ZipPicks Awards
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Avondale & North Center
Master Critic Review
Kale My Name
8.4
Kale My Name is a plant-based bar and restaurant in Albany Park where brunch plates, cauliflower wings, and burgers anchor a lively dining room. Opened in 2020 by owner Nemanja Golubovic, it attracts vegans and omnivores alike with a broad comfort-food menu and a solid cocktail program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cauliflower Wings with Buffalo Sauce, Pierogi Quesadillas, Kale My Name Burger
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A fully plant-based neighborhood spot that treats vegan comfort food and cocktails with equal seriousness.
Who should go: Vegans and flexitarians craving hearty, sit-down plant-based meals.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner before peak waits start.
What to order: Cauliflower wings, Kale My Name Burger, Greek-style fries.
Insider tip: If you’re eyeing brunch, reserve ahead and budget time for cocktails or smoothies—the room fills quickly on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding neighborhood; can be competitive during peak brunch and dinner hours, so allow extra time.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; diners range from relaxed daytime wear to slightly dressy for brunch and dinner.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but still workable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Often little to no wait, though brunch windows can still be busy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is plant-based, so vegetarian diners have full access to all dishes.
Vegan options: Yes — the restaurant is fully vegan, including sauces and desserts.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free options are available and marked on the menu, though not all dishes can be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the upbeat but not overly loud atmosphere, cocktails, and shareable plates make it a fun, low-pressure first date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but waits are common at brunch and weekend dinners. Reservations are recommended if you’re on a schedule.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families do dine here, and the menu is approachable for older kids and teens. Very young children are fine but there are no dedicated play areas.
Best For
Better for: Vegan comfort-food classics, cocktails, and a lively, social brunch scene that appeals to both plant-based diners and omnivores.
Skip if: You’re looking for quiet, fine-dining formality or strictly whole-food, oil-free vegan cooking.