- Top Rated Bakery in Chicago
-
The Chicago Diner - Lakeview
-
460Loading...
-
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
-
Loading...
-
- Accepts credit cards
-
-
Last update on 06 Jul 2023 by geometric-noise
Update business info -
Are you the owner?
Claim this business
-
-
298 Reviews
First Review by amargrav
AngelaValley
Points +62
GOT TO TRY IT! - Edit
I was visiting Chicago with weekend for the Renegade Craft Fair. I stayed until Monday afternoon and needed something yummy before the 5 hour drive back home. I had the bahn mi sandwich with a side of teese mac and cheese. I felt like a little kid ordering mac for lunch, but it's so good. You can find teese cheese in health food stores, but I don't buy it often, so it's nice to have once and a while. I ended my meal with a chocolate chip and cookie dough shake (MUST TRY!).
Read moreMy girlfriend and I chatted it up with the bartender about Jurrasisc Park since they were playing on VCR. Hilarious.
Pros: All vegan menu, You can take non-vegan friends, VCR movies at bar
Guest
littlepandi
Points +72
Great place! - Edit
I would recommend this place to everyone - from vegans to predans! Meals are simply superb!
Read moreMeals we tried:
- Buffalo wingz and BBQ wingz: simply superb. One of this appetizer can serve even 4 people!
- Titanic burger with waffle fries: this is a must! Delicious, crunchy, so yummy. We could only eat half of it.
- Chocolate chip shake: another must to have item! Like heaven!
Staff is super friendly, this place is just great!
Pros: Huge variety, Huge portions (enough for 2 people!!), Reasonable prices
Cons: No cons! :)
Guest
ajmacia2
Points +23
my favorite - Edit
I have been to this restaurant several times and have nothing but good things to say about it. Yes, the line to get a table is often long but it's worth it. Highly recommended!
Read moreGuest
coling
Points +129
Brilliant - Edit
Walked up and down the area several times before finding it, but went back four times during our seven day stay in Chicago, only once did we have a 30 minute wait but did notice timing is important. 6.30 to 8 pm is very busy. But it is worth the wit, what an amazing array of tastes. Ithe seitan is really good and moist, but if you have the stir fry make sure it is spicy as non spicy is quite bland. The waiter was most obliging in fixing it, all the staff are amazingly genuinely helpful. Being in the gay area may help, but I was most impressed with their service,and always there with the water jug. The sweets are fantastic with vegan creams, and the prices are most reasonable. You will also find other diners are quite friendly and chatty so don't expect aquiet romantic dinner for two.
Read morePros: Price, Friendly atmosphere, The tastes
Cons: Can be noisy, The music (lunchtime was a radio), One toilet
Guest
tauberl
Points +472
amazing desserts!! - Edit
We went just for dessert and it was just as amazing as everyone says- we had the "peanut butter puck" which was like a pb cake/cookie thing covered in peanut butter, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream; a peanut butter chocolate chip milkshake; and a chai tea latte with whipped cream. It was all so so good and so satisfying. I definitely recommend for anyone who loves dessert!
Read moreGuest
Anthony-Fucito
Points +52
A North Side Chicago treasure - Edit
I stop at the Chicago diner every time I'm in Chi-town. It is undoubtedly one of the best vegan restaurants in the country. It is worth the long trek from the loop.
Read moreI got a Radical Reuben the first time I went, and always need to push myself to buy something else when I'm there, because it's just that good. Their cakes, pies, milkshakes, and other bits of unhealthiness are well worth the diabetic coma (but no worries, you can walk it off in Chicago's lovely Lincoln Park neighborhood).
Pros: Reubens, Cake, Beer
Cons: Far from the loop, I'm always the least hip person there
Guest
pandapharmd
Points +89
Nom Nom Nom! - Edit
I ate here a few years ago but I still dream about the gyros and desserts. My food was to die for and my server was fabulous!
Read morePros: So freaking good, Lovely server
Guest
Kyleigh100
Points +73
Love Chicago Diner - Edit
I love The Chicago Diner, it's the first Veg place I ever ate in Chicago and it still holds a special place in my heart. I like the atmosphere of the place, the service is always very good, and the staff is always helpful and friendly.
Read moreI've tried a lot of stuff off the menu but the Poutine is divine! Seriously you need to try it! Get it with the works.
The Nachos are great too.
The Chickun Ranch Salad, and the Taco Salad are good if you're in the mood for Salad. Otherwise go with the radical reuben, the Crispy chickun sandwich, the Cajun Black bean burger, the karma burger, or the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger. Get a side of sweet potato fries, waffle fries or coleslaw - skip the mac and cheese it's lack luster.
Or try the special, they always have great specials!
And finish it off with a milk shake if you have room. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on one of their exquisite shakes, these things are to die for! By the time you finish one you'll wish you had another. Favorites are - Lucky Leprechaun Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mocha, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Chocolate Banana. YUM!
The Chicago Diner is always worth the trip!
Pros: Consistently good food, Good prices, Good Portions
Cons: Parking Always Sucks
Guest
Antomenta Harmony
Points +24
The one and only! - Edit
This is the place where I first had an American-vegan meal, back in 2006. I loved it and every time I go back to Chicago, I visit this place and enjoy it, just as I did the first time!
Read morePros: location, price, variety for vegans and vegetarians
Cons: small
Guest
mruss016
Points +54
Favorite Vegan Restaurant - Edit
A friend recommended Chicago Diner to me when I was working in the area. I went there and was so excited (since it was my first 100% vegan restuarant) I ordered 4 different meals and like 3 desserts. Everything was so good but my favorite, after going for the past couple years, is the country fried stk - soooo good! I usually get the nachos or buffalo wings as an appetizer too. Vegan pb choc milkshake for dessert and I'm overly stuffed! I love this place and plan on going again the next time I'm in the Chicago area.
Read morePros: Excellent Food, Good Value, Friendly Staff
Cons: Limited Seating, Limited Parking
Guest
XVeganSxeX
Points +618
This is where I go for my comfort food! - Edit
I love the Chicago Diner. I have been going here for years. Every year around my birthday, I make the 3 and half hour trek up to Chicago just to eat here. I usually stay for a few days and eat every meal I can here. They are a little expensive and usually crowded but its totally worth it. The staff is awesome and the food tastes great. I recommend the country fried steak and the vegan peanut butter and chocolate shake. I honestly dont think there is anything you could go wrong with on this menu.
Read morePros: Great food, Cool atmosphere, Neat neighborhood
Cons: cost, parking, crowded
Guest
MissAlanna
Points +61
My first vegan dining out experience. - Edit
I making this review late! The Chicago Diner was my first time at a vegan/vegan friendly restaurant. The food was pretty good, worth going back, the milkshakes are amazing!
Read moreCons: The dining area is cramped and dining area gets super noisy.
Pros: Good food
Cons: Small, Noisy, Long wait
Guest
twovegans
Points +223
One of my favorite Chicago restaurants - Edit
I took a colleague to dinner at the vegetarian Chicago Diner, a perennial favorite of mine. The menu had changed with new dishes added since my last visit. We sat in the patio area (through the kitchen), which I had not seen before. I had the Soul Bowl – quinoa, blackened tofu, garlic greens, mashed sweet potatoes and black beans. It was delicious! My colleague had the generous serving of tacos. We both enjoyed our meals, which didn’t leave room for the dessert we had hoped to split. That’s OK because the chocolate vegan shake I ordered seemed like dessert with real chocolate chips and chocolate syrup. Yum!
Read morePros: All vegetarian or vegan menu, Lots of vegan choices , Lots of vegan desserts
Cons: Busy at most times
Guest
Troktagon
Points +179
Vegan so good even meat eaters love it - Edit
Went here with my parents, who are not vegetarian. My dad said the Portobello Burger was better than a real burger. It was absolutely delicious. The vegan reuben was spectacular too! Best vegan reuben I've had anywhere (even more so that my favorite at Native Foods). Dessert options were awesome as well.
Read morePros: Friendly staff, Excellent food, Desserts!
Cons: Small (wait can be long)
Guest
sglcklch
Points +3703
Place to indulge - Edit
Knowing that this place has been around since the 80's, there was no way we would pass it up during our trip to Chicago. All we could say after our brunch was that it really has lived up to its legend.
Read moreWe shared a philly cheesesteak with a side salad and the breakfast bowl (biscuits and gravy, hash browns, tofu scramble), and boy were they tasty! Portions were HUGE as well, which means you'll get a lot for your buck. I've never had a real philly cheesesteak or biscuits and gravy, so I'm not sure how those served here would stack up. Nonetheless we were very happy with our orders and I think they were both excellent in their own rights. The tofu scramble was hands down the best I've ever had. Texture was spot-on and eerily eggy that I had to confirm with our waitress that it was indeed tofu!
Without a doubt the food here is not the healthiest, but who in his/her right mind goes to a diner to eat healthy? ;) And, to be fair, they do have some lighter options on the menu if you're so inclined. Now if I could just try one of those vegan shakes...
Pros: delicious food, great value
Guest
Lindsey
Points +115
AMAZING - Edit
Everything here is soooo good. Almost everything is vegan or can be made vegan. The Reuben, shakes, and baked goods are not to be missed! But you can't go wrong with anything here. The only thing that would make this place better is if they could acquire a larger building and would just go full vegan already.
Read morePros: amazing food, usually really friendly servers, large menu
Cons: cramped and tight quarters, crowded, serves eggs and dairy
Guest
IMVEGAN
Points +16
CHICAGO MAINSTAY - Edit
EXCELLENT VEGAN CHOICES. I HAVE NEVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED HERE!
Read morePros: excellent food, good value
Cons: none
Guest
jbglidd
Points +71
One of the best Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurants! - Edit
I love the Chicago Diner. This place has amazing vegetarian/vegan options with a nice dining atmosphere. The entire menu is edible and the service is great. One of the best places to eat vegetarian/vegan in Chicago hands down.
Read morePros: Good Food, Service, Atmosphere
Cons: Parking Sometimes Tough, Can be a wait to get a table
Guest
BanjoGirl
Points +236
Must try - Edit
This is a great diner. They have wonderful comfort food, a good selection of dishes, and a fun and cozy ambiance. I have loved all of their dishes, but their reuben is particularly great! Would highly recommend this place!
Read morePros: good variety, fun ambiance
Cons: can get crowded
Guest
rvasquez
Points +243
AMAZING! - Edit
I doesn't seem like this place needs another review, but I love it so much I had to write something. My favorite place in Chicago, hands down. I usually get the country fried steak, as it's hard for me to turn down anything that comes with gravy and mashed potatoes. I've brought meat eaters here and they loved it as well. Definitely a must whenever I'm in Chicago.
Read morePros: Amazing, Everything's great, Large portions
Guest
ieatmodestmouse
Points +144
best veg in chicago! - Edit
last time i went to chicago diner (8 years ago) i was not impressed. i didn't even want to go there again on our recent visit but my husband likes it so i went again.
Read moreit was by far the best food we had all week!
i had the Reuben with mashed potatoes and gravy. it was a ton of food. someone mentioned small portions in another review. but both mine and my husbands was huge. we could hardly finish, and we were STUFFED. i also got the strawberry milkshake. best shake i've ever had. tasted fresh and like real strawberries (unlike other places i have had). over all, i loved it and would definitely come back!
Guest
KatieFucito
Points +75
Yum Yum Yummy! - Edit
Chicago Diner is my and my husband'd favorite restaurant of all time, ever. During our honeymoon trip to Chicago, we ate here twice, once for dinner and once for brunch. When we visited for dinner, there was a 15 minute wait, but it was worth it. I had the chickun pesto panini which was fantastic and my husband had the reuben which he loved. They have a menu that tells you which beers go the best with each dish and we found this very helpful.
Read moreWhen we came for brunch two days later, we were seated immediately. We started out with a milkshake and I kid you not, it was the best milkshake ever, vegan or not! My husband ordered the chocolate chip pancakes, tofu scramble, and sausage. I had the sausage breakfast sammy which also was the best breakfast sandwich I had ever had, vegan or not. The biscuit it was served on was perfectly spiced and make sure you get cheddar Teese on it!
I just can't praise this place enough! We also found the staff to be very friendly. I'd go back to Chicago just to eat here.
Pros: excellent food, great service, Teese
Cons: small space, crowded
Guest
Kidpsych68
Points +24
Amazing!!! - Edit
This place has the most Amazing vegan food. I would not say that it is the healthiest food, but good vegan comfort food. If you are ever missing anything, such as macaroni and cheese, or chocolate milk shakes, this is the place to go.
Read morePros: Comfort Food, Very Cool Staff, Great menu
Cons: High in Fat/Salt/Sugar, Small, Difficult to park
Guest
vegan_ryan
Points +3873
Not impressed - Edit
People always talk about the Chicago Diner, but I simply wasn't impressed.
Read moreThe food was really dry, prices aren't that great (not expensive, but could be cheaper), service was pretty slow.
Overall, the 10 or so of us in our group all thought it wasn't that great. The milkshakes weren't that great, either.
If you compare it to a place like Foodswings in NYC or Native Foods in LA, Chicago Diner just can't measure up. The meal wasn't awful, but it definitely didn't live up to all of the hype I've heard over the years.
Pros: All-vegetarian, Lots of seating
Cons: Too much hype, Food was dry, Runny milkshakes, not thick
Guest
cookie1908
Points +83
Doesn't get any better.... - Edit
Dined four times at the Chicago Diner during our 5 day trip to Chicago...that pretty much says it all. EVERYTHING we ordered from the menu was delicious. From the nachos appetizer to the bbq tofu, the flavors/textures/variety was perfect. And to top it all off, their vegan milkshakes are seriously the best shakes we've ever had - vegan or otherwise! Interesting neighborhood, especially on a Saturday night when we went there for dinner. :) This is a stop that you CANNOT miss when you're in the Chicagoland area. Order the peanut butter-chocolate shake...it's truly decadent!
Read morePros: Vegan milkshakes, All menu items were delicous, Eclectic neighborhood
Cons: Busy/ no real waiting area, Parking lot only allows cars at night, Very tight squeeze to park in lot
Guest
MattyB
Points +94
Not a bad thing on the menu - Edit
I've eaten here more times than I can remember and tried a lot of the food. I've never had anything that wasn't really good. Save room for dessert.
Read moreGuest
Petesternz
Points +1447
Well worth the visit... - Edit
What a treat to visit the Chicago Diner! During a recent stop in Chicago, we went twice, once for brunch, and once for dinner. The food was a little hit and miss, but I'm still going to give it five cows for overall quality, menu options, and ambiance.
Read moreI just love the place. It's unabashedly vegan, and the menu alone made my mouth water in anticipation. Our brunch was very solid. I had a yummy biscuit and gravy, and my daughter loved her pancakes. The only downside (the smoothies were great too) was the "Tofu Benedict", which could not have been farther from a "benedict" of any kind. It was more like Tofu with cheeze sauce. Not horrible tasting, but to list this as a Benedict really annoyed my wife, who's had lovely variations of hollandaise elsewhere.
Our dinner had some real highlights. The Mac n Cheeze was yummy, and the Buffalo Wings, with seitan, were absolutely first-rate. Still dreaming about them. I was less enthused by my Dagwood sandwich, which just had too much cheeze (running theme here....) for my liking. My wife's Reuben was, however, yummy.
Overall, a great experience, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Not my favourite eating experience in Chicago (Native Foods - yes, I know it's a chain), but a close second.
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 0 times.