Native Foods Cafe is a paradise for the healthy and special-needs eater, and especially for vegans. Originally founded in California, Native Foods Cafe is a “chef-crafted vegan restaurant serving homemade, fresh food.” The entire menu is 100% plant-based, and the menu offers a great deal of gluten-free, dairy-free, and organic options. The restaurant also offers cooking demos and community days if you’re in town for awhile!
Lyfe Kitchen is the healthy traveler’s haven. Located amongst a multitude of hotels and hot spots, Lyfe Kitchen is a healthy fast-casual concept driven by the idea that delicious food doesn’t need to be hidden behind extra fat, sugar, and preservatives.
A go-to destination for much of the business set thanks to its numerous convenient downtown locations, the so-called uber sandwich makers offer homemade, whole grain breads and pretzel buns baked fresh and topped with exceptional ingredients (everything is certified organic!), and crafted flavor combinations.
FoodEase is a gourmet market-restaurant that offers the option to sit-and-eat or take your creations to go. Nearly everything is locally sourced and/or organic (with local produce available for purchase), and they offer prepared foods made by local celebrity chefs and artisan restaurants.
Vora is a little hidden Chicago treasure of culinary options from the East. Complimenting the emphasis on “Simple, Healthy, Delicious” (the restaurant’s tagline), everything is made to order, enabling one to tailor their choices to dietary needs or preferences.
Lakefront Trail is the path of choice for Chicagoans living anywhere near the lakefront or those that have a long run planned. Completely free to users, the Lakefront Trail (LFT) follows the Lake Michigan waterfront 9 miles north and south of Navy Pier.
Plum Market is a gourmet, personable, full-service shopping experience that combines the selection of a large grocery store franchise with the principles of “Think local, eat local, shop local.” Produce is always fresh and locally sourced and organic where possible. the butchery features all-natural hormone and antibiotic free meats, and fishmonger selections are delivered daily with an emphasis on sustainability.
If you enjoy eating healthful but exceptionally delicious food that is seasonally inspired and delicately prepared with an emphasis on fresh, clean flavors, all while in an elegant, upscale but comfortable environment, then Seasons 52 is the restaurant of choice for you. Perfect for a date, a solo dinner at the bar, a business meeting, or a party, Seasons 52 caters to all who want to go to dinner and be taken care of, but do not want to have to decipher a menu or feel talked down to.
CorePower Yoga is a fantastic option for the traveler in need of a yoga fix. With 19 studio locations in Metro Chicago, it’s easy to find a class nearby! Based off of Vinyasa Flow, the studio offers three levels of yoga classes.
One of the very few publicly accessible running tracks in the downtown area–this is a true essential for runners, crossfitters, and leisure exercisers alike during the summer months.
