SNAP food assistance for people and families across the Chicago area was delayed and reduced by the Trump administration amid the government shutdown. Now that the government has reopened, full benefits are expected to restored for all by Nov. 20.
Some Chicago restaurants are stepping in to feed their neighbors. Below is a list of restaurants offering free and discounted food. Many will ask you to present a SNAP card.
Chicago restaurants
B’Gab’s Vegan Kitchen: From Wednesday to Saturday, the Hyde Park restaurant at 1450 E. 57th St. is serving 100 free meals each day to those in need.
Canton Regio: The Pilsen restaurant at 1510 W. 18th St. is giving away free roasted chickens for SNAP recipients every Tuesday.
CheSa’s Bistro and Bar: The restaurant at 3235 W. Addison St. is providing free meals from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Tuesday.
Edgebrook Coffee Shop: Neighbors can show their SNAP card to get a free bacon and pancake breakfast at this North Side coffee shop located at 6322 N. Central Ave.
Harold’s Chicken No. 34: The Bronzeville location of Chicago’s premier fried chicken joint is offering a free quarter dark meat meal every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.
Kale My Name: The plant-based restaurant at 3300 W. Montrose Ave. in Albany Park is offering free meals for those in need between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. every day.
Lou Malnati’s: Lawndale Community Church has partnered up with the pizza restaurant at 3859 W. Ogden Ave. to offer coupons for $10 pizza through Nov. 16.
Manny’s Delicatessen: The iconic deli at 1141 S. Jefferson St. is giving away food to the first 300 SNAP recipients The meal includes a sandwich, a potato pancake, pickles and a soft drink. The restaurant has organized a GoFundMe to support the effort.
October Cafe: SNAP recipients can receive a free meal every day between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at 6046 N. Avondale Ave. in Norwood Park through November.
Paulie Gee’s: Children whose families’ SNAP benefits have been frozen can get a free kid-sized cheese pizza at 2651 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria: Children and expectant mothers can enjoy a free meal from all three locations of the vegan Mexican restaurant until SNAP is restored.
Ponce Restaurant: The Puerto Rican eatery is offering 200 free meals on a first-come, first-served basis, to be distributed at the intersection of Wrightwood and Kostner on Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.
R Public House: This restaurant is offering free family-sized take-out meals for anyone in need. Neighbors can enjoy a dinner that includes chicken quarters, cabbage, yellow carrots and potatoes by stopping in at 1508 W. Jarvis Ave.
R&A Sourdough: Any family that has lost their SNAP benefits can eat a free breakfast at either of their locations in Ravenswood, at 1938 W. Lawrence Ave., or River West at 942 W. Huron St.
Smack Dab Chi: Every first Wednesday of the month, the Rogers Park cafe located at 6730 N. Clark St. hosts a free community dinner. The next one is scheduled for Dec. 3, but in the meantime, people in need can request a free meal consisting of a classic sandwich with a regular pastry and drink.
Soul Food Lounge: The North Lawndale restaurant at 3804 W. 16th St. will offer a free lunch every Tuesday from noon to 3 p.m.
Soul Veg City: On select days through November, this vegan restaurant, deli and juice bar at 205 E. 75th St. will be giving away free fruits, vegetables and dry goods from 3 p.m. until they run out. The first giveaway happens Friday.
Spoken Cafe: Every Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., this Ravenswood cafe at 1812 W. Montrose Ave. will host a community supper in a pay-what-you-can format.
The StopAlong: Get a free 16” pizza through Nov. 16 by showing a SNAP card and a valid ID at 2210 N. California Ave. in Logan Square and 1812 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park.
Suburban restaurants
Bobby’s Eastside, Forest Park: Every week, the suburban cocktail bar and grill will offer a free blue-plate special for those who lost their SNAP benefits. The restaurant is also offering a 10% discount for those going without pay due to the government shutdown.
Cantina 52, Crystal Lake: Individuals and families who lost their SNAP benefits can send the suburban restaurant at 52 Brink St. a direct message on Instagram to inquire about a free meal.
The Huntley Dairy Mart, Huntley: This community staple, best known for its soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes and hamburgers, is offering a free hot meal at 10706 N., 10706 IL-47 upon presentation of a SNAP card.
JJ Fish & Chicken, Maywood: Neighbors who lost their SNAP benefits can visit the restaurant at 917 Roosevelt Rd. and ask for the community plate meal.
Soul and Smoke, Evanston: This award-winning BBQ restaurant, located at 1601 Payne St., features a community fridge filled with free meals and groceries for those in need.
Tazza Italian Ristorante, Homer Glen: From Tuesday to Thursday each week, showing a SNAP card can get recipients free pasta, bread and salad at 14065 S. Bell Road.
Wooden Paddle, La Grange and Lemont: SNAP recipients can enjoy a free lunch the entire month of November.
It’s not exactly suburban, but in Champaign, The Literary brunch restaurant and indie bookstore located at 122 N. Neil St. is offering free meals every weekday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
