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Sweet Vegan Bakes
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sweet Vegan Bakes
7.7
Sweet Vegan Bakes operates as a plant-based bakery and café just off the Mag Mile, serving fried mushroom sandwiches, hefty salads, burgers, tacos, and desserts in addition to cakes. It’s a rare fully vegan option in this part of downtown, drawing both vegans and omnivores for comfort-style plates and sweets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cluck Yeah! fried oyster mushroom sandwich, Chickpea Salad, Mango Walnut Salad
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A fully vegan bakery-café near Water Tower where savory plates, burgers, and custom cakes share the menu.
Who should go: Vegans and curious omnivores craving hearty plant-based comfort food.
When to visit: Midday through early evening for full savory and dessert options.
What to order: Cluck Yeah! sandwich, Chickpea Salad, a rotating cupcake or cake slice.
Insider tip: Order a savory plate and box up dessert to-go—portions and pricing make most sense if you treat it as both meal and bakery stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is limited and competitive near the Mag Mile; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; daytime café attire is typical and jeans are common.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally conversational, with occasional busier periods during lunch rush.
Weekend wait: Usually little to no wait, though small delays can occur during peak shopping hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but seating may tighten during noon rush periods.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the full menu is vegetarian since the restaurant is fully plant-based.
Vegan options: Yes — 100% vegan menu including savory plates, baked goods, and desserts.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options are available (salads, select items), but not all baked goods are GF; ask staff to confirm ingredients.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual or low-key first date — it feels more like a relaxed café than a formal dining room, but works well if you want an easygoing, conversation-friendly setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most visits don’t require reservations, and counter-service seating is typically available outside of the busiest midday windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual service, friendly staff, and sweets make it approachable for families; best for school-age kids and up rather than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, comfort-style vegan plates and cakes in a part of downtown with very few fully vegan options — especially convenient for shoppers and visitors near the Mag Mile.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambiance, late-night hours, or a broad gluten-free bakery selection — another concept may be a better fit.
Sweet Vegan Bakes
7.6
Vibes:
Sweet Treats Escapes
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
Just off Chicago Avenue, this fully plant-based spot combines a vegan bakery case with a savory menu of sandwiches, burgers, and brunch plates built from jackfruit, oyster mushrooms, and house sauces. It’s more casual than polished, but a rare option for vegetarians wanting both dessert and a full meal in one stop near the Mag Mile.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken & Waffles with oyster mushrooms, Fish-ish Sandwich, Barbecue Baddie Jackfruit Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 6.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: A fully vegan counter-service spot near the Mag Mile serving both indulgent desserts and savory comfort plates.
Who should go: Vegetarians craving comfort food and dessert on a budget.
When to visit: Afternoons and early evenings when lines and waits are lighter.
What to order: Chicken & Waffles, Fish-ish Sandwich, a seasonal cupcake.
Insider tip: Check socials or delivery apps for rotating specials before you commit to a standard order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on nearby blocks with limited availability; garages along Michigan Ave can be expensive during peak shopping hours.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; most guests are in everyday streetwear or weekend attire.
Noise level: Low–moderate — counter-service space where conversation is easy at most times.
Weekend wait: Usually little to no wait; short delays during peak bakery rushes.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, aside from brief counter queues.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian and plant-based.
Vegan options: Yes — fully vegan bakery and savory menu, including desserts and sauces.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some treats and rotating items may be gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible; ask at the counter.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual meetup than a romantic first date — it’s counter-service with a relaxed, bakery-café vibe rather than a polished sit-down setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations; order at the counter and grab an open table when available. Seating can be limited during bakery rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly and approachable, especially for kids who like sweets; seating is informal and portions are shareable.
Best For
Better for: Affordable vegan comfort food and desserts in one stop — great if you want cupcakes, brunch plates, and sandwiches without leaving the neighborhood.
Skip if: You’re looking for a polished, full-service restaurant or a quieter special-occasion setting; consider alternatives with table service instead.