5 new things to try at Lollapalooza
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Vegetarian kung pao beef from Vegan Plate at Lollapalooza. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Lollapalooza has long offered beer and meaty Chicago favorites, but vegetarians and teetotalers sometimes faced slim pickins.
What's happening: This year the fest has launched Plant Base, Vibes Village and a House of Dunkin', where I tried some hits and misses.
The food: Kung pao "beef" ($18) and sweet chili gyoza ($10) from Lincoln Park's Vegan Plate Chicago in Plant Base.
The verdict: This fiery, delicious dish could feed two and fool most into thinking it's real beef. Skip the overly sweet gyoza.
The food: Plant-based crab rangoon with a sweet dipping sauce ($13) from Edgewater's Alice & Friends.
The verdict: A creamy, crunchy, tasty delight.
The food: Soy chorizo, cauliflower al pastor and mushroom tacos from Penelope's Vegan Taqueria in Andersonville ($19).
The verdict: Stick with the full-flavored mushroom taco, and skip the other two mushy offerings.
The food: Combo plate from Chatham's Soul Veg City ($15).
The verdict: Skip the seitan rib tips and gyros, and see if they'll sell you a plate of their fabulous vegan mac & cheese, which goes beautifully with the sautéed kale.
The drinks: Free iced coffee showcasing new flavors like s'mores, a chocolatey "remix" and butter pecan from House of Dunkin', located in a building east of Buckingham Fountain, where you can chill, get airbrushed tattoos and make bracelets while sipping your drink.
The verdict: I usually drink unsweetened iced coffee, but can see the appeal of the fragrant, marshmallowy s'mores blend, and I really enjoyed the slightly sweet "remix."
- If you can endure the line, this is a great spot to recharge and cool down.
Bonus: The new Plant Base area of the fest abuts the Sober Side tent where mocktails are offered.
- You can hear the EDM stage perfectly from here and dance while you're eating and drinking.