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- Top Rated Bakery in Chicago
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The Chicago Diner - Lakeview
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Vegetarian
Vegan-friendly
Lacto
Ovo
American
Beer/Wine
Delivery
Take-out
Bakery
Catering
Providing all vegetarian and mostly vegan American comfort food for brunch and dinner with organic beers and wine, margaritas, vegan bakery, and desserts. Meat free since 1983. Patio seating available. Confirmed open May 2020. Open Mon-Fri 11:00am-10:00pm, Sat 10:00am-10:00pm, Sun 10:00am-9:00pm.
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- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 06 Jul 2023 by geometric-noise
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298 Reviews
First Review by amargrav
lorind13
Points +267
Go-to Midwest Veg Comfort - Edit
Never had a meal I didn’t like. Milkshakes are a must and all desserts are top notch. The Reuben sandwich is a favorite. Yum!
Read moreGuest
a.s.
Points +36
Favorite restarant! - Edit
The Chicago Diner is amazing. The two locations serve the same delicious food but the design of the places is different. The Logan Square location has a fresh, new feel to it, while the Halsted location has more of a retro- homy feeling to it. I love both. Additional to the regular menue there are seasonal menues with specials that change regularly.
Read moreThe Chicago Diner is a place you can take evryone from young to old- even picky people who claim that they don't like vegan meals.
The milkshakes and bakery goods are delicious- love the caramel crunch torte and peanut butter cups.
The Chicago Diner is a great place to bring family and friends to. The dishes are good for sharing as well.
Pros: Friendly staff, Delicious food, two locations
Guest
Terren
Points +18
The sweet potato fries are SO SO SO good. Also everything else too obviously. ;) - Edit
I waited maybe 10 minutes with friends but that was nothing to complain about. The service here is exceptional and the people who work here are friendly as well. Definitely give this place a try!!
Read morePros: Plenty of delicious vegan options
Guest
ryanwhatt
Points +1034
Staff was really great - Edit
The shakes are out of this world, the pumpkin pie shake was amazing. The staff was also really friendly and nice, even though the restaurant was packed. Only reason for four stars is that they serve eggs.
Read moreGuest
susiechand
Points +16
Chicago Diner - Edit
Great food, great ambiance. Loved it!
Read morePros: Excellent menu, full of enticing options, Lively, friendly, bustling place
Cons: Our dessert choice was not outstanding.
Guest
CoffeeCat
Points +20
Lots of vegan versions of meat dishes - Edit
My non-vegan friend was confused when she saw there was "meat" on the menu! This restaurant has a lot of imitation dairy and meat dishes, such a seitan/tofu/tempeh gyros, "chicken" sandwiches, vegan cheese poutine, etc. My friend ended up getting the black bean burger because she is used to meat, probably would've found a vegan BLT to be odd.
Read moreThis place great if you enjoy imitation meat. If not, I recommend a more unique menu item. I ordered the Buddha's Karma Burger, which was very tasty. The bun was a bit dry, so I would inquire if they would make a lettuce bun next time.
Pros: Completely vegan, well-known dishes
Guest
PurplePassiflora
Points +435
Great Place for Vegan Comfort Food - Edit
Great spot downtown. The Reuben is amazing. So many vegan comfort food options including mac and cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy, shakes, pie, cake etc.
Read morePros: Great Food, Amazing Desserts
Guest
Skyzieboo
Points +3839
Yummy !! Yummy !! Yummy !! - Edit
My girlfriend and I split a nachos, cookie dough peanut butter milkshake, titanic BLT and mac and cheese AND a spicy chicken burger with sweet potato fries. Needless to say we didnt finish it all but it was ALL yummy. We had a cute booth table and yhe staff were so lovely. I didnt really understand what was vegan and what was vegetarian though so I feel like maybe that could have been signposted better.
Read morePros: Yummy food, Milkshakes!!, Openminded and friendly staff
Cons: Allergen signposting? , Portion sizes not really worth the price sometime, Not very big inside
Guest
Indysay
Points +36
Fantastic vegan remakes of some old favorites. Would go weekly if I could! - Edit
I had brunch here w a friend awhile back and would eat all meals here if I could! It’s going to take me awhile to sample the whole menu, and it’s worth a shot!
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options , Ambience , Cool mugs
Cons: Not found on the West Coast , Not open early enough! , Not a 24 hr establishment
Guest
KrystaRaeRingler
Points +46
The best food I’ve ever had - Edit
I got the titanic blt with Mac n cheese and a peanut butter shake and my friend got the Reuben to eat in and I ordered the chicken friend seitan steak to go and warmed it up the next day. Every last bit of this food is amazing! My friend is not vegan and he said he had no idea how that was the best Reuben he’s ever had!
Read morePros: All vegan, So many options, Great, friendly staff
Cons: Limited seating
Guest
VegDan
Points +115
A Chicago mainstay - Edit
This is a main staple of Chicago for vegans!
Read moreThe best vegan Ruben in the country (so glad I got the recipe in the cookbook!).
No joke, my best friend had them make his wedding cake (I didn't even know they did that kind of thing!)
They have a host of comfort foods, so whatever you are in the mood for on the comforts side, it will do you well!
Service is come and go, but they are busy!
Pros: Been here for years, Great comfort food, the Ruben!
Cons: staff
Guest
rjpayonk23
Points +20
Delicious Diner - Edit
Walked over after the Cubs game and had a delicious meal. Ate more than I’m proud of, but was just so excited by all the vegan options, that are so rare elsewhere. Definitely check this place out if you have the chance!
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options, Amazing milkshakes, No meat
Guest
heidivzero
Points +130
milkshakes are so good - Edit
love the milkshakes, worth it just for those alone. really great place.
Read moreGuest
Mitchel
Points +292
Wow... - Edit
The spiciest chicken sandwich I've ever had along with the best waffle fries. The sandwich was absolutely incredible.
Read moreAlso the best milkshakes on the planet!
Guest
Jmorton2384
Points +32
This place is a must for vegans in Chicago. - Edit
Everything about this place is awesome and can’t wait to go back. Had to buy a shirt for the road too because I love their motto. “Meat free since ‘83” 😂😍
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options., Everything is delicious. , Great customer service.
Guest
FoxxSau
Points +266
Love me some CD - Edit
Chicago Diner was the first vegetarian/vegan restaurant I ever went to, and it continues to be a favorite. With its plethora delicious entrees, appetizers, desserts, and cocktails, you’ll always be wanting to come back and try more!
Read moreGuest
cowcowcow
Points +68
The Diner is bae - Edit
Chicago's famous "meat free since '83" locale in the middle of the gayborhood (Boystown) is one of the best vegetarian/vegan places I've ever been to. Basically everything on the menu is super tasty.
Read moreThe options there are plentiful and prices are OK for Chicago. I've had things ranging from their spicy chick'n sandwich, to buffalo-style seitan wings, to their vegan ice cream-covered brownies. All of these have been excellent.
You HAVE to go there for brunch (from open until 2pm) to try things like chilaquiles (Mexican nachos with green salsa and scrambled eggs/scrambled tofu) and their cinnamon rolls.
They also have seasonal specials - where they try new things like gyros or chick'n pot pies - and famous vegan cakes.
Only cons are not food-related.: Take the brown/red line to Belmont and walk there (~5-10 min walk from the station) since parking can be a bit annoying. They also get slammed sometimes and you might have to wait a little bit in their (heated) tent in the back.
When I've felt lazy/been too busy, I've had them delivered via door dash and it's been just as good. Just go there if you're in town. Trust me.
Pros: Excellent, diverse menu, Great diner vibe
Cons: Sometimes packed on weekends, Sometimes hard to find parking
Guest
KaylaV.White
Points +30
so FREAKING good - Edit
This place has been amazing every time I've been. The dishes are amazing and the flavors are STUNNING. Their vegan proteins are unreal. Their milkshake are surreal...all in all a great place.
Read morePros: Delicious. , Nice atmosphere., Good portion sizes!
Guest
kanga2roos
Points +247
will drive anytime for Chicago Diner!! - Edit
Always good food and wonderful drinks when you want something special! So worth the 4 hr drive every time!!
Read morePros: spicy Thai wings, Ruben
Cons: small and sometimes you have to wait but so worth
Guest
AngelaFlatland
Points +178
Famous for a reason - Edit
Even my non-veg parents liked this place. They couldn’t even tell their food and milkshakes were vegan. We LOVE the wings, desserts, salads... okay we love everything here.
Read moreGuest
ZoraySpielvogel
Points +1496
Great place - Edit
I'm so glad that I finally got to try this place. Must visit if you are in Chicago area. I had the best vegan spinich & artichoke dip along with stuffed zucchini. I wish that I had more time to visit them for more meals. Looking forward to my next visit.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2018-01-28
Pros: Friendly people , Fast , Delicious
Cons: I wish that it was closer to me.
Guest
KateJamrock
Points +32
wow - Edit
This is a must stop! Try the vegan milkshakes!
Read moreGuest
VeganMamaAL
Points +293
The BEST vegan food I’ve ever eaten - Edit
We visited Chicago last week and this place was recommended to me by several people. After the 2nd or 3rd “you’ve got to go to The Chicago Diner” I listened. I was told to order the vegan poutine for appetizer, and the Reuben with Mac and “Teese” for my entree. I can not recommend these three items enough! The poutine was absolutely delicious. The gravy on top was perfect and the waffle fries were great. Then came the Reuben which was, I kid you not, the BEST Reuben I’ve ever had. Including before I went vegan. The photos do not do it justice, it is amazing! If you like a good Reuben please try this, even if you’re not vegan. You won’t regret it. The Mac and “Teese” was also amazing and better than any “real” Mac and cheese I’ve ever had. Perfect flavor and you could not tell it wasn’t real cheese. Seriously so good! If you’re vegan, vegetarian or even just an Omni looking to try something new, check out this place. I was so full at the end I didn’t try the desserts or shakes but I’ll definitely save room next time I’m in town. Service was also wonderful, the wait staff was very nice and the place has a hip feel to it. My only complaint is that the diner is a bit small for the demand of this place and the wait was a bit long. But that’s to be expected on a Saturday night anywhere.
Read morePros: Everything
Guest
mads_1688
Points +75
Can’t wait to go back! - Edit
I was extremely impressed with this diner! Everything on the menu was either already vegan or could easily be made vegan. There was tofu scramble, pancakes, seitan sausage, cinnamon rolls, milkshakes... I love the variety of vegan comfort food. Portions are very generous too. We had the cookie dough peanut butter milkshake for dessert, and you would never guess that it was vegan! So creamy, sweet, and of course, delicious! I need to come back to Chicago just for this food!
Read morePros: Vegan dishes clearly marked, Lots of vegan options , Does not serve meat
Cons: Crowded , Serves eggs
Guest
bripattt
Points +121
Great for an Indulgent Dinner! - Edit
My friend and I were very pleased with our waiter's enthusiasm when assisting us with making our order. Everything on the menu sounded amazing but we decided on the rueben, the pierogi quesadilla, and a milkshake. WOW... The portions were large and the meal was very satiating, and we were sad that our appetites were not large enough to finish it all. Haha. The menu is definitely comprised of "comfort foods" and wonderfully veganizes common foods in the Standard American Diet. The leftovers made a wonderful breakfast the next morning :)
Read morePros: Large Portions, BOMB Milkshakes
Cons: None
Guest
rinra
Points +64
noisy but good food - Edit
Went to dinner with my 96 yr old father. It was so loud that conversation was impossible. But my dad had the chili and mashed potatoes which he really enjoyed. I had been to CHicago Diner about 20 yrs before. I'd return again there but during an off-time.
Read morePros: good food, beer/wine
Cons: very noisy, hard to have conversatioñ, steps without handicap access
Guest
KalenCarrelli
Points +30
Comfort Food - Edit
Chicago Diner is my favorite vegan eatery, and I’ve been to quite a few. The food comes in huge portions, and I always bring some home for later. The opening of the second location relieved some traffic at the original, though this location is still usually the busier of the two. It is not a cheap meal, but the food and atmosphere are worth it when you get the chance
Read morePros: Amazing comfort food, Cozy, Friendly staff
Cons: Sometimes long wait times
Guest
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