Mana Food Bar
Chicago Bites Podcast #152

The lentil soup special is a solid choice.

We met up with Chicago Foodies‘ Josh and Crystal early on a Monday night to check out Mana Food Bar. Like many neighborhood spots, Mana doesn’t take reservations, so we wanted to be sure to get a seat. We ordered a hefty portion of the completely vegetarian menu, chatting about food as it vanished from our plates. But did it hit the spot? Listen in and find out.

(17.5 M)

Show Notes:
00:00 – 01:15 On being beloved and vegetarian
01:16 – 03:07 A menu that’s all over the board
03:08 – 06:17 The cold dishes: pickles, salads, & Maki
06:18 – 09:07 Handling a lot of food in a tight space
09:08 – 10:19 Tastes hit ya with a hammer or gave ya nothing
10:20 – 11:26 Main dish hits and misses
11:27 – 12:55 On feeling like a virtuous veggie lover
12:56 – 14:28 The “White Castle” sliders & blue cheese tart
14:29 – 15:36 Bi bim Bop & mushrooms add texture & substance
15:37 – 17:02 Lemon tart. And you call that chocolate?
17:03 – 19:02 Ratings & sign-off

A sampler of pickles, red quinoa, and chickpeas.

Mana Food Bar
1742 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622-3229
(773) 342-1742
Get directions

Price per person: $50

Related reviews:
Blind Faith Cafe
Chicago Diner
Green Zebra
Karyn’s Cooked

Online buzz about Mana Food Bar:
Chicago Foodies
Yoga Chicago

What do you think of Mana Food Bar? Let us know on Twitter: @chicagobites.

The bi bim bop was fresh but not standout.