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Sweet Vegan Bakes
ZipPicks Awards
Best Vegan Restaurants in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Master Critic Review
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.