Where can I find a vegan Chicago-style hot dog?

[Jenn]

My boyfriend and I will be visiting Chicago later this month, and one of the thngs we'd both like to do is have an authentic Chicago hot dog. However, the boyfriend is vegan. Now, arguably, a vegan hot dog does not equal an authentic Chicago hot dog. But it is what it is, right? Given that--are there any places in Chicago that have vegan Chicago hot dogs? I saw that Hot Doug's has a vegetarian hot dog--does anyone know if it is vegan?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

[Ed Fisher]

Doug's dog is not vegan. I don't think you'll be able to find a vegan hot dog in chicago outside of a private home, but if you do, please let us know.

[hopping mad]

Possibly one of the vegetarian restaurants. Blind Faith in Evanston. Or Chicago Diner in Chicago and Heartland Cafe in Chicago.

[bibi rose]

My first thought was Blind Faith. I didn't see hot dogs on the menu but they might be able to come up with something for you.

[FrankT]

Be much easier to find a new boyfriend in Chicago than a vegan hotdog!

[Gary Soup]

Do you think the "Hog Butcher to the World" would allow such a thing?

[Kim]

Why would a vegen want to eat something that resembles a meat product, hotdogs, burgers, turkey, deli meats? I never understood this, can someone please explain .

[Warthog]

I share your puzzlement. There is so much variety of food available that I am continually puzzled by those who willingly forgo some type of food (and this applies to various voluntary exclusionary diets - I'm not just picking on our vegan or vegetarian friends) and then spend great amounts of time and energy coming up with a pale substitute that "kind of, sort of, maybe" resembles the food one has chosen to give up.

I can see the attempt to come up with replacements in cases where illness or food alergy deprives one of a beloved favorite, but to "give up" a food and then fixate on replicating it in an "acceptable" form just baffles me.

[chris]

I never understood why the idea of "mock meat" confuses people.

It's quite simple, many vegetarians/vegans adopt the lifestyle for ethical reasons, not for a dislike of meat. If someone who once loved burgers and hot dogs decides at age 20 to become a vegetarian because they don't like the thought of eating an animal, then how does it not make sense that they would want to substitute it?

Over time, I find many vegetarians that I know grow out of the veggie burger/dog mentality and begin to really experiment with ethnic cuisines, properly cooking vegetables, tofu, tempeh, etc. But, it makes sense...it's familiar.

And in response to the "Chicagoans love meat" posts....just because you don't see the numerous vegetarian establishments doesn't mean they don't exist. Soul Vegetarian, Blind Faith, Chicago Diner, Victory's Banner, Alice and Friends Cafe, Chowpatti, Green Zebra, half the restaurants on Devon, among many others, are completely vegetarian. Veggie burgers and dogs are available at almost every sports venue, and vegetarian fixed meals can be found at all of the various $200 per person restaurants.

[bibi rose]

>>It's quite simple, many vegetarians/vegans adopt the lifestyle for ethical reasons, not for a dislike of meat. If someone who once loved burgers and hot dogs decides at age 20 to become a vegetarian because they don't like the thought of eating an animal, then how does it not make sense that they would want to substitute it?>>

I completely agree, *especially* in the case of burgers and 'dogs. Among other things, for everyone who likes those because they like the meat in them (and expect a certain kind/quality) there's another person who just likes that type of sandwich with meat in a bun and fixings. That's something you can actually do very well with non-meat products. I'm not even vegetarian, and I like some of those of those vegetable burgers, especially Dr. Praeger's and Gardenburgers.

[saps]

So would a vegan Chicago style dog be the reverse of a standard chicago dog?

Would it be a vegan dog covered with shreds of various beef products?

[pitu]

I'd order a dog without the dog, you know bun and toppings only -- Chicago is obviously a place that does not take kindly to vegans . . .

you might have better luck at Shake Shack in NYC

[dan]

you might as well order a salad then. of course chicago does not take kindly to vegans. were in the midwest, back of the yards,meat packers. we love our cows, pigs, WE LOVE MEAT!!!

[chris]

Chicago Diner has one on the website's kids menu, I'm almost positive it's on the regular menu in the restaurant.

www.veggiediner.com

[B.A.]

I don't even know where to begin about trying to get a vegan hot dog. That's like asking where to get fat-free butter, or a water free soda. Sorry, but why try to experience something that doesn't exist?