Liberation Kitchen

"Liberation Kitchen is a vegan cafe that specializes in donuts, but—vegan or not—these are just excellent donuts. They’re cake-based, not at all dense (which can happen with vegan baked goods), and perfectly fried until just crispy. Our favorite donut is the For Greta—a plain cake donut filled with vegan whipped cream, and topped with vanilla glaze and fresh strawberries. We also really like the Sanctuary (bruléed sugar and pineapples) and the Kindness, which has a maple glaze and spiced chocolate crumbs." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen

"Formerly Upton’s Breakroom, the café wing of the vegan meat company Upton’s Naturals, sunny Liberation Kitchen serves beloved sandwiches, bowls and donuts while also now acting as a rotating incubator space for new plant-based food companies. The lovely togarashi bowl, with baked tofu and crisp veggies, is spa food at its finest. They also run a ghost kitchen in Lincoln Park for delivery and carryout for hot dogs and more." - Marla Rose, Eater Staff

"The quest for a vegan hot dog is one that comes with much peril. The sausage needs the right texture and cooked properly. The bun is also not an easy feat to execute. Upton’s Naturals, the vegan food company, knows this and has applied their commitment to quality at their restaurant, Liberation Kitchen. The Chicago-style Updog is almost a perfect copy of the original hot dog, and the toppings are expertly applied. For a true “dragged through the garden” experience, order online. This isn’t just for vegans. Omnivores looking to reduce their meat consumption would be wise to enjoy." - Ashok Selvam

"Liberation Kitchen is a vegan cafe that specializes in donuts, but—vegan or not—these are just excellent donuts. They’re cake-based, not at all dense (which can happen with vegan baked goods), and perfectly fried until just crispy. Our favorite donut is the For Greta—a plain cake donut filled with vegan whipped cream, and topped with vanilla glaze and fresh strawberries. We also really like the Sanctuary (bruléed sugar and pineapples) and the Kindness, which has a maple glaze and spiced chocolate crumbs. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

"Upton’s Breakroom is the vegan cafe connected to Upton’s Naturals, a homegrown manufacturer of seitan products available nationwide. It also just so happens to be the closest lunch spot to our studio. Everything on their menu is 100% vegan – not there’s anything wrong with that. We are unabashed meatlovers, but every now and then a Togarashi Bowl (baked tofu, grilled kale, carrots, pickled radish, scallion, shredded seaweed, sesame seeds over purple rice with a lemon tahini miso dressing) really hits the spot. And the café gets bonus points for its airy, minimal aesthetic." - Potluck Creative