Post Punk Kitchen Forum

I'm coming for a visit for St. Patrick's Day weekend to visit a friend who just moved there last year. He is a chef at a nonvegan restaurant, but is willing to try some new things. I definitely want to hit up Chicago Diner, Karyn's Cooked, and Handlebar. Are there other must eats?
Also, I want to see interesting, non touristy things in the city. On my list thus far: Oz Park, Obama's house, and Hull House Museum. I would love to hear any other ideas.
Finally, I will be watching the St. Patrick's Day parade. Do you have vegan advice for this, like, is there food around the parade route? Is the green beer vegan? Should I bring some snacks?

I don't know anything about St. Patrick's Day in Chicago, as I didn't live here last year. But Native Foods is worth a try, I'd say. I will keep thinking about fun non touristy things to do. My favorite thing is just walking around the various neighborhoods--the Indian shops on Devon Ave., the cute little places in Andersonville, the whole scene in Boystown...