Seemor
HandlebarB+Worth Trying
2311 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
· Vegetarian restaurant, Bar, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (2542 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative vegetarian comfort food with a punk-bar vibe and strong vegan options; great flavors and portions, but expect loud music and occasionally uneven service.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Handlebar earns its grade through strong food quality and appealing patio setting, delivering cravable vegan comfort dishes and fair pricing that resonate with regulars. However, inconsistent execution—occasional burnt items and seasoning lapses on busy nights—and uneven service reliability prevent higher standing. A worthwhile neighborhood destination for brunch and creative vegetarian fare, though not yet a premier dining destination.
Restaurant Summary
Walls flecked with stickers, a long bar humming, and a buzzing patio set the tone for a night that feels loud and lively. Service swings from warmly attentive to distracted, but when it clicks, the room feels warm and bustling. Many regulars rave about a house Bloody Mary that tastes like brunch heroism in a glass, and one diner called the vegan spread cravable bar food. The cooking leans inventive and hearty rather than spa-like—think Nashville hot mushrooms, chili mac, cashew queso, and guajillo sauces. The culinary approach leans contemporary comfort with global accents: creative vegan swaps and cross-cultural sauces instead of white-tablecloth theatrics. Portions are generous, prices fair for the neighborhood, though a few plates run salty or over-fried on off nights. For families, the back patio earns praise, and there are true kid-friendly anchors—grilled cheese and fries, mac, fruit cup—plus tacos and burritos that can be simplified. That said, the room can be very loud at peak times, and picky eaters may prefer simpler items over spicier, saucier specials.
At a Glance
- Extensive vegan options with easy swaps across the menu
- Generous portions and fair pricing for Wicker Park
- Very loud music and tight space during peak hours
- Inconsistent fry/seasoning reported on busy nights
- Occasional cleanliness/service hiccups noted (isolated hair-in-food, slow checks)
What Sets It Apart
- Vegan comfort classics executed like bar food
- Lively punk-bar ambiance with back patio
- Strong brunch and Bloody Mary reputation
What People Love
- Bold vegan comfort flavors that feel indulgent
- A Bloody Mary that anchors brunch
- Back patio hangouts when weather allows
- Specials that keep regulars returning
Points of Concern
- Noise can be very high; not ideal for quiet conversation
- Service pacing varies; long waits at peak times
- A few cleanliness incidents and manager-attitude complaints
- Frying/seasoning inconsistency on items like cauliflower and tacos
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$30-40 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For gluten-avoiders, favor tofu-based items over seitan-heavy dishes
- Ask for vegan cashew queso or dairy queso preferences to match richness
- Order dressing on the side for salads to control heaviness
Perfect For
- Brunch with vegan and non-vegan friends
- Casual weeknight comfort-food craving
- Pre-bar meetup with hearty plates
- Out-of-town guests who want fun vegan Chicago eats
Location Insights
Area: Trendy, creative neighborhood with bars, indie shops, and a youthful dining crowd.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; late-night bar energy common.
Nearby: Near Milwaukee/North/Damen corridor; nightlife and shopping hub; strong weekend brunch scene.
Humboldt ParkHumboldt Park offers a vibrant dining scene with a strong presence of Puerto Rican and Latin American cuisine alongside trendy cafes and gastropubs. The neighborhood has a community-oriented feel with a blend of historic and modern influences, attracting both locals and visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences.
West Humboldt ParkWest Humboldt Park is characterized by its strong Puerto Rican cultural identity, with many traditional eateries and community events reflecting this heritage. The area is more residential and less commercial but remains an important cultural hub within Humboldt Park.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–00:00
Tuesday10:00–00:00
Wednesday10:00–00:00
Thursday10:00–00:00
Friday10:00–00:00
Saturday09:00–00:00
Sunday09:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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