Nicky's of Beverly

Nicky’s of Beverly grows its vegan customers base with its Big Baby | Eater Chicago

"I noted that Nicky’s of Beverly is not a vegan restaurant. Since 1997 and across two locations (it moved three years ago to 105th Street and Western), chef-owner Paul Kostopanagiotou has built a formidable following of carnivorous and plant-based eaters alike; his fast-casual neighborhood spot bills itself as “elevated street food” and has a massive menu featuring salads, smoked brisket, filet mignon sliders, Nashville hot chicken, a lobster roll, and Nicky’s version of the Big Baby—an underrated Chicago classic with twin beef patties, cheese, grilled onions, and ketchup, mustard, and pickles slid under the patties. Kostopanagiotou has deliberately grown the vegan category (close to two dozen vegan items), offering things like a vegan shrimp po' boy, vegan nachos, vegan Buffalo chicken salad, a vegan banh mi, coconut milk–based peanut butter gelato, and a vegan shake, and on World Vegan Day (Friday, November 1) will serve a vegan Big Baby with Beyond Meat patties and Daiya dairy-free cheddar; a portion of proceeds from vegan menu items that day will be donated to Tiny Hooves Sanctuary. The restaurant also features weekday happy hour, live music, and a gelato bar." - Adam Rothbarth