ZipPicks Awards
Best Vegan Restaurants in River North
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in River North
Master Critic Review
Ingrained
8.0
Ingrained is a small, brightly lit snack shop focused on vegan, gluten-free frozen raw bars and treats made without refined sugar. Open since 2019, it functions as River North’s plant-based dessert stop for bars, peanut butter cups, and coffee that feel nutritionally conscious but still indulgent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double PB Cup Caramel Cookie Bar, Sltty Brownie, Oreo Rocher Ice Cream Bar
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A vegan, gluten-free dessert bar that treats raw, superfood-based sweets like a serious craft.
Who should go: Dessert lovers who want plant-based treats without refined sugar.
When to visit: Afternoons or early evenings when bar flavors are fully stocked.
What to order: Double PB Cup Caramel Cookie Bar, Oreo Rocher bar, Sltty Brownie.
Insider tip: Flavors sell out; check the day’s bar lineup before settling on just one.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on nearby blocks; easiest outside peak evening dining hours. Several paid garages within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are — gym clothes and jeans are common.
Noise level: Low — small shop with easy conversation and quick in-and-out traffic.
Weekend wait: Usually no formal wait; brief lines during dessert rushes.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically — quickest selection and best flavor availability.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — everything is plant-based and vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Yes — core menu is fully vegan, including bars and peanut butter cups.
Gluten-free options: Yes — items are made gluten-free; confirm with staff if you have severe allergies or strict sensitivity.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure dessert stop — it’s quick, bright, and conversation-friendly, better as a walk-and-talk treat than a long sit-down date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with limited seating; expect grab-and-go first, with seats available off-peak.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — sweet flavors and small portions work well for kids; note limited seating and no dedicated play space.
Best For
Better for: Health-minded desserts that still feel indulgent — especially vegan, gluten-free, and no-refined-sugar treats with rotating bar flavors.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a full café or dine-in dessert experience with extensive seating or traditional dairy-based pastries.
Hours
Monday4pm - 9pm
Tuesday4pm - 9pm
Wednesday4pm - 9pm
Thursday4pm - 9pm
Friday4pm - 9pm
Saturday4pm - 9pm
Sunday4pm - 9pm