Chili cheese dogs, buffalo wings, philly cheesesteaks… sound good to you? Me too! But at Veggie Bite, there’s one thing missing from these tasty items: meat.

Veggie Bite is the first fast-food vegan restaurant, and is hoping to provide a healthy alternative to traditional fast food. Vegans are vegetarians who not only don’t eat meat but also omit all animal products (cheese, eggs, etc.) from their diet. “What’s considered junk food in our society, we have it, and we’ve made it healthier, as healthy as possible,” says Sylvia Watycha, co-owner.

The moment you step foot in the door, you will be amazed at their menu. Originated in California, this destination offers a lot more than salad. Burgers, tacos, fajita wraps, meatball sandwiches… all made with organic ingredients. This restaurant, which is about 30 minutes south of the loop, prepares all of its meals within minutes. However, the meats (which are mainly tofu-, soy-, and wheat-based products) are all prepared off-site. The most popular item is the Italian beef melt, made with organic flour and soy cheese. And the meals aren’t much more expensive than the greasy, meat-based fast food.

I’m not a vegetarian or vegan myself, but eating healthier is something we all could do more of.

Photo credit: minvervah

Veggie Bite ($): 3031 W 111th St; 773-239-4367
Sun - Sat: 12 noon - 10:00 p.m.
Free parking lot
Public trans: Bus # 52A, 112
http://www.veggiebite.net/