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Amitabul
Categories: Restaurants Vegan Restaurants Korean Vegan, Korean [Edit]
6207 N Milwaukee Ave(between Huntington St & Raven St)
Chicago, IL 60646
Neighborhood: Norwood Park
(773) 774-0276
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 12 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
133 reviews for Amitabul
Review Highlights
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"Try the Green Stew, Wolfman's Dream Treats, Black Pearl..." In 9 reviews -
"I cannot wait to have the mushroom bi bim bop again." In 5 reviews -
"Portions are huge, easily two meals." In 9 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
133 reviews in English
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Review from Matt R.
3/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Amitabul is just straight up awesome.
I don't care if you are vegetarian, vegan, or Ted Nugent. You have to come here just to see how enormous the portions are, how good the food is, and try the desserts too. Not to mention that it's definitely not going to be heavy on the wallet.
The vegan dumplings are awesome - and quite filling. They definitely tasted different than any vegan dumpling I've had elsewhere. I coupled that with the Jade Maki, and barely had room for dinner. There is definitely some magic to the style of food here.
I elected to get the Yin and Yang, which was warned to be spicy. The food was extremely hot - but by hot, I mean temperature. Spiciness was about average for me. I guess I need to learn how to explain to people that "yes, I mean as hot as you can make it", not "As hot as the average diner can handle". This doesn't detract from the flavor - it was still a good meal with good flavor, and I was served quickly, plus the service was polite - definitely a plus. As far as spices, not everyone enjoys a bhut jolokia for being made to sweat, I suppose.
To finish it all off, we elected on a pair of chestnut cookies. All I can say is, try it. I don't think I've ever had a "chestnut cookie" before in my life, and it was very, very different. It tasted like a rice bean paste cookie - it was chewy, sticky, and delish.
I found it quite interesting that they also do a "eat your entire month here" type meal plan, which must be quite interesting for the locals.
Definitely coming back here again. -
Review from Katrina S.
Chicago, IL
5/13/2012
It was a bit further out than I thought but after trying Amitabul all I can say is, it was entirely worth very block. Amitabul is like a shot of wellness - giving yourself a big hug. Everything on the menu is very healthy and balanced. When eating here you know with every bite that you're doing something wonderful for your body and you won't feel crappy of full when you're done.
I had the Yin and Yan with brown rice and we split the dumplings. The dumplings are delicate, tasty and you wouldn't even know they are vegetarian. I enjoy spicy food and the Yin Yan doesn't disappoint. I broke a sweat and the sinuses were cleared! The portions are very generous, the rice is cooked perfectly and the veggies are uber fresh. Everything was flavorlicious. Do yourself and your health a favor and try Amitabul! Don't be put off by the decor - it is - lacking -- but what's crazy is, the food and vibe are so good that I don't care! I wish they were in the city! A friend told me they used to have a location on Southport. Come back! -
Review from Doug B.
Chicago, IL
2/21/2012
Stopped by shortly after the lunch hour to check this neighborhood place out. Thinking of bringing a Vegetarian Guest.
had the Mandoo Vegan Dumpling (12 pc.) over a bed of raw cabbage.
The dumpling skin was thin and soft, difficult for the fork but easy with the chop sticks. The skin was delicate to the taste, in fact, a sensation we enjoyed.
The filling could have been more .... filling, but they were still very good.
We shared the Dark Side of the Moon entree. The brown sauce (Miso) was outstanding and there was so much we stopped eating to have something to bag and bring home. Dinner tonight (at home) will feature the brown sauce. The rice noodles were a bit hard to eat, fork or chop sticks making me wish the entree was served along with small bowls to serve in to. The veggies were cooked just right, could have had a few more of the mushrooms, but overall the taste was really good and that's what we came for.
We'll be back soon as there were several items on the menu we wanted to try. -
Review from John P.
Chicago, IL
2/23/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This is the reason why i love to live in Chicago. A truly unique eatery Korean/Tibetan/Vegan spot that even has a meal program were one of the brothers that will be greeting and waiting on you offers a diagnosis that determines what your body needs.
My fave dish is Dark Side of the Moon it has Heavenly oyster mushroom with shitake mushrooms steamed stirred with mystic Asian veggie noodles all mixed over rice noodle and aged Chef Bill's black bean miso sauce. A perfect place to take a meat lover to show them that vegan food can be delicious. -
Review from James F.
Chicago, IL
2/20/2012
Absolutely worth the effort to get to Amitabul. My wife and I went for dinner on Saturday and tried the soy pancakes and Wolfman's Dream Treat. We enjoyed it so much we went back Sunday for lunch! A word of warning for those sensitive to spicy food because I found even the medium spicy to be pretty hot. My wife, on the other hand, really loves spicy food and thought it was perfect. Don't be deterred though because they will make it as spicy or not as you would like.
I would also recommend the juices/smoothies as they are outstanding.
Lastly, I'll mention that the atmosphere is relaxing and welcoming with friendly staff and patrons. -
Review from Hyun H.
Glenview, IL
2/7/2012
Ok. I am not vegan or vegetarian but I grew up with my very very Buddhist grandparents so 'temple food' ( ) isn't foreign to me. I thought Amitabul was that. It is, I guess, but quite westernized.
I'm not sure if I can consider food from Amitabul to be authentic Korean.
It's more of a fusion, I guess. First of all, no ban chan. I mean.. come on..
We got the Jap Che Bap (maybe it's spelled differently) and the tofu bibim bap. I wasn't impressed at all. They were both pretty bland, and the bibim bap really should have more ingredients. One one expect at LEAST 4 types of different colored veggies in there (usually lightly boiled/tossed spinach, bean sprouts, carrots, fernbrake or potato, lettuce..) and all I saw were some bean sprouts and carrots.
I would possibly give Amitabul another chance, but probably not any time soon. -
Review from Meera R.
Chicago, IL
4/4/2012
Dr. Linda Kinski's cure soup not only tastes fantastic, it really does bring me back to my center and cures what ails me. Call it the vegan equivalent to the best homemade chicken soup you've ever had. Every dish I've tried (and I've been eating at Amitabul for almost 18 years, so I've tried quite a few) seems to posess a magic that is part spice, part freshness, and part spiritual.
Eat here if you like Asian food. Eat here if you like South Indian food. Eat here if you like Ethiopian food. Eat here if you are a vegetarian or vegan. Eat here if you want to try food that will please your palette, please your body, and is good for the planet.
I need my Amitabul's fix every week, and nothing else will do. Quite simply one of my top spots to eat in Chicago. Please Chef Bill, can you move closer to downtown? Please?????? -
Review from Dhruv P.
12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow, who knew this place was just the best? I wouldn't know where to start, except that the food here is just out of this world.
No, its not Alinea or its brethren, but this is home cooked food. Something you could have every other day, and feel good in consuming it. Everything here is pretty much healthy and tasty.
One of the soup is called "Dr. K's Cure All Noodle Soup" and really, I think it might cure your cold. if you ask for it spicy, it will come spicy. I'm Indian and find that saying spicy in most places is medium at best. But here, they give you spicy.
Both there ginger and date teas are good, and I recommend getting one.
The big negative is that its SO out of the way. Apparently, they were on Southport a while back. Not sure why they went up so north, I assume they would have lost lots of walk-ins. And they are closed Monday... always the day when I want it...
And as a aside, don't judge a book by its cover. The interior is 1970s seedy diner. Imagine plastic wood diner table with booths... florescent light, space that looks like a community center, no interesting facade, and a whole lot of other negatives. But I think that's what makes this place so great. Something that most people don't know about, and those that take the time to try it, are tremendously rewarded.
p.s. they accept MemberCard (if you have one), which gives you 2 for 1 deals at many Chicago places.Listed in: Vegetarian Friendly Fare
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Review from Jacqueline S.
Chicago, IL
1/11/2012
Worth the trek! Amazing healthy Korean food. Refreshing to find a vegan restaurant that doesn't rely on faux meat. The heat in the dishes is fantastic. Chef Bill is a lovely guy and the energy at the restaurant is so positive.
Also, the maple cookies are a real treat! -
Review from Shayna N.
Chicago, IL
12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Delicious Vegetarian / Vegan food is available in Chicago, just sometimes it's hard to find.
Amitabul specialized in Vegan KOREAN foods. For a culture known for it's meaty BBQs, who knew Vegan Korean could taste SO GOOD. Everything on the menu is catered towards wellness, rejuvenation and healing. Lots of veggie dishes, soups, rice and noodles.
It's Korean so there's lots of Kimchi and spicy flavors if you want them. My friend and I split a seaweed salad to start (warning, NOT like a Japanese seaweed salad) But super spicy and delicious with seaweed mixed with chunks of tofu and bell peppers.
Then we each got a bowl of soup. The soups are GIGANTIC, think Pho sized but BIGGER. We barely made a dent and took so much home in a doggie bag for later.
I will definitely return. I want to try more of the salads and the BiBimBop. Or if I'm starting to feel a cold coming on, these soups have healing powers! -
Review from Mike G.
Chicago, IL
10/27/2011
First things first, I'm not a vegan or vegetarian. Secondly, going here leaves me with no desire to even have any meat by the time I leave! This place just rocks. I LOVE the pancakes! I stick to the Original and even tried and liked the Spicy Kimchi pancakes last time I had them. We always order the dumplings appetizer. Those are tasty as hell. The tofu miso soup is way better than other miso soups I've had at chain type places. The regular soups on the menu come in a bowl about as big as my head (and that's saying a lot!). I hear the smoothies are great too. By the way, I have never left the restaurant without taking leftovers home, portions are huge and prices are very reasonable. The Owner/staff are extremely friendly. Support your local business!
In summary, the food is great and vegan or not, get your butt in here and try something awesome! -
Review from Tim R.
1/30/2012
I'm definitely not vegan, and I know nothing about Korean food, but this was delicious. I opted for the medium-spiciness version of something amusingly named "Wolfman's Dream Treats" (yeah, I know). It was a huge portion, but not at all heavy. The vegetables all retained some crispiness, and the sauce was delicious. I also tried the kimchi pancakes, also a huge portion -- four large pancakes to an order, which came with a delicious sauce. I left feeling full, but full of good stuff.
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Review from Evelina L.
Chicago, IL
9/27/2011
Just went here for lunch. All of us were not vegan or even vegetarian and really enjoyed it! We were craving something spicy and hearty, now that the weather is starting to turn, and found it at Amitabul.
Only knock - HUGE portions and prices that are not that friendly to an everyday lunch crowd. I really wanted the nirvana soup and decided to try it for the $12. Well, I now have lunch for the next 4 days. Which I totally don't mind, but would rather it be $5-6 and finish it right there and then.
Sort of defeats the purpose of being healthy when you have portions that define what is wrong with America today :)
Will definitely be back though, with more friends to share! -
Review from Harry L.
Chicago, IL
10/8/2011
My wife and I had lunch here today, and I was so impressed that I wanted to Yelp the experience straight away. We had the mandoo with veggies and a side of kimchi to start - each was absolutely superb. The veggies in the mandoo were crisp (i.e. not overcooked) and delicious, and the kimchi was some of the best I've had. For our entrees, my wife had a spicy vegetable soup (Dr. K's Cure All Noodle) - very spicy, loaded with amazing vegetables, noodles, tofu. Wonderful. I had Yin and Yan - rice cakes with vegetables, rice, tons of fresh veggies, and a super-spicy sauce. I also had the ginger-apple juice (very gingery, be warned - if you like that sort of thing like I do, dive in!), and my wife had the Green Heaven, a healthy smoothie with green vegetables and juice.
In addition to the food, the atmosphere was delightful - the artwork and music were very tasteful and appropriate for the mood of the restaurant. The service is top notch (Chef Bill will take your order and help you out with suggestions - he's very cool!).
My highest 5-star review. -
Review from Bryan M.
Chicago, IL
10/23/2011
This place is pretty amazing. I'm a pork lover, and generally don't go crazy over vegetarian food, but I do love noodle soup, so I figured I'd give it a try. The effort was rewarded, as this joint has one of the best versions I've ever had.
I only tried two items, as the portions are ridiculously large. The first was the 9 Ways To Nirvana noodle soup. A 12 year aged Miso broth, noodles and loads of veggies. I'm a pretty picky eater, and the only 2 vegetables I don't like that were in the soup were mushrooms and broccoli (I know, I'm strange). Other than that, once started, I could not stop until there was nothing left of everything else. Insanely good.
The other dish was Tibetan High Noon. Noodles with some sort of awesome, spicy sauce/curry bedazzled with black sesame seeds, and the kinds of vegetables I dig on - green beans, bell peppers, etc... I was really impressed with the depth of flavor in this - it's kind of similar to Pad Thai in makeup, but the flavor in this beats that all to hell.
And as others have noted - I felt like a million dollars while eating this food. I'm not sure how Chef Bill achieves the magic healing powers of the dishes he's crafted, but I can attest that the goodness contained therein most definitely gives you a pleasant buzz. My only complaint is that it's so far North - they need to bring one of these down to Wicker Park! -
Review from Sheila H.
Chicago, IL
11/1/2011
In my opinion, this has got to be the healthiest restaurant in Chicago.
The menu says something like, healing, spiritual, vegan, Buddhist food. Love that!! My husband and I went to Amitabul when we were recovering from having colds and wanted soup. The portions are huge and the food is clean, healthy and delicious. Great service as well. We've decided that we're going to eat here once a week. -
Review from Regina C.
Chicago, IL
1/29/2012
Amazing, worth the trip. Delicious food, huge portions. It's one of my favorite places to eat!
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Review from Jiyoun B.
Chicago, IL
8/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Long before the Korean war and introduction to Western influences, Korean people's main staples were rice and vegetables. Proteins were mainly digested in some form of soy and animal proteins were rarely ingested even by the richest of its societies.
It's hard to imagine this with so many Korean BBQ places representing "Korean cuisine", but mere vegetable and rice probably didn't do much for restaurant's profits.
This place isn't exactly vegan-Korean. The food served here is much different than ones served in a Buddhist temple or any Korean household. It's flavors are strong and hard to categorize. The names of the dishes are hard to be taken seriously but it is good AND good for you. They don't use "fake meat", just lots of tofu, vegetables and noodles/rice. I felt pretty good afterwards as well. -
Review from Kay C.
Chicago, IL
6/26/2011
Love love love this place. Was feeling ill from allergies and overall bleurghness and went with 2 other friends. I had the Dr K spicy soup, my vegetarian friend had the same thing but non spicy, and my meat-loving friend grudgingly chose the bi bim bop (and loved it so much she was scraping the last shredded carrot onto her plate and telling us to shove off) The wonderful owner came and took our order, and when I told him how I was feeling recommended the spicy Dr K cure all soup yumyumyum .. and also one of the homemade blended juice drinks (spinach, mango, bunch of other yumminess)
Still in bliss thinking about this food. Come to think of it... will go back tomorrow actually... yumyumyumyum.. food that feeds my soul :D -
Review from Danielle C.
Chicago, IL
6/28/2011 3 photos
This review is a bit late-I come here so often that I never thought to even write a review on it. My family and I have been coming here since day 1 of the opening on Milwaukee/Devon.
Every single dish on this menu is amazing--whether you're vegan/vegetarian or non-veg....you must give this place a try. Each dish can be tailored to whatever 'heat level' you'd like. The atmosphere is relaxing and casual, and it's byob (no cork fee).
No negatives to list whatsoever! :) -
Review from Molly W.
Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL
9/11/2011
Experience: The vibe of the place is cozy and easy. Pleasant low music in the background. The service was very friendly and prompt. When we got there around 6pm, there was only one other table, but in the next 30min, 4 more groups arrived, and the service was attentive the whole time.
Drink: I ordered a cold green tea, but the server recommended I try a ginger citrus blend instead. I wish I had stuck with the green tea just because it is more my flavor. My bf, however, liked the sweetness of the citrus tea.
Food: I recommend you order the tofu miso soup--this place uses zucchini slivers as noodles, and the soup is very tasty. My bf and I shared the vegan mandoo dumpling starters. They were pretty much gone as soon as they arrived at our table. Nothing blow-my-mind spectacular, but good nonetheless. As our mains, we shared the dark side of the moon and the spicy kimchi tofu noodle plate. We both much preferred the kimchi tofu noodle dish over the dark side of the moon, which did not have much flavor. The tofu dish has a great level of heat and flavor. The sauce was DELISH. Next time, we will probably skip the second main dish and just order the soup, dumplings, and kimchi tofu noodles. The main dishes are a very good size-- you only need one dish to share between 2 people (even for big eaters, like us). -
Review from Sophia T.
6/9/2011
Look, I love Korean food and thought I would never taste kimchi again. Lo and behold vegan Korean. Brilliant!!!!!!!!!
did i mention I LOVE KIMCHI and i could eat truck loads of it here. I had the pancakes (my memory is so awful) and other stuff. all in all a nice atmosphere and delish food. it's quite a trek and public transport is a bitch. if you bike and feel like a field trip or live nearby or have a (gasp) car, I would go. otherwise, i would reserve for uncontrollable kimchi cravings.Listed in: Yay Vegan
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Review from Ryan C.
1/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ask me where I want to go out to eat and the answer of "anything vegan" will never come out of my mouth. OK, so I like meat. However, I'm starting to appreciate vegetarian/vegan dishes more.
Recommend: Tibetan High Noon or Amitabul Energy Nut. The soups are good, but I'd rather stick with the noodle dishes. The High Noon came "mildly" spicy. I like spicy foods and found it to be great. If you are not so much on spicy, take it down a notch. You have the option to. The Energy Nut wasn't as spicy, but still good.
The portions are rather large at it's possible that two people can eat off one plate. The veggies are cooked perfectly...not too crunchy and not to soft. I do question how such simple ingredients could taste soo good? The tea...get a glass...trust me. The tea is wonderful.
This isn't a swank place and the location isn't exactly ideal. However it is worth the effort on getting out there. -
Review from Isla E.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/8/2011
Another stellar meal from Amitabul, this time take-out. I got Energy Soup because I've generally been feeling drained and angry. It's all my coworker's fault, but that is beside the point. But really, it's his fault. And I have zero compassion.
Thank goodness for Amitabul! I've really been so angry I've been eating things out of character for me, like lots of candy and I kind of wanted a burger. After eating my energy soup I feel like I can have a relaxing evening and a lovely Sunday and return to work and more effectively handle this issue. Even if it's psychosomatic; it works.
The quality and portions of our out order were on par with eating in. And the food was packed really well, no leakage in the car. Thank you, Chef Bill! I can't wait until the next time I get to eat your special food again!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/9/2010
I wish I could give 10 stars. Bless Chef Bill for not overcooking the vegetables. This may be the… Read more »
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Review from donna p.
Chicago, IL
3/20/2011
My boyfriend and I went here for an early Friday night dinner. He ordered Kimchi soup and I got Chap Chae. The soup was super super spicy, and we ordered it super super spicy so that was good. My chop che was awesome. I want it right now and am wishing they were open on a Sunday, and way closer to my house.
There was a group of middle aged teachers at the table next to us that were SUPER LOUD and very excited about reading the entire menu out lout to each other. We should have asked to move tables, but I was not distracted by this gaggle of annoying women because my food was so awesome I could not stop putting it in my mouth hole.
Totally out of the way, totally worth it. -
Review from Lena M.
Chicago, IL
3/6/2011
I really wanted to like it. I was feeling under the weather, and decided to give Amitabul another try. I had only been here once before, many years ago. All I remembered was that I wasn't impressed.
Well, my memory was correct.
The dumplings were awful. They tasted like they'd been frozen, not fresh. They were served over raw cabbage with no dipping sauce. Every one of them fell apart as we picked them up. I was only able to eat them by covering them in the yummy hot sauce, which is on the tables.
I had the Cure-All soup. The Shiitake mushrooms were the only part of the soup I enjoyed. I found myself digging around the bowl trying to find them like hidden treasures. The noodles were cheap ramen, and the rest of the veggies also had that frozen, gummy taste & texture.
I'd hate to think of someone giving vegan food a try, & thinking that this is typical of vegan dining. I like spicy food, but all the hot sauce in the restaurant could not hide that this was not fresh food. I hope this changes, because I would give them another chance if so. The service was polite & friendly, and the restaurant was casual & cozy, with a relaxing atmosphere. Also, they are BYOB, which is a plus in my book. -
Review from Congeniality i.
Oak Park, IL
12/13/2011
The setting of this place is very gloomy. The outside is gloomy and the inside is a once green-tea green that had been faded, cracked, and chipped. The posters are faded.There are printer papers with sayings on them on walls, taped, faded ink and ripped up. We went as a group and the place was so quiet there (there were people) my friends and I barley talked. We went for some coffee afterwards to talk but man, that place is depressing. Did I mention the soups are bigger than your head? Tasty but huge. Also the dumplings were tasty but fell apart as I was trying to eat them. I try really hard not to remember, but every now and then when I see Korean food, in my mind: Amitabul.
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Review from Sarah M.
Skokie, IL
2/16/2011
Mmmm. As I'm already thinking about my leftovers from Amitabul from dinner last night, I figured I'd pay Yelp a visit. The carnivore boyfriend decided to treat lil ol' vegetarian me to a dinner out. He had read about Amitabul and was open to going. Me, not to turn down a vegan restaurant visit, especially when offered by the carnivore, I jumped at the offer.
We went at about 5:30pm on a Tuesday. We were definitely the only people there. However, it was nice and quiet. The restaurant itself reminds me of greasy spoon diner meets vegan buddhist art. It is a bit out of the way if you live in the city, but worth the trip. Street parking was ample.
But lets get to the food. I love being able to eat anything on the menu. I selected the Amitabul Energy Nut (which, to my non-spicy food eating self, could be made mild, thank you so much!!). My spicy-food eating carnivore went with the Yin and Yan. Both looked absolutely stellar when they arrived and tasted just the same. The portions are huge (we both had leftovers) and the prices are great for the portion size. Chef Bill aka owner Bill aka server Bill was great. Being that we were the only people there, one could think he might get bored and want to harp on us. He left us to eat, checked in a couple times to see if we were enjoying our food, and gave us a wave when we left. I love this place. LOVE. The tea was good, the juices (homemade!) were good. Food was beyond good. Can't wait to dive into my lunch leftovers later today. -
Review from Xixi C.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2011
A friend of mine told me I HAD to go to this place. I wasn't not disappointed. I ordered the Buddha's 3 Luck. So yummy and so fresh. They are extremely generous with the quality as well as the quantity of their food. It's absolutely amazing. Their flavors are very intricate.
Everything is freshly made, including the soy sauce and the red hot sauce! You have to give it a try even if you are not vegan. I give my 2 thumbs up! -
Review from Ali H.
11/24/2010
Yum yum yum. That's a triple yum! Wow. I felt great after leaving this place; very similar to how I felt after leaving the thursday night buffet at the dragon lady. We're talking about FRESH food at its best... crisp veggies in tasty, and spicy, sauces and soups, some tempeh or tofu here or there, and the best cup of tea I can remember in a long time (we had both the ginger and the date... I enjoyed the ginger but it was pretty zingy and intense; the date was amazing). Prices are totally reasonable and the servings are HUGE. The two of us got a bowl of soup and a veggie dish and were able to consume, at most, half of what was in front of us. Next time we will only get one thing (although the leftovers were great anyway...hmmm).
Free, ample street parking. The location is a little weird and the ambiance...well...let's just say that I suspect the last tenants may have been a denny's franchise. But honestly, it didn't matter. I want to go here every night, especially if I'm sick. Finally a restaurant you can go to and really feel good about what you're putting in your body. Plus it tastes great! If you like this place, you should definitely check out the vegan buffet at the dragon lady. -
Review from Liz C.
Lincolnshire, IL
10/27/2011
I might just become vegan after eating here! I loved it!
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Review from Kiarash Z.
Lima, OH
4/23/2007 ROTD 11/30/2007
Amitabul was my first vegan dining experience, and I loved it.
Two friends and I ordered three entrees and a spring roll appetizer, and it was all delicious.
My Dark Side of the Moon was yummy, even if the noodles were crazy slippery and next to impossible to grip with chopsticks.
The oddly written menus left me puzzled, and the mantras on the walls induced giggling, but that's really part of the charm.
The prices were great, and the service was prompt and friendly. I only wish it were closer to Logan Square.Listed in: KZ's favorite eats, When vegeterian bands visit…
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Review from Jami K.
Chicago, IL
11/5/2006
I went here for the first time last night and I was amazed.
First of I was amazed cause I used to drive right past this place at least once a week for six months and I never knew that it was there.
Second was that the location is not in an area where you expect to find a restaurant that serves delicious food, let alone delicious vegetarian food.
Third, every other person who came into this place was greeted by name...
Okay, so I was really indecisive about what I wanted to get, luckily they had a combo platter which included my choice of tea, soup and desert, plus a surprise entree. Perfect! I could make some small decisions and leave the main one up to the chef.
What I got was a kind of kimchee inspired meal...it had sooooo many vegetables and rice noodles. I thought the serving size was a bit big, but since it was so good and almost all vegetables I ate the whole thing. Mmmmmm....
My boyfriend got a sweet curry dish...I tried it and it was also tasty and sweet and had lots and lots of fruit in it...very good.
I saw other people order soup, and that makes me want to get soup the next time I come in there.
I want to go back already.Listed in: Veggies in Paradise!
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Review from matt b.
Chicago, IL
11/19/2008
Reason to go: The "Cure All" Soup. This thing is incredible, hot, spicy, full of delicious mushrooms, vegetables, and chewy noodles.
Conversation behind me: "oh that's too spicy. no that's too spicy. what should we get. [ asks guy what to get ]"... 15 minutes later. "SO WHERE DID YOU GO TO SHAMAN SCHOOL?"... few minutes later "it's the frequency of the ospital lobe. osbital? orbistal. you can heal it from anywhere". 10 minutes later "the problem is the guy goes to the doctor too much"... 5 minutes later "obahma.. [ something something conspiracy ]"...
Summary: also, get the "amitabul classic pancakes" too.
ps. Be prepared to take food home. -
Review from Liz M.
Chicago, IL
6/7/2008
If you are a "meat and potato" loving person, this is NOT your place.
This is a Korean owned Vegan restaurant...it is more Vegan cuisine than traditional Korean cuisine.
It's good, it used to be better. Which is sad.
The portions used to be much bigger and tastier.
It's very close to my house, which is worth a star.
When I'm in the mood for a good healthy, meat-less, spicy soup, I go here, but it is becoming less and less as there are much tastier Vegan places opening up.
I do like their soups and they have a Ginger-Citron tea, I really like.Listed in: My Northwest Side Neighborhood
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Review from Jack P.
9/30/2008
Well, now I have a new spot for lunch on my airport runs. Me vegan mate Thomas asked me to take us to lunch before I dropped him off at O'Hare for a flight to London. So I took the opportunity to go to Amitabul, which is just down the street from the very un-vegan Superdawg. My first question, though, is why would a vegan place be called A-Meat-A-Bul, and not A-Veg-ta-Bul?
Our lunch was fantastic. We ordered date tea and ginger tea, which were both quite the taste bud fiesta, and very warming and assuring on a cool afternoon. We ordered the dumplings or "pot stickers", the miso soup, a curried veggie mixture with nuts and mushrooms, and the mushroom bi bim bop. Now I am not a vegan, but I enjoy a great combination of flavors, and none of these dishes disappointed. Ordering the medium "heat" was perfect. It took me to the edge of my heat threshold without destroying flavors. I cannot wait to have the mushroom bi bim bop again. I did get to taste Thomas' "flu soup", their famous antidote to that illness. Great soup, but again the nomenclature. If pea soup, is made from peas, and carrot soup is made from carrots...well you catch my drift. But I would come here for the flu or the miso.
We had no issues with service. It was reliable and gracious. The decor is a real hoot, however. You can tell that they took over an old coffee shop, and then sent someone out to a few local yard sales to pick up just the right items to achieve that Goodwill haphazard style. There is a table in the front with graduation pics from the 60's and 70's, a really handsome hippie, and other characters who just could not be family members. It's like carrying around the pics you get in the wallet instead of putting in your own. The walls have some actual Asian graphics, and above our table was a shot of The Dalai Lama with Richard Gere. (I am guessing it was NOT taken there at the restaurant). No-one could accuse these folks of not being original. I love it!
I do have to address this phenomenon of mixing religion and cuisine, which only seems prevalent with vegan/vegetarian places. Soul food vegetarian, Victory's Banner, and Amitabul all have this religious or spiritual component. At Amitabul, its Buddhism. There is even a buddhist item on the menu-a type of service, I think. Anyone know of a good Episcopalian dive? -
Review from tracy f.
Chicago, IL
9/27/2009
Amitabul is not your typical vegan resturant. There are no mock meats and the food is veggie, not tofu, based. These dishes are fresh and exciting, too good and too generous not to share. The flavors are complex and beautiful and loaded with fresh exciting vegetables and herbs to make a body feel good. I usually do takeout, but I've brought everyone I know here and we always leave happy.
Favorites: The Dark Side of the Moon is an amazing noodle dish and Steve's Super Shitake Wonder Noodle Soup is huge and ridiculously filling. It's packed with big, beautiful mushrooms, chewy rice cakes and plenty of vegetables. The Korean Soy Pancakes come with a mind-blowing aged miso sauce; between the veggies, texture and the sauces I think it's probably the perfect dish.
Oh! And Dr. K's Wonder Noodle Soup! It really does cure hangovers! In fact, it cleans out your whole system - so be prepared for that :)Listed in: Vegan Chicago!
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Review from Erick R.
Cook, IL
4/8/2011
If you know me, there's no doubt that a vegan place would be the last place I would ever recommend. I like meat - a lot. I read the reviews of Amitable on Yelp and it intrigued me. It came up #1 for "healthy food" in my area. So I gave it a try.
I was very impressed. On recommendation of other Yelpers, I ordered the Energy Maki Roll to start and it was delicious. The hot sauce was great. The roll was crunchy and had lots of hidden flavor explosions.
I ordered the Wolfman's Dream Treats, and the chef immediately expressed his approval. I got them Spicy, and was not disappointed. The veggies were delicious and the sauce was awesome. The flavor of the dish was very complex and satisfying.
My wife ordered the Maha Pyogo and enjoyed it very much. Both of us filled up and there was still more to bring home with us. Excellent place, we will be returning. -
Review from James Allan F.
Chicago, IL
8/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
It had been years since my last trip to Amitabul. The prices seemed a tad bit higher; but the food was just as tasty and the portions just as plentiful as I remembered. I don't know why my dish was called Wolfman's Dream Treats but I will dream about it until I return. Also on the table: Dark Side of Moon and Seaweed Veggie Salad. DSM was an ink colored noodle delight and the salad kept demanding a return trip even after the main dishes arrived. If all vegan meals were this good, I might consider giving up meat!
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Review from Mel A.
Chicago, IL
8/5/2008
1st off... call before you go... verify they are open... they seem to close at a whim. 2nd the decor is lacking but it's about the AMAZING food anyway. 3rd waitstaff can be a bit stand-offish until you've been there a few times... but again... it's about the AMAZING food. 4th if the menu says it is spicy... it is.... do not be fooled... prepare for sweating and nose running.
I despise mushrooms-as in dry heave. The 1st meal I had there had mushrooms in it (most dishes do)but I planned to flick them to my friends plate (who loves mushrooms.) I did try one since this restaurant was a new experience for me. I have no idea what type of mushrooms they use... but they tasted great-texture perfect... to my friends dismay since he was looking forward to extra shrooms. I actually called my little brother after wards to brag of my mushroom eating. The 1st thing he asked was "What?! No dry heaving?!" Nope ;-) We had soy pancakes as an appetizer which is a meal in itself... they have grated veggies in them! I have also had Dr. K's soup. So good! sorry I can not remember all the names of items I have had... but I have not been disappointed!Listed in: Favorite Restaurants
