Even though I have a list dedicated to my fav burgers, I'm always willing to try something new, and had especially wanted to try a vegetarian restaurant. I'm so glad Native Food's was suggested to me! The inside reminds me of a Chipotle, based on design and how the line gets backed up, but it's not a "build your own" kind of place, the style is more along the lines of a Panera, but vegetarian and WAY BETTER. I found it interesting they only post about specials on their walls, and you actually have to study a menu before ordering- something I was not prepared for. I would recommend studying the menu online before going, if you're a newb like I was! Too many choices that all sounded great! They have options like wraps, sandwiches, salads, big bowls, burgers and desserts. I liked that they had recommendations for first timers, and I opted for the twister wrap which was from that list- grilled, crispy, or blackened chicken, lettuce, dressing, and avocado wrapped up in a wheat wrap. The wrap was definitely at its best in the middle, and a little more sparse in the end, but the flavor was good. Sides are extra. Overall, I'd give the experience 3 stars, until I tried their drinks. I've never been a big lemonade girl, but after reading about the lavender lemonade so much I had to give it a try. It was the best lemonade I've ever had! Sweet, tart, but also with a sort of mellow feature to it- not too acidic. So delicious. The Watermelon Fresca I didn't like as much, although it did taste like fresh watermelon, it was a little flat. I think more of the mint flavor, or something would've given it a kick in the right direction!! They deliver and take away the food for you, which was a nice perk. For two people to eat and get drinks it was $24.52, without sides or dessert. A little pricy, but I've done equal amounts of damage at a similar type of place. A great Lenten option as well! I will return.
(4)
B R Hungry X.
Native foods is my default vegan spot! So good that even my meat eating husband likes it. He gets the nachos and fries and I always get my Greek gyro bowl and lavender lemonade and usually a treat like the oatmeal pie! Kale=Love at native foods!
(4)
Padma A.
4 stars only because you cant have too much of it. Mary kate was quick with my order of crunchy chicken sandwich with avocado. Everything tasted good but, i feel a quick healthy meal can stay under 10 dollars.The place was packed during lunch hour. Not sure if my kiddos will like it.
(4)
Naureen R.
Native Foods Cafe, You're the reason why this unapologetic carnivore started not only considering, but LOVING, vegan options. Thank you so much for opening your glorious doors to my neighborhood. As someone who very frequently indulges in vegetarian food, I never gave much thought to vegan foods as the lifestyle seemed a little too 'extreme'. How wrong I was. No matter if you're a pure carnivore, vegan, or someone like me who oft flirts with vegetarianism, you are going to love NFC. I tried their Native Chicken Wings (my favorite--actually tastes like chicken) and their Super Italian Meatball Sub (good). The Native fries were also good. I take a star off for being slightly overpriced (but it's a relatively underrated cuisine that they're serving--so I understand). Can't wait to be back and try more of their items!
I've been going to Native Foods in LA for years. Imagine my surprise to learn that there are so many locations in Chicago. It's definitely not my favorite vegan spot, but I was impressed by the consistency. The menu is pretty similar and my food tasted very much the same as always. Can't say that I would return, but it's nice to know that it is a familiar option.
(3)
Edith R.
I love ordering lunch online and every time i am like a kid at a candy store. The service is fabulous, the food even better, and the drinks....refreshing and delightful.
(5)
Dejan B.
Great place with great food, atmosphere, and location for those in the Chicago borderlands neighborhoods of Galewood/Mont Clare, as well as Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Elmwood Park...My wife and I shared and it was enough food for us (portebella burger) and just about as good as Chicago Diner and in some places like location and atmosphere better... I highly recommend this place for omnivores, vegans, vegetarians, and all others alike...
(4)
Adrian C.
Came here with my girlfriend after some xmas shopping. From beginning to end we had great customer service. We ordered the super Italian meatball sub and the soul bowl. They were sensitive to my nut allergies and presented a separate menu made just for people with nut allergies. Can't wait to try the rest of the menu.
(5)
Robby K.
i prejudged the hell out of this place after trying many fake meats from places such as Chicago Diner and Pick Me Up Cafe. I have many vegan/vegetarian/hippie friends who bring tofurkey dogs to BBQ's which i can't stand. I was VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE SEASONING and zesty dishes here. Averaging $10 a plate, Give it a try. The flavors are through the roof. -1 star because there literally is no meat in the place. would it kill ya to have some happily raised chicken. i guess that defeats the point. perhaps the -1 star because I'm a stubborn meat obsessed omnivor.
(4)
Corelle P.
When I heard about Native Foods coming to River Forest, IL, I started doing the happy dance! I am one of those 'flexitarian types,' mind you! I'm sure I'll get strong opinions from the vegans and vegetarians... In the opening week, I received a coupon at my old job and I wasted no time! I tried the Native Nachos. They were so good, I devoured it in one sitting along with the lavender lemonade! I love that lemonade so much that I came back later just for that lemonade! I recently tried their Gyro Bowl. So delicious! The tempth meat was well-seasoned and tasted exactly like a gyro! All of the flavors of that, the hummus, vegetables and quinoa melded together nicely! Native Foods is on my list of favorite things!
(5)
Sam D.
So when they opened, Native Foods graciously brought my workplace $5 giftcards. I work with a lot of meat and potatoes type of people so imagine how excited I was when I pocketed a "few" so I can try a bunch of dishes. Had the Crispy chicken, bacon and avo club and it was sooooo good, I juuuust might be back tomorrow for my next Native meal!
(5)
Shweta M.
My kids loved their food. We will be going there a lot. So glad us vegetarians have a hang out place :-))
(5)
Lindsey E.
I am so glad that Native Foods has finally landed in River Forest! The service is impeccable and friendly and the food is as solid as you've probably come to expect from their other outposts. A small handful of items on the menu are unspectacular, but the vast majority of things I've tried has been excellent. I love that in the same amount of time it would take you to get a mediocre meal at the crappy Panera next door, you can have a healthy, vegan meal piping hot and set down in front of you with a smile. So glad it's in the neighborhood!
(4)
b k.
Today was my third visit to Native Foods in River Forest and unfortunately my worst experience. Let me start with the positive. The staff was fantastic - courteous and well trained. The negative was that my dinner was cold. I ordered the Bangkok curry bowl which has large vegetables and tofu. The vegetables were mostly luke warm, not hot at all. I rarely send anything back but it was just not good. The staff apologized and offered to remake it (I was hungry and said I'd be fine with a minute of microwaving but they said they didn't have a microwave--a good thing I guess.) So they second attempt came out. Amazingly it was even colder. I took it to the front counter and asked the woman working to pick up a piece of the broccoli and she was shocked how cold it was and apologized that there was a new cook. So they tried a third time. The last time the vegetables were finally hot but the tofu wasn't. At this point I realized there was no winning with what was clearly an inexperienced cook, so I ate a bit of it, got a carry out container and took it home to heat it up properly. Through all this the staff was great, accommodating and apologetic. I was just glad it was a vegetarian restaurant because a cook who can't get things hot could really cause someone to get ill with undercooked meats! I also realize that my luck was probably especially bad with this dish. The Bangkok curry is very dry with little sauce and on a bed of quinoa. The lack of sauce means it doesn't retain heat well and if you've ever cooked quinoa you know it, too, cools quickly. So if it doesn't start out hot it'll go downhill from there. My previous two visits were quite good and tonight the sweet potato fries were fresh and wonderful so I'll try again.
(3)
Imran A.
These guys are great! It's awesome to have a vegan restaurant by me in Oak Park. Love their food! Handholds, entree salads, bowls have a nice range and I have favorites in each category. Reuben and Oklahoman are excellent! Been in the Jamaican jerk Jake salad lately! Their wings are fantastic. Great, friendly staff at this location. I'm a regular now.
(5)
Lena M.
Fast & friendly service. So happy they opened in this location! Love the seasonal specials & desserts. Bring your non-veggie friends for a wonderful experience for all ages. My sister's meat eating kids loved their meals!
(5)
Tara M.
I love this place. It's hard to find a variety of foods when you have dietary restrictions. I went here yesterday with my friend and we had such an awesome lunch. The people are friendly and everything is vegan/vegetarian. I wish it were closer to my house so I could go more often.
(5)
Crystal M.
Surprisingly wonderful food I had the Mexican "chicken" salad it was so good! My my son had the Mac & "cheese" & all was delicious, while the children's menu is reasonably priced my salad was $10+ or so. Great location & the drinks are delicious!
(5)
Susie C.
My husband and I tried this place out for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. We came a little before 12pm and it was pretty busy, but half an hour later it got really busy! Lunch hour busy. The hospitality and customer service of this place is amazing! This was our first time here and we haven't been to any Native Foods before. I really enjoyed our visit here - the customer service they provided was fabulous. The girl up front explained to us items of the menu very clearly, and was very patient with us when we didn't know exactly what we wanted to order. The waitress came by to check up on us every now and then to see how we're doing. For the food - it's good! I ordered the crispy chicken, bacon and avocado sandwich. The chicken was pretty thin - lots of bread, but it was tasty. I ordered a side of potato salad. The potato salad wasn't that good. We ordered their seasoned fries - this was VERY good. You MUST order it. One of the best tasting seasoned fries I've had and its not very hard or soft, like el dente! My husband ordered their Mexican cobb salad and he really enjoyed it. We also tried their homemade drinks. Free refills and you can mix and match the teas. My husband doesn't like much sweets and i like drinks sweet, so I mixed the black peach tea (unsweetened) with lavender lemonade (Sweetened) and it was a good mix! I like the idea of mixing teas together. I am definitely coming back to this place. Prices are comparable to Panera Bread..a little expensive but it's tasty. If my sandwich had more meat than just bread and a better potato salad, then I would definitely give this place a 5 stars. I put this place as 4.5 stars as of today! You can also order online or call for pickup! Woohoo!
(4)
Mary Ann C.
I was concerned about trying this spot....a bit too vegan and healthy sounding for me. Oddly, I like healthy food and grew up with a vegetarian in the family. Anyhow, I was sent some gift cards at my office when they opened, so I thought.......let's give it a try. Friendly, friendly service. Amazing watermelon fresca drink. Flavorful cuban bean soup. Tasty oatmeal cookie sandwich. I will return and very Soon!!!!!
(4)
Michael R.
A vegetarian paradise. If all vegetarian/vegan food was this good I might stop eating meat. The wings are fantastic and the fries are delicious. All meat substitutions are tasty and substantial. Even a solid beer selection.
(5)
Verena P.
I went here with a friend and ordered a coconut avocado wrap. I guess there was coconut flakes used as a "breading" to the avocado. It was so tasty! She had gotten the scorpion burger and enjoyed it very much. She got fries as her side and I did sweet potato fries which were sooooo delicious. The desserts were the best part... Oh my god. Peanut butter parfait is a must!!!!!!! Serious deliciousness out of this place. Fresh ingredients, no gmos and they stay true to their word about that, as they don't even have a soda machine! Lots of different varieties of awesome teas and a water machine. I was so glad to not see a soda machine!
(5)
Michael C.
With the use of magic, Native foods cafe has made many traditional American diet staples into vegan dishes. How do they do this? Don't know. Do they do a good job of it? Yes! I've eaten here quite a few times now, mainly because the girl I'm seeing is vegan. However, native foods makes such tasty dishes that eating vegetarian is easy and enjoyable. My favorite menu items here are the twister wrap and buffalo nuggets. The wrap is filled with avocado and hearty native chicken. Though native chicken is certainly not like real chicken--it's consistency is much softer--it's a solid protein replacement. Accompanied with buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing, it hits the spot. I think the real star are the buffalo nuggets. They're fried and perfectly tossed in the right amount of spicy, tangy buffalo sauce. Also come here for some sweet treats like key lime pie and the peanut butter parfait. You won't be disappointed. That being said, try avoiding the brownie which has an old bubblegum consistency. Narsty.
(4)
John W.
I have liked everything I have ordered. My favorite is the portobello sausage sandwich. The Reuben is the best I've had.
(4)
Eric S.
I already wrote a review for the Native Foods in Lakeview, and since the River Forest location is basically just a carbon copy, I'll keep it short and capture the highlights: + smoky split pea soup; tasty, but needed thickening + "reuben" sandwich; good faux-pastrami, but the thousand island was jank-ass slop + lavender lemonade; delicious as always + watermelon 'fresca', which is essentially watermelon pulp (and it's awesome) + ultra-friendly staff who are very helpful and accommodating, especially for first-timers + terrific condiment selection; fresh mint leaves, salsa caliente, what appeared to be cinnamon sugar, and a value-sized bottle of SRIRACHA! Native Foods RF has some great things going for it, so why the 4*? Because nothing I had was as good as it was on my inaugural visit to Native Foods Lakeview. The atmo here was much plainer, the flavor of my Reuben meeker, and the consistency of the pea soup needed work. Other than that, it's a good place for vegetarians (of which I am NOT one), but the likelihood of me returning here is slim.......I enjoy meat far, far too much.
(4)
Whitney W.
I love this place! They have some of the friendliest staff I've come across in a while, and they are actually familiar with their menu! Go figure. Anytime I ask for a suggestion they happily refer me to items they enjoy, or their most popular. The service is super fast and the food is great. Easily one of my favorite places now.
(5)
Esther B.
What a great place! 100% plant based, and they offer fantastic meat alternatives. The staff is very friendly, and the food and drinks are incredible and homemade. A must go for vegans alike!
(5)
Bobbie B.
I am in love with the Mexican Cobb salad and any of the vegan cupcakes. I SWEAR that vegan frosting is 1000x better than regular frosting. I don't know why. It's like pillowy, sweet magic.
(4)
Lola H.
Great flavor, I had the Avocado Crunch Wrap, loved except there was only 1 little piece of avocado in each side. It was still really good and to their credit, a young man asked me if everything was all right and offered to bring me more avocado. Love the concept of this place, they have a good menu and the service is excellent. I do think it's pricey though. The wrap and lemonade with tax was $14, that seems high to me. Very fresh, good food though.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dessert Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Suzanne Z.
Even though I have a list dedicated to my fav burgers, I'm always willing to try something new, and had especially wanted to try a vegetarian restaurant. I'm so glad Native Food's was suggested to me! The inside reminds me of a Chipotle, based on design and how the line gets backed up, but it's not a "build your own" kind of place, the style is more along the lines of a Panera, but vegetarian and WAY BETTER. I found it interesting they only post about specials on their walls, and you actually have to study a menu before ordering- something I was not prepared for. I would recommend studying the menu online before going, if you're a newb like I was! Too many choices that all sounded great! They have options like wraps, sandwiches, salads, big bowls, burgers and desserts. I liked that they had recommendations for first timers, and I opted for the twister wrap which was from that list- grilled, crispy, or blackened chicken, lettuce, dressing, and avocado wrapped up in a wheat wrap. The wrap was definitely at its best in the middle, and a little more sparse in the end, but the flavor was good. Sides are extra. Overall, I'd give the experience 3 stars, until I tried their drinks. I've never been a big lemonade girl, but after reading about the lavender lemonade so much I had to give it a try. It was the best lemonade I've ever had! Sweet, tart, but also with a sort of mellow feature to it- not too acidic. So delicious. The Watermelon Fresca I didn't like as much, although it did taste like fresh watermelon, it was a little flat. I think more of the mint flavor, or something would've given it a kick in the right direction!! They deliver and take away the food for you, which was a nice perk. For two people to eat and get drinks it was $24.52, without sides or dessert. A little pricy, but I've done equal amounts of damage at a similar type of place. A great Lenten option as well! I will return.
(4)B R Hungry X.
Native foods is my default vegan spot! So good that even my meat eating husband likes it. He gets the nachos and fries and I always get my Greek gyro bowl and lavender lemonade and usually a treat like the oatmeal pie! Kale=Love at native foods!
(4)Padma A.
4 stars only because you cant have too much of it. Mary kate was quick with my order of crunchy chicken sandwich with avocado. Everything tasted good but, i feel a quick healthy meal can stay under 10 dollars.The place was packed during lunch hour. Not sure if my kiddos will like it.
(4)Naureen R.
Native Foods Cafe, You're the reason why this unapologetic carnivore started not only considering, but LOVING, vegan options. Thank you so much for opening your glorious doors to my neighborhood. As someone who very frequently indulges in vegetarian food, I never gave much thought to vegan foods as the lifestyle seemed a little too 'extreme'. How wrong I was. No matter if you're a pure carnivore, vegan, or someone like me who oft flirts with vegetarianism, you are going to love NFC. I tried their Native Chicken Wings (my favorite--actually tastes like chicken) and their Super Italian Meatball Sub (good). The Native fries were also good. I take a star off for being slightly overpriced (but it's a relatively underrated cuisine that they're serving--so I understand). Can't wait to be back and try more of their items!
(4)Reina W.
I visited this Native Foods Café for the first time last month. A huge improvement from the one Downtown and the one I visited at Belmont. If I had went off of my experiences at these places I would have never gone back to Native Foods. The service was great! They greeted you, and answered questions about the menu. My food was hot and fresh. I have ordered food to go twice. The first time I was passing by the restaurant when I was coming from the airport. So, I bought two meals (lunch and dinner). I ate my veggie burger that day, and my taco salad the next day. The food was delicious the next day. I bought two meals again recently. I ate one my gyro meal the same day at home, and another the next day I ate my veggie bowl. They were both delicious again. I have eaten their oatmeal cookie sandwich and they are delicious. I always plan to eat half, but end up eating the whole thing. It has sugar so if you are completely avoiding sugar this is not the dessert for you. Since I stopped eating cheese and drinking cow's milk this is a great place to go for delicious foods. You just have to watch your portions. Oh...I almost forgot...I bought their vegan cookbook. It has delicious recipes. Some of them are too complicated honestly, and I get tired just reading the,. I cannot imagine making all of them. I think in the winter time when I indoors all the time I will be motivated to make the longer recipes. There are some good salad recipes, and skewer I recently grilled for July 4th that was delicious. The cookbook is organized by month so you are cooking with in season fruits and vegetables.
(5)Li J.
I've been going to Native Foods in LA for years. Imagine my surprise to learn that there are so many locations in Chicago. It's definitely not my favorite vegan spot, but I was impressed by the consistency. The menu is pretty similar and my food tasted very much the same as always. Can't say that I would return, but it's nice to know that it is a familiar option.
(3)Edith R.
I love ordering lunch online and every time i am like a kid at a candy store. The service is fabulous, the food even better, and the drinks....refreshing and delightful.
(5)Dejan B.
Great place with great food, atmosphere, and location for those in the Chicago borderlands neighborhoods of Galewood/Mont Clare, as well as Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Elmwood Park...My wife and I shared and it was enough food for us (portebella burger) and just about as good as Chicago Diner and in some places like location and atmosphere better... I highly recommend this place for omnivores, vegans, vegetarians, and all others alike...
(4)Adrian C.
Came here with my girlfriend after some xmas shopping. From beginning to end we had great customer service. We ordered the super Italian meatball sub and the soul bowl. They were sensitive to my nut allergies and presented a separate menu made just for people with nut allergies. Can't wait to try the rest of the menu.
(5)Robby K.
i prejudged the hell out of this place after trying many fake meats from places such as Chicago Diner and Pick Me Up Cafe. I have many vegan/vegetarian/hippie friends who bring tofurkey dogs to BBQ's which i can't stand. I was VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE SEASONING and zesty dishes here. Averaging $10 a plate, Give it a try. The flavors are through the roof. -1 star because there literally is no meat in the place. would it kill ya to have some happily raised chicken. i guess that defeats the point. perhaps the -1 star because I'm a stubborn meat obsessed omnivor.
(4)Corelle P.
When I heard about Native Foods coming to River Forest, IL, I started doing the happy dance! I am one of those 'flexitarian types,' mind you! I'm sure I'll get strong opinions from the vegans and vegetarians... In the opening week, I received a coupon at my old job and I wasted no time! I tried the Native Nachos. They were so good, I devoured it in one sitting along with the lavender lemonade! I love that lemonade so much that I came back later just for that lemonade! I recently tried their Gyro Bowl. So delicious! The tempth meat was well-seasoned and tasted exactly like a gyro! All of the flavors of that, the hummus, vegetables and quinoa melded together nicely! Native Foods is on my list of favorite things!
(5)Sam D.
So when they opened, Native Foods graciously brought my workplace $5 giftcards. I work with a lot of meat and potatoes type of people so imagine how excited I was when I pocketed a "few" so I can try a bunch of dishes. Had the Crispy chicken, bacon and avo club and it was sooooo good, I juuuust might be back tomorrow for my next Native meal!
(5)Shweta M.
My kids loved their food. We will be going there a lot. So glad us vegetarians have a hang out place :-))
(5)Lindsey E.
I am so glad that Native Foods has finally landed in River Forest! The service is impeccable and friendly and the food is as solid as you've probably come to expect from their other outposts. A small handful of items on the menu are unspectacular, but the vast majority of things I've tried has been excellent. I love that in the same amount of time it would take you to get a mediocre meal at the crappy Panera next door, you can have a healthy, vegan meal piping hot and set down in front of you with a smile. So glad it's in the neighborhood!
(4)b k.
Today was my third visit to Native Foods in River Forest and unfortunately my worst experience. Let me start with the positive. The staff was fantastic - courteous and well trained. The negative was that my dinner was cold. I ordered the Bangkok curry bowl which has large vegetables and tofu. The vegetables were mostly luke warm, not hot at all. I rarely send anything back but it was just not good. The staff apologized and offered to remake it (I was hungry and said I'd be fine with a minute of microwaving but they said they didn't have a microwave--a good thing I guess.) So they second attempt came out. Amazingly it was even colder. I took it to the front counter and asked the woman working to pick up a piece of the broccoli and she was shocked how cold it was and apologized that there was a new cook. So they tried a third time. The last time the vegetables were finally hot but the tofu wasn't. At this point I realized there was no winning with what was clearly an inexperienced cook, so I ate a bit of it, got a carry out container and took it home to heat it up properly. Through all this the staff was great, accommodating and apologetic. I was just glad it was a vegetarian restaurant because a cook who can't get things hot could really cause someone to get ill with undercooked meats! I also realize that my luck was probably especially bad with this dish. The Bangkok curry is very dry with little sauce and on a bed of quinoa. The lack of sauce means it doesn't retain heat well and if you've ever cooked quinoa you know it, too, cools quickly. So if it doesn't start out hot it'll go downhill from there. My previous two visits were quite good and tonight the sweet potato fries were fresh and wonderful so I'll try again.
(3)Imran A.
These guys are great! It's awesome to have a vegan restaurant by me in Oak Park. Love their food! Handholds, entree salads, bowls have a nice range and I have favorites in each category. Reuben and Oklahoman are excellent! Been in the Jamaican jerk Jake salad lately! Their wings are fantastic. Great, friendly staff at this location. I'm a regular now.
(5)Lena M.
Fast & friendly service. So happy they opened in this location! Love the seasonal specials & desserts. Bring your non-veggie friends for a wonderful experience for all ages. My sister's meat eating kids loved their meals!
(5)Tara M.
I love this place. It's hard to find a variety of foods when you have dietary restrictions. I went here yesterday with my friend and we had such an awesome lunch. The people are friendly and everything is vegan/vegetarian. I wish it were closer to my house so I could go more often.
(5)Crystal M.
Surprisingly wonderful food I had the Mexican "chicken" salad it was so good! My my son had the Mac & "cheese" & all was delicious, while the children's menu is reasonably priced my salad was $10+ or so. Great location & the drinks are delicious!
(5)Susie C.
My husband and I tried this place out for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. We came a little before 12pm and it was pretty busy, but half an hour later it got really busy! Lunch hour busy. The hospitality and customer service of this place is amazing! This was our first time here and we haven't been to any Native Foods before. I really enjoyed our visit here - the customer service they provided was fabulous. The girl up front explained to us items of the menu very clearly, and was very patient with us when we didn't know exactly what we wanted to order. The waitress came by to check up on us every now and then to see how we're doing. For the food - it's good! I ordered the crispy chicken, bacon and avocado sandwich. The chicken was pretty thin - lots of bread, but it was tasty. I ordered a side of potato salad. The potato salad wasn't that good. We ordered their seasoned fries - this was VERY good. You MUST order it. One of the best tasting seasoned fries I've had and its not very hard or soft, like el dente! My husband ordered their Mexican cobb salad and he really enjoyed it. We also tried their homemade drinks. Free refills and you can mix and match the teas. My husband doesn't like much sweets and i like drinks sweet, so I mixed the black peach tea (unsweetened) with lavender lemonade (Sweetened) and it was a good mix! I like the idea of mixing teas together. I am definitely coming back to this place. Prices are comparable to Panera Bread..a little expensive but it's tasty. If my sandwich had more meat than just bread and a better potato salad, then I would definitely give this place a 5 stars. I put this place as 4.5 stars as of today! You can also order online or call for pickup! Woohoo!
(4)Mary Ann C.
I was concerned about trying this spot....a bit too vegan and healthy sounding for me. Oddly, I like healthy food and grew up with a vegetarian in the family. Anyhow, I was sent some gift cards at my office when they opened, so I thought.......let's give it a try. Friendly, friendly service. Amazing watermelon fresca drink. Flavorful cuban bean soup. Tasty oatmeal cookie sandwich. I will return and very Soon!!!!!
(4)Michael R.
A vegetarian paradise. If all vegetarian/vegan food was this good I might stop eating meat. The wings are fantastic and the fries are delicious. All meat substitutions are tasty and substantial. Even a solid beer selection.
(5)Verena P.
I went here with a friend and ordered a coconut avocado wrap. I guess there was coconut flakes used as a "breading" to the avocado. It was so tasty! She had gotten the scorpion burger and enjoyed it very much. She got fries as her side and I did sweet potato fries which were sooooo delicious. The desserts were the best part... Oh my god. Peanut butter parfait is a must!!!!!!! Serious deliciousness out of this place. Fresh ingredients, no gmos and they stay true to their word about that, as they don't even have a soda machine! Lots of different varieties of awesome teas and a water machine. I was so glad to not see a soda machine!
(5)Michael C.
With the use of magic, Native foods cafe has made many traditional American diet staples into vegan dishes. How do they do this? Don't know. Do they do a good job of it? Yes! I've eaten here quite a few times now, mainly because the girl I'm seeing is vegan. However, native foods makes such tasty dishes that eating vegetarian is easy and enjoyable. My favorite menu items here are the twister wrap and buffalo nuggets. The wrap is filled with avocado and hearty native chicken. Though native chicken is certainly not like real chicken--it's consistency is much softer--it's a solid protein replacement. Accompanied with buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing, it hits the spot. I think the real star are the buffalo nuggets. They're fried and perfectly tossed in the right amount of spicy, tangy buffalo sauce. Also come here for some sweet treats like key lime pie and the peanut butter parfait. You won't be disappointed. That being said, try avoiding the brownie which has an old bubblegum consistency. Narsty.
(4)John W.
I have liked everything I have ordered. My favorite is the portobello sausage sandwich. The Reuben is the best I've had.
(4)Eric S.
I already wrote a review for the Native Foods in Lakeview, and since the River Forest location is basically just a carbon copy, I'll keep it short and capture the highlights: + smoky split pea soup; tasty, but needed thickening + "reuben" sandwich; good faux-pastrami, but the thousand island was jank-ass slop + lavender lemonade; delicious as always + watermelon 'fresca', which is essentially watermelon pulp (and it's awesome) + ultra-friendly staff who are very helpful and accommodating, especially for first-timers + terrific condiment selection; fresh mint leaves, salsa caliente, what appeared to be cinnamon sugar, and a value-sized bottle of SRIRACHA! Native Foods RF has some great things going for it, so why the 4*? Because nothing I had was as good as it was on my inaugural visit to Native Foods Lakeview. The atmo here was much plainer, the flavor of my Reuben meeker, and the consistency of the pea soup needed work. Other than that, it's a good place for vegetarians (of which I am NOT one), but the likelihood of me returning here is slim.......I enjoy meat far, far too much.
(4)Whitney W.
I love this place! They have some of the friendliest staff I've come across in a while, and they are actually familiar with their menu! Go figure. Anytime I ask for a suggestion they happily refer me to items they enjoy, or their most popular. The service is super fast and the food is great. Easily one of my favorite places now.
(5)Esther B.
What a great place! 100% plant based, and they offer fantastic meat alternatives. The staff is very friendly, and the food and drinks are incredible and homemade. A must go for vegans alike!
(5)Bobbie B.
I am in love with the Mexican Cobb salad and any of the vegan cupcakes. I SWEAR that vegan frosting is 1000x better than regular frosting. I don't know why. It's like pillowy, sweet magic.
(4)Lola H.
Great flavor, I had the Avocado Crunch Wrap, loved except there was only 1 little piece of avocado in each side. It was still really good and to their credit, a young man asked me if everything was all right and offered to bring me more avocado. Love the concept of this place, they have a good menu and the service is excellent. I do think it's pricey though. The wrap and lemonade with tax was $14, that seems high to me. Very fresh, good food though.
(4)