PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

Located near the northern Chicago border of Rogers Park, this local institution serves up a wide selection of organic vegetarian and free range fare, with a peace lovin’ hippie vibe no other restaurant can compare.

Founded back around the time of that infamous Democratic Convention, the Heartland Cafe has been a place where activists can meet and post bulletins, folk musicians can sing about the events of the day, and strict vegetarians can bring their carnivorous friends to dine together on variants of traditional and contemporary favorites. Tie dyes, cut offs and sandals aren’t necessary, since the Heartland makes a point of welcoming each and every person, no matter what path they may follow.

A vegetarian’s dream come true, the Heartland offers a large selection of meat-free entrees, sandwiches and appetizers, like their Seitan Barbecue sandwich, the Macro Plate and their ever so Spicy Black Bean burger. Decadent desserts like the Mixed Berry or Peach pie are so good, no one would be the wiser it’s vegan! Customers can also try out some of their various meat-based dishes, like their famous Buffalo burgers, Chipotle Shrimp, Chicken Chardonnay or the Farm Raised Catfish. Their Buffalo Sirloin steak is a real crowd-pleaser and comes complete with garlic mashed potatoes, bread, veggies and topped off with grilled onions.

A nice compliment to any meal is a good drink, and their famous Buffalo Bar serves people up right! Literally dozens of domestics, micro brews and imports are available, making it one of the best places in the entire city for finding those rare libations no one else carries. Grab a pint while checking out a performance!

Besides the restaurant and bar, a main attraction is the general store and gift shop guests walk through upon entering, taking them through a virtual time warp back to the Woodstock era. People far and wide enjoy exploring their vast display of periodicals and gifts, chatting with the owners about various causes, points of action or just shooting the breeze.

Overall, the Heartland Café is quite possibly one of the best places in the entire city for taking just about anyone, from the stuffy suits to the granola-munchers, and everyone in between.