"Just like how DARE called marijuana a gateway drug back in the 90s, we’re calling Bloom a gateway restaurant. The vegan food at this Wicker Park spot is so good, it has the power to become anyone’s favorite restaurant, whether they eat exclusively plant-based or not. The menu is full of complex, vegetable-focused hits. Like the banana blossom-filled tamal topped with a rich mole, mushroom asada tacos, and yucca gnocchi that we’re praying never comes off the menu. There’s a long list of vegan cocktails (the pisco sour uses soy protein instead of egg white), everything is gluten-free, and the restaurant is full of groups having what appears to be a great time. After a trip here you’ll be planting a rooftop garden complete with a beehive in no time." - sam faye, adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor