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.


Venue map for Can't Believe It's Not Meat - Chicago Ave
© OpenStreetMap contributors

44 Reviews

First Review by Mlrunner21

raek160

Points +24

Vegan
11 Dec 2024

Fantastic comfort food

Had the patty melt and chicken sandwhich, both were great. Went back for breakfast. French toast was amazing, and the omelet was good.

Pros: Outdoor seating , Easy online ordering , Friendly staff

Vegan Vagabond

Points +4158

Vegan
17 Nov 2024

Next level vegan junk food

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 2024-11-16

lilbit

Points +367

Vegan
13 Nov 2024

Delicious Chik'n Sandwich

Staff was very friendly and answered our questions about the menu and helped us make fully vegan selections! The vibe is chaotic good.

Pros: Friendly staff, Tasty food, Cool aesthetic

mmarra

Points +110

Vegan
25 Oct 2024

Amazing!

Great food, cute decor, friendly staff! Next time I’m in town I will be back!

Leo27

Points +1140

Vegan
14 Oct 2024

Cool

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...

sayurii

Points +379

Vegan
05 Aug 2024

Perfect!

The big milk was awesome! Great staff

kmoffatt

Points +172

Vegan
10 Apr 2024

3.5

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

rjmarciniak

Points +792

Vegan
14 Feb 2024

Greasy and cheesy

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.

We 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.

VeganBrian

Points +575

Vegan
09 Jan 2024

Easily TOP 3 of best Vegan Restaurants in Chicago

Easily TOP 3 of my FAVORITE restaurants in Chicago!

Though 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

Kinetic_Ken

Points +63

Vegan
24 Sep 2023

Go-to place for vegan comfort food

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).

The first three meals I mentioned will easily be enjoyed by vegans and omnivores alike.

Cons: The fries always arrive soggy if delivered.

Awake1234

Points +1551

Vegan
08 Aug 2023

Great vegan fast food

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…

Forbeszy

Points +229

Vegan
06 Aug 2023

OMGosh!!! The Vegan options

Just blown away. So many choices it took a while to pick something.
But 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

TheTofuTyrant

Points +2135

Vegan
02 Aug 2023

Delicious

The birria tacos and buffalo chicken are amazing!!!!

Pros: All vegan , Delicious

Cons: No indoor seating

meghanmansur

Points +368

Vegan
28 Jul 2023

Vegan chicken Birria

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

Pros: Delicious , Cute

AddieAnneSmith

Points +380

Vegan
28 Jul 2023

Philly Cheesesteak Heaven!

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!

DisaLaring

Points +394

Vegan
13 Jul 2023

Perfect for those who want something bordering junk food

Food is like a mix comfort food and fast casual “junk food”. Really really tasty

Goinesvegansoon

Points +37

Vegetarian
04 Jul 2023

First time exceeded expectations

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.

elysek

Points +29

Vegan
22 Jun 2023

Patty Melt Made Me Melt

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.

Cons: Not a fan of the name (I’m sorry, I had to say it)

magoo1994

Points +24

Vegan
15 Jun 2023

No tap water :(

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!

Pros: Does not provide water :(

erikay

Points +145

Vegan
04 Jun 2023

Favourite meal from my Chicago trip!

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!

Pros: Lots of vegan options, Multiple locations, Fast service

Cons: Expensive drinks

leopardsl

Points +411

Vegan
02 Jun 2023

Good fast food place

It’s a quick fast food place with an extensive menu and fun plant walls inside. Not the healthiest but certainly very tasty!

Pros: 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

·X·

Points +21590

Vegan
06 May 2023

Great

I ordered take away from here and was overly impressed! I had the vegan Philly steak hoagie and it was worth every single calorie.

Updated from previous review on 2023-05-06

FrauBausFamM

Points +679

Vegan
17 Apr 2023

Maybe I should have tried the mock meat 😉

I ran across this place by chance and couldn’t resist. As I wasn’t that hungry, I went with the Buffalo Shrimps as shrimps are literally the only thing I miss since becoming a vegan. The texture was spot on (although I have to admit that I have a hard time remembering as I haven’t eaten shrimps in years), but the taste fell a bit short (at least for my taste). Fries and the Ranch were good, though! Given all the great reviews and the fact that the place was packed, next time, I will try one of the other dishes; pretty sure that those with mock meat is where it’s at!

SarahGibson

Points +144

Vegan
09 Mar 2023

Damn good vegan food

Female, minority owned vegan food sign me up! Plus Chef Fab is a mom trying to feed her kids some damn good vegan food!

This place has everything a vegan could want! And they are expanding! Hopefully they will be in the burbs soon cause I need the Philly Chik'n Egg Roll in my life.

Pros: All the options , Philly Chik'n Egg Rolls, Super cute decor

Cons: Not enough locations near me!!!

DavidDainko

Points +360

Vegan
12 Feb 2023

5 ⭐️ Game Day Wings

Outstanding wings perfect for your Super Bowl. Great smoothies too!!

Tigra220

Points +10644

Vegan
26 Jan 2023

Ok

I wasn't impressed with the food or the service here. It was confusing and the employees couldn't care less to assist you, as they chatted and joked amongst themselves.

Pop's Big Fish Sandwich -
Not a big deal, like at all. The fish looked VERY similar to Gardein fillets, which you can get at any Target/Wally World/supermarket's frozen section. It was ok, but disappointing, taste-wise.

Boneless Wings -
I requested the sweet heat sauce and was given buffalo (and the worker rang it up as buffalo, despite repeating "sweet heat" back to me. The wings were fine, but it's not the sauce I wanted. Their buffalo sauce has zero spice, to my dismay.

EPITOME BERRY SHAKE -
Delicious! I wish it came in a large. I always end up licking the cup. Yum!

sandralukic

Points +32

Vegan
22 Jan 2023

Wait… What?

A coworker suggested this place. Omg, I truly cannot believe what I just ate! I had a Philly melt, my wife had the Big Mik and we devoured our food! Not only the place is black woman owned, but it also makes look every other burger joint like amateur hour! #Veganuary

Pros: Everything’s vegan, Vegetarian options, Very clean

Cons: Fries are only seasoned




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