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The Smoke Daddy

7 Great Vegetarian Barbecue Options In Chicago

Barbecue isn't just for carnivores

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Barbecue can be a polarizing topic for vegetarians. Many, including those who participated last week at a protest at Rib Fest, detest anything to do with the practice. However, others —perhaps recent converts— have certain cravings for textures and flavors associated with the cooking method. Unfortunately, it's slim pickings at most barbecue restaurants when it comes to vegetarian entrees. Many folks want to go beyond building a meal with sides.

But hold out hope and check out this list of great meatless entrees that give vegetarians a taste of barbecue. If there's any missing, feel free to list them in the comments. Listed alphabetically.

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Alice & Friends' —Korean BBQ

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Alice & Friends' continues where Loving Hut left off. The vegan spot's Korean BBQ includes protein stir-fried with veggies and a spicy sauce.

Chicago Q —Veggie Kebobs

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Chicago Q, now with Art Smith as pitmaster, has a healthy veggie kebob plate for those not interested in meat substitutes.

Chicago Q

Kitchen 17 —BBQ Sandwich

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Kitchen 17 in Lakeview serves up chipotle barbecue seitan, on a French roll with peppers and onions, along with crispy kale. It's reminiscent of the menu item in the photo that pops in and off the menu.

Milt's Barbecue for the Perplexed —Smoked Seitan Sandwich

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Milt's actually has three great veggie options. There's the quinoa/lentil veggie burger and the char tofu (pictured). But the smoked seitan is the most interesting. They take seitan from Upton's, smoke it in house with a barbecue rub and toss it in homemade barbecue sauce and caramelized onions.

Milt's

Smoke Daddy — BBQ Veggie Burger

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Sure, most barbecue spots will let you make a veggie meal out of sides, but over at Smoke Daddy, their BBQ Veggie Burger gives vegetarians a delicious main dish. House-made veggie patty (black beans, garlic, cumin, farro, roasted red pepper, spring onions) lays on top of their fresh coleslaw.

Smoke Daddy

Soul Vegetarian East —BBQ Twist

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Soul Veg's BBQ Twist is house special. The protein has a little crisp underneath that mess of sweet and tangy sauce.

Ground Control —Asian BBQ Sandwich

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This popular Logan Square spot has an Asian BBQ sandwich with seitan, pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro, black sesame seed and spicy peanut sauce.

Alice & Friends' —Korean BBQ

Alice & Friends' continues where Loving Hut left off. The vegan spot's Korean BBQ includes protein stir-fried with veggies and a spicy sauce.

Chicago Q —Veggie Kebobs

Chicago Q, now with Art Smith as pitmaster, has a healthy veggie kebob plate for those not interested in meat substitutes.

Chicago Q

Kitchen 17 —BBQ Sandwich

Kitchen 17 in Lakeview serves up chipotle barbecue seitan, on a French roll with peppers and onions, along with crispy kale. It's reminiscent of the menu item in the photo that pops in and off the menu.

Milt's Barbecue for the Perplexed —Smoked Seitan Sandwich

Milt's actually has three great veggie options. There's the quinoa/lentil veggie burger and the char tofu (pictured). But the smoked seitan is the most interesting. They take seitan from Upton's, smoke it in house with a barbecue rub and toss it in homemade barbecue sauce and caramelized onions.

Milt's

Smoke Daddy — BBQ Veggie Burger

Sure, most barbecue spots will let you make a veggie meal out of sides, but over at Smoke Daddy, their BBQ Veggie Burger gives vegetarians a delicious main dish. House-made veggie patty (black beans, garlic, cumin, farro, roasted red pepper, spring onions) lays on top of their fresh coleslaw.

Smoke Daddy

Soul Vegetarian East —BBQ Twist

Soul Veg's BBQ Twist is house special. The protein has a little crisp underneath that mess of sweet and tangy sauce.

Ground Control —Asian BBQ Sandwich

This popular Logan Square spot has an Asian BBQ sandwich with seitan, pickled daikon and carrots, cilantro, black sesame seed and spicy peanut sauce.

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