The Midwest's oldest and largest vegetarian place has an unusual knack for flavoring its food, which runs the gamut of global styles. This spacious cafe and bakery looks like a greasy spoon but offers loftier food that's extremely healthy. Since 1979, Blind Faith Cafe has specialized in innovative, internationally inspired vegan and vegetarian delights for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Don't come in expecting the usual garden burgers or tortillas brimming with cheese and refried beans. Instead enjoy dishes like quinoa mango salad, seitan marsala, and lemon grass rice bowls ($11-$14) in a low-pressure, comfortable environment.

Brunch at Blind Faith is enjoyable, too. Try the whole grain blueberry pancakes, french toast flambe or roasted red pepper and potato fritatta. Give the organic wines and beers a try, too. The adjacent bakery makes it easy to pop in for breads, pastries and other goodies, made from organic flours, honey, sugar and maple syrup, of course.

Average cost: $10-$20