- 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
veggiewoman
Points +378
Wow - Edit
Delicious and interesting. A vegan foodie's dream. Shakes are a must. Wings were awesome. Dagwood sandwich was massive. We waited about 40 minutes for lunch and it was soo worth it. It was one of the highlights of my three day trip to Chicago.
Read morePros: Unique menu items, Quality of food, Ice cream shakes!
Guest
jhawk
Points +84
One Of The Best In The Windy City - Edit
Words do not do this place justice. I am easily won over with a good Vegan Reuben. This place introduced me to Dayia Cheeze. I have been lucky to stumble in just before or after the lunch rush. The Earwax Cafe was a close second, sad to hear they closed.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on Monday February 13, 2012
Updated from previous review on Sunday February 19, 2012
Pros: Yum, Yum, Yum
Guest
brentonagony
Points +83
The ultimate in comfort food - Edit
I have had the pleasure of eating comfort food in a variety of different cities but I must say Chicago diner has to be one of the best.
Read moreI had 2 meals at Chicago Diner. Breakfast and dinner. Breakfast I had the tofu scramble with the most realistic fake bacon I've had in a while and a seitan sausage. Delicious. I also stole some cajunaise (sp?) from my girlfriends plate which spiced up my meal.
Dinner I had a crumbed and deep fried "steak" with mashed potato. It was epic.
Pros: Best, Comfort , Food
Guest
veganmiss
Points +540
Still Good, But Long Wait - Edit
I've been going to the Diner for five years now regularly. It has always been my to-go place to take people who have never had vegan food or anyone for a real Chicago vegan treat. It's probably the city's oldest and most loved vegetarian restaurant. I must say, though, the quality has gone down in the last two years. They used to make a lot of their food from scratch and now they use a lot of brand name vegan items like Daiya, Chicago Soydairy, and Upton's Naturals. I give them credit for using many Chicago vegan brands, though. It is nice to see local companies supported. It is just sort of disappointing, though, because it seems less special now. I've had cold food (cold nacho's, anyone?) the last time I was there. The wait is totally ridiculous now-a-days. The last 3-4 times I've gone, I waited for 1-2 hours. At that rate, you could go down the street to Pick-Me-Up or Native Foods and be done eating already. I realize that the Diner is such a classic that it is worth the wait, usually, but my last several experiences have been less than stellar. Overall, I no longer frequent unless I make special plans with someone that wants to go. I'd rather go to another vegan-friendly place in the city that I don't have to wait 2 hours and have homemade, warm food (anyone try Northdown Taproom? They make their own vegan seitan/burgers and cheese). Though, their milkshakes are the best thing to ever touch my mouth. Hands down. If you go there, get a milkshake.
Read morePros: original food, classic chicago veg restaurant, diner style food
Cons: long wait, small seating area, few raw options
Guest
A.Z.P.
Points +639
So good... I could live here! - Edit
Growing up vegetarian, I was always wondered what those giant larger than life sandwiches which my friends would get from places like the Second Avenue Deli were like. At the Chicago Diner, I finally found a place which knows how to make amazing sandwiches which make up for all my years of never trying roast beef sandwich or cornbeef on rye.
Read moreI ordered the Radical Reuben oh my lord!!!... my last meal here was 4 months ago and I'm still drooling! It came filled with endless layers of mouth-watering vege corned Beef, sauerkraut and Grilled onions,covered in a beautiful savory cheese sauce on top. I have never been this blown away by a sandwich before. My friend meanwhile ordered the Philly Cheezsteak and it was so good i thought he was going to also eat the plate and the table. Like a good diner, the main comes with a side and I got Mac n' cheese which was pretty average but no worse than what you would get at a regular diner probably.
Starting off the meal we had the BBQ wings which were explosive in flavor and brilliant in texture and cooking. The wait staff was very very nice and I liked how they asked each time if we wanted regular or Vegan cheese.
I have to say that for a restaurant where I only ate once, I have never had such a craving to return as I do to the Chicago Diner.
Pros: Quality content and tons of it!!, Great diverse menu, Friendly helpful staff
Cons: lack of attention to sides
Guest
promwall
Points +98
Busy - Edit
Extensive, awesome menu! This place is popular and busy! I went at about 4 in the afternoon and the place was already packed. by the time I was leaving at 5 or so there was a line out the door. It appears that a lot of students were in the restaurant. there are booths and tables but also a counter to sit at if you are single or don't want to wait for a table. Food was fantastic and the servers were friendly and fun! I had the chili and WOW it was hot! Get the sourcream to tame it down a bit.
Read morePros: menu, service, Busy!
Cons: Busy!
Guest
fondducoeur
Points +1167
Must Visit for Vegans in Chicago - Edit
The Chicago Diner was the first all vegetarian restaurant I ever visitid 5 years ago. Since then I have had vegan food all over the country, and this is still one of my favorites. It is however, not at all health food, so be prepared. The portions are large and are surely high in fat and calories.
Read moreThey have the best vegan shakes I have ever had (especially the cookie dough shake) and sandwiches such as the Philly Cheese steak, and the chicken Parmesan. The teese sticks with marinara are just as I remember cheesesticks tasting.
Also, where I do prefer frequenting all vegan restaurants, it was nice to take my unadventurous omni family there for brunch, where they could order eggs and French toast. They were all impressed.
I will likely continue frequenting the Chicago Diner every time I am in Chicago.
Pros: Delicious, Big portions, Excellent shakes
Cons: Not health food
Guest
antgirl
Points +299
Dessert....yum! - Edit
The Chicago Diner may have the best vegan desserts in the world. The best part is that it isn't just one dessert that is outstanding, but all of them. Vegan cheesecakes! Vegan cupcakes! Vegan cookies!
Read moreAnd the food is pretty good too! Best vegan reuben ever!
Pros: Dessert, Backyard patio, Atmosphere
Guest
happycowgirl
Points +5982
You Won't Leave Hungry - Edit
This is stick-to-your-ribs veg*n comfort food. I never leave hungry but I have to be honest, I also never leave feeling like I had a really tasty meal. Most of the dishes taste pretty bland to me. That said, I'm always here with family or friends that I love and adore and the atmosphere inside The Diner is similarly welcoming and warm so it's always a good experience.
Read moreIt's located in the middle of Boys Town and Wrigleyville so it's a happening area. You can sometimes find a parking spot on the side of the restaurant but usually you're looking at street parking.
Guest
veganese
Points +40
BEST veg in Chi - Edit
I just love this place. Great food at good prices and they have outdoor seating in the summers. You can't go wrong here! Very consistent and they know what they are doing in the flavor department.
Read morePros: best taste, baked goodies
Cons: wait
Guest
RunningCUTIE
Points +75
Very tasty!! - Edit
My omni (thinking about vegetarianism) fiance and I went while visiting this weekend. Great little place, that despite its small size, was efficient and friendly. We had great appetizers...teese sticks (AMAZING!!) and sweet potato fries (good but not super warm). My bacon chicken sandwich was fabulous and the mac n cheeze was also quite tasty. He loved his veggie burger and we both thought the vegan mashed potatoes and gravy were wonderful. We were so full afterwards, but as a vegan without fun options like this at home it was worth the splurge. Took cheesecake home for dessert ...also very tasty. We definitely plan to return on our next Chicago trip.
Read morePros: Great food, Wonderful location , Unique vegan options
Cons: Small restaurant
Guest
mfiscus
Points +22
Chicago Soy Dairy's Temptation Ice Cream - Edit
Make sure you save room for cookie dough/peanut butter shake!
Read moreGuest
Nelson
Points +56
no longer serving raw food - Edit
this is a solid place for vegan food, all very decent. but there is no longer a raw food menu (apart from a salad, of course).
Read morePros: very good cooked vegan food
Cons: no raw options
Guest
CraigFruitbat
Points +149
Oh SO SO GOOD! - Edit
It is hard to find words good enough to describe this place!
Read moreWe were touring America and vegan eateries and were recommended this place by a friend. Oh. My. God. Absolutely packed as it was so popular with an hr's wait in a designated room behind with complimentary refreshments. It was certainly worth it.
We had the philly cheesesteak with fries, mac and cheese and bacon cheeseburger. For dessert we had 2 shakes - strawberry and the chocolate chip cookie dough.
Honestly the most fantastic place ive ever been, wonderful staff, fantastic selection that took over an hour to decide on what to have and great atmosphere and decor.
Not the fault of the diner but the food was so good and i gorged so much on the mega portions i was very ill by the end from the sheer volume and was full for the next 36 hrs!
Always a good sign of a hearty meal!
GO CHICAGO DINER! :D
Pros: Amazing food, fantastic flavours, Staff/decor
Cons: Nothing, Never, NEVER
Guest
rhymeswithtwee
Points +104
still one of the best! - Edit
I've eaten at a lot of vegetarian restaurants and chicago diner remains one of my faves. The food is quality. The portions are great. The prices are steep for a veggie restaurant, but you get what you pay for. My fave thing I ever got was the 'beef stroganoff' special. Funny because even when I ate beef, that always sounded so gross to me. Best milkshake is the chocolate chip cookie dough add peanut butter. Temptations ice cream makes the best shakes, hands down.
Read morePros: totally amazing food, best vegan milkshakes ever, great 'hood
Cons: pricey, long wait during peak hours
Guest
bignameactress
Points +80
Put simply.. - Edit
My favorite is the reuben with sweet potato fries, coupled with a vegan chocolate shake.
Read moreGuest
als chicago
Points +36
Best veggie food in the city - Edit
I eat at the Diner often and love the food and the ambiance. The reuben is great, the Mexican food is great, the soups are fabulous and the brunch is fabulous. Thanks Mickey and Jo for giving Chicago such a gift!
Read morePros: friendly atmosphere, great comfort food, friendly staff
Guest
NIBsmf
Points +1339
Did not disappoint! - Edit
Like many people on happycow.net, I went out of my way to go to the Chicago Diner after having read the positive reviews on here. I can honestly say that it was everything I hoped it would be!
Read moreAtmosphere: very cute and quirky. A bit smaller than I pictured it. I was lucky to have gone on a week night when there was hardly anyone there, but I can imagine it getting very busy in there.
Staff: VERY friendly and helpful!
Food: I was overwhelmed with all the yummy sounding choices. I settled for a BBQ "bacon cheeseburger" and a side of mashed potatoes with gravy (all vegan). It was all delicious. My friend got a breaded "chicken" sandwich. He is by no means a vegetarian and is in fact one of those people who basically only went with me as a favor to me, but he gave it a 7 out of 10 when I asked him to rate it (10 being best), so that tells you it couldn't have been that bad! I would love to go back and try the many scrumptious sounding things on the menu. And yes, in response to what others have said about their food not being the healthiest, I can understand that point. But hey, sometimes us healthy people like to indulge, too! This place is the only one I've found in my travels that resembles my fave veg restaurant, Red Bamboo in NYC... I sometimes crave these places with mock meat/comfort food/diner food.
Prices: I thought these were very reasonable. Between $8-15 for a filling meal.
Pros: Awesome variety/selection to choose from, Mostly vegan, Reasonable prices
Cons: Slightly small inside
Guest
hclark
Points +140
awesome shakes! good food - Edit
I was excited to try out the Chicago Diner after reading such positive things about it on Happy Cow. We used the phone app to find it and had no problem getting on-street parking very close to the restaurant. We arrived at 11 AM on a Saturday, luckily just before the lunch rush. By the time we left, the place was packed.
Read moreI chose a peanut butter chocolate shake (EXCELLENT!!), a black bean burger (good) and sweet potato fries (OK, not very hot though). We also got choc choc chip cookies to go (also excellent). Our waiter was pretty good. In general the wait staff seem to be very coordinated, efficient and friendly.
Perhaps I had my hopes up too high after reading all the five star reviews on here, or maybe made a poor menu choice, but I wasn't as wowed as I expected to be. The menu had lots of alternatives to choose from though and I would happily go back next time we're in Chicago, if for nothing else but the shake.
Guest
hoffmans2
Points +169
Tasty Classics! - Edit
The vegan milkshakes are great. Everything is just delicious. This is a classic 'wings, burgers, fries, shakes' sort of place, but vegetarian! Great artwork on the walls, warm, pleasantly crowded. A must-see for any vegetarian visiting Chicago!
Read morePros: Location, Food, Atmosphere
Guest
malloneek
Points +81
Great Diner Food - Edit
First, know that you're going to a diner! If you think you're going out for healthy food you are mistaken! That being said, it was delicious. I ordered the chicken fried steak- even though I never ate it as an omni- and had a strawberry shake. It was all vegan, as is most everything. The "steak" was very crunchy yet tender inside, the mashed potatoes were appropriately chunky with a perfect mushroom gravy.
Read moreI arrived about 630 on a Wednesday night, easily found parking and was seated and served immediately. When I left there were many people waiting for seats though. It is packed and noisy but the servers were friendly and quick.
They had many vegan desserts to choose from as well. A side note - my table-neighbor wasn't vegan but she likes their vegan nachos so well she goes every time she's in Chicago! Prices seemed very reasonable.
I'll go back anytime!
Pros: Quick, Great food, Friendly
Cons: nosiy
Guest
bill_watson
Points +44
worth the drive (from Indy) - Edit
Decided to visit this place due to the reviews, and it did not disappoint. Not the healthiest food, but that's not what you're looking for from a diner. Had hot wings, which were yummy but a little pricey. The Reuben was the best I've ever had, and that includes my pre-vegan days, and the southern fried steak, while super rich was yummy. The mashed potatoes were also the best I've ever had, period. Unfortunately, we were too full for dessert, but luckily our local Whole Foods has started to carry their cakes and cookies. Fantastic. We're going to be making another trip up to Chicago this summer largely to visit the restaurant again. Planning on trying their breakfast on that trip!
Read moreGuest
samanthamuffin
Points +139
Worth the Trip - Edit
I live in Detroit. I have seriously considered driving to Chicago just to eat at Chicago Diner.
Read moreThat being said, this is what I love: the vegan shakes are amazing. I always order one as soon as I get there. The desserts are delicious, too, but you might die of sugar overload if you get both a shake and dessert.
The chick'n parm sandwich used to be my favorite, but last time I was there, they didn't have it on the menu. I got the vegan rueben. It was awesome. The bright red faux corned beef can be a little off-putting at first. It is spongey, but it grew on me. The vegan mac n' cheese is awesome. I love a place with vegan mac.
There is parking on the side of the building. It's a tight squeeze, but worth the spot. The outdoor patio is adorable. I always feel like home there.
Pros: Delicious food , Great staff, Shakes!!!
Guest
Seitan_Nic
Points +331
The Best In Veggie Diner Food - Edit
I love this place! The food is great, the atmosphere is perfect and they seem to consistently have one of the best wait staffs of any veg restaurant in the country. The servers seem excited about the food, and genuinely happy to be there. I love it, it really makes the experience that much more pleasant.
Read moreI've been here maybe six times, and everything I've ever had has been delicious. The best meal I've ever had here was last summer (I live on the West Coast and visit Chi town infrequently) I had the country fried seitan. Unbelievably good!
I HIGHLY recommend this place for those who are seeking good veg comfort food, and especially those that favor the wheat meat. They do seitan dishes extraordinarily well.
Oh, and the desserts (vegan carrot cake is my favorite) are excellent too!
Pros: GREAT SERVICE!!, GREAT FOOD!!, Great location/ambiance
Cons: A little expensive., I'd like it even better, IF it were 100% vegan.
Guest
Keith_Thode
Points +717
Friendly, Homey, Great Food. - Edit
I regularly buy their baked goods at the Whole Foods stores in the Detroit area, so when I traveled to Chicago last week, I decided to try the Diner itself. I wasn't disappointed. Plenty of waitstaff, friendly and the food was great. While not entirely Vegan, they can modify non-Vegan items to accommodate.
Read moreGuest
hippublican
Points +286
Awesome - Edit
Um, love this place. As soon as you walk in, you're greeted and seated by a friendly host. The interior is cute, the music is good, and the staff are super friendly. All the shakes we tried (Acai Berry Cream, Irish Coffee Cream, and Cookie Dough) were AWESOME. I didn't want to share. I highly recommend the nachos (spicy, cheezy, deliciousness) and the country fried steak (tastes just like I remember it). Word to the wise- the portions are giganormous. Especially the biscuits and gravy. The only food we had here that we didn't care for were the desserts (we had cookies-n-cream cake and peppermint chocolate cheesecake). The cookies are good though.
Read moreI will miss this place!
Pros: awesome food, friendly service, reasonable prices
Guest
estefinparis
Points +870
Maybe I should've chosen another dish... - Edit
While in Chicago for business I was excited to try out the Chicago Diner, having read so many good things about it. When I got there the restaurant was very busy so I sat at the bar and asked one of the waiters what I should try from the menu. He suggested the Reuben sandwich and that's what I had... unfortunately I didn't like it and I wish I had picked something different as I'm sure it was simply a matter of taste. The menu had lots of alternatives and I would definitely like to give it another try if I return to Chicago. I was glad to go though as the atmosphere was casual and comfortable and the area was also a nice change from downtown Chicago.
Read moreGuest
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