fresca is always very refreshing and a nice alternative to my usual water. They have a big selection of vegan desserts and are great to share or indulge in solo, such as their Oatmeal Whoopie pie :) Vegans and non-vegans will appreciate Native Foods!
(4)
Gabriel K.

Fantastic vegan place in Chicago! Found it by chance with my family, my son didn't even notice he was not eating real chicken. The juices were very good and the earthy bowls flavors, outstanding. Highly recommended!
(5)
Andrea H.

My first experience at NF was at the location on Belmont and I still remember it well. I ordered the Kale Jerk Chicken salad and it was amazing. I came with the dressing on the salad which had softened up the kale and seemed to pull the flavors of the other ingredients (mango, red onion, avocado, and seitan "fake chicken") together. I also tried the PB pudding with granola/choc chips on top. Too heavy for my liking, but it was heading to a good place. Finally we got the "chicken" fingers as apps which were super tasty but without the greasy feel of fast food tenders. Overall, great dinner experience. Today I paid the loop location a call and got the same salad but asked for it to go, intending to eat half in the restaurant and take the rest home for dinner. This time it came with the dressing on the side and I poured dressing on myself but it just was not as good. I wish I would have asked for the dressing to be on the salad so it would have had time to merry the flavors. Tip: ask them to put dressing on the salad not on the side. Once again, we got desert, but this time the chocolate peppermint sandwich cookie. We were NOT disappointed!! I don't want to know how much oil and sugar (or substitute I hope) they used in the cookie, b/c for it to taste that good it must've been a lot. But oh well, it was worth it. I am a frosting snob and I was in heaven. They are not stingy on the frosting (key in a sandwich cookie) and it really did taste like peppermint. I would not have ever known this was a vegan cookie if I had taste-tested it. I am taking off one star b/c they do not post ingredients or nutritional information of their dishes on the website.
(4)
Todd N.

I am having the Thai meatball - what a tasty and bright colored dish. Very friendly staff, fairly quick service and high quality food. The price was a bit more than average, but a good value. I would frequent this restaurant if there was one nearby my home.
(5)
Amanda M.

Amazing food choices, fresh juices, friendly staff, very clean restaurant. We will be back!
(5)
Mike R.

Pricey all things considered. a chicken sandwich and burger with fries and drinks over $31. A little too pricey for a plate of lettuce, carrots and red onion. It was okay, the sweet potato fries were too done for my liking and the chipotle dip was unimpressive.
(3)
Jess H.

I am not vegan, but OMG, this food is delicious! I am in the area frequently, so decided to stop in for lunch and was blown away. For an appetizer, I ordered the Japanese Sesame Crusted Chicken Bites, and let's just say I will order them every time. They were perfect. For my main course, I decided on the Caribbean Jerk Kale Salad, and it was everything I expected--fresh, crisp, sweet from the mango salsa, yet balanced with the jalapeno- cilantro dressing. Another thing I liked was the selection of freshly brewed teas and the craft beer selection. They had Revolution's Eugene Porter, as well as Lagunitas Lil Somethin Somethin for $3.95, which is a great price for the area. I can't wait to return and try more of the menu!
(5)
Erin M.

We recently vacationed in Chicago for four days. We ate at Native Foods three times because we just could not get enough of their delightful 100% plant-based menu. If I could give them 6 Yelp stars, I would. For our first trip, right after we landed in Chicago, we split the Chicken Run Ranch burger, the Meatball Sub, a tortilla soup and a side of sweet potato fries. All items were a home run. I had been craving meatballs since my recent switch to veganism, and their version of meatballs were utterly delectable and addicting. I wanted to lick the mouthwatering pesto sauce off the plate. Our server brought out a little container of sauce to go with our delicious sweet potato fries which was a really nice touch. The chicken run ranch was one of the best faux chicken sandwiches I've had since converting to veganism. Overall, this meal was incredibly filling and the perfect way to start our time in the fine city of Chicago. On our second trip, we decided to go healthier. The Ensalada Azteca Salad was quite nice, especially the jicama which is one of my favorite newly discovered produce items. The jackfruit BBQ sandwich was fantastically spicy with just the right ratio of jackfruit "meat" to sauce to cole slaw. On our final trip, we pretty much ordered the exact same menu items as our first trip because I could not stop thinking about that meatball sub. I'm still thinking about it and hoping that their Philadelphia location will become a reality soon.
(5)
jun k.

This place is SO good and the people who work here are super nice. And then it turns out it's a CHAIN and it exists in SO CAL! My question is, why isn't there one in NORCAL? isn't that where aaaalll the vegan folks are anyway? Anyway, amazing sweet potato fries and their avocado wrap was amajjing. All the other food looked really delicious too. I'm still leery about meat substitutes, so I avoided most of those, but their regular veggie / tofu / etc dishes looked beautiful, delicious, and perfectly roasted/cooked. yeyyy! Also, they're good about giving you extra sauce / whatever.
(5)
Kavya T.

I went in here thinking it was a normal restaurant with some vegetarian options--I know, my bad for not researching enough, especially as a Yelpie. But I actually wasn't able to tell that the food on the menu was ALL vegetarian either because it had words like Sausage and Chicken in there. But it was NATIVE CHICKEN and NATIVE SAUSAGE....which meant that the food is all soy-based. I got the famous chicken with ranch one...forget the name. But It was pretty darn good! I don't think it tasted like chicken...but then again...why would I want it to taste like chicken? Definitely looked like it though. Their chocolate ganache cupcake was really good too. Their portions of the side of fries and sweet potato fries are not the much...even though you pay more for the sweet potato fries. I also liked the ambiance and that there were so many statistics about water and how much more water non-vegetarians use! Very clever and discussion-provoking.
(5)
Chris J.

I'm by no means a vegan or vegetarian, but I had a friend/candidate take me to this restaurant and it was awesome, I don't think anything like this has ever made me come back 4-5 times for food. The first time I came I did not even really know it was not meat when I took a bite out of what I thought to be Chicken, taste is really unique. I have since started picking up more Vegetarian food like this because honestly it's healthy, fills you up, and leaves you wanting to come back. Check this out and try something you would get that sounds like meat and you will be surprised. Even right now my mouth is watering just thinking of it. I've well over due for Native Cafe.
(4)
Erika K.

Think vegan, think vegetables... so basically, think deprivation." That's what I grew up hearing in the venison-dense area of northern Minnesota. Even though I was never a fan of venison, I also wasn't really a fan of going vegan... but Native could make a person think twice about that decision. Native takes the basic human to-do of food consumption, and turns it into an experience. And a surprising one, since you could find yourself craving that "crispy chicken" in the Twister Wrap, or one of their delectable parfaits. Native really puts into perspective what you -- or a company -- can accomplish when thinking outside of the box. The Twister Wrap is a Native Classic, consisting of what you'd expect, greens and avocado, and a couple interesting additions, cucumber salsa, chipotle sauce, and sometimes they'll even offer to cook the chicken in some spicy buffalo sauce. Packing a surprising 375 calories and 23 grams of protein, it's the perfect centerpiece for a filling and satisfying lunch that won't have you feeling guilty an hour later. As a college student who has to be financially responsible, the price can be a little intimidating for "just a wrap" since it sits around $10, but it's one of the smartest food investments to make when you're in the mood to eat out. Since the wrap packs so much protein, it'll keep you full for hours after the last bite. Absolutely perfect for a "late lunch" or post-workout filler-upper meal. Not to mention the variety of flavors and textures this meal offers, too. Fresh, crunchy vegetables are what makes up the bulk of the wrap, the "chicken" is grilled to perfect crispiness (if that's what you're into, if not, there's also a grilled option), and the ratio of sauce, avocado, "chicken," veggies, and wrap are perfect. Each flavor is present in every bite, but it's also enough flavor that it stays interesting for each half-smiling, satisfying chew. Native Foods has more to offer than the entrÃ©es, in fact, the first thing that usually draws the non-vegan customers in is the drink selection and the desserts. Maybe it's because that seems a little more accessible, or a little less intimidating than committing $10 to a completely vegan meal. Either way, the parfaits (particularly the peanut butter and the chocolate brownie), can satisfy any sweet tooth. Although they can be a little pricey for a dessert (about $5), it's worth it to have the benefit of the vegan and gluten-free that you'll find between the layers of the creamy peanut butter and chocolate, blended and whipped to a smooth and creamy perfection. If you're a fan of ice cream, yogurt, or pudding, this is absolutely a dessert to put on your hit list. An interesting take on dessert, since chocolate and peanut butter aren't exactly the first thing you think of when you think "gluten free" or "health conscious." Another aspect of Native that puts it on the map is the service atmosphere. Instead of being seated and waited on, you place your order almost immediately after entering the cafÃ© (whenever you're ready, of course), and are seated at your leisure. The food usually takes ten minutes or less (even during a rush), and the staff will bring it out to your table. While you're waiting, there's cards of quirky trivia on each table, which can spark conversation if you're with friends, or to up your Trivial Pursuit game on your own. The vibrant reds, yellows, and orange in the decor also help set the atmosphere -- it's a place that you can dress up for a date, or hang out in gym clothes with your friends. There's a rare and strange respect in Native, and it's a nice change of pace from other places to dine at in the city. Native is a go-to recommendation when friends come to Chicago for the first time. Even though it's not a "Chicago classic," it's an experience to broaden your horizons, try something that might seem a little intimidating, and realizing that it's not actually that different from the norm.
(5)
Robert G.

As long as you don't for a second buy into the fact it's being marketed as meat, the Oklahoma "Bacon" "Cheeseburger" is actually pretty solid. This place has been on my mind for some time, and after a long day I figured I'd go with something allegedly healthy. To my credit, vegans probably don't consume all that much saturated fat. I got a side of sweet potato fries and drank up unsweetened tea along with my burger. The sweet potato fries were good; some crispy, some not-so-crispy, all of it seasoned very well and something I'd gladly get again. The tea was good. The main show was the burger, and I thought this was quite good. The "bacon" is actually strips of tofu dipped in some sort of a sauce. I tried one on its own, and, well, it doesn't stand up. It's better in the burger. In place of the "meat" is seipan, which tastes surprisingly like shaved turkey. A well-seasoned, moist turkey. I'd eat this again. The "cheese" is... well, I have no idea what it is. Vegan cooking of this variety involves using texture as a substitute for flavor, and on this count Native Foods does very well. The crunch of the lettuce leaves and the shaved texture of the seitan complemented the stickiness of the "cheese" and the firm tofu. Assuming you're an actual vegan that wants to get the closest thing to a cheeseburger you can find, this is pretty good. Flavorwise, the burger could use some more umami "oomph". SautÃ©ed portobellos would work. It was an interesting experience, to be sure, and expanded my world about what vegan cooking is like. Not bad for $16.
(4)
Mia M.

Oh. My. Gosh. There has never been a restaurant I've needed near my home more than this one. I was initially quite confused by the name and the menu, but once I figured it out, I fell in love. Absolutely everything is vegan and they use the term "native" to mean "native to the land/Earth." There are a few dishes that reference chicken and bacon, but those are vegan too! I had the chili cheese fries to start and the Thai Meatball Bowl for an entree. I hadn't had chili cheese fries since before I came vegetarian and I would be lying if I said I hadn't missed them dearly. Native Foods Cafe (NFC) had it, and gosh was it freaking delicious. I did note that there was no visible mustard, but the chili was so flavorful that I didn't even need it! I didn't use ketchup wither, though my partner did (that doesn't mean anything - they put ketchup on everything). I also got the Thai Meatball Bowl. It had quinoa, seitan meatballs, tons of fresh veggies, and a delicious sauce. I loved it. I loves everything. Oh, and rather than soft drinks they had lemonade and unsweetened teas. Unfortunately, they were out of lemonade, but I enjoyed the tea. I just really loved this place. I didn't try any of their delicious looking desserts, but I can imagine myself coming back here just for that. Highly recommended!
(5)
Whitney N.

Must try even if you're not vegetarian/vegan! I have been looking for new places to try since I've recently become vegetarian, and eating here really doesn't even seem like I'm eating plant based! I got the scorpion burger with the blueberry lavender lemonade and both were excellent. The burger had lots of flavor and didn't fall apart like some plant based burgers tend to do. I will definitely be back to try more of the menu. Just wish they had more locations.
(5)
Valerie B.

It broke my heart to find out the location in the loop closed. so thanks to yelp and Google maps I was able to find this location. I had to get my fix before I went back to New York. I love love love this restaurant chain! I got the native chicken sandwich and it was so good. It's places like this one that make me think I could actually be a vegan. I was a vegetarian for years (was being the key word) and I'm happy to see how many options and things have changed and developed. The kale was so good and I think I'm healthy when I eat it. Ha ha. I love the lavender tea. Delicious. The staff is friendly and happy to answer questions if you're overwhelmed by the menu. It's huge and everything. Sounds amazing! I truly wish they had a location in NYC! I would eat here all the time.
(5)
Grace H.

I have recently tried to adopt a vegan lifestyle, and I adore this restaurant chain. Honestly, if you aren't vegan/vegetarian and you don't care about how food makes you feel, you might overlook the goodness of this restaurant. I wanted to adopt a vegan lifestyle, because I have been struggling with allergies to meat and dairy products all throughout my life. Thinking about all the tasty foods I couldn't eat really made me sad. However, I am so glad there are restaurants like Native Foods cafe which actually makes food that's good for my body and that is extremely delicious as well. You know how most vegan food replications taste awful? All the vegan cheese in the grocery markets taste gross, and most fake chickens or meats taste so disgustingly synthetic. However, the meats in the dishes I tried actually tasted like human food. And amazing human food. I would be grossly exaggerating if I said they tasted like the real thing, but I am not lying about the taste! As an aspiring health nut, I totally approve of this place!
(5)
Latef X.

I always love this place whenever I see it anywhere I'm traveling. I'm from California, and I've been goinf to the original in Westwood forever. High quality ingredients, consistent, some of the best vegan food I've ever tasted to this day. I had the avocado, bacon, chicken club -- so good. Really big and filling though, so I only ate half and saved the rest for my flight home. YUMMY still on the plane the next day! Prices are reasonable for really good vegan cuisine. Service was meh at this location. The girl at the counter had just the slightest attitude and wasn't that happy to help me narrow down some choices. There was one location in the inland empire in Cali that had THE BEST SERVICE EVVVVVVERRRRR. Maybe it's just the comparison. Overall still good though.
(4)
Brett W.

I had the Chicken, Bacon Avo Club and it was fantastic. The staff also were super nice and very attentive.
(5)
Lauren C.

A vegan paradise in a part of Chicago that is not vegan friendly. Come here vegans! 100% vegan.
(5)
Cole D.

Is it Christmas morning? At least that's how I felt when discovering that this chain even existed while staying downtown in the Loop. I cannot say enough positive things about this restaurant. I truly mean 5 stars because this place had everything I could imagine! So many diverse, both culturally and culinarily, food options including a seasonal menu. +10 points. I think this really emphasizes an artistic choice to highlight seasonal produce or what foods might be popular then, perhaps it is just marketing but hey, I'm okay with that too. I ordered the Korean BBQ sub off the seasonal menu with the side potato salad and a Lagunitas IPA. Before we get to the food, let me just say how fantastic it is that they have alcoholic beverage selections at a reasonable price that are really delicious. +5 points Omg, the Korean BBQ sub was amazing. The perfect combination of bread, toppings, and the tofu strips marinated to perfection with a veganaise to add moisture, it was heaven. Now I should add that I only recently became borderline vegan (100% vegetarian now) but before I adored Korean BBQ and relished the opportunity to eat it so I naturally was extremely excited to try this substitute and immitation. I was not disappointed at all and I am so eager to try making this by myself at home. But honestly, why bother? The prices are beyond reasonable here, I would have paid $6 MORE dollars on average at this restaurant just as an added cost to trust it is all plant based. I joined the rewards club, obviously. And went back the next day. No need for another review to convince you though. Go now.
(5)
Lesia C.

I am not a vegan. I'm pretty much the farthest thing from a vegan that you can think of. I am currently eating a turkey sandwich as I write this review. But Native Foods has a great menu and food selection regardless of your diet. Stopped in here after class because one of my professors is a vegan, and we decided to all try this place as a class per her recommendation. I ordered the taco salad and was surprised at, well, how normal and delicious it tasted. If you wouldn't have told me it was vegan, I would have honestly just thought it was another normal salad. The dressing was delicious, and all the vegetables were roasted and smokey. The only downside for me was the seitan. I learned that it is a meat substitute primarily made from beans, and I just didn't care for the taste. Again, it seems to be an acquired taste, and it was the first time I had tried it. Not to say my meal was bad, it just isn't for me. I got a vanilla cupcake for dessert. It tasted like a regular cupcake and was delicious, again, surprising for a first time vegan eater. It was refrigerated however, and a little hard. I asked why this was and was told that the icing, since it has no butter in it, had to be refrigerated to keep it's shape from melting. All in all, don't be shy about trying this place simply because it's vegan, you'll be surprised. Stop by for something different and unique.
(4)
Angela F.

This is my 2nd and probably last time going here. I went w/ my sister b/c of Lolla and ordered the Bangkok Curry Bowl with a side of steamed kale, expecting the kale to come free of charge, since it was in the same box as the sandwiches that also came with a free side. Turns out the sandwiches were in a box within the box and my curry bowl didn't qualify for a free side. Got a prompt refund, had my food brought to my table, and it was mediocre. Again. The curry was just poured over the tofu, like a sauce, rather than cooked together. I can do better at home, honestly. Their watermelon fresca was very good (with free refils!), but screwing up watermelon is pretty hard. And it's not good enough reason to stop by again. Oh well. Native Foods + I just don't click.
(2)
Matt R.

I think Yvonne highlighted the first part of what makes this place what it is: It's a chain. Mary T, too. While I do love a good vegetarian option, I also love reasonable portions at not unreasonable prices. I can't say that Native foods actually fits that bill. Honestly the food here is not bad per-se, but it's just not good either. I feel like I make substantially better vegetarian friendly food at home, without making the size just barely enough to be too small. Sorry folks, but eating vegetarian doesn't mean you eat a meal that is the size of a single apple. Eating vegetarian means as long as you don't go crazy with oil/butter you can basically go wild. Thus, vegetarian. So when I see a place that wants ~$10 for a scorpion burger that is basically the size of a slider, my stomach weeps. Especially considering how this isn't truly gourmet. This is the kind of thing you shop for *inside* a whole foods, and get an Upton's sandwich for cheaper. I mean the sandwich and presentation wasn't even nice enough that I thought "hmm, I should take a photo of this." Nope. Compare that to almost every review I write. I was too busy being overwhelmed with the lack of feeling like I had a nice quiet lunch. Sorry, Native foods, you get a no. You're too busy, you're too high priced for the quality. That's before we even get to the concept of having a rewards card, which doesn't really negate the cost/value ratio being a bit painful in contrast to the food.
(3)
Juhui S.

Pretty decent began place. The prices are reasonable considering the portion sizes. Kind of bizzare how chicken-y the texture of the "chicken" is. I'm not vegan nor vegetarian, but I love to eat mainly vegetable heavy meals because they make my body feel so good. I had the Chili and side of lemongrass broccoli -very flavorful, has a little kick! Really good if you like foods with a little spice. Not oily at all which is a plus. My friend had a chicken wrap -my friend loved it. It is huge. I also had the curry last time which was alright. You're not gonna get authentic cuisine here, but I think it's worth a try considering it's vegan (you can testify you are here and survived) (jk)
(4)
Jeff Y.

Came here to use a birthday credit since I happened to be in Chicago. The menu was noticeably smaller than the one I am used to back in Irvine, CA. They were also out of lavender lemonade that afternoon. They were also out of one of the appetizers I wanted to try. =( However, still a solid Native Foods Cafe. Food is fresh and tasty, and the interior is spotless. The employee working at the cashier was friendly, and wished me a happy birthday. I'm not vegan, but I still enjoy eating at Native Foods on occasion. =)
(4)
Debra L.

Sometimes I hesitate to review chain restaurants because aren't they all the same? Maybe. I ordered on line today to beat the loop lunch rush. My order was promptly ready seconds after I walked in. I was thankful that I ordered ahead of time because the line was super long. I ordered the Soul Bowl and was proud of myself that I made a healthy choice. While I was waiting to get my order one of the friendly employees walked past with a tray full of the most delicious looking cupcakes. I was told they were espresso cupcakes and promptly added one to my order. So much for healthy. The Soul Bowl was delicious. I'm not a super big fan of fake meats, but the Native "chicken" that came with the bowl was crispy and amazing, and the accompanying barbecue sauce was tops! There was a good array of perfectly cooked veggies, including soft-steamed kale. The bowl also included brown rice, and flavorful kidney beans. The dressing was a creamy vegan Caesar. I challenge my non-vegan friends to try the Soul Bowl and be amazed. As for dessert, I'm now convinced that the road to heaven is paved with Native Foods espresso cupcakes. The cake is moist and rich and dark, with a generous amount very soft and creamy coffee flavored frosting. Are all chain restaurants created equal? I can't say for sure, but this one is definitely a cut above.
(4)
Astrid Z.

After a long/tiring trip to Willis Tower, we were beat, cold and tired. We spotted something we were familiar with and decided to pop in. I usually order the Caribbean Jerk, but I was craving something on the Hispanic side. I ordered the Mexican Cobb, far from authentic, but you're at a Native Foods... so please don't expect authenticity. What you should expect is a hearty, healthy, wholesome meal. I liked the salad, but wish it had better greens, maybe some kale or spinach rather than romaine. The best part of the salad was the cilantro lime dressing. Perfect balance of creaminess and citrus. I also had the lemonade, personally I thought it was too sweet, but still better than purchasing a soft drink. I like the concept of Native Foods and I'm glad they've expanded to Chicago.
(4)
Chee K.

I really liked the food here. I've been seeing these Native Foods Cafe popping up around me and I finally got the chance to try it. It is so tasty. They are a chain vegetarian restaurant, but they seem to have a great concept. The menu will guide you if it's gluten free. You order at the counter and people will bring you the food. I ordered the Bangkok Curry bowl? It had perfectly steamed veggies of carrots, cauliflower, zukes and kale, over brown rice and a deliciously grilled tofu with a delicious red curry sauce. That sauce tied the entire dish together. Some vegetarian dishes tastes no more than the sum of their parts but this one made my mouth happy and had me imagining that I can turn vegetarian. Alas, I do like my meats too much but if I had this food everyday, the possibility of me going vegetarian would be greater. I also enjoy their settings, their restaurants are clean and large. The staff there seem to enjoy their jobs, but the bus boy and food runner seemed so busy. They seem to be doing brisk business. The prices were pretty good, they're a little more expensive than most fast food places but the quality of their dishes made it worth it. This was definitely a place I need to go again and try other dishes..
(4)
Mary T.

The more I come here, the more I feel like Native Foods is getting a little too big for its britches. First, they retired the daily specials that entitled you to one free side with the item of the day. If you dine here, you know it ain't cheap for fast food. Second, they traded the paper packaging for plastic stuff. I'm no environmental expert, but that seems like a step in the wrong direction. Third, the rewards card is kind of a joke. When I look online, it tells me that I need another 87.69 points to get my next 200 point discount. When I look at the points I rack up, it's $1=1 point not including tax paid. To translate for you non-math nerds, I get $10 off for every $200 dollars I spend (pre-tax). No bueno. Will I keep using my card? Hell yes, if I'm dropping money here - it may as well get me a discount, even if it takes me a real long time to get one. Fourth, why do they have to go and mess with a good thing. The lavender lemonade is fantastic and I'm not the only one who sees it that way; replacing it with Strawberry lemonade was a boneheaded move. I'm hoping this is a seasonal menu decision and they go back to the original. The strawberry is just ok, while the lavender lemonade was amazing, refreshing and tart. I was also a little annoyed that when I ordered a lavender lemonade that no one shared this as I would've skipped ordering a drink altogether. Bottom line, not as impressed as I once was with this place. P.S. I'm with Sam C., I also find it annoying that they don't share the nutritional information for their menu items.
(3)
Joshua H.

As a vegetarian for 28 years and a vegan for some of those years, I was truly excited to find this place! Having tasted the scorpion burger, and my friend had their Reuben, I can say this food was just bad. Should have know that a fast food approach to vegan eats would have sucked...
(1)
Sunny K.

I stopped here for lunch with my coworkers today! As soon as you enter, there are two lines: one for takeout, one for dine-ins. Despite how packed it was we were able to order within 5-8 minutes. I'm not a vegetarian but I enjoyed eating here. The lady who took my order was so nice! I told her it was my first time here and, after explaining to me that Native Foods uses no dairy or eggs, she gave me a free chai tea with unlimited refills and a reward membership card. I ordered the Ensalada Azteca, which has fresh avocado, cucumber salsa and quinoa, and their award winning mango lime vinaigrette. I got it without raisins and it was delicious but unexpectedly humongous. For those looking for a spicier dish, I'd recommend something else. Throughout our meal, various servers came by our table to ask if we were doing okay. It's a large space so I wasn't expecting such attentiveness. What a pleasant surprise! 5/5 stars because although I wanted the salad to have more kick, I'm a sucker for service, and Native Foods was so, so pleasant to dine in.
(5)
Phillip Y.

Thank god this place was open during July 4th. We needed a place to eat before the Rookery tour. The desk person at the Rookery recommended this place. The tacos were pretty good and the fruit fountain drink was delicious. The watermelon fountain was all natural so no artificial flavor. They made all the food fresh and brought it out to you. Highly recommend this place which felt like a Panera version for vegetarians. It was not too pricey and service was good as well. Even the side of kale was cooked to perfection.
(5)
Em M.

Tried to eat here today during the lunch hour. Ordered one item (Soul Bowl). I was told it would take 15 minutes for my food. Because of the amount of people I there, I assumed a longer wait regardless. OVER AN HOUR LATER, I tracked down an employee and asked them to find out about my meal. Turns out the cashier put it under the wrong number, so if I hadn't said anything, I would have ever eaten and would have paid money for absolutely nothing. The manager came over and apologized and offered to pay for my meal and "a lot of other things" and that my food would come out right away. My food did arrive quickly after that, but I had to have someone else track her down again to ACTUALLY REFUND ME my money, which hadn't actually happened yet!! Good thing I asked for a receipt! And the "extras" for the hour of my time they wasted? None. Here's the review of the actual food: it was 100% flavorless and bland as hell. Stay home and microwave your own vegetables. Hardly any protein at all in the dish, however, I did receive the bonus of SOMEONE ELSES HAIR IN MY FOOD. My friend got guacamole, salsa, and chips and said it was bland as well. How do you screw up guacamole? Seriously? Don't. Ever. Come. Here.
(1)
N C.

I love Native foods. Creative, compassionate, and scrumptious food. I really like the Scorpion Burger and the Chicken Run Ranch. In truth, everything is fantastic. I was in Chicago for four days and I went to this location three times (and another location once). That just about says it all.
(5)
Eduardo C.

As soon as you enter, Native Foods provides an explanation of what constitutes their meat substitutes, which is helpful for a carnivore such as myself, in deciding what to try. Also helpful are the plentiful stacks of menus you'll have access to while waiting in line, helping make things more efficient. Free drink for first-timer's is pretty cool. Tried the Kung Pao chicken and native chili bowl. The KP chicken is made with seared Teriyaki tofu placed on top of lemongrass broccoli. Pickled daikon is also present along with carrots, sweet potatoes, and brown rice on a bed of romaine lettuce, sounds pretty nutritious to me. All this is drizzled with peanut sauce and sesame seeds. However, I expected a bit more from the dish. It only came with two pieces of tofu, they also forgot to add the sesame seeds but that wasn't a big deal. The broccoli was good but I felt the seared tofu lacked flavor, especially when utilizing "Kung Pao" in it's name. The peanut sauce is what kept this dish from being a failure, and helped make up for its other shortcomings, but I'm definitely trying another entrÃ©e next time. The native chili bowl is 9 ounces (twice the cup size), comes with house corn bread and is topped with native cheese. You can really tell it's slow simmered. It tastes like real chili! I will be back for more of this, especially for winter..
(4)
Alberto M.

If only all fast food joints served quality food like native foods. Their salads are very tasty and healthy. The ensalada Azteca is a great choice. The Thai meatball bowl is really delicious also.
(5)
Kathy S.

The food is fresh and delicious. Friendly service! Great menu items of plant based food. I wish we had Naive Food in Detroit! I visit every time I'm in Chicago or San Diego. Go there if you like good food.
(5)
Laura F.

My first visit here would get 5 stars - my second visit, the next day, gets 1 - so I averaged and gave them 3. I hope that my second visit was really out of the norm and the food can be good. My rating is more trying to be nice to the vegans and vegan friendly eaters than to the restaurant. First visit thoughts: This place is amazing!! I was vegan for about 9 months a while back and developed an interest in trying all vegan restaurants. It's interesting to see what some magical people can do with veggies and nuts. Some of my favorite foods have been found at vegan restaurants. I'm currently a meat eater - and I LOVED the chicken sandwich! (Although due to the weirdest poultry allergy, I haven't had actual chicken in about 5 years.) I asked for pickles on mine and ate the veggie toppings as a side salad instead of on the sandwich. It was everything I remembered about Chick-fil-a but in vegan form. Their chicken is made with pea protein, which seems to be a key in making a realistic chicken substitute. I had my chicken sandwich with the potato salad side and a lavender lemonade. It's a ton of food!! I was full for the rest of the evening. Service was wonderful. The occasional meat eater working behind the counter helped me pick my meal and was informative and patient. First visit: 5 stars! I couldn't wait to go back. So I didn't. I went for dinner the following night. This time, I had my sister, brother in law and their infant baby with me. It was approaching nap time, so I ordered my food to go. I wish I had checked the food before we left. I ordered nachos, and I'm not the biggest fan of ground beef substitutes, I asked for that on the side. The main goal of getting the nachos was to try their vegan queso. (If you're ever in Dallas - Spiral Diner has THE BEST vegan queso I've ever tried!) After about a 10 minute Uber ride, we get back to the hotel, I'm unpacking my dinner AND THERE IS NO VEGAN QUESO ANYWHERE!!! I had soggy chips underneath a small amount of guacamole with some black beans and a side of cream sauce and a side of vegan ground beef. I used the chips that were still firm and eeked out what I could of the toppings. I called Native Foods to let them know that they did not include the queso and that the queso was the entire reason I had wanted to try their nachos. There was no apology and they really couldn't see why I was upset. They offered a discount on my next order in the amount of the nachos, however I was flying out the next morning. After some fighting, the manager reluctantly agreed to refund my credit card then hung up on me. Classy. Second visit: 1 star. Screw this place and their horrible customer service. Bridge burned.
(3)
Ben A.

I've eaten here so many times I feel a review is long over due. My favorite is the Bangkok Curry bowl. The bowl consists of brown rice, steamed veggies, kale, thick cuts of seared tofu, cilantro, and bathed in a coconut curry broth. The portion is substantial and given the ingredients, extremely filling. Consistent and tastes great every time I order. -1 point for lack of transparency. There are no posted (either in-store or online) nutritional information of any menu items. If McDonalds can post nutritional information, so can you. Also, their rewards program requires patience because you have to accumulate so many points to earn anything. NFC is really cool though. I'm signed up for their rewards program and received an RSVP for up to 3 friends to visit the West Loop location for a free appetizer, entree, drink, and dessert EACH. They were preparing for their grand opening in the Presidential Towers. They will also give you a free meal on your birthday if you're signed up.
(4)
Krystle T.

Vegan, psh... I need my meat. Price: Reasonable. It cost me about $13 for a meal and dessert. Parking: Not sure, we walked on ova. Service: Order, pay up front, and seat yourself. The staff didn't seem too ecstatic about life, but it was also a gloomy rainy Tuesday evening. Food & Drinks: I ordered the tacos ($9ish) and drenched them in tobacco sauce. I enjoyed my meal very much. For dessert, I had the peanut butter pudding ($3.50ish), but that was overly sweet. I also sipped on the Watermelon drink which I VERY MUCH enjoyed. It was so fresh & not too sweet. Notes: I appreciate the gluten free and etc. markings they have on their menu. They have a point reward system.. For every dollar you spend you get a pt, and when you reach $200 pts you get...... something good? Overall: I actually enjoyed this place very much. It had a clean feel to it and the food was very tasty. I would def come again.
(4)
Quynh T.

It pains me to give this place a 5 star review, my inner carnivore is screaming in protest, but fair is fair. As a precursor, lettme say that I think vegan food is a fad started by health nuts who hate themselves. That being said, I stumbled upon this place totally upon accident after failing to find deep dish pizza by the slice. I thought I saw pizza through the window and by the time I figure out I was in vegan hell, it was too embarrassing to back out. So I ordered the chicken bacon avocado sandwich, which contain neither of the first two adjectives. While I wasn't completely fooled, I do commend them on their execution of fake meats. Thr flavor and textures were definately there, and I didn't find myself missing any food on legs. The watermelon fresca was good too...very refreshing and not overly sweet. Service was also very attentive and fast.
(5)
Ashley B.

I love that we live so close to this place! I'm not vegan or vegetarian but I eat meat pretty rarely if I can help it. My boyfriend on the other hand, loves meat and would have it as a staple in every meal if he could. Even he found the Chicken Run Ranch Sandwich and the Scorpion Burger to be delicious at this place! The tea is also really good, along with their bowls (the gyro one is my favorite), desserts, and sides (fries and veggies, yum!). I definitely recommend it to anyone willing try something new!
(5)
Shan D.

Can't believe it took me so long to come here. First of all, the staff is nice. They were very patient since it was my first time eating here. I tried the soul bowl, which was just amazing and surprisingly filling. I had also ordered the sweet potato fries thinking I wouldn't be full, but that wasn't the case. The fries were crispy with just the right amount of seasoning. The staff recommended mixing the lavender lemonade and the blueberry hibiscus tea. That was my favorite since it cut down on the sweetness. I've been back since to try the Moroccan bowl. Not as good as the soul bowl, but I'd still recommend it. Sign up for their rewards program. You'll get a free dessert on your next trip!
(5)
Felice O.

I'm bumping this place down to one star. The food has fallen way off. They changed the menu to make it slightly more focused but much to everyone's chagrin the fan favorites have also changed. Amazing fresh salsa fresca was swapped out for a Pace version of salsa. The salads have dwindled down to plain romaine with a sprinkling of added veggies. The salad dressing which was once believed to have been made fresh daily is now surely bottled or the recipe has changed. I feel like fresh food sprang up in the loop and died 2 yrs later. I wish all of the above was from a single experience but as a loop dweller, I've come here several times in the last month and each experience has let me down a little more. My only solace is that to the best of my knowledge the wicker park and Hyde park locations are still cranking out good food.
(1)
Vicky T.

Let it be known, this is a vegetarian pick! Good service, fun selection of food items and treats! They do a relatively good job creating an adventurous variety, but I suggest they can work on quality (food texture and flavor plays a big part of what makes my meal). I will have to try again to write a more competent review for this place.
(4)
Ian J.

Great food. Happens to be vegan. Got the Reuben and thought it was great. They nailed the sauce and the seitan (wheat gluten) had a very convincing texture as a meat substitute. The brownies are great, too.
(5)
Maria C.

I love this place! However today they started their meatless Monday promotion and were not prepared for the crowd. There is a 25 minute wait time for your lunch. I have never bees disappointed with their food or service.
(4)
Abe M.

I love meat so much I eat it with almost every meal. However, after one too many Italian beef/hot dog sandwiches that this wonderful city has to offer, the GF and I decided it was time to load up on the veggies. I saw that it got 4.5 stars on yelp, but come onnnnnn, I thought, "how good can it be, it's vegan" Nope! Yelp wins once again. For an appetizer, we got the Japanese "chicken" bites, and they were awesome-- a great intro to meatless meat. I got the Soul Bowl, which was absolutely wonderful. The sauces and ranch was not heavy at all or overwhelming to the palate and was delicate enough so the natural flavors of the vegetables could shine. It came out in a cross and presentation was actually interesting! It had way too many veggies and components to list, so I will just tell you-- try it! If it doesn't leave you stuffed and full, I don't know what will! The GF had the portabello mushroom burger with a side of potato salad, and she said it was too good to give me a bite. All this wonderful vegan love was washed down with some watermelon fresca, which tasted like summer in liquid form. (which we got for free by giving them our email) Service was great, soap is made from the grease in their kitchen-- This is one rad place. Stoked that they are in California as well!
(5)
Michelle W.

I'm very strongly not vegan and love my meats and cheeses but when your friend is deathly allergic to dairy, this is one of the only restaurant you can go to, and I'm so glad I did because it's actually pretty good! I actually ended up coming here twice in two days and both times I was pretty happy with what I got. The bacon cheeseburger looked strange when I saw it sitting in front of me, but it actually tasted pretty good! Can't expect it to taste like an actual bacon cheeseburger obviously and I had no idea what I was actually eating, but it was a hearty cheesy burger that came with really good fries that I was very pleased with. The next day I tried the chicken, bacon, avo club and it was really good too. They don't skimp on the avocado which I really appreciate and it just tasted fresh and delicious. Both of these meals really filled me up too! I would definitely come back to try their other stuff, but we did note that my friends chicken wrap really fell flat, essentially just being a wrapped salad, whereas the watermelon drink was really good, especially for the warm summer days. Although the line might get kind of long and slow, the service was fast when we were there during dinner and lunch times. I think if you're worried about the wait, try to order ahead to avoid any possible long wait.
(4)
Levi B.

You can see my previous reviews of native foods and they all have been 5 stars. It hasn't changed at all. Had a couple of new items tonight and was not let down at all. One of these days I will finally get to make my way through the entire menu. We had the meatball sandwich and the chicken run ranch burger which is always amazing. I was offered a side of chipotle dip for my sweet potato fries ahhh-freakin-MAZING! All this with the revolution anti-hero IPA made for a great dinner. The Italian meatball sandwich was better than the meat versions I've ever had. I instantly fell in love with it and the fresh marinara. I would recommend this for those who aren't vegan. That being said, I always recommend NFC toy friends and family. DELICIOUS!
(5)
Enas A.

This place is phenomenal! This is my second time here and the food always surprising me. I'm not even vegan! I tried the Cobb salad and the taco salad! My husband tried run ranch Burger and another Burger I can't recall the name and the Buffalo wings! We enjoyed this experience a lot!
(5)
Mahandeep K.

Great transitional vegan fast food. It's fun to see the development of the vegan movement into a thriving mainstream-type of environment.
(4)
Brian W.

I hit this place up every time I go to Chicago. The last time I was there, they had a (vegan) bacon cheeseburger burrito! It had french fries in it! (They also have more vegetable-rich choices, but I don't get 'em.) They do skew pretty heavily toward faux meat meals, so omnivores may need a brief primer before being taken there, but it's CRAZY good.
(5)
Meredith Z.

I had a native chicken bacon sandwich and crispy sweet potato fries. Yummy! It's quick too. Like it!
(5)
Alissa S.

I am in love with this place.. Everything is amazing . I honestly don't think you can go wrong with anything here. All the food is vegan but they have delicious sauces that makes you forget about cheese and other delicious non vegan things... My boyfriend eats meat and he loves it too. Get the nachos with fake chicken
(5)
Kaitlin A.

I stopped here on my first day in Chicago and was so impressed I came back the next day. We loved the four menu items we tried, and there was a lot of other stuff on the menu I wish I got to try. The vegan chicken was especially great- very flavorful and with a good texture. I also really liked the vegan cheese that came on my burger. It was really flavorful and smooth.
(5)
Michael M.

I used to go here a lot, but the prices are a bit steep. And their salad portions can be a bit big. Also, it would be nice if their meals had sides included for the prices they're asking. 5 Star qualities though: fast, fast, fast. Great for a quick lunch, and consistent. 3 Star qualities: menu can be unclear at times, also they might shirk on how the item is described compared to the meal you get: there were times when it says there'd be sauce on it, and I lift the bun and no sauces.
(3)
Christie N.

I've heard great things about this place, but having eaten alot of vegetarian/vegan food, it wasn't my fave. It could've just been an off-day, or maybe I got the wrong dish, but the bangkok curry bowl was a slight disappointment. It was SO much food, so that was great, but the brown rice was dry in some spots (and crunchy), and there was definitely not enough curry sauce to be classified as a curry. It was a great healthy meal, but I feel like the chefs could've put a little more effort and care into making my dish. Friendly staff and no wait. I'd go back and try something else, or maybe the same thing at a different location.
(3)
Thomas B.

An absolute addiction. I was traveling in Chicago a few weeks back and stumbled upon Native Foods. I actually stumbled on it because I saw a woman walking down the street with a to-go from Native Foods. I said to myself, "self, check Yelp to see what this is all about..." I agreed with self and off I went. I ended up eating here three days in a row. I got the Cobb Salad every time, but added the chili. It was excellent all times. Consistently DELICIOUS which is very important. The Native Chicken and Native Bacon are addicting. I am not a vegetarian, however, I consider myself a 'vegan/vegetarian ally." The place is amazing and I was very happy to see that there is one in Washington, D.C., so I can get my kicks here, too! Try it...you'll love it!
(5)
Kelly H.

Good food. Service can be less than stellar. Gets intensely busy at lunch time. The fake meatball sub is dope.
(3)
Marina M.

Well, I came to this restaurant because it was my 40th birthday and I wanted to celebrate with my friend buying us a nice lunch or dinner. I actually wanted to go to some other place but well, ended up here because my friend is vegan and told me he used to eat here. I eat and appreciate vegan food for years now, even though my favorite was more like Italian, olive oil, fresh rosemary and pasta and sea food because I was born in such area. Also, I love to cook vegan and I know how good can be so you won't miss real meat or anything even if you do, and tried many delicious things made by others. I decided to give them a chance, and I was already so hungry I just wanted to sit and eat. Place looked nice and I was expected good food as well. I was reading menu for a long time and couldn't find much for my taste. I didn't wanna eat burger for my birthday, I don't like chicken wings and sauces, at least not as birthday lunch, so I tried to order something warm and cooked. I got some meat balls with Quinoa, bunch of kale and few pieces of broccoli. Did I mention I was starving as hell already...? I've tried it and I couldn't eat. It just had no taste even was supposed to be Thai, as spicy at least? Meat balls were nice and big but just like eating a sponge turned on oil. I hate kale but everything was covered with it. Didn't have any choice because all of similar meals had kale on it, just didn't knew how much. But here's comes the best! They offer only few unknown sorts of beer and vine, of course organic and content of alcohol and taste would not satisfy anyone who knows and likes any of those drinks, but I wanted a substitute for a toast at least, so I ordered beer. It came warm, and with 2 different plastic glasses, looking gross and foggy, scratched of multiple use.... when I poured beer ended up rising in a warm foam... I mean, it's a place so full of respect, even in toilets it says people who make toilet paper are treated with respect.... how about costumers??? What's wrong with glass? It's such nice place, no drunk people to hit glasses in each others head... :-o Well, I'm coming from tourist country where restaurant mean something else, still accepted these healthy places with simple service, simple furnished, with young people working with no uniforms or even coming to your table to ask what else is needed. Here besides self service I also had to polish my own fork and knife first, was full of stains. I don't eat much, but I when I eat, I eat something that makes me happy, exploding with taste.... and I don't wanna be disgust by dishes. The thing that my birthday was also ruined wasn't even important how much hungry I still was, already tired of driving all over Chicago and missed all the fun. I never got to the dessert, I was already scared of surprises. I don't want to offend anyone, and I'm sure there are people who love this place, and cute people working there, but sure that place will never see me again.
(1)
Venket S.

This restaurant is a true blessing for vegetarians like me. It's 100% vegan. They have amazing salads and good value meal. Even my friends who are meat eaters loved this place. Healthy, Tasty and Pretty Good
(5)
Jim L.

I went again today. Had the club sandwich and fries. Service was excellent, very friendly people. The food was just great, so good. Yum!
(5)
Audriana V.

I have loved Native Foods for years and I am so glad they came to Chicago. Delicious, healthy, vegan food full of flavor. I adore the sesame kale macro bowl if I'm feeling health-conscious, and the chicken run ranch burger if I'm not. And the reuben! Oh and nachos! Peanut butter parfait for dessert. My meat eating dining partners always leave just as happy as me.
(5)
Masumi T.

Native has a lot of good options but my favorites are the crispy chicken and OC raw chopper. I am proud to say I got my coworker (who loves Wendy's) to come here and enjoy the crispy chicken side (wings). The have water in a box looks strange but it tastes fresh and good.
(4)
Eric S.

Before you read any further, know that I'm a full-blooded meatatarian. I'm on the complete OPPOSITE end of the spectrum as this vegan joint's target clientele. Just so we're clear on that..... I thoroughly enjoyed eating here. Friendly staff and a decent menu centered around cooked vegan food, not raw vegan assballs (thank god, because that shit is straight-up nasty; even my vegan friends agree with me on that). I had a cup of their smokey pea soup, which was outstanding, and the "Reuben", which I honestly had a hard time discerning the difference between what they served me and what I'd get at a Kosher deli. It was prepared the same way (grilled rye bread, sauerkraut, 1000 island dressing), with vegan-friendly "Swiss cheese" and whatever their 'un-meat' substitute was for corned beef. It was delicious. On top of that, since it was my first visit there I got a drink FO FREE, but not just any old beverage, no sir. I thrice sampled the watermelon fresca, which was essentially watermelon juice, pulp and all. Extremely tasty and quite refreshing. However, the real highlight was the lavender lemonade, which could very well be the best thing ever. I'd go back just for another ten glasses of that sweet nectar of the gods. I was happily surprised and impressed; while most times I'd prefer three eggs, bacon, and an 8oz cut of medium-rare cow for my meal, Native Foods has opened my meat-hungry eyes to a different way of thinking/eating/living, and that's not an easy thing to do.
(5)
Tom M.

How can it be that after four days in Chicago my favorite restaurant is a chain restaurant? If you are near this Native Foods or any of their others (two more in Chicago and locations in three states besides Illinois) read this review and go there now. My wife and I went three times in four days and each time what came out their fast-food chain kitchen looked like it had been expertly assembled with care and love by a Culinary Institute of America grad. Native Foods does both healthy and unhealthy vegan. Two of the more unhealthy sandwiches were my favorites though splitting a bbq jack fruit sandwich and the Azteca salad was great too. Jackfruit is great. Very pleasant texture and it took on the taste of the delicious bbq sauce. The chicken run ranch burger is quite good. Tasty fake chicken. The king of this menu is the meatball sub. The meatballs are "sausage seitan" and the toppings work just perfectly. Best vegan meatball sandwich. I also enjoyed a carrot cupcake. Every vegan place does carrot cake and they are all great. Making a non-vegan carrot cake is inexcusable at this point. What I really loved about this one was that it nailed the cream cheese almost cheesecake taste in the frosting. If I am ever fortunate enough to eat at a Native Foods again I will start with the meatball sub, finish with the carrot cake cupcake and be wholly content.
(5)
Mike W.

Oh man. Talk about a veggie bomb! It can get frustrating eating vegetarian at times because you usually get one or two options on the all meat menu. But Native Foods has no meat options! Which actually may make it difficult to get your meat eating friends to go here. I had the Curry Bowl, which was a lot of food. The tofu tasted good, but had that spongy texture. My friend had the Moroccan with "chicken"... I liked the chicken quite a bit, and it may satisfy meat eating friends.
(5)
Amanda M.

To note, I am not vegan nor vegetarian. I love seafood and chicken but I love everything else too, with Native Foods being a recent addition to my 'must return' list. Had the Native Chicken Wings to start and it was the next best thing to actual chicken wings! What blew that dish away though were the sauces. That buffalo sauce was the best I ever had...tangy, spicy, super fresh. The ranch sauce was soooo intriguingly good, kept wanting to go back for more. Obviously not heavy like traditional ranch sauce. It was super light and had a smooth slight sweetness to it that tasted very much like buttermilk. The Bangkok Curry Bowl was quite tasty. I only wished there was a little more curry sauce as I felt like there was only a drizzle of it. It could also have been more flavorful. However, the kale and greens along with the tofu and carrots were very flavorful on its own. Even though the portions are very generous, I still devoured the whole thing because it was just that good. Tried my sister's Greek Gyro Bowl and while enjoyed it, thought the Seitan could have used more seasoning. Can't wait to come back and try many other dishes and their interesting homemade drinks. It is also nice to know that they make their own tempeh and seitan. Service was great, super friendly, which matches the whole ambiance of the place. An extra positive is that this downtown location is one of the few places to eat that are open on Sunday that is not a fast-food joint or an overly fancy place (despite even being closer to the financial district) !!!
(5)
Caryn R.

I ordered the twister wrap with sweet potato fries and it hit the spot. I got crispy "chicken" and it tasted like the real thing! The veggies in the wrap were fresh and the fries had the perfect crispy crunchy consistency with a nice seasoning. Super impressed.
(5)
Crystal Y.

Insanely delicious. Went here twice on my visit to chi town that's how good it is. I recommend the bowls only for people who are trying to be healthy and the sandwiches and burgers for people trying to indulge. The former is still good but it's mostly steamed veggies, which you can make for yourself. Get the avo bacon chicken sandwich, it's amazing.
(5)
Rebecca M.

Everything I have eaten here is simply delicious. It is hard to recommend any one thing. The native chicken wings are a must for a starter though. And the lavender lemonade is incredible.
(5)
Bradley H.

Amazing vegan food! Super delicious black bean soup. Tangy and just the right amount of spice. Also really enjoyed the Mexican Cobb salad with yummy bbq soy protein. Staff very friendly and helpful, especially for new timers. I have them my email address and got a free chai to warm up with on this cold day.
(5)
Paul B.

We can bring the curtain down on another favorite. So here is the thing. They discontinued the weekend specials. The only time I am in the proximity of a Native Foods Cafe is on the weekend. So that cuts me out. They have a "special of the month" which is more expensive and offers less food. Also - the cashiers have gotten kind of smarmy. There are plenty of places to grab a good lunch for under $10.00 (including drink) why would I pay $13.00 or more for a meal without the drink. Good-bye NFC - I'll be going back to the KFC.
(2)
Chuck S.

I am not a vegan but I do enjoy vegan food. This place is amazing! It is a little pricey but for the loop its about right. I have had the: Rockin' Moroccan Bowl Baja Blackened Tacos Twister Wrap Which were all amazing I also had the Oklahoma bacon cheeseburger, which was okay. Nothing beats a burger with real meat and bacon. The desserts are also amazing. The sides of potato fries and kale salad were also good. The staff is great with helping you out, especially me cause I had no idea what I was doing my first time there. I go around 1:15 after the lunch rush so it's not as busy. So many other things on the menu look good. It will fill you up, I have walked out of there every time stuffed. A few times thinking I over-ate. Its healthy, it tastes good and it's a nice location. I would definitely recommend this place. Me and my one co-worker have started to make this a habit to go to, once this extreme cold weather goes away and it goes back to its normal 10 degrees above 0. Cause it's a trek for us and im not walking that far in this cold.
(4)
Jin W.

They serve delicious vegan food. The staff is friendly and the place is clean and we'll lit. I recommend ordering online ahead of time as they get really busy, at least this location on South Clark. For first timers, I recommend the portobello burger.
(5)
Susie J.

Usually I really love meat, and I'm not all about "eating healthy," so I was very hesitant to come here. I got the Twisted Wrap with blackened chicken, and my friend got the Chicken Run Ranch burger with sweet potato fries and lavender lemonade. The chicken substitute tasted pretty much just like chicken and I really enjoyed my wrap. My friend also put her West Coast stamp of approval on the vegan food. Also, the service was impeccable. Would recommend for a quick, healthy lunch and can definitely see myself returning!
(5)
E G.

You don't have to be vegan to enjoy Native Foods. Great flavor and interesting menu options. Service and food quality always great.
(5)
Asad J.

Their wheat meatballs are tender and flavorful. They steam their kale so it is soft but still textured. One item on the menu I didn't like was their peanut-butter cookie because it was too crisp.
(4)
Siddharth S.

Native foods will make even the most persistent meat eaters weak in the knees. The food is so good, and the service as well. I loved that bankok curry bowl and Saigon rolls. COME TO NATIVE FOODS!
(5)
Uri M.

WOW. This place is really heaven for vegans and vegetarians. Everything we tried was so delicious it would make any carnivore lick their fingertips. A must for everyone who loves vegan food as well as those who don't get the fuss.
(5)
Kat D.

I was so happy to learn that Native Foods was a direct ride on the orange line from Midway! I'm lactose intolerant and practically vegan at home, and the idea of a fast-casual vegan restaurant is awesome. I knew I wanted a salad for a nutritious lunch once my flight landed yet after seeing that my bill came to just over $15 for the ensalada azteca, a side of steamed kale, and a cookie for my boyfriend, I wish I had ordered the day's special instead. I wouldn't even have ordered a side if the cashier didn't ask me, and for some reason, I assumed it was included. It wasn't - I think sides are only included with the daily special. Nevertheless, the ensalada azteca salad was huge and delicious and filled with quinoa and jicama, which made up for the tepid romaine base. I also got a free drink because I told the cashier it was my first time dining there. The lavender lemonade is tasty - definitely a tart lemonade with only a hint of lavender. I came just after the lunch rush at around 1pm on a Friday, so lines weren't a problem. Finding a place to sit, on the other hand, did pose an obstacle. I had to settle for the high two-person table close to the bathroom corridor. I'd love to explore the menu further even though the prices are a dollar or two more than I would like for a quick lunch. Addendum: boyfriend said the chocolate chip cookie was "good." It was a rather big cookie and sounded crunchy when he was eating it. Such granola-ish texture resembles my attempts at baking vegan cookies at home.
(4)
Yuri H.

I love meat. I walked into Native Foods not knowing it was a vegan restaurant. I usually don't like fake meat, but the chicken run ranch burger was so delicious. The staff was very friendly. The service was fast. Note: It gets a little busy during lunch time. It helps to order beforehand. I will be back.
(4)
Chelsea G.

Lack of customer service. Had to wait 25 minutes for my sweet potato fries. Unbelievable.
(1)
Nish R.

I still love this place. Made a couple of visits in the last few weeks and staff continues to be amazingly friendly. Service is fast. Food is great. I went there around my brithday and got a free meal. The guy at the counter didn't even charge for my carrot cake cupcake. So only had to pay for my coffee. Awesome!!
(4)
Sonny P.

Highly recommend the Bangkok Curry! Big portions and very flavorful. If you sign up for their reward pointd, you get a free drink that day.
(4)
Dreena L.

This was my first time going to Native Foods and I was pleasantly delighted to get a chance and taste this vegan food. I've heard absolutely great things about this place and decided to finally take that trip. I previewed the menu first to get an idea of what I wanted to order but it all changed once I got to the restaurant and started seeing all the food people had on their table. A good plus was that it was not crowded so we walked right on in to order. It was a Saturday night and I thought it would be live in there but it wasn't. I ordered the wings with a side of ranch and the Ranch Chicken sandwich with a side of fries. The boo thang got the Jerk Kale Salad. I thought my food was very good. I'm a vegan so I'm used to the meat alternatives but the boo thang who eats meat thought the chicken wings were really good. He didn't like the Kale salad so much. He stated that he was looking for more of that heat from Jerk seasoning. I tried it as well and didn't care for it too much. What I did like and wanted to go was the Lavender Lemonade....that was truly amazing. I loved the hint of lavender that you got from the tanginess (made up word don't judge me) of the lemonade. Very refreshing. All in all, I would say that this restaurant was very good and I will be going back to try more dishes. Maybe I'm just a greedy vegan but I wanted to get another sandwich....but decided against it lol.
(5)
Sara T.

Staff, food, ambience. Staff - crazy awesome. This is a high classy fast food restaurant, so you don't leave a tip with service...yet they came over and asked us if we wanted refills on our drinks? Always nice, polite, and extremely helpful and friendly. I have NEVER encountered a Native food employee that wasn't friendly and knowledgeable. They hire the right people. Food - amazing. Try the new island jack fritters and oatmeal creme pie. Never had jackfruit, but the fritters were delicious. Hadn't really loved a dessert at native foods until I had the oatmeal creme pie. Ambience - always hipster classy. Relaxed, no pressure. And free lemons and mint with your water? Sorry I'm not sorry.
(5)
Jim J.

So yummy. I ordered a cookie Sandwich and a chai tea. I was amazed at how everything tasted so good. The cookie was so filling. I had to save half for later. This is a great place to go to if you are with someone who is not vegan and is not one to experiment with new things or someone like me who is making the transition from meat eater to vegan. The staff is very friendly is happy to answer any questions you may have. Will be back for more delicious food.
(5)
Kate K.

This is pretty much the same as all other Native Foods in the Chicago area, but gets pretty packed during weekdays at lunch because of the Loop location. The good news is that this location is still open on weekends, but pretty much deserted Saturday and Sunday. I would eat their sweet potato fries & chipotle sauce every day if I could. Also, if you sign up for their free rewards card you get a free drink. They have mint, lemon and honey to add to their many delicious tea flavors. Definitely worth it!
(4)
Shayna Y.

I love this place because you can a) be healthy and b) easily eat gluten free. Even better is you don't feel deprived at all eating Vegan. I got the Bangkok bowl and really enjoyed it. I look forward to going back!
(4)
Sierra G.

This place works miracles with soy, beans, nuts, and veggies. If you have vegan critics, take them here, enjoy a fabulous meal, and then see what's up. Chances are, their view of "vegan fare" will be completely different. I am not vegan, but I love trying different cuisines, including ones based around dietary guidelines. I am usually VERY suspect of tempeh and seitan, but Native Foods seasons it perfectly and it actually tastes like meat. After a couple trips, I finally tried to taste their "fake chicken" and was pleasantly surprised to find the texture really matched real chicken. I'm not one to rave about the texture of chicken, but this was uncanny. Everything I have ordered at Native Foods Cafe has surpassed my expectations. They are more than willing to customize any menu item and the staff is friendly and knowledgable. Everything is homemade and food is super fresh! My recommendations? The new indo-noodle salad & Yo Amigo Taco Salad with avocado. I have heard fabulous things about their sweet potato fries...so that's my next order.
(5)
Eva G.

I absolutely LOVE Native Foods CafÃ©! I've been to their Lakeview & Loop locations, and both times have been so good! I always get their chicken run ranch burger - It may be the best sandwich I've ever had in my life. Their lavender lemonade is also super good!
(5)
Maybe Z.

Their "chicken" tenders are to die for! Quick, clean service and delicious food. 5 stars!
(5)
Lis F.

Portobello burger,lavender lemonade and brownie- all vegan and all incredible. Would return and would definitely recommend
(5)
Dax R.

I am a major carnivore, however, this is my go to lunch place and I eat here 2-3x per week. The food is high quality, organic, and it actually tastes great. The twisted wrap (mock grilled chicken) is awesome and you cant go wrong with any of their burgers.
(4)
Ezeibe A.

Consistently delicious and good. I'd go vegan for this.
(5)
Andrea G.

This place is the bomb! They gave me an extra Peanut Butter Parfait which blew my mind. These people are so nice and the food is awesome.
(5)
Vicky T.

I was in Chicago for two nights and decided on getting dinner from Native Foods because of all the ridiculously high ratings on Yelp. The cashier was SUPER nice and helpful, and I got a complimentary drink for my first visit. I ordered the Native Sweet Potato Fries, Rockin' Moroccan Bowl ("Earth Bowl"), and Butternut Polenta Bites. The Rockin' Moroccan Bowl was absolutely delicious and was a hearty portion of food! I loved the quinoa and the Native Chicken - it really tasted like chicken! Whatever they marinated the Native Chicken in, it's amazing. Unfortunately, I got my order to-go and they forgot the sweet potato fries :( I called them up and I was directed to the manager (??) who gave me a rude attitude when I said that there were no fries in my order. I should have checked before I walked back to my hotel, but it happens. After about 10 minutes on the phone, he finally agreed to take off the fries off of my order and credited me. He originally offered to give me store credit for next time but I live in New York... where there are no Native Foods locations (I hope this changes!). I appreciated the help regardless of his initial rude demeanor. The butternut polenta bites... were inedible. I took one bite and the texture and taste were just.. not good. I threw the rest away. I noticed that Native Foods took this appetizer off of their menu so I hope that they did so because of similar feedback. I'm still giving Native Foods 4 stars because of the cashier who was the nicest person ever, and the Rockin' Moroccan Bowl was amazing. I really enjoy their take on healthier food. I would definitely go again to try their other Earth Bowls.
(4)
Jessica M.

so good! super flavorful, and super tasty. And fairly priced!
(5)
Anna L.

This is my go to restaurant when I am visiting my family in Chicago. Haven't tried ANY food I dislike. They are also incredibly helpful and friendly with the menu, and good for ordering take out. My ONLY complaint is their drink options.. I get their special juices and lemonades are homemade and fancy but I wasn't a fan, and was quite thirsty by the end of my meal. But go try it. Try it all. SO GOOOOD.
(5)
San P.

While not as a good as it once was, it's still excellent vegan food easily and centrally located. Also I think most omnivores will have no problem finding something to enjoy at this place. The meatball sub and bistro steak sandwich are amongst my favs. They serve beer and the drink fountains are quite good as well. Oh and don't forget dessert, some excellent choices here, try the cupcakes.
(4)
Harshingar P.

Nice food, great staff, and nice place. Loved the options for vegetarians. The service is great too. I loved the free drink for first time visitors. Would definitely recommend it to vegetarian and vegan friends.
(5)
Ryan L.

If feels strange to be critical of an all vegan restaurant after having reviewed every other eating establishment thus far on yelp, partly, on the basis of how vegan friendly they were. But of course, it's a different standard. A vegan option at a normal restaurant is a pleasant surprise, but Native Foods claims to be vegan from the get go, so I feel justified in holding it to a higher standard. 4 stars because despite all the delicious vegan options--and I do mean DELICIOUS--I do have a few gripes about native foods. These may seem like petty gripes, but I feel like, again, I'm holding them to their own standards of a more environmentally friendly, animal cruelty free meal for all. First off, their prices. While the entrees seem pretty well priced (between 8 and 12 dollars) their drinks and sides could probably be a little cheaper--especially their drinks which appear to be made by the 10s of gallons. To get an entree and a side (which will fill me up) it would be around 14-16 dollars, which I find a little high. Unless I buy the daily special (9.99) for a particular entree and a selection from an assortment of sides--which I find a pretty good deal. In my mind, natives is the champion of the 11 dollar chicago dinner. Then there's the waste. While they do use eco-friendly packaging, it's as if they think they're exonerated from every other waste consideration. Their desserts always come wrapped in plastic or in boxes--regardless of if they're purchased here or to go! This really annoys me. Even Eco-plastic abuse is wasteful. And finally, regarding the look of native foods, I'm a little disappointed. Instead of any atmospheric or trendy decor, they cover the walls in tacky cartoon chalk drawings of animals making shallow and tacky environmental/vegan statements. It not only looks bad, it doesn't make any political or activist point well at all. So there. A few gripes. I'll take it for granted that, as I'm a vegan with limited food options and limited cash, my reader understands that I still have so so so much love for this place. But alas, there is always room for improvement.
(4)
Matthew F.

Absolutely amazing restaurant. The staff was incredibly friendly giving this omnivore all sorts of information and tips on the vegan food. Had the "chicken" wings which were out of this world and would have thought it was actually chicken is I didn't know any better. The soups are great as well as the bowls. Unbelievably delicious drinks as well including the lemonade and the watermelon drinks. Even if you are a big meat eater you should check this place out. Stunning.
(5)
Daniel B.

Great food. A variety of options all well presented and tasty. Bangkok curry bowl is enjoyable Thai dish. Ask for more sauce to amp it up a bit. Sandwiches are tasty and filling. I would love it to be a dollar or two cheaper so I could make it a more regular lunch. Sign up for the member card to get free stuff and invites to new restaurant openings (which was awesome.)
(5)
Abhi V.

Was at a conference at the JW Marriott close by and wanted a healthy meal rather than the usual conference trash. The food was incredible as was the service. Great for a quick bite!
(5)
Andrew R.

We was in Chicago for a few days, and we ate a lot of Chicago-style foods. Even at half portions, those foods are energy-zapping, gut-busting, and while extremely delicious, one can only take so much! Native Foods to the rescue! If you ever, truly need to detox from some of the more "normal" foods, grab a tempeh and kale bowl. Substitute quinoa for the rice at no extra charge. Shabing. It was huge. Gigantic. I didn't think I was going to be able to eat it all. But I did, and I'm so glad I did. Also, it was awesome. Cleansing like no other food dared to be on that wild trip. For the first time in days, I actually felt great after eating. I may have literally dreamed about that bowl for weeks afterwards. So, thank you, NF, for being what I needed when I needed it the most.
(5)
Jackie W.

First time at any Native Foods. I ordered the curry bowl and got a free drink for joining the loyalty program. Mix the peach tea and lavendar lemonade.... like a fancy arnold palmer. When our food arrived the server asked if I wanted extra curry - absolutely. When it arrived I poured it all over my bowl to find out it was not curry (some kind of cirtusy deal). I stopped a different server to see if she could help me out. She brought me another sauce, then she went back and forth telling me the original sauce was curry. I know curry and it was not curry. I generally hate being "that person" when I'm out to eat, but frustrated at this point, I went back to my original server (who was expediting). She was very polite and got me a new dish. She was awesome. A few bites in to the new bowl, I bit into something gritty. Like chopping on a bunch of sand or something- ehhhhh. Yeah, I wanted to like the place, but maybe it just wasn't my day.
(2)
Jessica P.

You get what you pay for. The prices are high but when you think about the quality of food and nutrition you're getting the prices are fitting and really not too ridiculous. The drinks are fantastic!! I've tried many things on the menu and all have been good. Standout is the bacon cheeseburger and the watermelon fresca drink!
(5)
Chris O.

I'm not vegan, but I could be if I ate their food every day! Every dish I've had has been exceptional with the nachos being my ultimate favorite. They are better than most nachos with real cheese. The staff is wonderful. They are always friendly and helpful. (Imagine your favorite coffee shop barista or that helpful Apple Genius who fixes your phone.) I love the fact that they offer special or seasonal dishes for a limited time. That always seems to drag my girlfriend and I in. Don't miss the oatmeal cream cookie! Mmmmmmmm good!
(5)
Johanna J.

I have TWO complaints about this place. Let me just start with those: 1) the place is ALWAYS busy. Who are these people anyway? You can't all be vegans!! Make some room will ya? 2) I come here for lunch way too many times and my total is always $11. I get the daily special no matter what it is: $9.99 plus tax for a sandwich and sweet potato fries (what other sides?! There are no other sides!) If the food wasn't that good maybe I'd come less and have more money in my pocket* But nooo, the food has to be delicious every time. So like a fool I keep coming here and wasting all my hard earned moneys!! But enough complaining. The food. Is. So. Good. I've probably had every sandwich and wrap, a few of the bowls (not my favorite) and a couple of salads (meh. They're good but I prefer my own salads). But the sandwiches!! What's that sauce? What do they put in it?! Oh okay maybe I should add that I have tried their soups and to me, they're just ok. The only soup that I'd go crazy over was the red curry... and sadly it's no longer in the menu. But the good news is that NF changes their menu constantly. And here's a pro tip: before you commit to a soup, ask for a sample. These guys are happy to bring you one. Speaking of "these guys"... I love the people here. Everyone's so friendly. If you forget to ask for your free side of chipotle mayo (a MUST with your fries!) they'll bring it to you after you're seated. I like to imagine that I'm best friends with everyone here. Because I'm creepy that way. * I don't actually pay full price for my meals. Every December I buy $100 gift cards (pfff, for myself, obviously) and then I get $20 in free gift cards for each $100. So technically I'm eating at 20% off when I use my gift cards. Yes I keep saying card-S because one card is not enough to last me the entire year!!
(5)
Melissah L.

I've worked in Chicago for 5 months now and had no clue there was a Native Foods Cafe in the Loop! The day I found out was a happy day. Obviously I ran right out to this location, and I was as impressed as I was with the Wicker Park location! The most striking thing to me was how quickly the lines go. I walked in and ordered practically right away. The food does take a few minutes to come out (no longer than usual, though), but I sat at a long table near the register with other take-outers and it was no big deal. Friendly, accommodating staff, nice environment, and of course the food is amazing (had the Gyro bowl this past time, aiming to try everything on the menu!).
(5)
Edgaryn A.

This place was amazing! The staff was extremely helpful and they bring the food to you. A vegan chain restaurant with amazing food! Everything is plant based which was so great. As a vegetarian I didn't have to worry about anything having meat. The desserts were also amazing!
(5)
Jessica M.

I have to say ... Wow. This was my first time dining at a vegan restaurant and I can't wait to go back. I would say I eat meat almost every day but I wanted to try something new with an adventurous friend who loves this place. I am so happy I did! The Yo Amigo Salad and Twister Wrap are delightful. They have layered flavors, use light and fresh ingredients, and you wouldn't know that you are not consuming real meat. And yes, the sweet potato fries are out of this world. Yum yum yum.
(5)
Rajeeyah S.

Ok this was my first time and admittedly I played it safe with the chicken run ranch burger. But I'm so glad I did. It was amazing. I knew that I wasn't eating chicken but I actually never stopped once to process that thought. My waiter placed the plate in front of me , I looked up sandwhich in hand and before I knew it I had inhaled that sandwhich in minutes with no crumbs to spare. If they can throw down on an unchicken sandwhich that well then I'm sure their other straight veg dishes are out of this world. Had the sweet potatoes fries also. Good but nothing extraordinary. If you've had sweet potatoes fries anywhere else then congratulations , you've also had these. Had the lavender lemonade. It was too much sugar and not enough lemonade. Go for the watermelon fresco instead. It's like eating watermelon through a straw. Overall you can't go wrong at this place!
(4)
Farida Y.

Delicious meals !!!!! My first experience with a veggie food, I liked their veggie burgers actually it tastes mile a chicken meat for me, lavender lemonade is yummy))) nice atmosphere friendly stuff)
(4)
Arith R.

Brought my Hubby here for his birthday and he was ecstatic that he was able to choose from ANYTHING on the menu without first asking the waitresses 1000 questions about what the food contains. But a guy wearing regular clothes sitting right next to us (I think he was the manager) overheard me freaking out about the chipotle sauce Bc it was so delicious I panicked and for a minute forgot I was in a vegan restaurant, he got up and brought me a folder with the listing of all their foods and the ingredients used and reassured me that I was eating a vegan dish. He was so nice and professional, actually ALL the staff was amazing and the food is so delicious I seriously have no words, all I can say is that I was in vegan heaven. I will definitely recommend this place and come back more often! !!!
(5)
Naz G.

I've missed Veggie Grille back home in Cali and so glad to have found Native Foods! Delicious! Highly recommend the chicken run ranch burger!
(5)
Jon T.

I love Native Foods and hope that Charlotte will someday have one of its own! It's a great quick serve option for those of us who choose not to eat meat or dairy. Large menu with plenty of options, and very tasty food. Crazy busy during lunch but that's understandable when you consider how many people today are looking for healthy lunch alternatives in a city like Chicago.
(5)
Christina M.

FINALLY open, hooray! Now I can stuff my face with vegan goodness during my lunch break. I'll keep this short and sweet. I've had nearly everything on the menu, if you're looking for a burger, go with the Oklahoma Bacon Cheeseburger (my absolute favorite) or the Chicken Run Ranch Burger. I also love the Chicago Dip Au Jus and the Italian Meatball sub. For a healthier option, go with the Yo Amigo Taco Salad or even the appetizer salad. My bf loves the chicken wings too...and he's not vegetarian. I know a lot of people who are not vegetarian that love this place - the food is really really good. So if you're a little leery about the cuisine, just give it a shot!
(5)
Yan E.

This place is amazing. This is no rabbit food where you're hungry in an hour. The portions are so huge and filling that I ate my bowl as two separate meals. Every bite was fantastic. I got the Rockin' Moroccan Bowl: perfectly cooked quinoa, plump beans, and grilled vegetables including red onoins, crunchy carrots and cauliflower. (The beans substituted for soy products.) The drinks are delicious too with unlimited refills. You can bet that I tried every drink. I dislike hibiscus so I thought the iced tea tasted medicinal. The watermelon fresca is light and refreshing. I loved the lavender lemonade and guzzled an entire cup before my to-go order was completed. Hey, the temperature was in the 90s and high 70s is a cause for celebration where I live. Got a food allergy? There are special menus behind the counter: soy-, nut-, or gluten-free. I learned this when I realized this vegan-friendly place is 100% plant-based and the "chicken" is actually soy. Since I'm allergic to soy, I had to cancel my first order. The counter person was so nice about it. He even tried to give me the drink for free but I insisted on paying it since it was my error. Of the many meals I consumed in meat-centric Chicago, this was my favorite. It would be ironic except everyone knows I love vegetables more than meat. When you get tired of eating meat for every meal, come here. Enjoy.
(5)
Daniel S.

i'll admit up front, im not vegan at all and dislike most vegan foods, however this place must have been made for people like me, ive had to go twice with vegan friends, and each time ive been able to eat tasty food, the first time i got the "cheeseburger" pizza and peanut butter parfait, both were really good, and the 2nd time i got the "meatball" sandwich with fries and an oatmeal creme pie cookie, they were just about as good as the real thing, granted it's a bit expensive, but if youre non vegan but have to eat vegan, this is the place to go to
(5)
Monica J.

Native Foods is one of the few (vegan) places that provides excellent service, healthy food, AND does not make a fuss with substitutions. Every time my friend and I come here, we always modify orders and the service staff never has an issue. In addition, if you need anything after you order, they are more than willing to take care of you. I love the Twister Wrap (I usually get it with black beans, not the fake meat), and their sweet potato fries are delicious! My friend has tried many items as well and this is one of his favorites. Based on reviews from both meat/non-meat lovers, this spot is a favorite among both and if you come during lunch time during the week, this place is usually packed! :) Hope they open one soon in River North!
(5)
Lilly T.

Was in Chicago briefly for a conference and I slipped away for a quick dinner at this all-vegan joint. I was excited to try everything, but the cashier talked me into getting the Gyro Bowl and it was amazing! Really generous portion, reasonably priced, and the flavors were on point. There are never many options for us "special" eaters, so I tip my hat to establishments like this one that are making a difference. Can't wait to go back to Chicago to indulge again!
(5)
Ro N.

Stumbled across this place gallivanting downtown Chicago and saw the neat chalk-art work on the walls and decided to give this place a try. Atmosphere: I came on a Sunday, which is one of their less busier days. Apparently M-F gets extremely busy due to it's location near all the business offices - especially during lunch peak hours. Fortunately, it wasn't as busy when I was there, which allowed me to admire their art pieces on the wall done by a local artist. Awesome++ This place is pretty specious to accommodate its large lunch time clientele. Food: My friend and I ordered the Chicken Run Ranch Burger and Twister Wrap. The Chicken ranch burger is definitely a must try for first timers coming to this restaurant. Also remember to order your meal with the sweet potatoes fries - crispy, seasoned, and delicious! They also have daily specials! - which means you can get your favorite foods for a discounted price! Customer service: On-point! Didn't need to ask for anything! Definitely coming back for more!
(4)
Peter Y.

Man, I don't even like veggies for the most part, and I still loved this place. I'm a total protein guy, but I decided to give this place a chance. They have an interesting menu comprised of salads, "Native" (mostly soy-based) meats, and sandwiches/bowls. I got their Caribbean Jerk Kale Salad, which had generous amounts of avocado mixed with crunchy kale, red peppers and onions and sweet, chopped mango. They also supposedly had shredded coconut, but I didn't notice. Anyways, the salad was absolutely delicious. They kind of overdid it with their creamy jalapeno cilantro dressing though, so make sure you ask for dressing on the side. They also had some fresh fruit juice (free refills!), including some organic chai (very good, but a bit too sweet). For entirely organic food that will make you feel great about yourself afterwards, all under $15? You sure as hell can bet that I'll be back again.
(5)
Bonnie T.

A few months ago, a colleague emailed me to find out if I would be in the office the following day. When I told her that I would, she said we should have lunch together (we work in NYC). The next day, she presented me with a Reuben from Native Foods in Chicago, where she had been the night before. It was a game changer. Best reuben I have ever had. Ever. When I found myself in Chicago a few days ago, I was determined to try it. With little time on my hands, I had to settle for a jerk kale salad. It was hardly settling. It was delicious! I also picked up a couple of desserts - the zucchini date cake with coconut caramel sauce and a carrot cake cupcake with cream cheese frosting. Wow. I felt completely spoiled by the deliciousness. The next day, I had about an hour to spare before I had to head to the airport, so I went to another location and had the reuben. it was even better when fresh! I also enjoyed the watermelon fresco and took a few things to go with me so the family could try them. I got the same desserts and some native chicken wings. They all managed to survive the flight and have been devoured. Native Foods, please open a location in NYC!
(5)
Angelica C.

This was my first visit to a vegan establishment. Fairly priced healthy food, what's there to complain about? They even have a rewards card and my drink was free, yay! Check out the menu before you show up as there weren't any on the walls, just the paper ones and I picture this place getting kinda busy at lunch time, so you prob don't want to stand in the mosh pit of hungry folks. The cashiers are efficient and knowledgeable. After you place your order, for eat in, they give you a number which you bring to your table and your food (& cutlery) is delivered to you. I had the Crispy Chicken, Bacon, and Avo Club (new-ish for their Fall menu?). It would've been good if I hadn't had the *NACHOS* (amazingly delicious, it did not make me miss meat at all) as an appetizer with my two gf's. One of which had the Mexican Cobb salad, she liked it, and the other had the Reuben (did not like) with lemon dill potato salad (liked). The staff is friendly and they clear your plates! I will certainly be back for more. BONUS: I don't feel sluggish (full, yes, but not sluggish) after eating here compared to other fast food joints around the Loop.
(5)
Gina S.

Why do some people freak out when they hear the word "vegan"!?!? Sorry peeps that fall into this category but this review might blow your f*ckin' mind. And you'll be missing out on amazing food if you stopped reading after I said vegan. In between smelling the roses and hugging trees in the city, I stopped in for grab-and-go lunch. It was busy and most of their tables were filled. I ordered at the register, a bowl of their vegan chili, and took a number. Orders are filled as they are placed so my chili was up about 10 minutes after I ordered it. Boy was it worth waiting a few minutes longer than I had to spare because their chili was some of the best freakin' chili I've ever had in my life. It was boldly seasoned, lightly spicy, hearty and thick AND so what if it was vegan *BOO*...I mean TOO. Oh and did I mention it came with a wedge of cornbread that was almost as delish as the chili itself? Cause it did and it was.
(5)
Rhett B.

Honestly was not impressed :/. I tried their "tortilla soup" it tasted like pasta sauce in a bowl, it made my sister vomit after trying to eat a spoonful. I tried the BBQ hamburger thing?! Now understand I'm a vegetarian for almost 4 years ive tried my share of imitation meat and such, but this was absolutely repulsive. The stores overall design,feel and the beverages were the best part (The Chai Tea is AMAZING!!). Overall, over priced food for a nice presentation but poor quality.
(2)
Sarah S.

The Olive Garden of organic eats.
(4)
Ryan And Jenna J.

A great option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike! I'm never disappointed with Native Foods. I usually go for the bowls, but the handholds are good for the ravenous (with fries, of course!) I almost always enjoy a Watermelon agua fresca too (free refills!) It's an affordable place that gives you the option of being healthy, though plenty of indulgences abound. And while it's an order-at-the-counter place, the service is great and the staff is very attentitve even after you sit down.
(5)
Megan L.

Best reuben ever. I'm craving it right now. Great, friendly staff.
(5)
Charlie P.

i really enjoy eating at Native Foods. i frequent this one as well as the one on Belmont. i'll limit this review to the one in the loop. i've been here several times for lunch. i've ordered online, then ended up eating at the restaurant as it's comfortable and open. i wish they had a dine-in option for online ordering. on the other hand, ordering in person does allow you to get helpful suggestions from the staff. i haven't been steered wrong yet. as far as the food, i like everything i've had. the specials are the way to go, as the sides come free. i also think these orders come up faster, but that may be all in my head. the options range from vegan renditions of burgers and chicken dishes to tasty earth bowls. everything is cooked and seasoned well. personally i've had better luck with the earth bowls and salads as the burgers are not much food. some of the sides come in smaller portions than i prefer. the lemongrass broccoli is a good example of this. note my hunger level may differ from yours. i'm usually looking to fill up! this is because i typically escape for lunch well after i'm hungry due to my work schedule. the advantage to a later lunch is that i miss most of the crowds. when i arrive there are few tables remaining. 10-15 minutes later it's half empty. maybe it's me! anyway, it's hard to go wrong here. let the staff guide you towards good meal options. sign up for their rewards card and you'll get free stuff. i went into Belmont last week, ordered the special (twisted twister wrap - yum!!) and walked away only leaving a couple dollars for a tip. how can you beat a free lunch? yesterday i got a free dessert. the new "mint for mercy" cookie sandwich is killer and proceeds go towards a good cause! great... now i'm hungry.
(4)
Alex B.

I was hesitant to go here because they don't have any actual meat. However I was impressed with how the meat substitutes tasted. Had the Taco Salad and sweet potato fries. The salad was solid, ate every bit of it. The sweet potato fries were awesome, so was the chipotle mayo that came with them. Definitely a place I could regularly go eat lunch at. Fills you up but also makes you feel like you didn't over-do on food.
(4)
Christina L.

After a long day of traveling, I was looking for something light and nutritious. This was just around the corner from my hotel and I couldn't have been happier. I got the Caribbean Jerk Kale Salad which has little cubes of seasoned tempeh, big chunks of avocado, lots of mango, red peppers and red onion. The dressing is a jalapeno cilantro dressing. The portions are large, the salad was very fresh and flavorful, and I could't stop eating. The prices are fair - I paid $9.95 for my salad. I'm happy to pay a little more for something healthy and delicious. I want to come back and try everything on the menu. I'll be trying to recreate this salad at home. In the meantime, I'll be hoping they open a Native Foods Cafe in San Francisco (note to owners: you'd make a killing out there!)
(5)
Madalyn S.

Reuben really hit the spot and the sweet potato fries were to die for! The service was fantastic, the cashier offered me a soup sample, suggested chipotle sauce with my fries and gave me a free drink! I will be back
(5)
Katherine H.

New vegan and I absolutely love this place. The employees actually seem happy to work there, too! I wish they delivered! :)
(5)
Jeannie A.

Went here tonight with my dinner club. We have one vegan in the group, and it was her pick of a restaurant. They don't take reservations, but this location in the loop, on a Saturday night - you don't really need them. Although, the place was pretty happening. Things to note - they close at 8pm, there is metered parking in front, and they do sell beer & wine. This is the kind of place where you order at the counter, and they bring it out to you. So, a little step up from just fast food. The menu is huge! There were seven us of, and we all ordered a variety of appetizers and sandwiches. Appetizers we ordered: Nachos, Polenta Bites, Chicken wings, and Saigon roll. The nachos were awesome, and my favorite. I didn't love the saigon roll, the dipping sauce was a bit strange. Sandwiches we ordered: Oklahoma Bacon cheeseburger; baja tacos; Chicken ranch; and bistro steak sandwich. I think the favorite was the chicken ranch with the bistro steak as a close second. Though, all were tasty - some just better than other. One person got the Bangkok curry bowl, and she wasn't a fan - due to realizing she doesn't like tofu. What I can say is that I like seitan the best, then temp-eh, then tofu. The seitan on my steak sandwich was sliced paper thing and had a wonderful flavor. I also got the indo noodle bowl, but took it to go. Portions are huge - flavor is good. 6 of my group were vegan-virgins, and everyone enjoyed most of the food. If you didn't know it was vegan, you may not have known on some of the dishes (like the chicken). I have to give a shout out to the lavender lemonade - SOOOOOOO GOOOD! Free refills on the beverages. Great food - great place - REALLY friendly service! I'm a fan and I will be back.
(4)
Skir S.

This place wasn't any good at all, first of all the staff was terrible and rude, the menu should have more gf options. Second the earth bowl that I had the girl that worked there said that that was the best, it was so disguising and not even cooked the vegetables where hard as a rock,
(2)
Chez G.

Very good food. SO fresh, I love it. The lavendar lemonade is a bit intense with my food. The veggies are cooked to perfection with great flavor.
(4)
Patrick H.

Always solid. I always opt for the "junk" food like the Scorpion bacon cheeseburger and fries, because I make things like their healthy bowls at home, lol. Their nachos are fantastic.
(5)
Meatdowntown C.

The Chicken, Bacon avocado sandwich is so good. Too bad is not a regular item on the menu as I think it's only seasonal. In any case, we asked for it and they actually made it for us. The native chicken wings which are more like chx fingers are really good. The girl behind the counter (Nora) was outstanding and very attentive. Good job!
(4)
Dee S.

Vegan or No Vegan I can't imagine anyone with human taste buds not liking the food here. I've eaten at almost all the shi shi vegan spots in Chicago and I would honestly choose Native Foods over them any day of the week. The menu is fairly extensive so you have your pick of the intricate vegan items or the simple rice and veggie bowls. Their desserts are also yummy.
(5)
Natalija S.

My friend is a vegetarian and has been wanting to go here for a while before she goes back to the very barren and non-vegetarian Iowa City for school, so we decided to have dinner here and I can say this right now, this is one of my favorite places only after eating here one time. I wasn't feeling very hungry so I decided to go with just appetizers and a side so I ordered the saigon roll, sweet potato fries, and a drink. Since it was my first time there, the awesome girl who took my order gave me a rewards card, which would give me a free drink AND a free dessert. Free dessert? I honestly wanted to cry from happiness when she told me that. The food was delicious, the saigon roll was light but still had a lot of flavor to it and the sweet potato fries were awesome, and I don't even like sweet potatoes, so that means something. I got the lavender lemonade which was pretty interesting. It wasn't overly sweet like how some places tend to make it (I rather not consume a drink that has been made with a whole bag of sugar), and the hint of lavender made it really refreshing. Now on to customer service. It was excellent. The people there are so unbelievably friendly that I just wanted to go up to each of them and give them a nice, big hug, but you know, they might get creeped out by that, so it was just best that I didn't. Oh and the free dessert I got was the huge oatmeal creme pie. Yum. That is all I have to say.
(5)
Stephanie S.

I'm not a vegan or a vegetarian. But this place is pretty good. I had the soul bowl that includes faux fried chicken. Had I not known what I was eating, I would've been totally convinced this was actually chicken. Good flavors and good portions. A little pricey, and really this isn't health food. Long line at lunch - order online and just swing by to pick it up.
(4)
Jonathan M.

Never liked vegan till now Friendly staff So many drink options including beer and wine Desserts too: yum yum yum
(5)
Bubble T.

Eh. Not that great. Got the Amazonian salad and watermelon fresca. Sat outside... which was in an alley ... with dumpsters. The Salad was pretty weak- just not that tasty. Watermelon fresca was better than the salad. Would've dried their desserts, but was so unimpressed. What I would give them a 4-star in though, were the people who worked there. Very nice and friendly.
(2)
N.j. C.

This place is deeeeeeelicious! Oh my goodness! Massive bowls, great fries and the lavender lemonade is the best! I heard they just opened a new location in Hyde Park. I'll have to check it out this weekend.
(5)
Lisa Y.

Delicious Twister Wrap with sweet potato fries and Lavender Lemonade! Friendly service as well. If I lived in Chicago, I'd eat here often!
(5)
Laura H.

Just as good as the Belmont location, but close to work! I ordered online and my food was ready when I got there. Good way to skip the line at lunchtime. They were out of sweet potato fries (my side of choice) but were very nice about it and offered any other side as a substitute. Bring your coworkers and don't tell them it's vegan. They won't notice.
(4)
Maggi K.

I love Native Foods. It is such a great vegan restaurant. I have been here three times so far. In these past three times, I brought many different people with me (some where vegetarian, some were vegan like me, some where carnivores) but this place never failed to impress everybody. The first time I went, I got their rockin moroccin, the second time, I got their chicken crispy fingers and the third, I got their native buffalo wrap with crispy chicken. All of these dishes were so delicious. I also have tried all of their desserts and let me tell you, they are a must. YOU HAVE TO GET THEM. They are so good. omg. The staff is super nice and sweet, and no matter which location you go to, you are guaranteed to get good service and amazing food. I recommend place to everybody! & I am definitely going back. Oh by the way, definitely get a drink while you are there. They have some pretty good and healthy drinks!
(5)
Gabriela T.

One of the very few places where my meat-eating family doesn't mind accompanying me to. Definitely one of the best vegan restaurants in the city. I haven't tried one thing I didn't like. Their fresh waters are must-try's and oh my God the peanut butter parfaits! On top of that, everyone is always really polite :) GO.
(4)
John G.

Way above average vegan/vegetarian. This is the place every community deserves. Reasonable prices, good choices, well prepared. I don't particularly like counter service but I can overlook that.
(4)
Vanessa M.

Fast service and freshly made vegan grub? Tell me I'm dreaming! First off, it's a little bit of a challenge to find tasty food near the South Loop and Native Foods surely made my stomach a whole lot happier. Everything was cooked remarkably fast and the service was just as good. Big thank you to the wonderful staff member who gave me a free Native Foods Loyalty Card which means I got my Lavender Lemonade on the house! Yum. If you like yourself some quinoa, go for the Greek Gyro Bowl. It consists of loads of Native Peppered Seitan sauteed with shallots and a hefty portion of quinoa, steamed vegetables, kale with lemon garlic sauce and hummus, and a side of grilled flatbread. It was a huge portion that left me stuffed and satisfied. Do yourself a favor and order a side of Crispy Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle dipping sauce. They just might be the tastiest fries I've ever consumed. I also had an order of Roasted Corn & Basil Polenta Bites which were divine, but c'mon, those Crispy Sweet Potato Fries were even more remarkable. This place is a must try even for all you picky eaters!
(4)
Ryan M.

I've already reviewed the Native Foods in Lakeview, and all the praise goes for this location, too. But because I work in the Loop and have ordered from the Loop location several times now, I felt I should add praise for this location's prompt service. Even with a line almost out the door during the lunch rush, I was able to get my order very quickly (less than 10 mins) and be off. Calling ahead works really well, too, and then you can avoid that long line. As an additional plus, the workers here have always been very friendly, even when the ling is... you get the point. I also like that they're open on Saturdays and now until 8:00 pm! Because so little is open even remotely late in the Loop, and what is open is crap or Dunkin Donuts. (Think of the latter however you want.) Still a big fan of everything I've eaten here; my new favorites are the Twister Wrap and the vegan Reuben. Great stuff, guys!
(5)
Vikki Y.

Eric and his team at Native Foods are amazing!!! The service is always pleasant and the company is great! Thank you again for sponsoring trays for our Animal Law class presentation!! I am so glad an eatery with healthy options exists so close to school! I am a recent pescatarian so I love that i have options here. I highly recommend the Portobello & Sausage Burger (made with seitan) as well as the Aztec Salad! Their lemongrass soup is delicious as well but only made on certain days! Order online for faster service and don't forget your Native Food Points card. Finally if you get a chance try the carrot cupcakes! Delicious! (The other desserts there don't compare- the vanilla cupcake had a funny taste).
(5)
Kison P.

One of the few vegan options in the Loop but very good. I have yet to be disappointed with any orders and have had 3/4 of the menu. Staff also deserve high marks on service.
(5)
Tarisa W.

Great tasting healthy food!!! Staff is super friendly!!!
(5)
Tima D.

This place is DELICIOUS!! Just a heads up I am not a vegan/vegetarian and I still thought it was amazing. Most of the time when I mention to people its a vegan place they get turned off and expect nothing special but this place is such a healthy treat! The staff is super friendly and if you are overwhelmed with what to pick from their menu they give amazing recommendations. I work a few blocks away and I try to eat here often. The only con is that it is pretty pricey. I usually get their "chicken run ranch" burger with the native fries and I spend about $14 for that without a drink.
(4)
Twila J.

I am most assuredly not vegan, not even a vegetarian. I like meat but I don't have to have it and I have no problem with vegan foods provided they taste good and are well prepared. I'm definitely not one to choke down things I hate because they're "healthy." Native Foods fits the bill. They aren't particularly inexpensive and they are geared heavily toward fake-meat types of "fast food-y" options but they do what they do very well. It's a place I'd happily go to for a quick, meatless meal or when I have to entertain a mixed crowd of vegetarians and omnivores. The "burgers" are excellent as are the fries. The vegan pesole was surprisingly good and the peanut butter parfait was off the chain. It was so rich I had to share it with a friend but it's the kind of dessert you eat because it's good, not because you think you're being "healthier." The best part was that it was all served with a smile. I was happy that many of the meat substitutes were wheat gluten (seitan) based versus soy based. I'm not convinced that soy is that all that great for you and too often vegan eating means consuming a ton of the stuff. It's nice to have another option. That having been said, if you're gluten free you might want to read the menu carefully.
(5)
Tim B.

This is vegan good done right. I walked in oblivious to the menu. I ordered the scorpion burger, sweet pot fries, and a beer. All great choices. The place was busy w a line most of the time. Great food, very good prices, and well ran.
(5)
Christi K.

Overall, a chain restaurant that serves a niche market. A friend of mine invited me to check out Native Foods with her. She has a gluten allergy so this place seemed to be a good choice. We arrived around 7:30pm on a Tuesday (they close at 8). We grabbed a menu on our way in and started to look them over. I noticed that the majority of items had soy in them. Since I was avoiding soy, I chose to go with the polenta cakes and sweet potato fries. The girl at the counter asked if I had a loyalty card. I didn't. She signed me up for one and I got a free drink! Score :) All the drinks had been removed from the serving containers and put into pitchers. I grabbed a small plastic cup so I could try all of them. The lavender lemonade was lightly sweet with a subtle lavender flavor - a very mild lemonade. The iced tea was fine. But my favorite was the watermelon agua fresca. Lightly sweetened and refreshing... but a bit watered down (maybe because it was the end of the night). My food took forever... My friend had already finished half of her noodle bowl by the time my food got to the table. I saw it sitting up at the counter for a while. I was about to get up and grab it before someone finally saw it. The food was pretty good. Nothing mind blowing. The sweet potato fries were cooked well but I didn't care for whatever they sprinkled on them. The polenta cakes were ok but a bit dry. I wasn't particularly excited by anything at Native Foods, but I wasn't really put off either.
(3)
Adam G.

You just can't go wrong. Fast, environmentally friendly packaging, tasty vegetarian or vegan food that doesn't taste so, and healthy. Being my first time they offered me a free drink and dessert, SCORE. Food was delicious and enough for two separate meals. Food that I ordered was a bit heavy though and a lot of fried stuff in it so that's really the only reason I didn't give them 5 stars. Give it a try! Good stuff.
(4)
Katya V.

I had spent 2 days at a conference in Chicago eating badly and was really looking forward to something healthy on my last day in town. Native Foods seemed to fit the bill as it was a) round the corner from my hotel b) vegetarian and c) got good reviews on Yelp. I had their Caribbean Jerk Kale salad which looked delicious until I started eating it and realised that it was pretty much all kate. Which would have been fine if it was the kind of soft flat leaved kale which works well in a salad but unfortunately it was the tough curly supermarket variety which was practically inedible. It was also in really large pieces, some of which were obviously past their best. I had to pick most of it out and just eat the tofu and other stuff which didn't leave much. I would have given a 1 star rating but the woman on the counter was really friendly and gave me free bottomless drinks because it was my first time there. Based on this experience it will also be my last.
(2)
Kerry B.

My wife and I had two fantastic bowls. Very healthy and delicious. Ice herb tea was to die for. Very friendly service. I wish they were near us in Florida.
(5)
cassie r.

My lunch has never been more colorful. And luckily, even though there were a ton of veggies, the food proved to be anything but tasteless. Luckily, they've done a great job of seasoning and adding light sauces to add a kick to a mix of good-for-you grub. I stopped in here today and was immediately greeted with a free taste of their made from scratch drinks. Lavender Lemonade - french lavender, fresh lemons and organic sugar -- was incredibly delicious. Native Foods has a long list of pizzas, sandwiches, salads and bowls - even burgers and adult bevs! I went with the Rockin Morroccan Earth Bowl - a combo of quinoa, tofu (or chicken, your choice), roasted veggies and a nice, slightly spicy sauce. I also added the sweet potato fries with chipotle sauce, and while the fries were a bit on the soggy side, the sauce was addictively awesome. Great lunch spot in the city, with incredibly friendly service. The only downside, besides the squishy fry situation, was the fairly high prices. Twelve dollars for lunch isn't exactly an expense to be repeated daily, but definitely worth it every once and awhile.
(4)
Kate F.

I really, really, really wanted to love this place. Maybe I wanted it too much. I studied other reviews, pondered the menu, and finally settled on the Native Chicken Wings and the Ensalada Azteca Salad. Sadly, the wings were a kind of mushy, deep-fried tofu mess, and the salad was probably extremely healthy, but really flavorless. I fixed the salad somewhat by adding some of the spicy salsa found at the drink station. But the wings were not really salvageable. However, I am not giving up. I will go back and try one more time. I must find something on the menu that I can rave about.
(2)
Matthew K.

Love this vegan food! If you going during peak hours it can get pretty crowded, but that's true of anywhere downtown. Try the Jackelope sandwich... just the right amount of heat!
(4)
Lori B.

Delicious and quick! I am vegan and gluten-free and there are plenty of options (thanks, Native Foods, for switching to wheat-free tamari). Excellent customer service at the Loop location. Check it out!
(4)
James D.

Some of the best vegan eats around. I don't think there's nothing bad you can order from their menu. Friendly staff that are very welcoming.
(5)
Restaurant J.

Great looking food and tasty as well. They give you a free drink for your first visit. The staff is super friendly and the place is pretty crowded during lunch time. Worth trying for non-vegetarians equally.
(4)
Lenny G.

What a pleasant surprise. I am not vegan (or even vegetarian), but this place makes me feel like I could actually convert. The food is amazing. Their vegan dairy substitutes may not exactly taste like their dairy equivalents, but they are really good. The food is amazingly healthy, with a large, diverse menu that has something for everyone. Their lemonade, though, is a bit overrated, it's too sweet for my tastes. The prices are reasonable, they are kid friendly and the staff amazingly nice.
(5)
Kat G.

Utterly impressed! I thought this kind of vegan food only existed in California, but here it is right in the Loop! This is your quintessential "fast casual" restaurant but all vegan. Delicious food that an omnivore would be happy with. For the vegetarian/vegan, you have so many mouth-watering choices. The food was great. So many selections, I had a hard time deciding. I can't wait to go back and try more. I had a "chicken" sandwich that was amazing and the sweet potato fries are perfect. Really, this is good food, and I'm a picky customer. The service was great. Friendly cashiers who actually seem to enjoy their jobs. People walking about making sure your drinks are full and you are happy. Even the managerial types were out on the floor taking empty plates and wiping down tables. I went on a week day, 12:30, so a long line, but it went quickly and we still got a table. I wouldn't knock them down a star for this, but it was a bit noisy, hard to hear my lunch companion. I wouldn't hesitate, not one second, to take my meat-eating friends here. Can't wait to go back. I'll be a regular.
(5)
Adam B.

Holy hell, we have to get one of these in Austin. The sweet potato fries with chipotle dipping sauce melted my mind. Then I had a steamed kale bowl with sauerkraut. Phenomenal. All washed down with a gluten-free pale ale. The service was excellent. Love this place. Will grab lunch here on my way out tomorrow.
(5)
Ania K.

This place is fantastic! My good friend is vegan, I'm not, but I'm always open to trying new things. And let me tell you, since I've been to this place, I can't stop thinking about it. I live 30 miles away from the city and I really wish they opened a restaurant in the west suburbs, but then I'd probably go every day, which could be dangerous. My friend and I ordered the Baja Tacos with a side tortilla soup, Bistro Steak sandwich with fries, and a Chocolate Cupcake for desert. Everything was delicious. I swear, if I gave my boyfriend a bite of that bistro sandwich, he wouldn't believe it's vegan. I will also add the tortilla soup and fries were the best I've ever had, hands down. Thank you! I will definitely be visiting again!
(5)
Jesse K.

Was in Chicago visiting for a couple days and looked up a few vegan places to try. Quite pleased with this one! I had the tempeh crab cakes and moroccan quinoa bowl. Both (in generous portions) were comfortably flavorful and well-executed, and can appeal to vegans and omnivores alike. Bonus: The menu features a variety of flavors, to satisfy a wide range of hankerings. NFC, you would be welcome in DC!
(4)
CandidRebellion C.

Delicious food, nice ambiance - all plant based - ya can't beat it! I just wish they were open more normal and longer dinner hours!
(4)
Scott M.

I could be a vegitarian if there was one of these on every corner!!
(5)
Vaishali M.

Great place for Vegans and vegetarians and even carnivores! The carrot cupcake, OMG!!! Lavender Lemonade, and so much more.
(5)
N P.

I am so glad they opened a location closer to my house, now I can frequent them more often. I decided to check out this location for the first time a few days ago- they were completely packed, much as the Wicker Park location always is (and I was expecting that). I am a vegetarian and am consistently impressed at all the people that I see in there, who I am sure are mostly omnivores (there aren't THAT many veggies in the city, trust me). Their seasoned sweet potato fries are to DIE for, and so is the Caribbean Queen, which they recently added to their menu. The food is all organic, super-fresh and about as healthy as comfort food can get. I have a pretty discriminating palate, so for me to love a place really does take a lot. This place HAS it. I look forward to trying everything on the menu that I haven't had already, and you can call ahead if you want to pick up your order to avoid the crazy line!
(5)
Kyle D.

Went here for the first time today and loved it. Staff was super nice and helpful. I got the steak wrap which was delicious and appropriately priced for the area and quality of food. I would definitely go here again and recommend to others.
(5)
Julia S.

I love that there is a place like this to have vegan and quickly prepared food options. Ordered chimi chop salad, veggie pizza, curry bowl, sweet potato fries and cheesecake for pick up. Order was ready in 10 minutes. Food was good, but dishes seemed too oily and processed. Cheesecake was very sweet (not sure how much sugar they put in there). It's a great alternative to regular, fast food places. Unfortunately, I didn't feel too great after eating the food.
(3)
Stephen S.

I've been a fan of Native Foods Cafe for a while hailing from the So. Cal area. I'm not quite sure why this chain jumped so much of the country and popped up in Chicago but I'm glad that it did. The Loop location is bustling at the lunch time rush but the wait is eased by the energy and kindness of those working here. Don't expect a quick bite here or even a cheap bite as the prices are a little high for what really is fast food (although I guess they're fitting more into the upscale fast food or fast casual market while hitting the vegan niche). I had the bacon cheeseburger which is unique from other veggie burgers in that it doesn't have a patty but instead uses strips of seitan to substitute the meat. I'm a seitan fan so I found it delicious and I still have a hard time believing that the cheese wasn't dairy-based. That's the magic of Native Foods Cafe. If you're vegan or vegetarian I'd say this place is a must stop, if you're not come here to discover that giving up meat doesn't mean giving up flavor and deliciousness.
(4)
Hugo E.

I love, love, love this place. The food is awesome and the location is perfect. Being in the Loop makes it super convenient for lunch or grabbing a quick dinner on my way to the airport. The people are super-nice and friendly and it is a highlight of my trips to Chicago to eat here. I highly recommend the Scorpion burger, the Oklahoma Bacon Cheeseburger, or the Chicken Run Ranch Burger.
(5)
Drew R.

"Bring your coworkers and don't tell them it's vegan. They won't notice." This is very true. This is very unhealthy fast food, much of it deep fried, that is as high fat and high sodium as most of McDonald's menu--just vegan. If you are trying to eat healthy, this is not the place for you. Most national chains post their nutrition information. Native Foods does not. There's a reason for that.
(2)
Jonathan K.

I know it's a chain but the quality of the ingredients is still excellent. They make their own tempeh and seitan, and the other reviews are correct that the meal is strangely satisfying for something faking meat.
(4)
Cj L.

Food is good but, way to expensive. Completely vegan
(2)
Nicole K.

Ordered the twister wrap with "chicken". First off, the wrap is not actually a wrap but a piece of tortilla sitting with a bunch of ingredients piled on top, which made it tricky to eat. Second, I got a potato salad side which was actually raw and crunchy potatoes loaded with (what I think was) dill. The dressing on the wrap was tasteless anddd....the best part of my meal was the watermelon juice. I work right in the area, so I was disappointed that this bumpin' place just didn't tickle my pickle.
(1)
Lisa S.

Love it! It's usually busier than the Lakeview location, but I can usually find a small table near an outlet so I can get work done too. EVERYTHING is good, including the staff.
(5)
K M.

1) Order online if you're doing takeout. I did that today and avoided the line out the door. I was in and out in 3 minutes. I arrived a little after the estimated time though and the fries I was trying were a little cold by the time I got back to my office- so pick up promptly because they are getting your order together faster than the system indicates. 2) mmmmmm Scorpion burger. I don't think I have ever tried tempeh, so I am glad this was my first taste because if you screw me once, I'm not giving you a second chance (like how I refuse to ever eat an olive after the first one I ever had was horrible). Although, I wish they'd flatten out the avocado a bit because picking the burger up was caused a mess. It was fun to try something that was similar to a burger since I haven't had one in about 20 years (but don't expect something that replaces a burger. Personally, based on my recollection of cow meat - makes me mad that my parents ever made me eat it! - this is way better).
(5)
Priyanka G.

The chicken wrap was awesome! It really tasted like chicken, and the combination of stuff inside was really delicious. The seasoned fries were great too! My husband got the Thai bowl, which was just okay. I guess you should stick to the mainstream, popular items- the Thai bowl was a new addition I think. The cashier very kindly suggested that we sign up for their membership, even though we were from out of town, so that we could get a free drink.
(4)
Liz J.

We love the food at Native Foods, and we've had great experiences at their Belmont location. However, today my lady walked in there just wanting a side order of their tasty, tasty potato salad and a drink (and, let's be honest, probably a dessert because that's how my girl rolls). The woman behind the counter refused to sell her the salad, telling her that it "only comes with an entree." Seriously? You're going to refuse a customer's order of an item that is on your menu because you can't be bothered to figure out a way to ring it up? Get it together, Native Foods. Get it together.
(2)
Jedd J.

Agree with other yelpers that the staff is friendly. Love the idea of "native' meats, but the manifestation is rather dull.
(3)
Chad W.

Native Foods is awesome! All vegan and vegetarian but tastes so good. I have only been once, but the Chicken run ranch burger is amazing. Can't believe its not chicken or ranch! Even if you're not a vegan/vegetarian you still have to try this place.
(5)
C W.

The loop needed a place with healthy options. Been here a few time, but I've only tried the three toco bowl things. I made fun of the lavender lemonade until I tried it. It's delicious! If it was a little cheaper, I would give it another star.
(4)
Michelle J. M.

Wonderful menu options, especially for people transitioning from a meat based diet. Love the lavender lemonade & the bowls are great! I'm not big on faux meat, but they have some dishes that look pretty darn tasty. The staff is very nice & extremely helpful you ask for recommendations based on dietary restrictions. This place is a great addition to the Loop. It's so nice to have fast healthy foods that dont break the bank or taste like sawdust. If they had more gluten-free options i'd say it was an excellent place. Pretty Good overall. Thumbs up!
(4)
Lisa L.

WOW, great vegetarian restaurant in the loop! Very casual, order at the counter, but plenty of seating. I had an Aztec Salad that was amazIng. Highly recommend this place. I visit Chicago often and am always on the lookout for a great place that isn't over the top expensive. This place is NOT expensive and the food is creative and very good.
(4)
Mesky B.

I luv this place! Food is really yummy. This is probably my favorite vegan restaurant in the city. I honestly feel like I am home when I go to Native. The service is great, really nice staff. My favorite dishes are: Caribbean jerk Kale salad, Greek gyro, twister wrap, African peanut & the tortilla soup.. :) I would definitely recommend Native!! :)
(5)
Kenzo E.

Absolutely love this place! The first time I went in, I didn't even know everything was vegan until I was ordering. A little taken aback, I ordered hesitantly but when the food got to the table, I was in shock. It looked delicious and it tasted even better than it looked. The flavors were extremely rich and complex and as someone who is neither vegetarian, nor vegan, I was simply astounded by how good it was. I have been back several times and it keeps getting better and better.
(5)
Shivali D.

I was really looking forward to trying Native Food Cafe when I read all the really good reviews for it. Maybe it was what I ordered but I wasn't blown away and neither was my friend. I'm a vegetarian and I've always enjoyed the vegetarian substitutes at yard house (they use Gardein) so I was looking forward to food like that but it was just really bland. I had the nachos off the appetizer menu but they were huge! My friend ordered the meatball sandwich and the bread was really hard and the meatball was a weird texture. He said he only liked the caramelized onion mixture. Maybe we'll try again some day... Hopefully it's a better experience!
(3)
Katie V.

Native Foods is a sit-down fast food type place. You order at a counter, get a number, and food is brought to your table. However, the roaming servers will also offer to bring you stuff, like another beer, after you sit down and then bring you another check. I have been there twice and everyone was very nice. The process at the counter is a tad slow, I think they could stream-line it a bit. I love the menu, lots of interesting options. They also have a decent beer selection. I've had the wings, island fritters, sweet potato fries, soul bowl, and meatball sub. The wings were good, although I wish they were sauced like traditional wings instead of just coming with dipping sauce. The island fritters were tasty. The sweet potato fries were some of the best I've had. The meatball sub was very good, although I'm not sure it lived up to the yelp hype. The soul bowl was awesome. I'm not usually a big fan of kale but somehow they make it taste good. Lots of other veggies too. It was so filling I couldn't even finish it. I think the bowls are more filling than the sandwiches and a better value. My boyfriend has gotten the rueben and the portabello sausage sandwich. The rueben was good but kind of small and greasy. I thought the portabello sausage burger was really, really good but my boyfriend said he wouldn't necessarily order it again. He's a hard-core meat-eater but likes this place a lot. I also like their rewards program. So far I've gotten a free drink for my first visit, a free desert (super yummy oatmeal cream pie!) for filling out a survey, and $10 for my birthday. Overall I think the Chicago Diner is slightly better but I live on the south side and commute out of Union Station during the week, so this location is just so convenient for me. I wish they had better hours but I understand why they don't. Happy to have a good vegan restaurant downtown!
(5)
Happiness L.

Is their chicken really chicken? Or is it vegan "chicken" The flavor of the Moroccan Bowl entree was great and ample portion...could have 2 mini meals or 1 really big one. The staff is friendly. If you are going for lunch go super early or late. The line is really long and there is a wait for a table once done paying. What is in their food? MSG? I felt groggy afterwards. Also, since this is a chain what is the big secret about how many calories are in their food? What are they really hiding? Vegan/Vegetarian does not always equal healthy. Calls to their HQ were not returned when I tried to get calorie info.
(3)
J. C.

Delicious, plant-based food in a casual atmosphere. I was so excited to find a vegan place in the Loop. Fantastic customer service, very fun menu items, etc. My 17 year old (carnivore) brother was extremely skeptical, but he was the first one done with his meal and raved all day about how delicious it was. I highly recommend Native Foods Cafe to vegetarians, vegans, and anyone willing to try something new!
(5)
Christopher S.

Native Foods is an example that not all vegi/vegan food is salads (I mean, we do need to make friends here...), nor is it always wicked healthy. The food is good, but can be fried and heavy. The one issue I have with this place is their take out containers, which are environmentally responsible, but flimsy. The result - if you order during the winter good luck getting your food home anyway but cold. If you ask when you order they'll wrap it in tinfoil, but that's it.
(4)
Teneka S.

I discovered this place during some recent downtown adventures. The lavender lemonade tis fantastic! Although the reuben disappointed me last time, everything else has been top-notch. Not to say the reuben was bad, but it just wasn't a reuben. It's pretty busy most times, yet the staff is friendly & things move quickly. I shall indeed return when my adventuress find me in the loop.
(4)
Venus J.

I'm in love with this place. I discovered it here on Yelp. The food was so delicious. The service was even better. The spot is super cute -- very casual, clean, inviting. The prices were better than making a healthy meal for myself. I can go by myself and just be happy here. I will certainly be a regular.
(5)
Diana R.

Went here with a co-worker and loved it! We went during lunchtime around 12:30 because we thought some of the rush would have passed...it was packed. Still I will definately go back for the food. A lot of variety, considering that downtown I am normally suck with a salad, hummus, or veggie burger, I was super psyched (not to hate on any of these but the cycle gets old). Its pretty loud and tight knit in there so the atmosphere is meh, if you want to have a conversation, but the food was great. I especially liked the carrot cake, and normally I hate desserts.
(4)
Keiko S.

The moroccon bowl is my favorite! I crave it often despite my love for a big juicy ribeye.
(5)
Laurel T.

I've been here a couple different times and I always have a hard time deciding what to order! I have had the Ensalada Azteca Salad- it has a terrific mango lime flavor and lots of veggies! The Caribbean Queen Burger was also tasty but I think it needed more mango or maybe a bbq flavor on the Seitan. It just seems like that would really bring out some great flavor. Can't go wrong with the sweet potato fries!
(3)
Tamara S.

Attended the "soft opening", where everyone invited was allowed to choose an appetizer, entree with side dish, dessert, and drink. A lot of vegan food for free, and only a couple of blocks from my office - off to a good start! The space was clean looking, contemporary and light, with two walls of almost floor to ceiling windows. Amanda Paulson ( amanda-paulson.com ) was putting the finishing touches on a large piece of visual art that included a shout-out to Critical Mass; other pieces on display were large and colorful. In addition to the usual two- and four-person table configurations the restaurant had a long table in the center of the dining space - great for big parties. The wind on that corner was a bit of a problem. When deliveries came through the side door I had to hold down items on my table lest they blow away, and the main entrance door was difficult to open. I'm no weakling, but I thought the door was locked as I was trying to push it open against the wind. Another patron complained about the door as a staff person helped me exit. It was difficult to tell what the service would be like under normal conditions, but at the opening event one ordered at the register, received a numbered table placard, seated oneself, and waited for staff to bring food to the table. Drinks were self-serve, but staff offered to fetch refills. The wait persons were all very attentive to removing unused plates, but were courteous enough to ask first. Finally, the food. I had the nachos appetizer, which was big enough to be an entree, and the sesame kale macro bowl, with a side green salad, watermelon fresca, and chocolate cupcake. I could have made 3 or more meals out of it all. They excelled at the junk food portion of my meal, the nachos. The faux chorizo was nicely spiced, and I actually liked the chipotle crema-style drizzle - I'm not usually a big chipotle fan. The presentation of the nacho plate was excellent. I wasn't too keen on the kale dish. It might have tasted better if I had eaten it right away; by the time I made it through the nachos, the kale was only slightly warm and the rice was room temperature. I'm not sure what flavor they were going for with the tempeh; it was very bland. The creamy ginger sesame sauce was a bit heavier than I would have liked, but I may have been feeling that way because I was already so full of nachos. The side salad was fine. The balsamic vinaigrette dressing was spicy, and the veggies were fresh. They packed a lot into a small bowl, but served the bowl on a larger plate, so I could spread everything out if I wanted to, which I liked. The cupcake was just OK. I had a great vegan chocolate mint cake slice at Pick-Me-Up Cafe a few days prior, which was too bad for Native Foods, because their cupcake did not compare favorably. The watermelon drink was tasty, and I like that it was agave-sweetened. I would have liked it even better if they had filtered out the tiny bits of watermelon seed, but that wasn't a big deal. I would like to go back and try the vegan chili cheese fries or or one of their other vegan interpretations of junk food, as those are the dishes I'm probably never going to make at home. UPDATE: The kale macro bowl was much better as cold leftovers the next day.
(3)
Jan C.

I will sometimes eat here for lunch and dinner in the same day. Ghandi Bowl, Portobello Burger Burger, Rockin' Moroccan Bowl, Saigon Rolls - all excellent. Watermelon Fresca is my favorite drink. Fresh desserts include cupcakes and cheesecake. When I had lunch here the first time,it was amazing and I didn't even realize it was vegan. So many flavors!
(5)
Marie C.

It's great to have a vegan restaurant in the loop. Has a variety of choices that both vegan and those not quite there yet will love. Fast, friendly service.
(4)
Steven B.

I really have fallen in love with this place. So many great vegan options at an affordable price. Tasty stuff.
(5)
Michelle V.

As someone who is just moving to Chicago from Dallas, I could not be more excited to have a great vegan dining option such as Native Foods! I had the portabello and sausage burger, which I thought was delish. My mom had the soup of the day (Moroccan lentil) which was very fresh and cheap. Good side options and the lavender lemonade was also super tasty. I also like the vegan dessert options. I will definitely be going back for seconds!
(5)
Ian V.

I went here for lunch just to try something different. I usually don't go for vegan food but I'm not above trying new things. The line for this place during the lunch hour was long. But it moved relatively quickly since they had 3 registers going and they gave out free samples of their drinks. The setup of the place is long and narrow. it seemed crowded but the traffic moved enough that tables were cleared in a timely fashion. I ordered the caribbean queen with sweet potato fries, cheesecake and a lemonade. I've had seitan before but as a big clump and it was rather unappealing, but here they slice it up thin like a gyro and layer it into the burger. It was seasoned nively and reminded me of actual gyro meat with the spices and saltiness. The mango salsa on top of it added a pleasant sweetness to the dish that complimented the saietan. The avocado was a little agressive as a large hunk; they could've sliced it thinner to make the burger easier to eat. The sweet potato fries were excellent topped with togarashi. A server offered to get me dipoping sauce for it. It was a sweet aioli sauce and i think it was too overpowering and masked the natural flavor of the sweet potato frieds. The lemonade is self serve from a dispenser but servers refilled my drinks for me. The cheesecakse was surprisingly creamy and the blueberry topping was very sweet. It was a lot of food and very filling. The cost was a little pricey but I guess since you're getting all natural ingreadients and made fresh it's worth it. And I felt weary adding a tip at the register before gettting my food by the extra service made justified. It's a good place to eat if you don't feel like eating meat for a day. When I go again it'd stick with the daily specials to save money as this place can add up really quickly. The price of my meal was $20, but with the frequent diner card bonus and free side from the special it was cut in half. Definetely make use of the frequent diner card because it really pays off.
(4)
P P.

Ok...I am a big fan of this place. The food is amazing for the most part. I did, however, get a dish hoping to switch things up that was just blah...I believe it was the Morrocan tofu dish. No taste and it took literally 45 minutes for me to get it since it was during lunch-time rush hour. Overall though, as a new vegan, I am very happy this place exists. Looking forward to checking out the other locations. The downtown location is fun, lively and clean. IT does get super busy during lunch hours so plan accordingly especially if you are looking to dine in.
(4)
Andrew T.

Awesome. I am a big meat eater, but I still found this place amazing. Go there and get some sweet potato fries with chipotle sauce!
(5)
Mike B.

Lavender Lemonade. What more do you need to know?
(4)
Remy D.

Nice for a vegan chain refreshing. beings i am a meat junkie its good!
(4)
Debra T.

This place is amazing. The chef knows texture and flavors. I would eat here even if I didn't have allergies to dairy and eggs. I love knowing that I can eat anything on the menu. My meat loving husband enjoys eating here so much, we go weekly. The chicken finger had a great texture and flavor. The buffalo sauce was great too. The Reuben for St. Patty's Day was good too! We are still trying everything on the menu! If you are nervous, try the recommendations from the staff. They know what they are talking about. Don't hesitate. Try this place!
(5)
Jennifer Lynne V.

Wonderful vegan options! it is not hard to be vegan thanks to this place :) everyone should try it!
(5)
Carlos L.

super friendly staff, $4 beers, great food (i am not a vegan)
(5)
Keira H.

Wow, we're ready to finance a franchise location of this place in our home town! The flavors were great, portions plentiful, and wait staff extremely(if maybe a bit overly) attentive! You know a place is quality when your carnivore, foodie father loves a vegan seitan au jos. I also loved, being a dessert fanatic, that they gave us a free half of one of their cupcakes to sample. This place is a must if you're anywhere near one of their locations.
(5)
Andrea G.

Love this place! I always make sure to stop in at one of the locations when I am in town. Recently, I tried out this location. Love the gluten free (GF) options. This time around I had one of the curry bowls (I think). Loaded with kale and veggies, it was pretty good, but I wish the curry flavor had been more intense. I have had some other items there that I've liked more . . . but I definitely didn't leave hungry! It's solid, fast, and friendly -- perfect for my lunch that day.
(4)
Maritka M.

I really wish I could leave this place a five star rating, but I'm tempted to leave only three. The first time I was there the friendliest, nicest & most conscientious employee ever helped me. I have a host of allergies, including gluten, nuts & soy. So I was thrilled to learn that there's something on the menu I can eat- the chilli taco trio. This woman consulted with other employees & the kitchen in order to answer my questions & hers. If you also have a gluten intolerance, I can tell you that the beans are not canned & the taco shells are deep friend, but you can get them soft so they won't be contaminated. The tacos came out perfectly, the mango salsa was amazing & I didn't have any bad cross-contamination issues. The second time, I specified gluten-free but the person taking my order didn't note it in the computer. Luckily, I caught the mistake before I left with my food & they made me a g-free order, no hassle, just a longer wait time. For a drink I got the watermelon fresca, which is very tasty & not too sweet This time, I got a very surly employee. I asked her to please mark it gluten-free & she said "OK". Turns out she marked it allergies & when the kitchen asked her about it she said g-free but that she had explained to me there would be trace contamination & I said go ahead & fry it anyways. This little conversation never happened. The guy who preps the food to take to customers came over once it was ready & asked me what I meant when I said g-free as he was used to g-free customers getting soft shells. He then brought over the girl who had taken my order & you could tell she was already mad about it. She heatedly began to tell me what she told the kitchen I had said & when I told her she never told me that she kept to her story. As a person with multiple allergies, I pay rapt attention to the conversations I have with food service employees. I don't know if she was lying or just really believed she told me that, but if she had been talking any louder she would have been yelling. And then she had the gall to tell me how I should have ordered. The guy who had brought her over was super sweet & he had my order re-done. This girl kept storming around the restaurant, complaining to other employees. I couldn't tell if she was complaining about me, but you could tell she was complaining & upset about something. I'll be back since this place has tasty & (if done right) safe food, but I will make sure to not only specify g-free, but also soft shells & to as usual check my order before I leave. Also, the first time you go there you should get a free rewards card, which will get you a free drink on your second visit.
(4)
Terris A.

Yeah for opening a location in the Loop- won't have to make a zig zag on my way home to go to the one up North! This location has been open for 5 days and I have already been there 3 times! As a vegetarian, I am so happy to find places that I feel "normal" at! Love Native Foods- I am a rewards card carrying member! My favorite became (this week) the Portobello mushroom and sausage burger- omg! I also love the Oklahoma Bacon Cheeseburger, actually love love it. Today I ordered online, picked my time for pick-up and everything was all ready when I arrived. For a place that has been opened up less than a week, they have it together. Oh, and one more thing- I might drink every last drop of the Lavender Lemonade that they have in stock.
(5)
Danielle T.

As a vegetarian, I am so excited Native Foods Cafe is in the Loop! Today I tried the Twister Wrap w/ blackened chicken and the Sesame Kale Macro Bowl. Both were fantastic! I love saurkraut, so the Kale Bowl was a big hit. And the "chicken" in the wrap tasted like meat! I was very impressed. For dessert we got the chocolate and carrot cake cupcakes. The carrot cake was perfect. The chocolate was just so cold that is was hard. I would get it at the beginning of the meal and let it sit out for a bit and then it would be perfect too. The drinks are also great. We tried the lavender lemonade and the hot chai cider. The cider is to die for, especially on a cold Chicago day.
(5)
Ruta D.

The Chicken Run Ranch Burger tastes like chicken.(surprise!). though it was very tasty,y complaint about the food (I also had fries) is that it was too salty. I was there with someone who is gluten-free who appreciated that the GF items were clearly marked on the menu. Staff was friendly.
(4)
Chuck P.

Pretty good expierence, the staff ,with the exception one angry black lady, was pretty awesome. The food was excellent, its pricey but thats to be expected considering the rent in that area. I think if they would just fire the angry black lady this would get a 5.
(4)
Amanda C.

Delicious food! Enjoy a healthy delicious vegan meal without skimping on taste! Non-vegans enjoy the food too! You wouldn't even know it was vegan if they didn't tell you! :)
(5)
Barry M.

Ok - I'm just saying - if you have $15-$20 to blow on lunch - spend half of that on Tupperware and the other half on some nice greens and the mixings for a good vinaigrette.... as MUCH as I looked forward to this place opening the sloppy "fake real food" stuff (the Oklahoma Cheeseburger is a TRAVESTY) and the oily nastiness of the gluten-and-largely-taste-free cupcakes )(how much grease CAN you pack in FROSTING, fer goshsakes?!?!) turned me straight off.... I'm sure (I HOPE) they'll look at some of the feedback they've gotten and make changes!
(1)
Chocolate H.

Started my diet today and decided to check this place out for a salad. Got there a noon and really busy. Cashier recommend the chop salad and it was pretty good. The only problem with place is that my salad cost $11 so i wont be coming back anytime soon.
(4)
Sarah J.

Native Foods is SO gooood!! No matter what you order, get the lavender lemonade and sweet potato fries! Make sure to ask for the chipotle sauce too!
(5)
Nathan W.

I've been here 4-5 times this past month. Most of the things I've order have been very good, but I do stay away from the "cheese" and the "meat" as much as possible. There are plenty of items that are fresh and delicious. They have made a couple of mistakes in my orders but they were quick to fix the problems and it seems like they are working the kinks out.
(4)
Angela L.

I just tried this place for the first time today and I will be back...maybe tomorrow, then maybe the day after that. I am not vegan or even vegetarian. I ordered the tandoori kabobs with raita and mango-apple chutney, chocolate love pie, and the lavender lemonade. Everything I had was really good. As I sat waiting for my carryout order (yes, I was waiting for a bit, but the place was super busy), I sipped on my (free) lavender lemonade and got to check out everything else I planned to order next time. The cashier was super-nice (my receipt says her name is Alecia) and much more friendly than anyone I ever encountered during lunch rush. The guy who brought out my food was also friendly and service oriented (he didn't just hand over my food, he made sure it was bagged well and I had everything I needed). I think I may try ordering online via their website next time or even having lunch in the dining room (free refills). I definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Theresa K.

Wham-bam-thank-you-mam'! I was over the top thrilled to learn that Native Foods would bring their vegan goodness to Chicago. You can imagine how I felt when I learned that they opened a location just a few blocks away from my work. I enjoyed Native Foods when it was a totally hippie spot in Los Angeles, but their new spacious look and menu is divine! I go here frequently and would have to say that I recommend almost everything. Dining here is bliss since the servers are VERY attentive and accommodating. I think I get better service here than I do elsewhere where the waitstaff works for tips! The staff is also very knowledgeable and excited about the cuisine - as they should be! I love that they offer a loyalty card in which you receive a free beverage on first dine and points for every time you order to receive a free gift card. You can also order online for quick meals since the lines get long during lunchtime. How cool is that?!
(5)
Jacquie A.

When Native foods first opened a resturant downtown I was its biggiest fan, As a Vegan it can be challenging to find lunch in the Loop, and working downtown makes my situation even worse. When i first went to the Loop location the food was great, however about 2 weeks ago I went for lunch and it was the worst experience Ive had at any native foods... I feel like they didnt really care about the quality of the food just because they got a little busy. I got the soul bowl and my native "Chicken" breading was falling off, my corn bread was burnt, and the veggies were way too hard to have been steamed.... To top it all off the entire thing had way too much barbaque sauce and it overpowered the whole thing. I can understand being busy but it shouldnt effect the quality of the food being put out... Especially with the claims this resturant makes about its food... I go to native foods because I am picky about the quality of my food... having a poorly put together meal there defeats the purpose of me going.
(2)
Janelle S.

In a word: amazing. Had the Greek Gyro Earth Bowl, which is a deliciously seasoned seitan on top of quinoa and vegetables with hummus. The whole thing was well-seasoned, perfectly cooked, and filling. Also had the watermelon fresca drink which was refreshing and not too sweet. Prices were pretty good, especially relative to other stuff in the loop and considering they use mostly organic ingredients. Service was very friendly and efficient. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Ms Martini H.

IMPROVE SERVICE.I do Love the food..all the bowls: delish...saigon rolls: delish, native chix wings: delish..BUT service sucks everytime I go during lunch cashiers r rude luckily I love the food!
(4)
Cedric C.

ok i love love love this place. as a recently converted vegan i have had a hard time going out to get the food for my new lifestyle. this place had made the conversion so much more easy. locations are near my home and work. the food is really amazing. its so good my friends will gladly eat out with me there as they have had a total misconception of what eating vegans is like.
(5)
Paula F.

Finding a nice place to eat can be challenging when you're both vegan and gluten intolerant, as I am, so I was happy to hear about this new chain, Native Foods. I stopped by the Loop location hoping to find one or two gluten-free options on the menu. To my delight, there were several. I ordered the Ghandi Bowl with a side of sweet potato fries and a watermelon fruit drink. Everything was quite tasty - the Ghandi Bowl featured their blackened tempeh, mildly flavored and delicious, along with a generous helping of lightly curried veggies over brown rice. The sweet potato fries came with vegan ranch dressing for dipping. I thought the food was yummy, basic, generous vegan fare - not particularly adventurous, maybe, but very satisfying. The staff were friendly and attentive. Actually, they were too attentive - three different people visited my table a total of six times during my meal to ask whether I wanted to order anything else, how was everything, could they clear anything away for me, etc. Another customer also came over to ask what I was having. It was slightly unsettling. Other than that, it was great - healthy, tasty vegan food, reasonably priced and served lightning fast. I'll be back.
(4)

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Address : 218 S Clark St
Chicago, IL, 60604
Phone (312) 332-6332
Website https://www.nativefoods.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :10:30 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes

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Native Foods Cafe

218 S Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60604

Native Foods Cafe Menu

Desserts

Earth Bowls

Entree Salads

Handholds

Drinks

Kids are Cool!

Starters

Party Platters

Healthy Meal suggestions for Native Foods Cafe

Desserts

Earth Bowls

Entree Salads

Handholds

Drinks

Kids are Cool!

Starters

Party Platters

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