Vegan-friendly
Lacto
American
Pizza
Italian
Fast food
Delivery
Take-out
One of three locations for vegetarian counter-service restaurant serving typical American and diner fare: burgers, hot dogs, pizza puffs, tacos, and more. Everything on the menu is vegetarian, and everything on the menu can be made vegan. Black-owned. Relocated from 1143 N Wells. Open Mon-Sun 11:00am-9:00pm.
50 Reviews
First Review by Mlrunner21
TravisP19
Points +77
Cozy plant-based diner - Edit
Standard American food (burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, hot dogs, pizza, chicken wings, etc.), all of which are plant-based. Cheese, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing are available in vegan and non-vegan forms. I ordered the Philly cheesesteak, and it was so good! Their vegan meats are unbelievably delicious.
Read moreCan't Believe It's Not Meat shares a location with another restaurant called Soul Vibez. Make sure you ask for the "vegan menu" if you dine in. There isn't much seating, so you might have to sit at the bar if you're alone. The bartenders are super friendly and helpful. They also have outdoor seating. Apparently, the two restaurants have separate kitchens, so you don't have to worry about cross contamination.
Updated from previous review on 2025-05-27
Pros: Vegan Philly cheesesteaks, Awesome staff, Black-owned business
Cons: None
Guest
kmryan1978
Points +31
Philly egg rolls were awesome! - Edit
Had the Philly, fish sandwich and the Philly egg rolls. Everything was super tasty. Veggies very fresh. Awesome staff.
Read morePros: Food, Price, Variety of options
Guest
owensmith530
Points +102
Great dinner! - Edit
The restaurant felt like an authentic diner! I was impressed with the size of the vegan menu and the drink options like shakes and smoothies. The price was also very reasonable, and the food tasted like the real deal! However the food did take longer than I would have liked to arrive.
Read morePros: Atmosphere, Menu size
Cons: Wait time for food
Guest
Vegan Vagabond
Points +5353
This is two separate restaurants using the same space - Edit
Update: There is I Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat and there’s Soul Vibez. ICBINM is vegetarian, with a lot of vegan options. SV is not vegetarian (serves lamb, chicken, fish, etc), but has some vegan options on their menu. I quizzed them on this and they assured me that these are two completely separate businesses, with two completely separate kitchens. So, as you are eating your vegan Philly Cheesesteak, don’t be alarmed if you are sitting next to someone eating lamb lollipops.
Read moreOriginal review: I’ve been by this place many times, but I’ve never stopped in. I really try to avoid eating this kind of food. However, sometimes you just want a big sloppy cheesesteak and french fries.
 I came in on a Saturday afternoon during their brunch. The place was very crowded. It’s a small place, so seating was very limited. I was able to find an empty seat at the bar. There’s a lot on the menu. I opted to go with what the guy next to me was eating, which was a cheesesteak. It was pretty good. To me, it seemed like impossible burger crumbled up on the grill with onions, peppers, jalapeños, and onions, and put into a hoagie bun and slathered with cheese. The people next to me ordered fried chicken dinners, which looked really good. 
Updated from previous review on 2025-01-14
Guest
meghanaraj
Points +77
Delicious vegan food - Edit
we loved the burgers here and the birria tacos which I’ve always been wanting to try
Read moreGuest
MarleneDuran
Points +266
It’s ok - Edit
The good:
Read moreAmazing vives, relaxing and comforting place and vegan options available.
The bad:
For me the flavor wasn’t there, ordered a burrito and the birria tacos.
Guest
emmina.cipollina
Points +42
Vegan comforts - Edit
We ordered the vegan Italian beef and vegan Philly cheese steak to take away. Incredible flavors, big portion sizes. We’ll be back!!
Read moreGuest
raek160
Points +32
Fantastic comfort food - Edit
Had the patty melt and chicken sandwhich, both were great. Went back for breakfast. French toast was amazing, and the omelet was good.
Read morePros: Outdoor seating , Easy online ordering , Friendly staff
Guest
lilbit
Points +387
Delicious Chik'n Sandwich - Edit
Staff was very friendly and answered our questions about the menu and helped us make fully vegan selections! The vibe is chaotic good.
Read morePros: Friendly staff, Tasty food, Cool aesthetic
Guest
mmarra
Points +110
Amazing! - Edit
Great food, cute decor, friendly staff! Next time I’m in town I will be back!
Read moreGuest
Leo27
Points +1496
Cool - Edit
Cool location inside and outside! Huge menu and friendly staff, I just wish the guy hadn't wear joggingpants and that there's real cutlery and not this oneway stuff...
Read moreGuest
sayurii
Points +438
Perfect! - Edit
The big milk was awesome! Great staff
Read moreGuest
kmoffatt
Points +180
3.5 - Edit
Extensive menu of vegan comfort food and versions of American classics. Ordered the Chicago St hot dog and Philly Cheesesteak. The Philly was excellent and better than the dog. Strawberry lemonade is also worth ordering! You can eat in or take away - the seating area is not the most cosy but fine for a quick bite
Read moreGuest
rjmarciniak
Points +967
Greasy and cheesy - Edit
Overall, I can’t say that Can’t Believe Its Not Meat lived up to the hype. We had the Chik’n Tacos, the Philly Cheesesteak, and the Chik’n nuggets. If you’re looking for a place with classic junk food, this is certainly a place to go. However, the flavor seemed swamped by the cheese and grease and was overall not particularly appealing. There are several other places I would choose to go instead to get a “fast food” fix. The one good thing was that the french fries were pretty good.
Read moreWe will probably give it another try at some point, just to see if this was a one-off fluke (it has such great reviews!) but our first experience did not leave us wanting to come again.
Guest
VeganBrian
Points +575
Easily TOP 3 of best Vegan Restaurants in Chicago - Edit
Easily TOP 3 of my FAVORITE restaurants in Chicago!
Read moreThough I haven’t had the chance to dine in, I did order! My first order, was followed up by a second the next day. That followed up to a third and finally fourth day!
This is what I ordered:
My number one favorite on the menu so far: „Ms. Patty Melt“ 5/5 - of course I ordered the 100% vegan option with added on onions. With a side of vegan ranch, this is your perfect fast food meal! Seasoned well, tastes delicious and texture was perfect. Dip the Ms. patty melt into some vegan ranch and Bon Appetit! The fries were also great!
Next I ordered „World Famous Chik‘n Nuggets“ - original not spicy. - 4/5 They were crispy and tasty! The reason why I give it 4 from 5 is; because they were good! Really good! But not the the best I’ve ever had. The title though, gave me very high expectations; had it just been „chik‘n nuggets, I would/could have been more „forgiving“.
Next up: „Hold up! Wait a min!“ Philly Cheesesteak - 4/5 - delicious sandwich! I can recommend it! I can however not give it a solid 5 because it did not taste as good as „ms patty melt“ in my opinion. It was good though! I did. Like the jalapeños that were added!
Last option: „Philly Chik‘n Egg Rolls. 3.5/5 also not my favorite but pretty tasty. The rolls were very crispy, too crispy for my taste. Still a good option! Just not my first choice in their fantastic menu.
Final Statement:
I was very happy to have found this place to order from. As a vegan, traveling the world; it can get difficult finding delicious places like this BUT… they do exist; you just have to search. To simplify your search, I can highly recommend this here restaurant! (I ordered- can’t speak for dining in)
Lastly, I musst also speak upon one unfortunate property. I am a vegan for many reasons, one of my most important reasons: Animal Cruelty.
Therefor I cannot condone anything that involves this subject. This restaurant unfortunately also serves vegetarian food which itself, in a way; supports the whole matter of cruelty.
Therefore I hope and wish that one day this restaurant will turn into 100% animal cruelty free.
If you’ve read this review, thank you and Bon Appetit! You will find something delicious!
Check out pictures of some of my ordered food.
Take care! #Veganuary
Pros: One of best Vegan Spots in the city , Huge vegan menu, Many delicious vegan options
Guest
Kinetic_Ken
Points +63
Go-to place for vegan comfort food - Edit
I haven’t loved *everything* here, but the ones I have, have been amazing. Their walking taco with Fritos are great. The Philly cheesesteak egg rolls are the best. The big mic has never failed to satisfy. And the can’t believe it’s not canes tenders were pretty darn good (although I wouldn’t give this one to someone who loves Canes and expect them to think it’s just as good, haha).
Read moreThe first three meals I mentioned will easily be enjoyed by vegans and omnivores alike.
Cons: The fries always arrive soggy if delivered.
Guest
Awake1234
Points +1679
Great vegan fast food - Edit
I don’t like impossible “meat” but I had to try the betta burger and it was the bomb. If you’re looking for vegan fast food this is the spot. Some healthy smoothies and juices and salads, I think…
Read moreGuest
Forbeszy
Points +293
OMGosh!!! The Vegan options - Edit
Just blown away. So many choices it took a while to pick something.
Read moreBut I picked the Vegan Gyro and Vegan Nachos with a mango slushy.
Gyro was awesome. Nice flavor and sauce.
Came with nice fresh fries as well. Was really good. Do recommend.
The nachos was the size of my hand and underestimated how filling but was really good. It reminded me of the nacho supreme at Taco Bell.
Do recommend as well.
Mango slushy was what you expected. Usually drink the liquid before the ice melts but was nice as well
Pros: Many vegan choices, Nice flavors
Cons: Don’t really have a dislike
Guest
TheTofuTyrant
Points +2174
Delicious - Edit
The birria tacos and buffalo chicken are amazing!!!!
Read morePros: All vegan , Delicious
Cons: No indoor seating
Guest
meghanmansur
Points +374
Vegan chicken Birria - Edit
This place has good vibes and an amazing vegan chicken birria taco set. Their house made lemonade is also great. It’s got other authentic vegan mexican options too
Read morePros: Delicious , Cute
Guest
AddieAnneSmith
Points +384
Philly Cheesesteak Heaven! - Edit
We shared a Philly cheesesteak with fries and it was amazing! I loved the taste! It was so much like the meat version. We also loved strawberry lemonade!
Read moreGuest
DisaLaring
Points +394
Perfect for those who want something bordering junk food - Edit
Food is like a mix comfort food and fast casual “junk food”. Really really tasty
Read moreGuest
Goinesvegansoon
Points +37
First time exceeded expectations - Edit
Based on the pictures and descriptions online, I knew the food had to be good. Everything I ordered was delicious! Whenever I’m in the Chicago area, I will be returning.
Read moreGuest
elysek
Points +29
Patty Melt Made Me Melt - Edit
Stumbled upon this place after many years of being vegan and thought I’d give it a try- WOW am I glad I did. The patty melt (which I, of course, ordered with and dipped in ranch) made my eyes roll back into my head. Chicken sandwich is also an absolute winner. I have been ordering from here regularly ever since I found it and shall continue to do so until the end of time.
Read moreCons: Not a fan of the name (I’m sorry, I had to say it)
Guest
magoo1994
Points +24
No tap water :( - Edit
Had the wings which were pretty good! But not having any non-bottled water available to customers is…not a way to win my business!
Read morePros: Does not provide water :(
Guest
erikay
Points +145
Favourite meal from my Chicago trip! - Edit
I got the “Hold up! Wait a min!” Philly Cheesesteak with vegan cheese. It was perfect!!! A toasty bun, the cheese was fabulous, the toppings were just right. I couldn’t believe it wasn’t meat!! The only criticism I have is that the drinks are expensive & they don’t offer tap water. Bring your own drink if this is an issue for you!
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options, Multiple locations, Fast service
Cons: Expensive drinks
Guest
leopardsl
Points +455
Good fast food place - Edit
It’s a quick fast food place with an extensive menu and fun plant walls inside. Not the healthiest but certainly very tasty!
Read morePros: Large menu of vegan fast food, Quick friendly service , Cool vibe inside for a fast food place
Cons: Not a lot of healthy options- it’s “comfort food”, Burrito was a bit expensive
Guest
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