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 try corn-and-potato enchiladas, seitan marsala, and shiitake mushroom gravy in a low-pressure, comfortable environment. The entrees are just pricey enough to make it a stop that's best made as a duo or group.

Brunch at Blind Faith is enjoyable, too. Try the whole grain blueberry pancakes and the oven-roasted potatoes. The only occasional downside is the silly smooth jazz that plays over the loudspeakers, but the delicious food and delightful, plant-filled space make it easy to ignore. Give the organic wines and beers a try. 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