Native Foods Cafe

Oh Native foods...Where were you when I was a vegetarian for years and years?

Even though I am no longer a vegetarian this place and their "meat substitute" stuff rocks!

Okay so ordering was a bit confusing because there were a lot of options and I didn't understand this native meat thing. Basically it is this vegetarian/vegan mixture that really tastes a bit like ground beef...but it is not I swear. I really don't know if it is soy based or tofu but it is delish!

I ordered a taco salad and WOW it was huge!! So at first I was like what is this brown stuff....but wow the native "meat" is really good. Everything was so fresh especially the avocado...yum. Not only is the food great but they have free refills on their really really yummy fruit drinks...no no not sugary fruit drinks but refreshing drinks...I had the watermelon fresca and well let's just say I got my refills worth! ;-)

Even though there are so many great places around the area...this place definitely sticks out...especially if you are a vegetarian or in an organic food frenzy.

I love Native Foods! Please start a chain in NYC - you won't regret it!

I hadn't been to Native Foods since a visit to LA nearly 8 years ago, so I was super happy to discover that Native Foods has since opened locations in Chicago. I really should have gotten one of their famous bowls, which are hearty, healthy, and tasty, but I just could not turn down the sandwich of the day - the Oklahoma burger. Huge burger with a free side for only $10 - deal! The burger came with deep fried pickles, which was a nice twist, and ranch dressing - which I found to be a big disappointment (very sweet, with an odd pureed tofu, chunky texture). I asked for some barbecue sauce instead but found that to also be weird - sweet, chunky, ketchup-like sauce not at all resembling BBQ sauce. Note to self: order Native Foods Burgers but bring own sauce from home. Given the enormity of this sandwich, I decided to go with the side of steamed kale to balance it out. Definitely steamed and healthy but totally lacking in flavor. I don't think there was any oil, salt, or sauce added.

My friend ordered the Moroccon bowl with quinoa, veggies, and vegan chicken, which was excellent. Huge bowl with lots of different textures, colors, and flavors. He's not even vegetarian but he loved it and told me he will be back regularly to eat there.

For dessert, I went with the chocolate brownie, which was incredible. I had a few bites there but saved the rest for the next day, when it was equally moist and tasty. I should have bought 4 of them!

I'm in love with Native Foods Cafe.  I haven't tried one thing I didn't love.  Rockin' Moroccan, Ensalada Azteca, amazing sweet potato fries, and delicious Watermelon Fresca.  The staff is all super friendly and helpful.  Gluten free options listed right on the menu!  Yay!!